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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
/X/ Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended April 30, 1997
OR
Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Transition Period From .......... to ..........
Commission File No. 0-9827
PETROLEUM HELICOPTERS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Louisiana 72-0395707
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
2121 Airline Highway Suite 400 70001-5979
P.O. Box 578, Metaire, Louisiana (Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (504) 828-3323
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
NONE
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Voting Common Stock
Non-Voting Common Stock
(Title of Each Class)
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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be
contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form
10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. / /
State the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-
affiliates of the registrant.
Date Amount
July 14, 1997 $ 23,583,000
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's
classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Voting Common Stock .....2,800,886 shares outstanding as of July 15, 1997.
Non-Voting Common Stock .2,294,066 shares outstanding as of July 15, 1997.
Documents Incorporated by Reference
Portions of the registrant's definitive proxy statement to be used in
connection with its 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be, upon
filing with the Commission, incorporated by reference into Part III of
this Form 10-K.
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<PAGE>
PETROLEUM HELICOPTERS, INC.
INDEX - FORM 10-K
PART I
Item 1. Business ... . . . . ................................1
General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Weather and Seasonal Aspects . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Safety and Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Government Regulation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Competition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Employees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Customers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Environmental Matters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Item 2. Properties .................................. . . . .5
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.................................. .8
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. 8
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related
Shareholder Matters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.............................10
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations. . . . . . . . .10
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.........18
Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. and Consolidated
Subsidiaries:
Independent Auditors' Report . . . . . . . . . . .18
Consolidated Balance Sheets - April 30, 1997
and 1996.................................... .. . 19
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
- Three years ended April 30,1997. . . . . . . . .21
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
- Three years ended April 30, 1997 . . . . . . . .22
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
- Three years ended April 30, 1997 . . . . . . . .23
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . .24
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosures. . . . . . . .36
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant 36
Item 11. Executive Compensation .......... . . . . . . . . .36
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions......37
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and
Reports on Form 8-K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Signatures . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
<PAGE>
PART I
Item 1. Business.
General
Petroleum Helicopters, Inc (the "Company" or "PHI") was incorporated
as a Delaware corporation in 1949 and was reincorporated as a Louisiana
corporation in 1994. Since its inception, the Company's primary business
has been to transport personnel, and to a lesser extent parts and
equipment, to, from, and among offshore platforms for customers engaged
in the oil and gas exploration, development, and production industry.
Today the Company maintains its position as the largest provider of
helicopter transportation services in the Gulf of Mexico, providing
approximately 49% of all the contracted aircraft in the Gulf. The
Company has 236 aircraft dedicated to this market. Additionally, the
Company is the fastest growing provider of aeromedical services in the
U.S. and international initiatives for serving the global oil and gas
industry have shown steady growth. The Company currently operates 314
aircraft worldwide and has 1,851 employees. During fiscal 1997, the
Company recorded the highest revenues in its history at $ 212 million.
During the most recent fiscal year, approximately 68% of the
Company's operating revenues were generated by oil and gas transportation
services in federal and state waters offshore of the States of Louisiana,
Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, New Jersey, and California ("Domestic Oil
and Gas Programs"). Approximately 70% and 67% of operating revenues were
derived from Domestic Oil and Gas Programs in fiscal 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
The Company's aeromedical transportation services for hospitals and
medical programs ("Aeromedical Services Programs") accounted for 14% of
operating revenues in fiscal 1997. Aeromedical Services Programs
generated 14% and 15% of operating revenues in fiscal 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
The Company's international business consists of offshore and
onshore helicopter transportation services and fixed wing services to the
global oil and gas industry ("International Oil and Gas Programs").
International Oil and Gas Programs contributed 11% of operating revenues
in fiscal 1997, as compared to 9% and 10% in fiscal 1996 and 1995,
respectively. The Company operates in several countries which are
described under Item 1. "Facilities." Operations in foreign countries
generally are subject to various risks attendant to doing business
outside the United States, including risks of war, general strikes, civil
disturbances, guerilla activity, currency fluctuations and devaluations
and governmental activities that may limit or disrupt markets, restrict
payments or the movement of funds or result in the deprivation of
contract rights or the taking of property without fair compensation. No
prediction can be make as to what foreign governmental regulations may
be enacted in the future that could be applicable to helicopter
operations.
Aircraft maintenance services provided to outside parties
("Technical Services Programs") constituted the majority of the remaining
7%, 7%, and 8% in operating revenues in fiscal 1997, 1996, and 1995,
respectively.
Demand for the Company's helicopter services is strongly influenced
by oil and gas exploration, development, and production activities.
These activities are greatly affected by federal leasing policies and
regulations and by oil and gas prices. The Company's helicopters provide
a safe, reliable, efficient and fast method of transportation under a
broad range of operational and environmental conditions, especially
offshore and in remote areas. All of the Company's eighteen principal
types of helicopters are available under a variety of contractual
arrangements.
The Company maintains master operating agreements with each of its
major domestic and international oil and gas industry customers, which
set forth general rights and duties of the Company and the customer.
Although the Company is a party to a number of oil and gas industry
contracts with a term of one year or more, services are generally
provided pursuant to monthly extensions of these operating agreements,
and prices are fixed for each contract extension. Aeromedical contracts
are generally entered into for longer terms.
Charges under operating agreements are generally based on fixed
monthly fees and additional hourly charges for actual flight time.
Because the Company is compensated in part by flight hour, prolonged
adverse weather conditions that result in reduced flight hours can
adversely affect results of operations. See "Weather and Seasonal
Aspects."
Weather and Seasonal Aspects
Poor visibility, high winds and heavy precipitation can affect the
safe use of helicopters and result in a reduced number of flight hours.
Because a significant portion of the Company's revenues is dependent on
actual flight hours and a substantial portion of the Company's costs is
fixed, prolonged periods of adverse weather can materially and adversely
affect the Company's operating revenues and net earnings.
In the Gulf of Mexico, the months of December through February have
more days of adverse weather conditions and fewer hours of daylight than
the other months of the year. Consequently, flight hours are generally
lower at these times, which typically results in a reduction in revenues
from operations during those months.
The Company currently operates 68 aircraft equipped to fly pursuant
to instrument flight rules ("IFR") in the Gulf of Mexico, which enables
these aircraft, when manned by IFR rated pilots and co-pilots, to operate
at times when poor visibility prevents flights by aircraft that can fly
only by visual flight rules ("VFR"). Poor visibility is the most common
of the adverse weather conditions that affects the Company's operations.
Safety and Insurance
The operation of helicopters inherently involves a high degree of
risk. Hazards, such as aircraft accidents, collisions, fire and adverse
weather, are inherent in the business of providing helicopter services
and may result in losses of equipment and revenues. The Company's safety
record is very favorable in comparison to the record for all United
States operators as reflected in industry publications.
The Company is subject to the federal Occupational Safety and Health
Act ("OSHA") and similar state statutes. The Company has an extensive
safety and health program and employs a safety staff, including a
certified safety professional in the field of comprehensive practice, who
is also a registered environmental manager, a certified environmental
auditor, and a certified environmental quality administrator. The
primary functions of the safety staff are to develop Company policies
that meet or exceed the safety standards set by OSHA, train Company
personnel and make daily inspections of safety procedures to insure their
compliance with Company policies on safety. All personnel are required
to attend safety training meetings at which the importance of full
compliance with safety procedures is emphasized. The Company believes
that it meets or exceeds all OSHA requirements and that its operations
do not expose its employees to unusual health hazards.
The Company maintains hull and liability insurance on its aircraft,
which generally insures the Company against physical loss of, or damage
to, its helicopters and against certain legal liabilities to others. In
addition, the Company carries war risk, expropriation, confiscation and
nationalization insurance for its aircraft involved in international
operations. In some instances, the Company is covered by indemnity
agreements from oil companies, hospitals, and medical programs in lieu
of, or in addition to, its insurance. The Company's helicopters are not
insured for loss of use. While the Company believes it is adequately
covered by insurance and indemnification arrangements, the loss,
expropriation or confiscation of, or severe damage to, a material number
of its helicopters could adversely affect revenues and profits.
Government Regulation
As a commercial operator of helicopters, the Company's flight and
maintenance operations are subject to regulation by the Federal Aviation
Administration (the "FAA") pursuant to the Federal Aviation Act of 1958
(the "Federal Aviation Act", as amended). The FAA has authority to
exercise jurisdiction over personnel, aircraft, ground facilities and
other aspects of the Company's business.
The Company transports personnel and property in its helicopters
pursuant to an Air Taxi Certificate granted by the FAA under Part 135 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations. This certificate contains operating
specifications that allows the Company to conduct its present operations
but are subject to amendment, suspension and revocation in accordance
with procedures set forth in the Federal Aviation Act. The Company is
not required to file tariffs showing rates, fares and other charges with
the FAA. The FAA's regulations, as currently in effect, also require
that at least 75% of the Company's voting securities be owned or
controlled by citizens of the United States or one of its possessions,
and that the president and at least two-thirds of the directors of the
Company are United States citizens. The Company's president and all of
its directors are United States citizens and its organizational documents
provide for the automatic reduction in voting power of each share of
voting common stock owned or controlled by a non-United States citizen
if necessary to comply with these regulations.
The National Transportation Safety Board is authorized to
investigate aircraft accidents and to recommend improved safety
standards.
The Company is also subject to the Communications Act of 1934
because of its ownership and operation of a radio communications flight
following network throughout the Gulf of Mexico and off the coast of
California.
Numerous federal statutes and rules regulate the offshore operations
of the Company and the Company's customers, pursuant to which the federal
government has the ability to suspend, curtail or modify certain or all
offshore operations. A suspension or substantial curtailment of offshore
oil and gas operations for any prolonged period would have an immediate
and materially adverse effect on the Company. A substantial modification
of current offshore operations could adversely affect the economics of
such operations and result in reduced demand for helicopter services.
Competition
The Company's business is highly competitive. Many of the Company's
contracts are awarded after competitive bidding. The principal aspects
of competition are price, reliability, availability, safety, and
service.
The Company believes it operates one of the largest commercial
helicopter fleets in the world. At April 30, 1997, the Company operated
314 aircraft. The Company operated 277 aircraft in the United States,
of which 236 were operated in Domestic Oil and Gas Programs, and 41 were
operated in the Company's Aeromedical Services Programs. Thirty-seven
aircraft were operated internationally.
The Company is the largest operator of helicopters in the Gulf of
Mexico and believes there are approximately five competitors operating
in the Gulf of Mexico market. Certain of the Company's customers and
potential customers in the oil industry operate their own helicopter
fleets; however, oil companies traditionally contract for most specialty
services associated with offshore operations, including helicopter
services.
The Aeromedical market is becoming increasingly competitive and is
experiencing some hospital program consolidations. However, the Company
expects continued growth in this market.
The International market remains strong with significant growth
opportunity. This market remains very competitive.
Employees
As of April 30, 1997, the Company employed a total of 1,851 people.
The Company believes its employee relations to be satisfactory, and it
has never experienced a work stoppage. Currently, none of the Company's
employees are covered by union contracts.
On Monday, June 2, 1997, the Company was notified by the National
Mediation Board that the Office and Professionals Employees International
Union (OPEIU) filed an application to represent flight deck crew members
(helicopter pilots) of PHI. Should the Company's domestic pilots elect
to be represented by a union, the Company believes that this would place
the Company at a competitive disadvantage which could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's revenues and results of operations.
Customers
The Company's principal customers are major oil companies. The
Company also serves independent exploration and production concerns, oil
and gas service companies, hospitals and medical programs, and government
agencies. The Company's largest customer, Shell Oil Company, accounted
for 15%, 14%, and 14% of the Company's operating revenues in fiscal 1997,
1996, and 1995, respectively. The Company's five largest customers
accounted for 32%, 34%, and 33% of operating revenues in fiscal 1997,
1996, and 1995, respectively.
Division managers of customer oil companies, who are responsible for
a majority of contract services in connection with offshore oil
activities, generally contract for helicopter services. Many oil
companies also employ directors of aviation to evaluate the capabilities
and safety performance of companies providing helicopter services and
make recommendations to division managers. Company management and
operations specialists are in regular contact with division managers and
directors of aviation in connection with both existing service contracts
and potential new business.
Environmental Matters
The Company is subject to federal, state, and local environmental
laws and regulations that impose limitations on the discharge of
pollutants into the environment and establish standards for the
treatment, storage, and disposal of toxic and hazardous wastes.
The Company believes that compliance with federal, state, and local
environmental laws and regulations will not have a material effect upon
the capital expenditures, earnings and competitive position of the
Company. The Company has established reserves for environmental costs,
which are discussed under Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Environmental Matters.
Item 2. Properties
Fleet Utilization
As of April 30, 1997, 84% of the Company's aircraft were actively
assigned as compared with 86% and 84% as of April 30, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
Equipment
Certain information as of April 30, 1997 regarding the Company's
owned and leased fleet is set forth in the following table:
Number Cruise Appr.
Manufacturer Type in Fleet Engine Passengers Speed Range
(mph) (miles)
- ------------ -------- ------ ---------- ---------- ----- ------
Bell 206B-III 25 Turbine 4 120 300
206L-I 51 Turbine 6 130 310
206L-III 66 Turbine 6 130 310
206L-IV 4 Turbine 6 130 310
407 8 Turbine 6 144 420
212(1) 11 Twin Turbine 13 115 300
214ST(1) 6 Twin Turbine 18 155 450
230(1) 1 Twin Turbine 8 160 370
222 1 Twin Turbine 8 160 370
412(1) 24 Twin Turbine 13 135 335
Boelkow BK-117 14 Twin Turbine 6 135 255
BO-105 36 Twin Turbine 4 135 270
Aerospatiale
AS355F/Tw Star 1 Twin Turbine 5 135 385
AS350 B2 9 Turbine 5 140 385
SA315B 2 Turbine 5 115 317
Sikorsky S-76(1) 18 Twin Turbine 12 150 400
McDonnell-
Douglas MD900 2 Twin Turbine 6 155 336
MIL Design MIL-8 MTV(1) 2 Twin Turbine 28 140 310
---
Total Helicopters 281
---
Beechcraft King Air 200(1) 3 Turboprop 8 300 1,380
Sabreliner 80SC(1) 1 Twin Turbo Jet 8 495 1,380
Hawker HS125-700(1) 1 Twin Turbo Jet 8 483 2,185
Sidley
LET L410(1) 1 Turboprop 15 215 620
---
Total Fixed Wing 6
---
Total Aircraft 287
===
______________
(1) Equipped to fly under instrument flight rules
("IFR"). All other types listed can only fly under visual
flight rules ("VFR"). See Item 1. "Business - Weather and
Seasonal Aspects."
The following tables set forth additional information regarding the
helicopters owned and leased by the Company (in thousands, except the
number of helicopters):
Number of
Company Owned Net Book
Helicopters Cost Value
------------- ---------- -----------
213 $ 191,951 $ 96,297(1)
Number of Total Rents
Company Leased Over Life Remaining
Helicopters of Lease Rents
-------------- ------------ -----------
68 $ 103,346 $ 77,269
_____________
(1) Information regarding the Company's depreciation policy is set forth
under Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 1."
____________________
The Company operates twenty-seven aircraft that are owned or leased
by customers which are not reflected in the foregoing tables. The
Company also owns six fixed-wing aircraft, four of which are currently
under full or part-time contract to customers.
As of April 30, 1997, the Company's commitment for principal
payments and lease payments for its present helicopter fleet averages $
15.7 million each year for the next five years and an aggregate of $ 61.1
million thereafter.
Under most leases the Company is responsible for all insurance,
taxes and maintenance expenses associated with the helicopters, and
within certain limitations, the Company can either substitute equipment
or terminate the leases in the event the leased equipment becomes
obsolete or is no longer suited for the Company's needs. All of the
Company's leases are considered operating leases for accounting and tax
purposes.
The Company also maintains an inventory of fuel and an inventory of
spare parts and components for use in the repair and maintenance of the
Company's fleet. This inventory had a book value of approximately $ 30.2
million on April 30, 1997. The Company is a distributor or dealer for
many of these parts and components, thereby allowing it to realize
significant cost savings for its purchases.
Equipment on Order
Subsequent to year end, the Company purchased one helicopter for an
aggregate of $ 2.2 million. The Company plans to purchase an additional
seventeen helicopters in fiscal 1998 for a total purchase price estimated
to be $ 22.6 million. These plans may be modified depending upon actual
customer commitments.
Equipment Sales
The Company sells aircraft whenever they (i) become obsolete, (ii)
do not fit into future fleet plans, or (iii) are surplus to the Company's
needs.
The Company typically sells its aircraft for more than their book
value. The Company cannot predict, however, whether these results will
continue or whether such prices would be realized if the Company were to
sell a large number of helicopters in a short period of time.
Facilities
The Company currently leases its executive office space in Metairie,
Louisiana (Metropolitan New Orleans). The lease covers approximately
8,107 square feet and expires on July 31, 2000.
The Company's principal operating facility is located on property
leased from The Lafayette Airport Commission at the Lafayette Regional
Airport in Lafayette, Louisiana. The lease covers approximately 28.2
acres and 17 buildings, with an aggregate of approximately 135,000 square
feet, housing the Company's main operational and administrative offices
and the main repair and maintenance facility. The Company has extended
this lease until 2006.
The Company also leases property for 17 additional bases to service
the oil and gas industry throughout the Gulf of Mexico and one base in
California. Those bases that represent a significant investment by the
Company in leasehold improvements or which are particularly important to
the Company's operations are:
A.Morgan City Base (Louisiana) - containing approximately 53 acres,
is under a lease that expires June 30, 1998. The Company has built a
variety of operational and maintenance facilities on this property,
including landing pads for 46 helicopters. The Company believes that
this facility is the largest commercial heliport in the world. The
Company plans to renegotiate the lease prior to its expiration.
B.Intracoastal City Base (Louisiana) - containing approximately 22.5
acres under several leases in Vermilion Parish, all with options to
extend through July 31, 2001. The Company has built a variety of
operational and maintenance facilities on this property, including
landing pads for 45 helicopters.
C.Houma-Terrebonne Airport (Louisiana) - containing approximately
13.6 acres and certain buildings leased under four leases from the
Houma-Terrebonne Airport Commission, which have options allowing
extension of the leases through 1999. The Company plans to renegotiate
the leases prior to their expiration. The Company has landing pads for
30 helicopters on this property.
D.Sabine Pass (Texas) - containing approximately 36 acres under two
leases, one of which, for 1.6 acres, will expire in July 1998 and will
be renegotiated at that time, and the other of which, for 34.4 acres,
will expire October 31, 1997 with an option to extend through October 31,
2011. The Company has built a variety of operational and maintenance
facilities on this property, including landing pads for 24 helicopters.
E.New Orleans (Louisiana) - containing approximately 1.5 acres, is
under a lease through April 30, 2004. The Company has made significant
leasehold improvements on this property, including landing pads for 14
helicopters.
F.Venice (Louisiana) - containing approximately 8 acres, is under a
lease expiring March 31, 1998. The original lease was executed April 1,
1973 for one year and has been extended annually since that time. The
location has landing pads for 27 helicopters.
G.Fourchon (Louisiana) - containing approximately 8 acres, is under
original lease expiring April 30, 2006. The property has 10 landing
pads.
The Company's other operations-related bases in the United States
are located along the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana at Cameron and Lake
Charles; in Texas at Brazoria, Corpus Christi, Galveston, Port O'Connor
and Rockport; in Mississippi at Pascagoula; in New Jersey at Edison; and
in California at Santa Barbara.
The Company operates from offshore platforms which are provided
without charge by the owners of the platforms, although in certain
instances the Company is required to indemnify the owners against loss
in connection with the Company's use thereof.
Bases of operations for the Company's foreign and aeromedical
operations are generally furnished by the customer. The Company's
international operations are currently conducted in Angola, Antarctica,
Colombia, French Guiana, Kazakhstan, Peru, Philippines, Thailand,
Venezuela, and Zaire. Aeromedical operations are currently conducted in
Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana,
Mississippi, North Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
The Company is not a party to, and its property is not the subject
of, any material pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine
litigation incidental to its business.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the
fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended April 30, 1997.
Item 4.(a) Executive officers of the registrant
Certain information about the executive officers of PHI is set forth
in the following table and accompanying text:
Name Age Position
---- --- --------
Carroll W. Suggs(1) 58 Chairman of the Board of
Directors, President
and Chief Executive Officer
Ben Schrick(2) 56 Executive Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer
Robert D. Cummiskey, Jr.(3) 55 Vice President - Risk
Management and Secretary
Edward Gatza (4) 54 Vice President and Director of
Operations
David P. Milling(5) 53 Vice President and General
Manager of IHTI
William P. Sorenson(6) 47 Vice President - Aeromedical
Services
Harold L. Summers(7) 59 Vice President - Engineering/
Quality Assurance
John H. Untereker(8) 47 Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer and
Treasurer
Gary J. Weber(9) 49 Vice President -
International Operations
----------------------------------------
(1) Mrs. Suggs became Chairman of the Board in March 1990, Chief
Executive Officer in July 1992, and President in October 1994.
(2) Mr. Schrick was appointed Executive Vice President in July 1996
and has served as Chief Operating Officer since September 1994, as Vice
President and General Manager since January 1993 and as Vice President
of Maintenance since 1989. Since 1984 Mr. Schrick has also served as
Vice President of Evangeline Airmotive, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary.
(3) Mr. Cummiskey has served as Secretary since June 1992 and as
Vice President - Risk Management since October 1991. Prior to that time,
he was a Vice President/Account Executive of Johnson & Higgins (insurance
brokers and consultants).
(4) Mr. Gatza was named Vice President and Director of Operations in
May 1997 after serving as Vice President - Human Resources since
September 1994. Prior to this time he served as Director of Human
Resources.
(5) Mr. Milling has served as Vice President since September 1989
and General Manager of International Helicopter Transport, Inc. (IHTI),
a wholly-owned subsidiary, since 1988.
(6) Mr. Sorenson has served as Vice President - Aeromedical Services
since November 30, 1995, after serving as Director of Aeromedical
Services since August 22, 1994. From 1990 until 1994, Mr. Sorenson
managed the Company's Aeromedical Program.
(7) Mr. Summers has served as Vice President - Engineering/Quality
Assurance since 1994. Prior to this time, he served as Vice President -
Materials.
(8) Mr. Untereker has served as Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer, and Treasurer since July 1992. Prior to that time, Mr.
Untereker served in senior management positions at Lend Lease Trucks,
Inc. and NL Industries, Inc. Mr. Untereker is a Certified Public
Accountant.
(9) Mr. Weber has served as Vice President - International
Operations since September 1989.
Part II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Shareholder
Matters
The Company's voting and non-voting common stock trades on The
NASDAQ Stock Market ("NASDAQ Small Cap Issuers") under the symbols PHEL
and PHELK, respectively. The following table sets forth the range of
high and low per share bid prices, as reported by NASDAQ, and dividend
information for the Company's voting and non-voting common stock for the
fiscal quarters indicated.
Voting Non-Voting
Common Stock Common Stock Dividends
Fiscal Quarter High Low High Low Per Share
-------------- ---- --- ---- --- ---------
1996-97
1st Quarter 17 13 3/4 16 13 1/2 .05
2nd Quarter 18 1/8 15 17 1/2 14 3/4 .05
3rd Quarter 19 17 17 3/4 15 3/4 .05
4th Quarter 20 17 1/4 18 1/4 16 .05
1995-96
1st Quarter 11 1/2 9 11 8 1/2 .02
2nd Quarter 11 1/2 9 1/4 11 8 3/4 .05
3rd Quarter 14 1/4 10 1/4 14 1/4 10 1/4 .05
4th Quarter 15 12 3/4 15 12 1/2 .05
The declaration and payment of dividends is at the discretion of the
Board of Directors, which evaluates the Company's dividend policy
quarterly. Future dividends are dependent upon, among other things, the
Company's results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements,
future prospects and other factors deemed relevant by the Board. A
credit agreement to which the Company is a party generally restricts the
declaration or payment of dividends to 20% of net earnings for the
previous four fiscal quarters. See Item 8. "Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data - Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 2."
As of July 15, 1997, there were approximately 1,133 holders of
record of the Company's voting common stock and 115 holders of record of
the Company's non-voting common stock.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts)
Year Ended April 30:
Operating revenues $ 211,663 $ 185,865 $ 174,397 $ 178,697 $ 177,316
Net earnings $ 6,470 $ 6,466 $ 5,182 $ 3,333 $ 2,049
Net earnings
per share $ 1.27 $ 1.28 $ .96 $ .61 $ .37
Cash dividends
declared per share $ .20 $ .17 $ .06 $ - $ .01
At April 30:
Total assets $ 196,631 $ 161,315 $ 147,108 $ 146,312 $ 141,100
Long-term debt $ 57,592 $ 28,522 $ 27,060 $ 31,849 $ 30,950
Working capital $ 41,247 $ 26,543 $ 29,809 $ 31,601 $ 31,419
Shareholders'equity $ 87,416 $ 81,401 $ 75,707 $ 75,309 $ 71,976
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion of the Company's Results of Operations and
Analysis of Financial Condition should be read in conjunction with the
Company's description of business and consolidated financial statements
and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
Results of Operations
Revenues
The Company generates revenues from both ongoing service contracts
with established customers and non-contract flights referred to as
Specials. Domestic Oil and Gas and International contracts are generally
on a month to month basis and consist of a fixed fee plus an hourly
charge for actual flight time. Specials are customer flights, primarily
domestic oil and gas, provided on an as needed basis that are not
provided pursuant to ongoing contracts and which generally carry higher
rates.
Aeromedical contracts also provide for fixed and hourly charges, but
are generally for longer terms and impose early cancellation fees to
encourage customers to fulfill the contract term and cover the Company's
additional upfront costs in the event of early termination.
The Company's technical service contracts are generally provided on
an actual cost plus negotiated mark-up basis.
The following table reflects the distribution of the Company's operating
revenues by market area:
Years Ended April 30
( in millions, except %'s)
1997 1996 1995
----------- ----------- -----------
$ % $ % $ %
----- -- ----- -- ----- --
Domestic Oil & Gas. 144.8 68 130.6 70 117.2 67
Aeromedical . . . . 30.3 14 26.7 14 25.3 15
International. . . . . . 22.4 11 16.3 9 17.7 10
Technical Services
and Other. . . . . .. . 14.2 7 12.3 7 14.2 8
Domestic Oil and Gas
Demand for the Company's Domestic Oil and Gas Programs is influenced
by offshore oil and gas exploration, development, and production
activities in the areas in which it operates, which in turn is affected
primarily by oil and gas prices. The following table reflects the three
year trend in the offshore drilling rig count compared to the Company's
domestic oil and gas revenues:
April April April
1997 1996 1995
---- ---- ----
Active Rigs in U.S. Gulf of Mexico 200 135 123
Domestic Oil and Gas Revenues
(millions) $ 144.8 $ 130.6 $ 117.2
Better economic conditions in the Gulf of Mexico resulted in
substantial increases in oil and gas activity during fiscal 1997. Active
rig counts increased to their highest level in six years. These factors
resulted in an 11% increase in revenues and an 10% increase in domestic
flight hours. Revenues and domestic flight hours rose to $ 144.8 million
and 178,262 in fiscal 1997 from $ 130.6 million and 162,377 in fiscal
1996, respectively. The Company's domestic market share decreased to 49%
from 51% in the prior year due primarily to a contract which ended during
the fourth quarter of fiscal 1997, which aggregated $ 5.4 million in
revenues during the initial nine months of the year. The Company has
redeployed the assets and personnel related to this contract in other
activities thereby minimizing the impact on operations.
Activity levels in 1996 were substantially higher than in 1995.
Revenues and domestic flight hours rose to $ 130.6 million and 162,377
in fiscal 1996 from $ 117.2 million and 150,850 in fiscal 1995,
respectively. The $ 13.4 million revenue increase was related to the
surge of activity in the Gulf of Mexico. Active rig counts were at their
highest level in 5 years and the Company's market share was up to 51%.
Management believes that these positive trends will continue and are
in large part attributable to the general market condition in the Gulf
of Mexico.
Aeromedical
Fiscal 1997 also saw positive trends in the Company's Aeromedical
Service Programs. Aeromedical revenues rose $ 3.6 million, or 13%, to
$ 30.3 million. The increase resulted from the addition of four new
programs which utilize four aircraft, and the utilization of three
additional aircraft in existing contracts, bringing the total aeromedical
contracts and aircraft to 16 and 41, respectively. Fiscal 1996 revenues
increased $ 1.4 million, or 6%, over fiscal 1995 due to the addition of
two new contracts and five additional aircraft.
International
International revenues increased by $ 6.1 million, or 37%, to $ 22.4
million. International flight hours increased 28% to 27,323 due
primarily to increased oil and gas exploration activity. The flight hour
increase was produced primarily by the addition of one new contract which
utilizes four aircraft and the utilization of four additional aircraft
on existing contracts. This new contract is seasonal in nature with
operations limited to October through February. During fiscal 1996,
revenues decreased $ 1.4 million, or 8%, over the previous year levels
primarily due to the cessation of one non-recurring contract with high
fixed rates.
Technical Services and Other
Technical Services and other revenues increased $ 1.9 million in
fiscal 1997, to $ 14.2 million, from $ 12.3 million. In fiscal 1996,
Technical Services and other revenues declined to $ 12.3 million from $
14.2 million.
Direct Expenses
The following table highlights certain critical operating factors
which are helpful in analyzing direct expense relationships:
1997 1996 1995
---- ---- ----
Number of helicopters
owned/leased/operated at year end 308 261 254
Fleet utilization . . . . . . . . . 84% 86% 84%
Number of employees at year end 1,851 1,677 1,649
Operating margin. . . . . . . . . 13% 13% 12%
____________________
1997 compared to 1996
Direct expenses increased $ 21.9 million, or 13%, to $ 184.5 million
primarily as a result of increased activity levels. Direct expenses as
a percentage of operating revenues remained relatively constant with the
Company maintaining an operating margin of 13% in fiscal 1997 and 1996.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 1997, direct expenses as a
percentage of operating revenues were 91%, compared to 86% and 87% in the
prior year's fourth quarter and fiscal year 1997, respectively. The
increase in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1997, as compared to the other
periods, occurred due to higher than expected maintenance costs.
Management believes that this occurred due to the significant increase
in fleet size and hopes that operating margins will return to their
previous trends.
Human resource costs, including salaries and benefits, increased $
6.1 million, or 9%, to $ 72.6 million. The increase was primarily
related to the increase in the number of employees and employee overtime
which is needed to support increased flight activity levels. This
increase was partially offset by a decrease in the Company's gain sharing
program contribution. Under this program, the Company expensed $ 1.5
million in 1997 as compared to $ 2.5 million in 1996. The gain sharing
program enables all employees to earn up to three weeks additional pay
based on the Company's performance against a pre-tax income target.
Helicopter costs, including depreciation, fuel, insurance, and spare
parts usage, increased by $ 9.7 million, or 13%, to $ 83 million as PHI's
fleet increased substantially to accommodate expansion. Depreciation
expense increased $ 1.0 million as the Company incurred $ 40.8 million
in capital expenditures in fiscal 1997, which included twenty-eight
additional aircraft. Fuel costs were $ 2.2 million higher due to an
increase in the average cost per gallon of aircraft fuel coupled with an
increase in flight hours. Helicopter insurance and spare parts usage
increased by $ 1.2 million and $ 4.9 million, respectively, primarily
as a result of the expanded fleet and an increase in flight and flight
related activity.
Other expenses and Technical Services cost of goods sold increased
$ 4.2 million and $ 1.9 million, respectively. The $ 4.2 million
increase in "other expenses" is consistent with increased flight activity
levels.
1996 compared to 1995
Direct expenses increased $ 8.5 million, or 6%, in fiscal 1996 as
compared to fiscal 1995. Human resource costs, including salaries and
benefits, increased $ 1.8 million, or 3%, due primarily to increased
flight activity. Additionally, the Company increased its gain sharing
contribution by $ 1.1 million. The Company expensed $ 2.5 million in
1996 related to this program. Helicopter insurance declined $ 0.5
million primarily as a result of accident free years in 1996 and 1995
which reduced premiums. Spare parts usage increased by $ 4.4 million in
fiscal 1996, due primarily to the increase in flight and flight related
activity in the Company's three major market areas. In addition, a $
1.5 million environmental provision was recorded in fiscal 1996 versus
$ 0.2 million in fiscal 1995. The Company's safety program, implemented
in 1992, combined with its health awareness program have contributed
significantly to reducing helicopter and employee insurance costs and
worker's compensation claims. The Company intends to continue these
programs.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal 1997
increased $ 1.7 million, or 15%, primarily ascribable to the information
system upgrade programs which commenced in 1996 and will continue through
fiscal 1998.
In fiscal 1996, these expenses increased 17%, or $ 1.6 million over
fiscal 1995, primarily as a result of costs associated with information
system upgrades. The Company is upgrading its workorder system,
inventory management system, and various other systems to remain a leader
in technological advances in the industry. Legal and accounting fees
decreased $ 0.6 million to $ 0.9 million in fiscal 1996 as compared to
the prior year. The decrease was primarily related to costs incurred in
fiscal 1995 regarding the reincorporation of the Company from Delaware
to Louisiana and the investigation and preliminary negotiation of
strategic acquisitions which were either not successful or which the
Company ultimately determined not to pursue.
Interest Expense
The Company's borrowing cost increased in fiscal 1997. The weighted
average interest rate paid decreased by 0.5% to 7.5% from 8.0%. However,
this rate decline was offset by higher average borrowings in fiscal 1997
as the Company borrowed additional funds to purchase twenty-eight
helicopters during the year.
The Company's borrowing cost remained constant in fiscal 1996 as
compared to fiscal 1995. The weighted average interest rate paid
decreased slightly by 0.4% to 8.0% from 8.4%. The lower interest rate
was offset by higher average borrowings in the fiscal period.
Taxes
PHI's effective tax rate was 40%, 39%, and 41%, respectively, in
1997, 1996, and 1995. Current tax expense as a percent of pre-tax
earnings for the same fiscal periods was 10%, 11%, and 18%, respectively.
The Company anticipates that its effective tax rate will remain at these
rates. See Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplemental Data - Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 3."
Earnings
Earnings per share for the fiscal year ended April 30, 1997 declined
slightly as compared to the prior year period. The higher selling,
general, administrative and interest expenses explained above caused the
Company's earnings to remain essentially constant. In addition, during
fiscal 1997 the Company sold its investment in Irish Helicopters Limited
based in Dublin, Ireland. This resulted in a $ 0.7 million writedown in
the third quarter of fiscal 1997. The Company's revenue expansion and
accountability programs helped to produce period to period increases in
net earnings of 25% and 55%, respectively, for the 1996 and 1995 fiscal
years.
The improved results in 1996 were directly related to better
economic conditions in the Gulf of Mexico and expansion and growth in the
aeromedical and international markets. The Company was able to improve
margins in both 1996 and 1995 by lowering the rate of increase of direct
expenses. Direct expenses as a percentage of operating revenues decreased
from 88% to 87% in fiscal 1996.
The Company plans to continue its programs of diversification and
accountability and will continue to search for opportunities to enhance
earnings and shareholder value.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company's 1997 year end cash position improved to $ 2.4 million
from $ 1.9 million at fiscal year end 1996.
Working capital in fiscal 1997 increased $ 14.7 million from $ 26.5
million in 1996 to $ 41.2 million. The increase is due primarily to the
increase in cash on hand, an overall increase in accounts receivable and
inventory, and a decline in the current portion of long-term debt. The
Company renegotiated the terms of its credit facility reducing its
quarterly payments from $ 2.0 million to $ 1.0 million.
The Company's primary credit facility consists of a $ 40 million
revolving credit facility available through October 31, 1998 (the
"revolving loan") and a capital loan facility of up to $ 40 million
(subject to compliance with certain collateral coverage ratios) (the
"term loan"). The term loan is payable in fixed quarterly principal
payments of $ 1.0 million until maturity on October 31, 2003. The
secured term and revolving loan agreement permit both prime rate based
borrowings and London InterBank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") borrowings plus
a floating spread. The spread for LIBOR borrowings will float up or down
based on the Company's performance as determined by a leverage ratio.
The spread can range from 1.0% to 1.5% above LIBOR.
Total long-term debt increased $ 29.1 million in fiscal 1997 to $
57.6 million at year end. The Company's current debt obligations for
fiscal 1998 total $ 4.9 million, due in equal quarterly installments,
which the Company intends to pay with cash flow from operations. As of
June 30, 1997 the Company had $ 22 million of credit capacity available
under its term and revolving loans, reflecting the purchase, subsequent
to year end, of one aircraft for $ 2.2 million. In addition, the Company
plans to purchase a total of seventeen helicopters in fiscal 1998 for a
purchase price estimated to be $ 22.6 million. These planned purchases
are largely discretionary and subject to the Company obtaining customer
commitments. They can be adjusted by the Company based on operating
results or other factors. Funds available under the Company's credit
facility will be utilized to finance these purchases. At April 30, 1997,
the Company was in compliance with the provisions of its loan agreements.
The Company believes its cash flow from operations in conjunction with
its credit capacity is sufficient to meet its planned requirements for
the foreseeable future.
Cash generated from operating activities in 1997 decreased to $ 8.5
million during the current year, compared to $ 19.3 million and $ 14.7
million in fiscal 1996 and 1995, respectively. The $ 10.8 million
decrease in fiscal 1997 is primarily attributable to the increase in
accounts receivable of $ 6.8 million and increased inventory of $ 4.3
million. Days sales outstanding decreased to 50 days in fiscal 1997 from
55 days in fiscal 1996; however, receivables significantly increased.
Cash used in investing activities increased to $ 32.3 million in
fiscal 1997, up from $ 21 million in fiscal 1996. In response to market
demand, the Company purchased twenty-eight aircraft in fiscal 1997 for
$ 24.5 million as compared to nineteen aircraft for $ 15.2 million in
fiscal 1996. During fiscal 1997, the Company also used $ 13.5 million
primarily for aircraft capital improvements and approximately $ 2.8
million to fund the purchase of new data processing equipment. Also
during fiscal 1997, the Company sold nine aircraft which no longer fit
into the Company's future fleet plans and disposed of its interest in
Irish Helicopters Limited. These sales generated proceeds of
approximately $ 7.5 million.
Cash provided by financing activities primarily funded the investing
activities and $ 1.0 million in dividend payments.
In response to increased earnings during the past three years, the
Company resumed payment of quarterly dividends beginning with the second
quarter of fiscal 1995. The Board declared dividends of $ 0.20 per share
during fiscal 1997, $ 0.17 per share in fiscal 1996 and $ 0.06 per share
in fiscal 1995. The Company anticipates that future dividend payments
will be declared provided that the current earnings trend continues and
as allowed by the Company's agreement with its lenders.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, Earnings Per Share
("FAS 128"). FAS 128 will change the computation, presentation and
disclosure requirements for earnings per share. FAS 128 requires
presentation of "basic" and "diluted" earnings per share, as defined, on
the face of the income statement for all entities with complex capital
structures. FAS 128 is effective for financial statements issued for
periods ending after December 15, 1997 and requires restatement of all
prior period earnings per share amounts. Management does not believe
that this pronouncement will have a material impact on its earnings per
share amounts when adopted in fiscal 1998.
On June 30, 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130 ("FAS 130"),
"Comprehensive Income." FAS 130 establishes standards for reporting and
display of comprehensive income and its components in a full set of
general purpose financial statements. FAS 130 is effective for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 1997 and requires restatement of
earlier periods presented. Management is currently evaluating the
requirements of FAS 130.
On June 30, 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131 ("FAS 131"),
"Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information."
FAS 131 establishes standards for the way that a public enterprise
reports information about operating segments in annual financial
statements and requires that those enterprises report selected
information about operating segments in interim financial reports issued
to shareholders. FAS 131 is effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 1997 and requires restatement of earlier periods presented.
Management is currently evaluating the requirements of FAS 131.
Environmental Matters
The Company is subject to federal, state and local environmental
laws and regulations that impose limitations on the discharge of
pollutants into the environment and establish standards for the
treatment, storage and disposal of toxic and hazardous wastes.
The Company has policies and procedures in effect to strictly
monitor its compliance with environmental regulations at its operating
locations. In the first quarter of fiscal 1996 the Company began an
environmental review at selected domestic bases. Known or suspected fuel
contamination has been identified at all the bases reviewed. Management
now believes it is likely that similar fuel contamination will be found
at additional bases.
The Company has expensed, including provisions for environmental
costs, $ 1,325,000 and $ 1,797,000 in 1997 and 1996, respectively,
related to remediation costs at five bases. The Company is currently
conducting assessments at three additional bases to determine the extent
of remediation required at these locations. The aggregate liability for
environmental related costs, at April 30, 1997, is $ 1.4 million which
the Company believes is adequate for probable and estimable environmental
costs. The Company will make additional provisions in future periods to
the extent appropriate as further information regarding these costs
becomes available.
Forward Looking Statements
All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in
this Form 10-K, other periodic reports filed by the Company under the
Securities Act of 1933 and other written or oral statements made by it
or on its behalf, are forward looking statements. When used herein, the
words "anticipate", "expects", "believes", "goals", "intends","plans",
or "projects" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward
looking statements. It is important to note that forward looking
statements are based on a number of assumptions about future events and
are subject to various risks, uncertainties and other factors that may
cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from the news,
beliefs and estimates expressed or implied in such forward looking
statements. Although the Company believes that the assumptions reflected
in forward looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given
that such assumptions will prove correct. Factors that could cause the
Company's results to differ materially from the results discussed in such
forward looking statements include but are not limited to the following:
flight variances from expectations, volatility of oil and gas prices, the
substantial capital expenditures required to fund its operations,
environmental risks, competition, government regulation, and the ability
of the Company to implement its business strategy. All forward looking
statements in this document are expressly qualified in their entirety by
the cautionary statements in this paragraph. PHI undertakes no
obligation to update publicly any forward looking statements, whether as
a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Independent Auditors' Report
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. and subsidiaries:
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Petroleum Helicopters,
Inc. and subsidiaries as of April 30, 1997 and 1996, and the related
consolidated statements of earnings, shareholders' equity, and cash
flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended April 30,
1997. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial
statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedule,
"Valuation and Qualifying Accounts," for the three-year period ended
April 30, 1997. These consolidated financial statements and financial
statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated
financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our
audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating
the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. and subsidiaries as of April 30, 1997 and
1996, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each
of the years in the three-year period ended April 30, 1997, in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the
related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the
basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents
fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
/s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
New Orleans, Louisiana
June 19, 1997
PETROLEUM HELICOPTERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
April 30, 1997 and 1996
(Thousands of dollars)
ASSETS 1997 1996
---- ----
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,437 $ 1,899
Accounts receivable-net of allowance:
Trade 31,201 27,305
Investee companies 2,080 298
Notes and other 2,266 1,122
Inventory 30,202 25,947
Prepaid expenses 1,115 1,159
Refundable income taxes 1,344 737
Notes receivable - investee companies 1,313 1,166
-------- --------
Total current assets 71,958 59,633
-------- --------
Notes receivable 22 358
Investments 2,480 4,890
Property and equipment, at cost:
Flight equipment 215,414 189,956
Other 28,633 22,845
-------- --------
244,047 212,801
Less accumulated depreciation (122,220) (116,469)
-------- --------
121,827 96,332
-------- --------
Other 344 102
-------- --------
$ 196,631 $ 161,315
======== ========
(Continued)
<PAGE>
PETROLEUM HELICOPTERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS, continued
April 30, 1997 and 1996
(Thousands of dollars)
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 1997 1996
---- ----
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable - trade $ 8,246 $ 8,209
Accrued expenses 12,440 10,869
Accrued vacation pay 4,784 4,813
Current maturities of long-term debt 4,868 8,810
Other 373 389
------- -------
Total current liabilities 30,711 33,090
------- -------
Long-term debt, net of current maturities 57,592 28,522
Deferred income taxes 18,239 14,966
Other long-term liabilities 2,673 3,336
Shareholders' equity:
Voting common stock-par value of $ 0.10;
authorized 12,500,000; issued shares of
2,800,886 and 2,799,761 in 1997 and 1996 280 280
Non-voting common stock-par value of $ 0.10;
authorized 12,500,000; issued shares of
2,294,066 and 2,276,093 in 1997 and 1996 229 227
------- -------
Total common stock 509 507
Additional paid-in capital 10,810 10,220
Retained earnings 76,097 70,674
------- -------
Total shareholders' equity 87,416 81,401
------- -------
$196,631 $161,315
======= =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.
<PAGE>
PETROLEUM HELICOPTERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
Years ended April 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995
(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)
1997 1996 1995
---- ---- ----
Revenues:
Operating revenues $ 211,663 $ 185,865 $ 174,397
Gain on equipment disposals 1,285 1,067 1,091
Equity in net earnings (losses)
of investee companies (560) 397 (83)
------- ------- -------
212,388 187,329 175,405
------- ------- -------
Expenses:
Direct expenses 184,456 162,599 154,079
Selling, general and
administrative 12,778 11,079 9,440
Interest expense 4,297 3,098 3,098
------- ------- -------
201,531 176,776 166,617
------- ------- -------
Earnings before income taxes 10,857 10,553 8,788
Income taxes 4,387 4,087 3,606
------- ------- -------
Net earnings $ 6,470 $ 6,466 $ 5,182
======= ======= =======
Net earnings per share $ 1.27 $ 1.28 $ 0.96
======= ======= =======
Weighted average common
shares outstanding 5,080 5,066 5,409
======= ======= =======
Dividends declared per
common share $ 0.20 $ 0.17 $ 0.06
======= ======= =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.<PAGE>
PETROLEUM HELICOPTERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Years ended April 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995
(Thousands of dollars and shares)
Voting
Voting Non-voting Common Stock Additional
Common Stock Common Stock Held in Treasury Paid-in Retained
Shares Amt. Shares Amt. Shares Amt. Capital Earnings
BALANCE ------ --- ------ --- ------ --- ------- --------
April 30, 1994 4,199 $350 2,200 $183 921 $ 77 $ 11,027 $ 63,826
Change in par
value - 70 - 37 - 15 (92) -
Purchase ONI
shares - - - - 413 42 (824) (3,605)
Retire treasury
stock (1,334) (134) - - (1,334) (134) - -
Other - - 1 - - - 7 -
Net earnings - - - - - - - 5,182
Dividends - - - - - - - (320)
----- --- --- --- ----- ---- ------ ------
BALANCE
April 30, 1995 2,865 $286 2,201 $220 - $ - $ 10,118 $ 65,083
----- --- ----- --- ----- ---- ------ ------
Stock Options
Exercised 10 1 - - - - 99 -
Other (75) (7) 75 7 - - 3 (13)
Net Earnings - - - - - - - 6,466
Dividends - - - - - - - (862)
----- --- ----- --- ----- ---- ------ ------
BALANCE
April 30, 1996 2,800 $280 2,276 $227 - $ - $ 10,220 $ 70,674
----- --- ----- --- ----- ---- ------ ------
Stock Options
Exercised 5 - 16 2 - - 405 -
Other (4) - 2 - - - 185 (31)
Net earnings - - - - - - - 6,470
Dividends - - - - - - - (1,016)
----- --- ----- --- ----- ---- ------ ------
BALANCE
April 30, 1997 2,801 $280 2,294 $229 - $ - $ 10,810 $ 76,097
===== === ===== === ===== ==== ====== ======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.<PAGE>
PETROLEUM HELICOPTERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years ended April 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995
(Thousands of dollars)
1997 1996 1995
-------- -------- --------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings $ 6,470 $ 6,466 $ 5,182
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings
to net cash provided by operating
activities:
Depreciation 9,977 8,344 8,413
Deferred income taxes 3,273 2,900 2,043
Gain on equipment disposals (1,285) (1,067) (1,091)
Equity in net (earnings) losses of
investee companies 560 (397) 83
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable (6,822) 1,217 (3,043)
Increase in inventory (4,088) (387) (710)
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses,
refundable income taxes,
and notes receivable (475) (2,080) 653
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable
- trade and other accrued expenses 1,645 2,646 2,746
Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable - (325) 331
Other (766) 2,032 59
------- ------- -------
Net cash provided by operating activities 8,489 19,349 14,666
------- ------- -------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investments (957) (3,303) -
Purchase of property and equipment (40,835) (23,808) (20,326)
Proceeds from asset dispositions 6,583 6,147 12,125
Proceeds from sale of investment 2,935 - -
------- ------- -------
Net cash used in investing activities (32,274) (20,964) (8,201)
------- ------- -------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt 42,425 23,303 13,000
Payments on long-term debt (17,295) (21,787) (17,738)
Issuance of common stock - 100 -
Purchase of treasury stock - - (4,471)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 282 - -
Repurchase common stock (73) - -
Dividends paid (1,016) (608) (320)
------- ------- -------
Net cash provided by (used in)
financing activities 24,323 1,008 (9,529)
------- ------- -------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents 538 (607) (3,064)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
year 1,899 2,506 5,570
------- ------- -------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 2,437 $ 1,899 $ 2,506
======= ======= =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.
<PAGE>
PETROLEUM HELICOPTERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
April 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995
(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Consolidation and Other General Principles
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries
("PHI" or the "Company") after the elimination of all significant
intercompany accounts and transactions. Investments in 20 to 50
percent owned affiliates are accounted for by the equity method and
consist primarily of investments in foreign affiliates.
The Company recognizes revenue on the accrual basis, generally
during the month in which the services are rendered. Foreign
currency transactions are not material.
Use of Estimates
In preparing the Company's financial statements management makes
informed estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported
in the financial statements and related disclosures. Actual
results may differ from these estimates.
Cash Equivalents
The Company considers cash equivalents to include demand deposits
and investments with original maturity dates of three months or
less.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of average cost or market and
consist primarily of spare parts and aviation fuel. The valuation
reserve related to obsolete and excess inventory was $ 2,389,000
at April 30, 1997 and 1996.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated
depreciation. For financial reporting purposes, depreciation is
computed using the straight-line method based upon estimated useful
lives of ten years for flight equipment and three to ten years for
other equipment. Accelerated methods are used for tax purposes.
A residual value of 25% of cost is used in the calculation of
depreciation of flight equipment and other equipment. When
property and equipment is sold or otherwise disposed of, the cost
and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any
resulting gain or loss is reflected in earnings at the time of sale
or other disposition, except in the case of long-term sale and
leaseback transactions.
On May 1, 1996, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 121, "Accounting for the
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be
Disposed of." The adoption had no impact on the Company's results
of operations or financial position.
Income Taxes
A consolidated federal income tax return is filed by the Company
and its subsidiaries. Income taxes have not been provided on the
undistributed net earnings of the investee companies since, among
other things, the amount of taxes involved is not significant.
Income taxes are accounted for in accordance with the provisions
of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting
for Income Taxes. Under the asset and liability method of
Statement 109, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized
for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between
the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and
liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets
and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to
apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary
differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Under
Statement 109, the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities
of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that
included the enactment date.
Self-Insurance
The Company maintains a self-insurance program for a portion of its
health care costs. The Company is liable for claims up to $ 200,000
per covered individual annually, and aggregate claims up to $ 3,556,673
annually. Self-insurance costs are accrued based upon the aggregate of
the liability for reported claims and the estimated liability for claims
incurred but not reported.
The Company does not presently have any significant obligations for
post employment benefits.
Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company's financial instruments that are exposed to
concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash
equivalents and trade accounts receivable. The Company places its
cash and temporary cash investments with high credit worthy
financial institutions and currently invests primarily in U.S.
government obligations with maturities of less than three months.
The Company does not believe significant credit risk exists with
respect to these securities at April 30, 1997.
A majority of the Company's business is conducted with major oil
and gas exploration companies with operations in the Gulf of
Mexico. The Company continually evaluates the financial strength
of its customers but does not require collateral to support the
customer receivables. The Company establishes an allowance for
doubtful accounts based upon factors surrounding the credit risk
of specific customers, current market conditions and other
information. In each of the statement of earnings presented, Shell
Oil Company accounted for more than 10% of the revenues.
Earnings per Common and Common Equivalent Share
Primary earnings per share are computed based on the weighted
average number of shares and dilutive equivalent shares of common
stock (stock options) outstanding during each year using the
treasury stock method.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years
financial statements in order to conform with the classifications
adopted for reporting in 1997.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair value of cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts
payable and debt approximates book value at April 30, 1997.
Stock Compensation
On May 1, 1996, the Company elected to continue to use the
intrinsic value method of accounting for stock-based compensation
prescribed by Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25 and,
accordingly, adopted the disclosure provisions of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation."
New Accounting Pronouncements
In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, Earnings Per
Share ("FAS 128"). FAS 128 will change the computation,
presentation and disclosure requirements for earnings per share.
FAS 128 requires presentation of "basic" and "diluted" earnings per
share, as defined, on the face of the income statement for all
entities with complex capital structures. FAS 128 is effective for
financial statements issued for periods ending after December 15,
1997 and requires restatement of all prior period earnings per
share amounts. Management does not believe that this
pronouncement will have a material impact on its earnings per share
amounts when adopted in fiscal 1998.
On June 30, 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130 ("FAS 130"),
"Comprehensive Income." FAS 130 establishes standards for
reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components
in a full set of general purpose financial statements. FAS 130 is
effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997 and
requires restatement of earlier periods presented. Management is
currently evaluating the requirements of FAS 130.
On June 30, 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131 ("FAS 131"),
"Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related
Information." FAS 131 establishes standards for the way that a
public enterprise reports information about operating segments in
annual financial statements and requires that those enterprises
report selected information about operating segments in interim
financial reports issued to shareholders. FAS 131 is effective for
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997 and requires
restatement of earlier periods presented. Management is currently
evaluating the requirements of FAS 131.
(2) LONG-TERM DEBT
April 30, April 30,
1997 1996
(Thousands of dollars)
--------- ----------
Secured term loan note due
October 31, 2003, due in
quarterly installments of
$ 1,000,000, bearing interest
(at rates varying between 6.84%
and 7.1% at April 30, 1997). $ 39,000 $ 25,562
Secured note due October 31,
1998, under a revolving
credit facility totaling
$ 40,000,000 bearing interest
(at rates varying between 6.93%
and 8.5% at April 30, 1997). 17,000 4,500
Secured 10 year promissory notes
due in monthly installments of
$ 107,747 commencing July 9, 1993
with a fixed interest rate of 7.0%. 6,460 7,270
------ ------
Total Debt 62,460 37,332
Less: Current Maturities 4,868 8,810
------ ------
Total Long-term Debt $ 57,592 $ 28,522
====== ======
Scheduled maturities of debt are as follows:
(Thousands of dollars)
1998 $ 4,868
1999 4,931
2000 4,998
2001 5,070
2002 5,148
Thereafter 37,445
------
$ 62,460
======
At April 30, 1997, the following assets and their related book
values are pledged as collateral on notes aggregating $ 62.5
million:
(Thousands of dollars)
Equipment, net of depreciation $ 85,955
Inventory 29,807
Accounts receivable, net 31,107
-------
$146,869
=======
Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility
On August 13, 1996 the Company and its principal lending group
entered into a loan agreement that amended and restated its
original loan agreement dated January 1, 1986. The new agreement
increased the Company's credit capacity to $ 65 million from $ 55
million. In addition, the new agreement reduced the Company's
effective interest rate on its outstanding debt under this
facility. On March 31, 1997, the Company modified the agreement
again which among other things: i) reduced the Company's effective
interest rate, ii) increased the total credit capacity to $ 80
million from $ 65 million, iii) reduced the mandatory quarterly
principal payments to $ 1.0 million from $ 2.0 million, and iv)
provided a fixed rate option for up to $ 40 million of the total
outstanding debt under the facility. The interest rate reduction
was effective January 1, 1997. The interest expense reduction for
this new agreement, for the fiscal year ended April 30, 1998, using
current debt levels at April 30, 1997, is approximately $ 0.1
million. There is a commitment fee of 0.375% per annum on the
unused portion of the credit facility.
Both the term loan and the revolving credit facility are subject
to certain financial covenants with which the Company was in
compliance at April 30, 1997. These covenants include maintaining
certain levels of working capital and shareholders' equity and
contain other provisions some of which restrict purchases of the
Company's stock, capital expenditures and payment of dividends.
Such agreements also limit the creation, incurrence or assumption
of Funded Debt (as defined, which includes long-term debt), and the
acquisition of investments. At April 30, 1997, the Company's
working capital exceeded the amount required by approximately
$ 18.3 million, and shareholders' equity exceeded the required
level by approximately $ 8.7 million. Dividends are generally
limited to 20% of net earnings.
The secured term and revolving loan agreement permit both prime
rate based borrowings and London InterBank Offered Rate ("LIBOR")
borrowings plus a floating spread. The spread for LIBOR borrowings
will float up or down based on the Company's performance as
determined by a leverage ratio. The spread can range from 1.0% to
1.5% above LIBOR. The average amounts of borrowings outstanding
during 1997 and 1996 were approximately $ 57.4 million and $ 38.9
million, respectively. The weighted average interest rates during
1997 and 1996 were approximately 7.5% and 8.0%, respectively, on
these borrowings.
Cash paid for interest was $ 4,054,000, $ 3,351,000, and
$ 2,970,000 for the years ended April 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
(3) INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense for the three years ended April 30, 1997, is
composed of the following:
1997 1996 1995
---- ---- ----
Current: (Thousands of dollars)
Federal $ 765 $ 757 $ 1,234
State 296 344 270
Foreign 53 85 59
Deferred - principally Federal 3,273 2,901 2,043
----- ----- -----
$ 4,387 $4,087 $ 3,606
===== ===== =====
Deferred income tax expense (benefit) results from the following:
1997 1996 1995
---- ---- ----
(Thousands of dollars)
Accelerated depreciation $ 2,911 $ 1,408 $ 2,564
Accrued expenses and other
liabilities 407 (138) (2,353)
Effect of tax credits (45) 1,631 1,832
----- ----- -----
$ 3,273 $ 2,901 $ 2,043
===== ===== =====
Income tax expense as a percentage of pre-tax earnings varies from
the effective Federal statutory rate of 34% as a result of the
following:
Years ended April 30
1997 1996 1995
Amount % Amount % Amount %
------- -- ------- -- ------ --
(Thousands of dollars, except percentages)
Income taxes at
statutory rate $ 3,691 34 $ 3,588 34 $ 2,988 34
Increase (decrease) in
taxes resulting from:
Equity in net (earnings)
losses of consolidated
investee companies (108) (1) (134) (1) 28 -
Effect of state income
taxes 195 2 227 2 178 2
Other items - net 609 5 406 4 412 5
----- -- ----- -- ----- --
$ 4,387 40 $ 4,087 39 $ 3,606 41
===== == ===== == ===== ==
For income tax purposes, the Company had approximately $126,000 of
general business tax credit carryforwards. These general business tax
credit carryforwards will expire between 1998 and 2001. The Company also
has approximately $564,000 of alternative minimum tax credit
carryforwards available to reduce future Federal regular income taxes
over an indefinite period.
The tax effects of temporary differences which give rise to
significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax
liabilities at April 30, 1997 and 1996 are presented below:
1997 1996
---- ----
(Thousands of dollars)
Deferred tax assets:
Tax credits $ 690 $ 645
Vacation accrual 1,763 1,774
Inventory valuation 880 881
Workman's compensation reserve 381 381
Other 2,494 2,678
----- -----
Total deferred tax assets 6,208 6,359
----- -----
Deferred tax liabilities:
Tax depreciation in excess of book
depreciation 23,751 20,840
Other 696 485
------ ------
Total deferred tax liabilities 24,447 21,325
------ ------
Net deferred tax liability $18,239 $ 14,966
====== ======
No valuation allowance was recorded against the deferred tax assets
because management believes that the deferred tax assets will more
than likely be realized in full through future operating results
and the reversal of taxable temporary differences.
Income taxes paid were approximately $ 2,355,000, $ 2,267,000, and
$ 1,168,000 for the years ended April 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
(4) EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Savings and Retirement Plans
The Company established, effective July 1, 1989, an Employee
Savings Plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.
The Plan provides that the Company match up to 3% of employee
contributions. The Company's contribution was $ 1,585,000,
$ 1,616,000, and $ 1,586,000 for the years ended April 30, 1997,
1996, and 1995, respectively.
Effective September 1, 1994, the Company adopted a Supplemental Executive
Retirement Plan ("SERP"). The nonqualified and unfunded plan provides
senior management with supplemental retirement and death benefits at age
65. Life insurance policies, of which the Company is the sole owner and
beneficiary, were purchased on the lives of each of the participants.
Supplemental retirement benefits were based on one-third (1/3) of the
participants' monthly income at the time of adoption. Currently, there
are no SERP provisions for an increase in benefits, partial vesting or
early retirement. The assumed discount rate was 7.5%. Expenses related
to the plan were $ 275,000, $ 308,000 and $ 197,000 for 1997, 1996, and
1995, respectively.
During fiscal 1996, the Board of Directors approved an Officer Deferred
Compensation Plan and a Director Deferred Compensation Plan. Both plans
were effective May 31, 1995. The plans permit key officers and all
directors to defer a portion of their compensation. The plans are
nonqualified and unfunded.
Stock Option Plans
Effective May 1, 1992, the Company's Board of Directors adopted the
Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. 1992 Non-Qualified Stock Option and Stock
Appreciation Rights Plan (the "Plan"). The Plan was approved at the
Annual Meeting of Shareholders on September 30, 1992. The Company is
authorized to grant non-qualified stock options and stock appreciation
rights to selected employees to purchase up to 100,000 shares of the
Company's non-voting common stock at an exercise price of not less than
25% of their fair market value at the date of grant. The options may be
exercised any time after one year from the date of grant until their
expiration at five years from such date.
During fiscal 1993 an officer of the Company was granted non-qualified
options to purchase 15,000 shares of voting common stock at the fair
market value of the stock at the date of grant.
Effective May, 1995 the Company's Board of Directors adopted the PHI 1995
Incentive Plan (the "1995 Plan"). The 1995 Plan was approved at the
Annual Meeting of Shareholders on September 22, 1995. The Company is
authorized to issue a total of 175,000 shares of voting common stock and
325,000 shares of non-voting common stock under the 1995 Plan. The
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is authorized under the
1995 Plan to grant stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation
rights, performance shares, stock awards and cash awards. During fiscal
1997, 23,960 non-voting restricted shares and 23,200 non-voting stock
options were granted under the 1995 Plan. The exercise price of the
stock option grants is equal to the fair market value of the underlying
stock at the date of grant. The restricted shares and the options vest
on July 31, 1997 only to the extent certain 1997 performance targets are
met. To the extent the restricted shares become vested they will become
unrestricted on July 31, 2000. The restricted shares expire on May 31,
2005. The non-voting options, in the event they become vested, are one-
half exercisable on July 31, 1997 and one-half excercisable on July 31,
1998. These options expire on July 30, 2006. During fiscal 1996, 23,200
and 116,000 non-qualified stock options for voting and non-voting common
stock, respectively, were granted under the 1995 Plan. The exercise
price of the grants is equal to the fair market value of the underlying
stock at the date of grant. These options vested on July 31, 1996 to the
extent certain 1996 performance targets were met. One half of all vested
stock options became exercisable on July 31, 1996 and one half will
become exercisable on July 31, 1997. The stock options expire on May 31,
2005.
Under the Company's stock option plans, there were 615,000 shares of
common stock reserved for issue at April 30, 1997. The Company recorded
compensation expense related to the 1995 Plan of $ 0.4 million during
fiscal 1997.
In October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation," (SFAS No. 123), which encourages the use of
a fair value based method of accounting for compensation expense
associated with stock option and similar plans. However, SFAS No. 123
permits the continued use of the intrinsic value based method prescribed
by Opinion No. 25 but requires additional disclosures, including pro
forma calculations of net earnings and earning per share as if the fair
value method of accounting prescribed by SFAS No. 123 had been applied
in fiscal 1997 and fiscal 1996. The pro forma data presented below is
not representative of the effects on reported amounts for future years
because SFAS No. 123 does not apply to awards prior to fiscal 1995 and
additional awards are expected in the future.
As Reported Pro Forma
1997 1996 1997 1996
------- ------- ------- -------
Net earnings $ 6,470 $ 6,466 $ 6,470 $ 6,090
Earnings per share $ 1.27 $ 1.28 $ 1.27 $ 1.20
Average shares outstanding 5,080 5,066 5,080 5,066
Avg. fair value of grants
during the year $ 7.45 $ 4.50
Black-Sholes option pricing model assumptions:
Risk-free interest rate 6.5% 6.5%
Expected life (years) 4 4
Volatility 12% 19%
Dividend yield 1.11% 1.24%
The following table summarized information about stock options
outstanding as of April 30, 1997:
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
------------------- -------------------
Weighted-Avg
Remaining Weighted- Weighted-
Range of As of Contractual Avg. Exercise As of Avg. Exercise
Exercise Prices 4/30/97 Life-Yrs. Price 04/30/97 Price
------------ ------ -------- ----- -------- -----
$8.50 - $9.99 112,649 8.0 $ 8.73 55,061 $ 8.73
$10.00 - $15.50 105,660 3.3 $ 15.50 58,500 $ 15.50
------- -------
218,309 5.7 $ 12.01 113,561 $ 12.22
======= =======
A summary of the Plans' activities for the years ended April 30, 1997,
1996, and 1995 is as follows:
1992 Plan Other 1995 Plan
Options Options Options
--------- ------- ---------
Non- Non-
Total Voting Voting Voting Voting
Balance outstanding at ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
April 30, 1994 96,000 81,000 15,000 - -
Options lapsed/cancelled (6,000) (6,000) - - -
------ ------ ------ ------ -------
Balance outstanding at
April 30, 1995 90,000 75,000 15,000 - -
------ ------ ------ ------ -------
Options granted at $ 9.75
(voting) and $ 8.50
(non-voting) 139,200 - - 23,200 116,000
Options exercised (10,000) - (10,000) - -
------ ------ ------ ------ -------
Balance outstanding at
April 30, 1996 219,200 75,000 5,000 23,200 116,000
======= ====== ====== ====== =======
Options granted at $ 15.50
(non-voting) 47,160 - - - 47,160
Options lapsed/cancelled (24,024) - - (2,720) (21,304)
Options exercised (24,027)(16,500) (5,000) - (2,527)
Balance outstanding at
April 30, 1997 218,309 58,500 - 20,480 139,329
======= ====== ====== ====== =======
Shares exercisable at
April 30, 1995 at a price
range of $10.00 to $15.50 30,000 25,000 5,000 - -
Shares exercisable at ======= ====== ====== ====== =======
April 30, 1996 at a price
range of $10.00 to $15.50 50,000 50,000 5,000 - -
Shares exercisable at ======= ====== ====== ====== =======
April 30, 1997 at a price
range of $8.50 to $15.50 113,561 58,500 - 10,240 44,821
======= ====== ====== ====== =======
Shares available for future
grant at April 30, 1997 338,640 25,000 - 151,800 161,840
======= ====== ====== ======= =======<PAGE>
(5) SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
In 1997, the Company reported proceeds from equipment sales of
$ 6.6 million. The original cost and accumulated depreciation
associated with these transactions were $ 9.6 and $ 4.3 million,
respectively. In 1996, the Company reported proceeds from
equipment sales of $ 6.1 million. The original cost and
accumulated depreciation associated with these transactions were
$ 10.8 and $ 5.5 million, respectively.
In 1996, the Company entered into agreements for the sale and
leaseback of two helicopters. The book values of the equipment
totalling $ 3.5 million were removed from the balance sheet, and
the gains realized on the sale transactions totalling $ 0.3 million
were deferred and are being credited to income as rent expense
adjustments over the lease term. Rentals on these transactions
average $ 0.4 million annually.
On July 13, 1995 the Company purchased 49% of Irish Helicopters
Limited (IHL) based in Dublin Ireland for $ 3 million. IHL
operated five aircraft which were engaged primarily in search and
rescue missions off the Irish Coast. In the third quarter of
fiscal year 1997, the Company recorded a $ 0.7 million writedown
on this investment. The Company sold this investment in the fourth
quarter of fiscal year 1997 and received proceeds which
approximated the initial cost.
(6) SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
During fiscal 1997, the Company offered its shareholders who owned
either of record or beneficially in a single account, twenty-five
or fewer shares of PHI common stock, the opportunity to sell their
common stock through a purchase program. Approximately 3,900
shares were repurchased by the Company at a purchase price of
between $ 18.00 and $ 19.00 a share.
On February 28, 1995 the Company purchased 413,308 shares of the
Company's common voting stock at market value for $ 4.5 million
from Offshore Navigation, Inc. ("ONI"), an affiliate of the
Company. Prior to the acquisition, these shares represented
approximately 12.6% of the Company's outstanding voting common
stock. The shares were placed in the Company's treasury and
subsequently retired.
(7) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company leases certain aircraft used in its operations. The
Company generally pays all insurance, taxes and maintenance
expenses associated with these aircraft and some of these leases
contain renewal and purchase options.
Aggregate rental commitments to lease aircraft under noncancellable
operating leases are due in years subsequent to April 30, 1997, as
follows:
(Thousands of dollars)
1998 $ 11,447
1999 11,086
2000 10,799
2001 10,555
2002 9,714
Thereafter 23,668
------
$ 77,269
======
Rental expense incurred under these leases consisted of the
following:
(Thousands of dollars)
(Years ended April 30)
1997 1996 1995
Aircraft $ 12,328 $ 12,145 $ 11,364
Other 1,730 1,690 1,745
------ ------ ------
$ 14,058 $ 13,835 $ 13,109
====== ====== ======
Subsequent to year end, the Company purchased one aircraft for an
aggregate of $ 2.2 million. In addition, the Company plans to
purchase seventeen helicopters in 1998. The total purchase price
is estimated to be $ 22.6 million. These purchases are subject to
obtaining customer commitments.
The Company has policies and procedures in effect to strictly
monitor its compliance with environmental regulations at its
operating locations. In the first quarter of fiscal 1996 the
Company began an environmental review at selected domestic bases.
Known or suspected fuel contamination has been identified at all
the bases reviewed. Management now believes it is likely that
similar fuel contamination will be found at additional bases.
The Company has expensed, including provisions for environmental
costs, $ 1,325,000 and $ 1,797,000 in 1997 and 1996, respectively,
related to remediation costs at five bases. The Company is
currently conducting assessments at three additional bases to
determine the extent of remediation required at these locations.
The aggregate liability for environmental related costs, at April
30, 1997, is $ 1.4 million which the Company believes is adequate
for probable and estimable environmental costs. The Company will
make additional provisions in future periods to the extent
appropriate as further information regarding these costs becomes
available.
The Company is named as a defendant in various legal actions which
have arisen in the ordinary course of its business and have not
been finally adjudicated. The amount, if any, of ultimate
liability with respect to such matters cannot be determined;
however, after consulting with legal counsel, the Company has
established accruals which it believes adequately provide for the
settlement of such litigation which have not had a material effect
on the Company's financial condition.
On Monday, June 2, 1997, the Company was notified by the National
Mediation Board that the Office and Professionals Employees
International Union (OPEIU) filed an application to represent
flight deck crew members (helicopter pilots) of PHI. Should the
Company's domestic pilots elect to be represented by a union, the
Company believes that this would place the Company at a competitive
disadvantage which could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's revenues and results of operations.
(8) QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
The summarized quarterly results of operations for the years ended
April 30, 1997 and 1996 (in thousands of dollars, except per share
data) are as follows:
Quarter Ended
----------------------------------------------
July 31, October 31, January 31, April 30,
1996 1996 1997 1997
------- ---------- ---------- --------
Revenues $50,273 $55,378 $52,568 $54,169
Gross profit $ 7,675 $ 7,915 $ 7,088 $ 4,529
Net earnings $ 2,278 $ 2,285 $ 1,314 $ 593
Net earnings
per share $ .45 $ .45 $ .26 $ .12
Quarter Ended
-----------------------------------------------
July 31, October 31, January 31, April 30,
1995 1995 1996 1996
------- ---------- ---------- --------
Revenues $46,710 $48,418 $45,712 $46,489
Gross profit $ 5,134 $ 6,233 $ 5,486 $ 6,413
Net earnings $ 1,391 $ 1,934 $ 1,339 $ 1,802
Net earnings
per share $ .27 $ .39 $ .26 $ .36
The unaudited quarterly financial data above have been restated
from the Company's previously filed Forms 10-K and 10-Q to reflect
certain reclassifications from selling, general and administrative
costs to direct expenses.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting
and Financial Disclosures
There have been no change in and there are no disagreements
between the Company and its independent certified public
accountants on accounting and financial disclosure matters.
Part III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
Information concerning Directors required by this item will
be included in the Company's definitive proxy statement in
connection with its 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is
incorporated herein by reference. Information concerning Executive
Officers is included as Item 4.(a) Executive officers of the
registrant.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Information required by this item will be included in the
Company's definitive proxy statement in connection with its 1997
Annual Meeting of Shareholder and is incorporated herein by
reference.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
Information required by this item will be included in the
Company's definitive proxy statement in connection with its 1997
Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by
reference.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Information required by this item will be included in the
Company's definitive proxy statement in connection with its 1997
Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by
reference.
Part IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) 1. Financial Statements
Included in Part II of this report:
Independent Auditors' Report
Consolidated Balance Sheets - April 30, 1997 and 1996
Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three years
ended April 30, 1997
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the
three years ended April 30, 1997
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three years
ended April 30, 1997
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Financial Statement Schedules
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying accounts for
the years ended April 30, 1997, 1996,
and 1995.
3. Exhibits
3 Articles of Incorporation and By-laws
3.1 (i) Articles of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit No. 3.1(i) to PHI's Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended
October 31, 1994).
(ii) By-laws of the Company as amended on August 18,
1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No.
3.1(ii) to PHI's Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarterly period ended July 31, 1996).
10 Material Contracts
10.1 Master Helicopter Lease Agreement dated May 29, 1991 between
AT&T Systems Leasing Corporation and PHI (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit No. 10.1 (2) to PHI's Report on Form
10-K dated April 30, 1992).
10.2 Master Helicopter Lease Agreement dated February 14, 1991
between General Electric Capital Corporation and PHI
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.1 (1) to PHI's
Report on Form 10-K dated April 30, 1991).
10.3 Amended and Restated Loan Agreement originally dated as of
January 31, 1986 Amended and Restated in its entirety as of
March 31, 1997 among Petroleum Helicopters, Inc., Whitney
National Bank, First National Bank of Commerce, and
NationsBank of Texas, N.A., as agent.
10.4 Installment promissory note dated June 4, 1993 by PHI
payable to debis Financial Services, Inc. in the original
principal amount of $ 3,122,441.56, secured by Aircraft
Security Agreement dated June 4, 1993 between PHI and debis
Financial Services, Inc. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit No. 10.4 to PHI's Report on Form 10-K dated
April 30, 1993).
10.5 Installment Promissory Note dated June 4, 1993 by PHI
payable to debis Financial Services, Inc. in the original
principal amount of $ 3,078,695.58, secured by Aircraft
Security Agreement dated June 4, 1993 between PHI and debis
Financial Services, Inc. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit No. 10.5 to PHI's Report on Form 10-K dated
April 30, 1993).
10.6 Installment Promissory Note dated June 4, 1993 by PHI
payable to debis Financial Services, Inc. in the original
principal amount of $ 3,078,695.58, secured by Aircraft
Security Agreement dated June 4, 1993 between PHI and debis
Financial Services, Inc. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit No. 10.6 to PHI's Report on Form 10-K dated
April 30, 1993).
10.7 The Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. 401(k) Retirement Plan
effective July 1, 1989 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
No. 10.4 to PHI's Report on Form 10-K dated April 30, 1990).
10.8 Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. 1992 Non-Qualified Stock Option
and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan adopted by PHI's Board
effective May 1, 1992 and approved by the shareholders of
PHI on September 30, 1992 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit No. 10.8 to PHI's Report on Form 10-K dated April
30, 1993).
10.9 Form of Stock Option Agreement for the Grant of Non-
Qualified Stock Options Under the Petroleum Helicopters,
Inc. 1992 Non-Qualified Stock Option and Stock Appreciation
Rights Plan dated June 2, 1993 between PHI and certain of
its key employees (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No.
10.9 to PHI's Report on Form 10-K dated April 30, 1993).
10.10 Employment Agreement between PHI and John H. Untereker dated
June 15, 1992 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No.
10.10 to PHI's Report on Form 10-K dated April 30, 1993).
10.11 Stock Option Agreement between PHI and John H. Untereker
dated April 12, 1993, but effective as of July 20, 1992
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.11 to PHI's
Report on Form 10-K dated April 30, 1993).
10.12 Amended and Restated Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. 1995
Incentive Compensation Plan adopted by PHI's Board effective
July 11, 1995 and approved by the shareholders of PHI on
September 22, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No
10.12 to PHI's Report on Form 10-K dated April 30, 1996).
10.13 Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the
Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. 1995 Incentive Compensation Plan
between PHI and certain of its key employees (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit No. 10.13 to PHI's Report on Form
10-K dated April 30, 1996).
10.14 Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under the Amended and
Restated Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. 1995 Incentive
Compensation Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit No. 10.2 to PHI's Report on Form 10-Q dated October
31, 1996).
10.15 Non-qualified Stock Option Agreement under the Amended and
Restated Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. 1995 Incentive
Compensation Plan, as amended between PHI and Carroll W.
Suggs (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to PHI's
Report on Form 10-Q dated October 31, 1996).
21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant
23.1 Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
27.1 Financial Data Schedule
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
No reports on Form 8-K were filed by the
Company during the fourth quarter of fiscal
1997.
<PAGE>
Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
For the Years Ended April 30, 1997, 1996, and 1995
(in thousands)
Additions
----------------
Bal. at Charged to Charged to Balance
Description Beginning Costs and Other At End
----------- of Year Expenses Accounts Deductions of Year
Year ended April 30, 1997: ------- ------- ------ ------- -----
Allowance for doubtful
accounts $ 923 $ 415 $ - $ 178 $ 1,160
Allowance for obsolete
inventory 2,389 - - - 2,389
Year ended April 30, 1996:
Allowance for doubtful
accounts $ 788 $ 250 $ - $ 115 $ 923
Allowance for obsolete
inventory 2,139 250 - - 2,389
Year ended April 30, 1995:
Allowance for doubtful
accounts $ 493 $ 300 $ - $ 5 $ 788
Allowance for obsolete
inventory 2,139 - - - 2,139
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has caused this report to
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
PETROLEUM HELICOPTERS, INC.
By: /s/ Carroll W. Suggs
-----------------------
Carroll W. Suggs
Chairman of the Board,
Chief Executive Officer
and Director
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.
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- -----
/s/ Carroll W. Suggs Chairman of the Board, July 24, 1997
------------------- Chief Executive Officer
Carroll W. Suggs and Director (Principal
Executive Officer)
/s/ John H. Untereker Vice President and July 24, 1997
--------------------- Chief Financial Officer
John H. Untereker Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
/s/ Leonard M. Horner Director July 24, 1997
---------------------
Leonard M. Horner
/s/ Robert G. Lambert Director July 24, 1997
----------------------
Robert G. Lambert
/s/ James W. McFarland Director July 24, 1997
----------------------
James W. McFarland
/s/ Bruce N. Whitman Director July 24, 1997
--------------------
Bruce N. Whitman
AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AGREEMENT
ORIGINALLY DATED AS OF JANUARY 31, 1986
AMENDED AND RESTATED IN ITS ENTIRETY AS OF MARCH 31, 1997
AMONG
PETROLEUM HELICOPTERS, INC.,
WHITNEY NATIONAL BANK,
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF COMMERCE,
NATIONSBANK OF TEXAS, N.A.
AND
NATIONSBANK OF TEXAS, N.A., AS AGENT
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1. DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
1.01 Certain Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
1.02 Other Definitional Provisions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
2. THE LOANS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
2.01 Term Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
2.02 Revolving Credit Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
2.03 Borrowing Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
2.04 Rates of Interest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
2.05 Increased Costs - Reserve Requirements, Etc. . . . . . . . . . 26
2.06 Recapture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
2.07 Commitment Fees; Agent's Fees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
2.08 Payments, Notice of Certain Repayments, and Computations . . . 27
2.09 Set-Off, Counterclaims and Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
2.10 Termination or Reduction of Commitments. . . . . . . . . . . . 28
2.11 Application of Proceeds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
2.12 Conversion and Continuation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
2.13 Provisions Relating to LIBOR Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
2.14 Permitted Letters of Credit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
2.15 Issuance of Permitted Letters of Credit. . . . . . . . . . . . 32
2.16 Reimbursement Obligations; Duties of Issuing Bank. . . . . . . 33
2.17 Participations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
2.18 Payment of Reimbursement Obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
2.19 EXONERATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
2.20 Reporting Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
2.21 Compensation for Permitted Letters of Credit . . . . . . . . . 37
3. PREPAYMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
3.01 Optional Prepayments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
3.02 Mandatory Prepayments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
4. PAYMENTS MADE ON BUSINESS DAYS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
5.01 Organization and Qualification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
5.02 Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
5.03 Actions Pending. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
5.04 No Default . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
5.05 Warranty of Title; Leases. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
5.06 Payment of Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
5.07 Conflicting or Adverse Agreements or Restrictions. . . . . . . 41
5.08 Purpose of Borrowings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
5.09 Patents, Etc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
5.10 Authorization, Validity, Etc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
5.11 Franchises, Permits, Etc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
5.12 Governmental Approvals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
5.13 Description of and Title to Helicopters and Engines. . . . . . 43
5.14 Registered Office of Company, Etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
5.15 Title to Parts and Receivables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
5.16 Section 1110 of Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978. . . . . . . . . 43
5.17 Environmental Protection Statutes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
6. CONDITIONS OF LENDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
6.01 Conditions Precedent to this Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
6.02 Conditions Precedent to each Borrowing . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
7. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
7.01 Financial Statements and Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
7.02 Books and Records. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
7.03 General Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
7.04 Maintenance of Property. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
7.05 Inspection of Property and Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
7.06 Existence, Laws, Obligations, etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
7.07 Notification of Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
7.08 Election and Incumbency Certificate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
7.09 Registration, Maintenance, Operation, Foreign Operations and
Marking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
7.10 Insurance with Respect to the Aircraft . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
7.11 Recording, Etc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
7.12 Material Adverse Change. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
7.13 Further Assurances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
7.14 Change of Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
7.15 Location of Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
8. NEGATIVE COVENANTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
8.01 Current Ratio; Consolidated Tangible Net Worth . . . . . . . . 58
8.02 Restricted Payments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
8.03 Capital Expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
8.04 Modified Cash Flow Coverage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
8.05 Liens, Etc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
8.06 Limitations on Indebtedness for Money Borrowed and Long-Term
Leases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
8.07 Investments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
8.08 Nature of Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
8.09 Stock of Subsidiaries, Merger, Sale of Assets, Etc.. . . . . . 61
8.10 Change in Accounting Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
8.11 Sale of Receivables and Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
8.12 Tax Consolidation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
8.13 Chief Executive Office; Registered Office. . . . . . . . . . . 62
8.14 Transactions with Affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
8.15 Leasing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
8.16 Limitation on Amount of Loans and Permitted Letters of
Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
8.17 Limitation on Prepayments on Funded Indebtedness . . . . . . . 62
8.18 Loans and Advances to Other Persons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
8.19 Hazardous Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
9. POSSESSION, USE, VALUATION AND RELEASE OF COLLATERAL; APPLICATION OF
PROCEEDS THEREOF; ADDITIONS TO COLLATERAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
9.01 Possession and Use of Collateral . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
9.02 Loss, Restriction, Requisition, Etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
9.03 Valuation of Aircraft, Etc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
9.04 Protection of Purchasers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
9.05 Other Additions to Collateral; Releases of Collateral. . . . . 70
10. EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
10.01 Events of Default . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
10.02 Acceleration of Maturity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
10.03 Right of Set-off. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
10.04 Sharing of Payments, Etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
10.05 Application of Proceeds of Collateral . . . . . . . . . . 76
11. THE AGENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
11.01 Appointment of Agent; Authority . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
11.02 INDEMNIFICATION OF AGENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
11.03 LIABILITY OF AGENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
11.04 Independent Credit Decision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
11.05 Agent and Affiliates; Multiple Capacities . . . . . . . . 80
11.06 Successor Agent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
12. MISCELLANEOUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
12.01 No Waiver; Remedies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
12.02 Amendments, Etc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
12.03 Duty With Respect to Collateral . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
12.04 Performance of Company's Covenants. . . . . . . . . . . . 81
12.05 INDEMNITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
12.06 Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
12.07 Binding Effect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
12.08 Interest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
12.09 Survival of Representations and Warranties. . . . . . . . 86
12.10 Severability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
12.11 Descriptive Headings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
12.12 Counterparts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
12.13 GOVERNING LAW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Schedule I Description of Aircraft
Schedule II Liens of the Company and the Subsidiaries
Existing on March 31, 1997
Schedule III Indebtedness of the Company and the
Subsidiaries Existing on March 31, 1997
Exhibit A-1 Form of Term Note
Exhibit A-2 Form of Revolving Credit Note
Exhibit B Subsidiaries
Exhibit C Form of Borrowing Base Certificate
Exhibit D-1 Form of Opinion of Correro, Fishman, Haygood, Phelps, Weiss,
Walmsley & Casteix, L.L.P.
Exhibit D-2 Form of Opinion of Lytle, Soule & Curlee
Exhibit E Form of Officer's Certificate as to Release of Collateral
<PAGE>
AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AGREEMENT, dated as of
March 31, 1997, (the "Effective Date"), by and among PETROLEUM
HELICOPTERS, INC., a Louisiana corporation (hereinafter referred to as the
"Company"), NATIONSBANK OF TEXAS, N.A. (formerly known as NCNB Texas
National Bank) ("NationsBank"), WHITNEY NATIONAL BANK (formerly known as
Whitney National Bank of New Orleans) ("Whitney"), and FIRST NATIONAL BANK
OF COMMERCE ("FNBC"), (hereinafter individually referred to as a "Bank"
and collectively referred to as the "Banks") and NationsBank, as agent for
the Creditors (as hereinafter defined) under this Agreement (hereinafter
in such capacity referred to as the "Agent"),
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, NationsBank, Whitney, FNBC, NationsBank as agent for
the foregoing, and the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Loan
Agreement dated as of August 13, 1996, as amended as of January 1, 1997
(as so amended, the "Prior Amended and Restated Loan Agreement"); and
WHEREAS, the Company has requested the Banks to amend certain
provisions of the Prior Amended and Restated Loan Agreement by, among
other things, (i) dividing the credit facility thereunder into an
approximately eighty month term loan and an approximately twenty month
revolving credit facility which will convert to a five-year term loan and
(ii) increasing the availability to the Company thereunder; and
WHEREAS, the Banks are willing to amend and restate the Prior
Amended and Restated Loan Agreement and to modify the indebtedness
outstanding thereunder as hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the
mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the parties hereto agree
as follows:
1. DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS.
1.01 Certain Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following
terms shall have the following meanings (such meanings to be equally
applicable to both the singular and plural form of the terms defined).
"1988 Loan Agreement" shall mean that certain Amended and
Restated Loan Agreement dated as of August 1, 1988, as amended as of
December 19, 1988, July 28, 1989, October 17, 1989, February 1, 1990,
June 1, 1990 and October 24, 1990 among NCNB Texas National Bank, Whitney,
FNBC, NCNB Texas National Bank as agent for the forgoing, and the Company.
"Affiliate" shall mean a person (other than the Company)
which directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries,
controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the
Company or any Subsidiary, which beneficially owns or holds 5% or more of
the shares of any class of Voting Stock of the Company or any Subsidiary
or 5% or more of the shares of any class of Voting Stock of which is
beneficially owned or held by the Company or any Subsidiary. "Control"
shall mean the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or
cause the direction of the management and policies of a person, whether
through the ownership of Voting Stock, by contract or otherwise.
"Agent" shall have the meaning given such term in the
introductory paragraph of this Agreement.
"Agreement" shall mean this Amended and Restated Loan
Agreement, as the same may be amended, supplemented, extended, restated or
otherwise modified from time to time.
"Aircraft" shall mean the helicopters described in Schedule I
of this Agreement, together with all aircraft engines, airframes,
propellers, rotors, appliances, instruments, mechanisms, equipment
(including communications equipment), parts, apparatus, appurtenances and
accessories (including without limitation property which consists of, or
which may from time to time hereafter consist of, one or more aircraft
engines of 750 or more rated takeoff horsepower or the equivalent of that
horsepower, and one or more propellers capable of absorbing 750 or more
rated takeoff shaft horsepower) now or from time to time hereafter
incorporated or installed in or attached or appertaining to one or more of
said helicopters, in each case so long as the same shall be subject or
required or intended to be subject to the Security Interest, including
without limitation those aircraft engines described in Schedule I of this
Agreement, and shall include any helicopters or other Aviation Units from
time to time hereafter subject or required or intended to be subject to
the Security Interest, together with all aircraft engines, airframes,
propellers, rotors, appliances, instruments, mechanisms, equipment
(including communications equipment), parts, apparatus, appurtenances and
accessories (including property which consists of, or which may from time
to time hereafter consist of, one or more aircraft engines of 750 or more
rated takeoff horsepower or the equivalent of that horsepower, and one or
more propellers capable of absorbing 750 or more rated takeoff shaft
horsepower) from time to time incorporated or installed in or attached or
appertaining to any thereof and subject or required or intended to be
subject to the Security Interest.
"Aircraft Registry" shall mean the Federal Aviation
Administration Aircraft Registry located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, or
such different office or location of said Registry, or the office of any
successor to said Registry, as may be duly designated by the Secretary of
Transportation (or his successor or designee) for receipt and recording of
"conveyances" (as defined in the Federal Aviation Act) to preserve and
protect their validity as against, and to publish notice to, third
parties.
"Applicable Prime Rate" shall mean in respect of any Prime
Rate Borrowing a fluctuating rate per annum (based on a year of 365 or 366
days, as the case may be, and actual days elapsed) equal to the sum of the
Prime Rate plus (i) 0.50% per annum for so long as the Leverage Ratio is
greater than 4.75, or (ii) 0% for so long as the Leverage Ratio is less
than or equal to 4.75.
"Appraised Value" shall mean (i) with respect to any of the
Aircraft that shall at the time be new or not more than one year old, the
purchase price thereof, as certified by the Company in Officers'
Certificates delivered to the Agent and the Banks at the times and under
the circumstances contemplated by this Agreement and (ii) with respect to
any of the Aircraft that shall at the time be more than one year old, the
purchase price thereof that would be agreed to in an arm's-length
transaction between an informed and willing buyer-user (other than a user
currently in possession or a used equipment or scrap dealer) and an
informed and willing seller under no compulsion to sell or lease (the
costs of removal from the location of current use being deductions from
such value), as specified by the Independent Appraiser (after consultation
with the Company and after such physical inspection, if any, of such
Aircraft as the Independent Appraiser shall deem to be necessary or
appropriate) in written opinions addressed and delivered to the Agent and
the Banks at the times and under the circumstances contemplated by this
Agreement. For the purpose of determining whether clause (i) or (ii) of
the first sentence of this definition of "Appraised Value" shall apply to
any particular Aircraft, the Aircraft in question shall be deemed to be
one year old upon the expiration of one year from the delivery by the
original manufacturer to, and acceptance by, the first user thereof (or
the person anticipated to be the first user thereof), whether or not the
Company shall have been such first user or other person. For the purpose
of determining the "Appraised Value" of any Aircraft that shall be new or
not more than one year old, the term "purchase price" with respect thereto
shall mean the actual purchase price thereof that shall appear on the
invoice issued by the manufacturer of said Aircraft and by the
manufacturer or distributor of any instruments or other equipment added
thereto after the date of the invoice issued by the manufacturer of said
Aircraft (excluding, however, any freight or transportation charges,
erection costs or other charges or costs that do not reflect the price of
materials and components used in the manufacture of said Aircraft or
instruments or equipment, whether or not such charges or costs shall be
separately stated on the invoice).
"Appropriate Actions" shall mean, with respect to the
inclusion of an Aviation Unit in the Security Interest, (a) filing or
causing to be filed a proper bill or bills of sale covering said
Aviation Unit (on FAA Form 8050-2, "Aircraft Bill of Sale", or on any
other appropriate form) in the Aircraft Registry and in any other public
office necessary for full compliance by the Company with the terms hereof;
(b) causing said Aviation Unit to be free and clear of all Liens (other
than Permitted Liens), making the appropriate filings, registrations and
recordings (including the filing of FAA Form 8050-41 and any appropriate
termination statements or releases) necessary to release any existing
Liens of record and otherwise causing said Aviation Unit to be in full
compliance with all the terms and provisions of this Agreement with the
same effect as if the same were a portion of the original Aircraft
described in this Agreement; (c) executing and delivering
any registration, recordation or filing documents and any other
appropriate security documentation as the Agent or any Creditor through
the Agent may request for the purpose of describing said Aviation Unit
(including all aircraft engines, airframes, propellers, rotors,
appliances, instruments, mechanisms, equipment (including communications
equipment), parts, apparatus, appurtenances and accessories) in reasonable
detail, and expressly and specifically subjecting the same to the
Security Interest; (d) delivering or causing to be delivered to the Agent
and each Creditor an opinion of counsel (dated the date of the filing for
recordation in the Aircraft Registry of the security documentation
referred to in clause (c) above) to the effect that the Company has good
and marketable title to said Aviation Unit free of all Liens (other than
Permitted Liens) and that said Aviation Unit has been duly subjected to
the Security Interest and constitutes a portion of the Collateral; and
(e) delivering to the Agent and each Creditor an Officers' Certificate
certifying that the Company is in full compliance with all provisions of
this Agreement with respect to the same.
"Aviation Unit" shall mean any engine-powered device that is
used or intended to be used for flight in the air and shall include within
each such device all aircraft engines, airframes, propellers, rotors,
appliances, instruments, mechanisms, equipment (including without
limitation communications equipment), parts, apparatus, appurtenances and
accessories from time to time incorporated or installed therein or
attached or appertaining thereto.
"Bank" and "Banks" shall have the meanings given such terms in
the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.
"Borrowing" shall mean a Term Loan Borrowing or a Revolving
Credit Borrowing.
"Borrowing Base" shall mean at any time an amount equal to (a)
(i) 80% of the amount of Eligible Receivables, plus (ii) 50% of the
Appraised Value of the Aircraft, plus (iii) the Value of Pledged
Investment Securities, plus (iv) 50% of the value of Eligible Parts
(valued at the lower of average cost or market), in which each of the
Creditors shall have a valid equal and ratable perfected first priority
Security Interest, pursuant to the Security Documents, minus (b) the
aggregate principal amount of the Term Loans, at the time of such
determination.
"Borrowing Base Certificate" shall mean an Officers'
Certificate in the form of Exhibit C attached hereto and made a part
hereof, with the blanks appropriately completed.
"Borrowing Date" shall mean, with respect to a Borrowing, the
date designated in a Notice of Borrowing with respect thereto upon which
the proceeds of such Borrowing are to be paid or delivered to the Company.
"Business Day" shall mean (a) for all purposes other than as
provided in clause (b) below, any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or
other day on which banking institutions in Dallas, Texas or New Orleans,
Louisiana are permitted or required by law or executive order to be closed
and (b) with respect to all notices and determinations in connection with
any borrowings consisting of payments of principal and interest in respect
of LIBOR Loans, any day that is a Business Day described in clause (a)
above and that is also a day for trading between prime banks in the London
interbank market.
"Capital Lease" shall mean with respect to any person any
lease which should, in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, be required to be capitalized on a balance sheet of the lessee
or, if not so capitalized, for which the amounts of the asset and
liability (had such lease been capitalized) be required to be disclosed in
a note to such a balance sheet.
"CERCLA" shall have the meaning given in the definition of
"Environmental Protection Statute."
"Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, and all regulations promulgated thereunder.
"Collateral" shall mean (a) the Aircraft, including all
substitutions, renewals and replacements of any portion thereof and all
additions, improvements, accessions and accumulations to any portion
thereof, whether now owned or held or hereafter acquired or now or from
time to time hereinafter incorporated or installed in or attached or
appertaining to any portion of the Aircraft (whether or not the same shall
be or remain incorporated or installed in or attached to any portion of
such property), whether now owned or held or hereafter acquired, (b) the
Receivables of the Company, (c) the Parts, (d) all Pledged Investment
Securities, (e) all estates, rights, power and privileges of the Company,
whether now held or enjoyed or hereafter acquired, in respect of any of
the foregoing and (f) any and all proceeds of the conversion, voluntary or
involuntary, of any portion of the property now or from time to time
hereafter subject or required or intended to be subject to the Security
Interest, into cash, negotiable instruments or other instruments for the
payment of money, chattel paper, security agreements, documents,
liquidated claims or any other form of proceeds, including proceeds of
insurance and of any governmental takings, subject, however, to the
further provisions of this Agreement and the Security Documents (it being
understood and agreed that the inclusion of proceeds in the Collateral
does not authorize the Company to sell, dispose of or otherwise use the
Collateral in a manner that is not expressly permitted by this Agreement
or the Security Documents).
"Collateral Chattel Mortgage (Parts)" shall mean that certain
Act of Collateral Chattel Mortgage (Parts) dated April 16, 1986 by the
Company affecting certain aircraft parts of the Company and recorded in
the chattel mortgage records of Lafayette Parish, Louisiana under Entry
No. 300228, in the chattel mortgage records of Jefferson Parish, Louisiana
under Entry No. 108980, in the chattel mortgage records of Cameron Parish,
Louisiana under Entry No. 199328, in the chattel mortgage records of
Vermilion Parish, Louisiana under Entry No. 861783, in the chattel
mortgage records of St. Mary Parish, Louisiana under Entry No. 276914, in
the chattel mortgage records of Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana under Entry
No. 779432, in the chattel mortgage records of Plaquemines Parish,
Louisiana in Chattel Mortgage Book 42, folio 2001, and in the chattel
mortgage records of Lafourche Parish, Louisiana under Entry No. 646530,
together with any and all supplements, modifications or amendments thereto
or restatements thereof.
"Collateral Mortgage Note (Parts)" shall mean that certain
Collateral Mortgage Note (Parts) made by the Company on April 16, 1986 in
the principal sum of $30,000,000.00, payable to Bearer, due on demand, and
secured by and paraphed for identification with the Collateral Chattel
Mortgage (Parts).
"Commitment" shall mean for each Bank, that Bank's
Ratable Share of $40,000,000, as such amount is reduced from time to time
pursuant to Section 2.10 and Section 3.02, less the amount of such Bank's
Ratable Share of the Permitted Letter of Credit Amount at such time.
"Commitment Fee" means a fee payable by the Company pursuant
to Subsection 2.07(a) in the amount of 0.375% (based on a year of 365 or
366 days, as the case may be, and actual days elapsed) on the daily
average unused amounts of the Commitments.
"Company" shall have the meaning given such term in the
introductory paragraph of this Agreement.
"Consolidated Current Assets" shall mean, as of the date of
determination thereof, the following assets of the Company and
Consolidated Subsidiaries, after eliminating all offsetting debits and
credits among the Company and Consolidated Subsidiaries and all other
items to be eliminated in the process of consolidation effected in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently
applied and after deducting from the value thereof appropriate reserves
against any thereof required to be created or maintained in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied: (a)
cash and cash items in any bank or trust company, on hand and in transit,
(b) spare parts and supplies (whether or not held for sale to customers in
the ordinary course of business), stated at the lower of average cost or
fair market value, (c) direct obligations of the United States Government
having a final maturity of not more than one year from the date of
original issuance thereof, stated at the lower of cost or current market
value, (d) commercial paper rated "Prime-1" by Moody's Investors Service,
Inc. or "A-1" by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group (or comparably rated by
either such organization or any successor thereto if the rating system of
such organization is changed or there is such a successor) and having a
final maturity of not more than nine months from the date of original
issuance thereof, stated at the lower of cost or current market value, (e)
time deposits in any bank or trust company organized under the laws of the
United States of America, any state thereof or the District of Columbia
(provided, however, that such bank or trust company is a member of the
Federal Reserve System and has a combined capital, surplus and undivided
profits in excess of $80,000,000), stated at the lower of cost or current
market value, (f) customers' accounts, bills and notes receivable, not
more than 90 days overdue, (g) such other Tangible Assets (but excluding
investments other than those included in Consolidated Current Assets by
clauses (c), (d) and (e) above and excluding real property in the process
of development or sale), and such insurance proceeds receivable within one
year after the date of determination of "Consolidated Current Assets", as,
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently
applied, would be included in current assets and (h) prepaid interest,
rents, insurance premiums and taxes which, in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles consistently applied, would be included in
current assets.
"Consolidated Current Liabilities" shall mean, as of the date
of determination thereof, the following obligations of the Company and
Consolidated Subsidiaries, after eliminating all offsetting debits and
credits among the Company and Consolidated Subsidiaries and all other
items to be eliminated in the process of consolidation effected in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently
applied: (a) all Indebtedness thereof payable on demand or maturing
within one year from the date of determination and not renewable or
extendible at the option of the obligor, under a revolving credit
agreement or otherwise, to a date more than one year from the date of
creation thereof, (b) final maturities, prepayments, sinking fund payments
and other payments required to be made within one year from the date of
determination in respect of any Indebtedness thereof (including the
Notes), (c) accounts, bills and notes payable and (d) all other items
(including taxes accrued as estimated) which, in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles consistently applied, would be included in
current liabilities.
"Consolidated Current Ratio" shall mean, for any accounting
period, the ratio obtained by dividing Consolidated Current Assets by
Consolidated Current Liabilities.
"Consolidated Indebtedness" shall mean, as of the date of
determination thereof, Indebtedness of the Company and Consolidated
Subsidiaries, after eliminating all offsetting debits and credits among
the Company and Consolidated Subsidiaries and all other items to be
eliminated in the process of consolidation effected in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied.
"Consolidated Interest Charges" shall mean, for any accounting
period, the total of interest and amortization of debt discount expense
and premium of all Consolidated Indebtedness, excluding, however,
obligations of the Company and the Consolidated Subsidiaries under all
Operating Leases.
"Consolidated Net Income" and "Consolidated Net Loss" shall
mean, for any accounting period, the consolidated net income or loss, as
the case may be, of the Company and Consolidated Subsidiaries determined
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently
applied, but in any event excluding (a) in calculating "Consolidated Net
Income", the following items:
(i) the earnings of any person (other than a Consolidated
Subsidiary) predecessor to the Company or any Consolidated
Subsidiary through merger, consolidation, sale of assets or
otherwise during the period prior to the date of determination, or
the earnings of any Consolidated Subsidiary prior to the date it
shall have become a Consolidated Subsidiary;
(ii) all items properly classified as extraordinary in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (provided,
however, that, irrespective of the classification of earnings or
losses derived from resales of helicopters by the Company or any
Consolidated Subsidiaries, such earnings or losses shall not be
considered as extraordinary for the purposes of this definition);
(iii) any equity in the earnings of any person other than a
Consolidated Subsidiary, except to the extent of any dividend
actually received by the Company from such person in cash or in
other tangible property (valued at the fair market value thereof at
the time of receipt thereof by the Company); and
(iv) any fees payable by the Company under Section 2.07(a);
and
(b) in calculating "Consolidated Net Loss", losses of any person other
than the Company or a Consolidated Subsidiary.
"Consolidated Subsidiary" or "Consolidated Subsidiaries" shall
mean a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries, respectively, whose financial
statements are prepared on a consolidated basis with those of the Company
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
"Consolidated Tangible Net Worth" shall mean, as of the date
of determination thereof, the sum of (a) the par value (or value stated on
the books of the Company) of all classes of the capital stock of the
Company and (b) the amount of the consolidated surplus, whether capital or
earned, of the Company and Consolidated Subsidiaries less all deferred
charges, patents, trade names, copyrights, licenses, franchises, goodwill,
acquisition expenses, unamortized debt discount and expense and other
intangible items, all determined in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles consistently applied.
"Conversion Date" shall mean October 31, 1998.
"Creditors" shall mean the Banks and any and all Swap
Providers.
"Default" shall mean any of the events specified in
Subsections 10.01(a) through 10.01(m), whether or not any requirement in
connection with such event for the giving of notice, or the lapse of time,
or the happening of any further condition, event or act has been
satisfied.
"Direct Expenses" shall mean all expenses incurred by the
Company and the Consolidated Subsidiaries in the operation of their
respective helicopter fleets determined in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles consistently applied excluding (a)
depreciation and amortization, (b) lease rental expense arising under
Operating Leases, (c) general and administrative expenses, (d) interest
expense and (e) profit sharing plan contributions.
"Dollars" and "$" shall mean lawful currency of the United
States of America.
"Effective Date" shall have the meaning given such term in the
introductory paragraph of this Agreement.
"Eligible Parts" shall mean all Parts on the books of account
of the Company on the date any determination is made, located within the
State of Texas or the State of Louisiana, and in which the Agent shall
have a perfected first priority security interest for the benefit of the
Creditors.
"Eligible Receivables" shall mean Receivables of the Company
carried on its books of account which, on the date as of which the
determination is being made (a) arose in the ordinary course of business,
(b) arose from the sale or lease of goods or performance of services by
the Company, (c) are evidenced by an "Invoice" (i.e., an invoice, shipping
order or similar writing) dated no later than the last day of the calendar
month in which the sale or lease of goods or performance of services
occurred, and which Invoice provides for payment within 30 days or less
from the date of such Invoice, (d) are not subject to set-off,
counterclaim or defense, (e) are not more than 90 days old, (f) are
payable by persons other than any person who is an officer or a director
of the Company or an officer or director of an Affiliate, (g) are not
payable by the United States of America or any agency or department
thereof, and (h) does not by its terms prohibit the assignment thereof or
require the consent of the obligor thereon to any assignment thereof;
provided, however, Receivables of the Company due from persons who are
Affiliates or persons located outside the United States shall not
constitute in the aggregate more than 10% of the Eligible Receivables; and
further, provided, that if any Receivable of the Company is more than 90
days old, upon receipt by the Company of a notice from the Agent, acting
at the request of the Majority Banks, specifying that no Receivables of
the Company due from the obligor of such Receivable be included as an
Eligible Receivable, no such Receivable of the Company shall be included
as an Eligible Receivable unless the prior written consent of the Majority
Banks is obtained. For purposes of this Agreement, a Receivable is 90
days old on the 90th day after the date of the Invoice evidencing such
Receivable, and the age of any other Receivable is likewise the number of
days since the date of its Invoice.
"Environmental Protection Statute" means (a) the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (as amended
by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, 42 U.S.C.A.
S 9601 et seq.), as amended from time to time, and any and all rules and
regulations issued or promulgated thereunder ("CERCLA"); (b) the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act, (as amended by the Hazardous and Solid
Waste Amendment of 1984, 42 U.S.C.A. S 6901 et seq.), as amended from time
to time, and any and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder
("RCRA"); (c) the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C.A. S 7401 et seq., as amended
from time to time, and any and all rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder; (d) the Clean Water Act of 1977, 33 U.S.C.A. S 1251 et seq.,
as amended from time to time, and any and all rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder; (e) the Toxic Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C.A.
S 2601 et seq., as amended from time to time, and any and all rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder; or (f) any other federal or state law,
statute, rule, or regulation enacted in connection with or relating to the
protection or regulation of the environment (including, without
limitation, those laws, statutes, rules, and regulations regulating the
disposal, removal, production, storing, refining, handling, transferring,
processing, or transporting of Hazardous Materials) and any rules and
regulations issued or promulgated in connection with any of the foregoing
by any governmental authority, and "Environmental Protection Statutes"
means each of the foregoing.
"ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
of 1974, as amended from time to time, and the regulations promulgated and
rulings issued thereunder.
"ERISA Affiliate" shall mean any Subsidiary or trade or
business (whether or not incorporated) which is a member of a group of
which the Company is a member and which is under common control within the
meaning of Section 414 of the Code (such rules and regulations shall also
be deemed to apply to foreign corporations and entities).
"Event of Default" shall mean any of the events specified in
Subsections 10.01(a) through 10.01(m), provided that there has been
satisfied any requirement in connection with such event for the giving of
notice, or the lapse of time, or the happening of any further condition,
event or act.
"Event of Loss" shall mean any of the following events: (a)
the total destruction of any helicopter or other Aviation Unit
constituting a portion of the Aircraft, or damage thereto to an extent
which, in the opinion of the Company (as evidenced by an Officers'
Certificate to such effect delivered to the Agent with a copy to each
Bank, together with, if requested by any Bank, a certificate of the
Independent Appraiser addressed and delivered to the Agent with a copy to
each Bank), shall render repair impracticable or uneconomical; or (b) the
condemnation, confiscation, theft or seizure of, or the requisition of
title to or use of, any such helicopter or other Aviation Unit
constituting a portion of the Aircraft, or any portion thereof, as shall
result in the loss of use or possession of such helicopter or other
Aviation Unit by the Company for a period of 90 days or longer.
"Federal Aviation Act" shall mean the Federal Aviation Act of
1958, as amended and in effect at the particular time, or comparable
provisions of any successor statute.
"FNBC" shall have the meaning given such term in the
introductory paragraph of this Agreement.
"Funded Indebtedness" shall mean, with respect to any person,
all Indebtedness for Money Borrowed of such person which has a final
maturity (or, pursuant to the terms of the agreement under which it has
been issued, an anticipated maturity) more than one year after the date of
creation thereof (or which is renewable or extendible at the option of the
obligor for more than one year from the date of creation thereof), and
shall include the obligation of such person to make payments in respect
thereof required to be made less than one year after the date of creation
thereof, notwithstanding the fact that the obligation of such person to
make such payments may at the time also be included in current liabilities
under generally accepted accounting principles.
"General Assignment of Accounts Receivable" shall mean that
certain General Assignment of Accounts Receivable dated April 16, 1986,
executed by the Company as Assignor, which constituted a pledge and
assignment by the Company to the Original Banks of all of the Company's
Receivables then existing and all future anticipated Receivables, together
with all proceeds thereof, together with any and all supplements,
modifications or amendments thereto or restatements thereof.
"Guaranty" shall mean, with respect to any person, without
duplication for such person, all obligations of such person guaranteeing
or in effect guaranteeing any Indebtedness, dividend or other obligation
of any other person (the "primary obligor") in any manner, whether
directly or indirectly, including obligations incurred through an
agreement, contingent or otherwise, by such person (a) to purchase such
Indebtedness or obligation or any property or assets constituting security
therefor, (b) to advance or supply funds (i) for the purchase or payment
of such Indebtedness or obligation or (ii) to maintain working capital or
equity capital, or otherwise to advance or make available funds for the
purchase or payment of such Indebtedness or obligation, (c) to purchase
property, securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the
owner of such Indebtedness or obligation of the ability of the primary
obligor to make payment of such Indebtedness or obligation or (d)
otherwise to assure the owner of such Indebtedness or obligation against
loss in respect thereof; provided, however, that, with respect to the
Company, the term "Guaranty" shall not be construed to include obligations
of the Company under provisions of any flight service agreement between
the Company and a customer whereby the Company indemnifies such customer
against tort claims for injury to persons or loss of property arising
thereunder, or against contract claims where the maximum amount of the
Company's liability is not indicated (whether directly or by implication).
"Hazardous Materials" shall mean (a) any "hazardous waste" as
defined by RCRA, (b) any "hazardous substance" as defined by CERCLA,
(c) asbestos, (d) polychlorinated biphenyls, (e) any substance the
presence of which on any of the Company's or any of the Subsidiaries'
properties is prohibited by any government, board, court, agency, or
political subdivision thereof, and (f) any other substance which requires
special handling pursuant to any Environmental Protection Statute.
"Hibernia" shall mean Hibernia National Bank (formerly known
as Hibernia National Bank in New Orleans).
"Highest Lawful Rate" shall mean, as of a particular date and
with respect to any Bank, the maximum nonusurious interest rate that may
under applicable Federal and Texas law then be contracted for, charged,
received, taken or reserved by such Bank in connection with the
Borrowings.
"Indebtedness" shall mean, with respect to any person, all
items (other than capital stock and surplus) which, in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied, would be
shown on the liability side of a balance sheet of such person as of the
date on which Indebtedness is to be determined. Except as otherwise
agreed in writing by the Majority Banks, "Indebtedness" shall also mean,
whether or not so reflected, (a) all debt, obligations and liabilities
secured by any Lien existing on property owned by such person if such
property shall be subject to such Lien, whether or not the debt,
obligations or liabilities secured thereby shall have been assumed; (b)
all obligations of such person under any lease which is a Capital Lease or
any lease which, whether or not such lease is a Capital Lease, contains
terms that require the payment of lease rentals whether or not the
property leased thereunder shall exist or can be used for the purpose for
which it shall have been leased, or provide for a termination payment
calculated to be sufficient to retire any debt, obligations or liabilities
secured by a Lien on such lease or on the property leased thereunder; (c)
all guaranties by such person; (d) all obligations of such person to
purchase any materials, supplies or other property, or to obtain the
services of any other person, if the relevant contract or other related
document requires that payment for such materials, supplies or other
property, or for such services, shall be made regardless of whether or not
delivery of such materials, supplies or other property is ever made or
tendered or such services are ever performed or tendered; and (e) all
obligations of such person (contingent or direct) in respect of letters of
credit issued for the account of such person or other extensions of credit
to such person.
"Indebtedness for Money Borrowed" shall mean, with respect to
any person, all Indebtedness of such person (a) in respect of money
borrowed or evidenced by a promissory note, debenture or other like
written obligation to pay money, (b) in respect of letters of credit
issued for the account of such person or other extensions of credit to
such person, (c) in respect of obligations under any lease of Aviation
Units which is a Capital Lease or any lease of Aviation Units which,
whether or not such lease is a Capital Lease, contains terms that require
the payment of lease rentals whether or not the property leased thereunder
shall exist or can be used for the purpose for which it shall have been
leased, or provide for a termination payment calculated to be sufficient
to retire any debt, obligations or liabilities secured by a Lien on such
lease or on the property leased thereunder, (d) representing all or part
of the purchase price of any assets acquired by such person, other than
any such purchase price payable to a trade creditor in the ordinary course
of business the full payment of which may be deferred for a period
customary in the particular trade (but in any event not exceeding 60 days)
and which is not rendered delinquent by nonpayment before the expiration
of such period and (e) in respect of obligations of such person to
purchase any Aviation Units if the relevant contract or other related
document requires that payment for such Aviation Units shall be made
regardless of whether or not delivery of such Aviation Units is ever made
or tendered.
"Independent Appraiser" shall mean (a) Air Associates, Inc.,
so long as the same shall not be an Affiliate or have as an officer or
director any Affiliate, an officer or director of the Company or an
officer, director or partner of any Affiliate, or (b) such other person
who or which is neither an Affiliate, an officer or director of the
Company nor an officer, director or partner of any Affiliate and which, if
other than an individual, does not have as an officer, director or partner
any Affiliate, an officer or director of the Company or an officer,
director or partner of any Affiliate, if the same shall have been selected
by the Company and shall be acceptable to the Majority Banks; provided,
however, that the Majority Banks may for cause shown at any time and from
time to time remove any person serving as the Independent Appraiser
hereunder by an instrument in writing delivered to the Company, such
removal to become effective at the time (which shall be after the date of
delivery of such instrument to the Company) designated in such instrument.
"Interest Payment Date" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 2.04.
"Investment Securities" shall mean direct certificated
obligations of the United States Government maturing within three months
of issue, or such other certificated obligations of, or guaranteed by, the
United States Government which are acceptable to the Banks.
"Issuing Bank" means NationsBank, in its capacity as issuer of
the Permitted Letters of Credit.
"Letter of Credit Reimbursement Agreement" means, with respect
to a Permitted Letter of Credit, such form of application therefor and
form of reimbursement agreement therefor (whether in a single or several
documents, taken together) as the Issuing Bank may employ in the ordinary
course of business for its own account, whether or not providing for
collateral security, with such modifications thereto as may be agreed upon
by such Issuing Bank and the account party and as are not materially
adverse to the interests of any Bank or the Agent; provided, however, in
the event of any conflict between the terms of any Letter of Credit
Reimbursement Agreement and this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement
shall control.
"Leverage Ratio" means, for any period of four consecutive
fiscal quarters of the Company, a quotient equal to (a) the sum of (i)
Funded Indebtedness of the Company and the Consolidated Subsidiaries as of
the last day of such period, and (ii) the product of (A) eight and (B)
Rent Expense for such period, divided by (b) the greater of $1 or the sum
of (i) Consolidated Net Income (or Consolidated Net Loss, as the case may
be) for such period, and, (ii) to the extent actually deducted in
computing such Consolidated Net Income (or Consolidated Net Loss), (A)
Consolidated Interest Charges for such period, (B) depreciation and
amortization expense of the Company and the Consolidated Subsidiaries for
such period, (C) tax expense of the Company and the Consolidated
Subsidiaries for such period, and (D) Rent Expense for such period.
"LIBOR" means, with respect to any Rate Period relating to a
LIBOR Loan, a per annum rate equal to the annual rate of interest
determined by the Agent two Business Days prior to the first day of such
Rate Period to be the annual rate of interest at which deposits in Dollars
and in an amount substantially equal to such LIBOR Loan are offered by the
principal office of the Agent to prime banks in the London interbank
market for such Rate Period.
"LIBOR Interest Payment Date" shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 2.04.
"LIBOR Loan" means the outstanding principal amount of any
Loan that, during the Rate Period relating thereto, bears interest at the
lesser of (i) the LIBOR Rate applicable during such Rate Period, and (ii)
the Highest Lawful Rate in effect from time to time during such Rate
Period.
"LIBOR Margin" means a rate per annum equal to (i) 1.50% per
annum for so long as the Leverage Ratio is greater than 4.75, (ii) 1.375%
per annum for so long as the Leverage Ratio is greater than 4.50 but less
than or equal to 4.75, (iii) 1.250% per annum for so long as the Leverage
Ratio is greater than 4.25 but less than or equal to 4.50, (iv) 1.125% per
annum for so long as the Leverage Ratio is greater than 4.00 but less than
or equal to 4.25, or (v) 1.00% per annum for so long as the Leverage Ratio
is less than or equal to 4.00.
"LIBOR Rate" means, with respect to any Rate Period, a per
annum rate equal to the sum of (i) (x) LIBOR for such Rate Period divided
by (y) 100% minus the LIBOR Reserve Percentage, and (ii) the LIBOR Margin
applicable two Business Days prior to the first day of such Rate Period.
"LIBOR Reserve Percentage" means, with respect to any Rate
Period, the percentage determined by the Agent to be the reserve
requirement in effect for the Agent from time to time during such Rate
Period, including any basic, supplemental and emergency reserves
(expressed as a percentage) applicable to a member bank of the Federal
Reserve System in respect of "eurocurrency liabilities" under Regulation D
of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
"Lien" shall mean any interest in property securing an
obligation owed to, or a claim by, any person other than the owner of the
property, whether such interest shall be based on the common law, statute
or contract, and including the security interest lien arising from a
mortgage, encumbrance, pledge, conditional sale or trust receipt, or from
a lease, consignment or bailment for security purposes. "Lien" shall also
include reservations, exceptions, encroachments, easements, rights-of-way,
covenants, conditions, restrictions, leases and other title exceptions and
encumbrances affecting property. For the purposes of this Agreement, the
Company or any Subsidiary, as the case may be, shall be deemed to be the
owner of any property which it shall have acquired or shall hold subject
to a conditional sale agreement or other arrangement pursuant to which
title to the property shall have been retained by or vested in some other
person for security purposes.
"Loans" shall mean the Term Loans and the Revolving Credit
Loans.
"Louisiana Security Agreement" shall mean that certain Amended
and Restated Security Agreement, dated as of March 31, 1997, executed by
the Company, as Grantor, to the Agent as Secured Party, for the benefit of
NationsBank (in its capacity as a Bank and as a Swap Provider), Whitney,
FNBC and any other Swap Providers, granting a security interest in the
collateral described therein, then existing or thereafter acquired,
wherever located, with any and all supplements, modifications or
amendments thereto or restatements thereof.
"Majority Banks" shall mean, as of the date of determination
thereof, Banks holding 100% of both (a) the Ratable Shares and (b) any
unreimbursed Permitted Letter of Credit Amounts.
"Modified Cash Flow Coverage" shall mean, for any accounting
period, Consolidated Net Income, plus Federal and state taxes measured on
income of the Company and Consolidated Subsidiaries, plus Consolidated
Interest Charges, plus lease expense of the Company and Consolidated
Subsidiaries, plus depreciation and amortization of the Company and
Consolidated Subsidiaries, for such period, determined in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles, divided by an amount equal to
the sum of all payments of principal on Consolidated Indebtedness, plus
Consolidated Interest Charges, plus lease expense of the Company and
Consolidated Subsidiaries, required to be made during such period under
the terms governing such Consolidated Indebtedness, Consolidated Interest
Charges and lease expense, regardless of whether such payments or expenses
were actually paid by the Company or its Consolidated Subsidiaries during
such period or instead were prepaid during an earlier period or postponed
until a later period.
"Multiemployer Plan" shall mean a "multiemployer plan" as
defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, Section 414 of the Code or
Section 3(37) of ERISA (or any similar type of plan established or
regulated under the laws of any foreign country) to which the Company or
any ERISA Affiliate is making or accruing, or has made or accrued an
obligation to make, contributions.
"Multiple Employer Plan" shall mean any employer benefit plan
within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA, other than a Multiemployer
Plan, subject to Title IV of ERISA, to which the Company or any ERISA
Affiliate and an employer other than an ERISA Affiliate or the Company
contribute.
"Note" shall mean a Term Note or a Revolving Credit Note.
"Notice of Assignment" shall mean that certain Notice of
Assignment dated April 16, 1986 executed by the Company, as Assignor, and
Republic, TCB, FNBC, Whitney and Hibernia, as Assignee, and recorded in
the Conveyance Book 1455, Folio 0042 of the records of Jefferson Parish,
Louisiana, and in the conveyance records of Lafayette Parish, Louisiana
under file number 86-12558, together with any and all supplements,
modifications, or amendments thereto or restatements thereof.
"Notice of Borrowing" shall have the meaning given such term
in Section 2.03.
"Notice of Conversion or Continuation" shall have the meaning
set forth in Subsection 2.12(b).
"Notice of Election" shall have the meaning given such term in
Subsection 9.02(a).
"Office of the Agent" shall mean the office of the Agent
located at 901 Main Street, Dallas, Texas 75201, or at such other office
of the Agent as the Agent may from time to time specify in a notice to the
parties hereto.
"Officers' Certificate" shall mean a certificate signed in the
name of the Company by the Chairman of the Board, the Vice Chairman of the
Board, the President or any Vice President and by any other Vice
President, the Treasurer, the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary or
Assistant Treasurer of the Company.
"Operating Lease" shall mean any lease other than a Capital
Lease.
"Original Banks" shall mean TCB, Hibernia and Republic,
collectively.
"Parts" shall mean, until installed in any Aviation Unit, all
aircraft engines, propellers, rotors, appliances, tires, airframes, spare
parts, radios and other communication equipment together with all other
aircraft appliances, instruments, mechanisms, apparatus, appurtenances,
accessories and parts or components thereof, of the Company wherever
maintained, now or hereafter existing, whether acquired by purchase or
otherwise and whether held by the Company for use in its business or held
by the Company for sale or lease or to be furnished by the Company under
contracts of service, and all proceeds and products thereof and
accessories thereto.
"PBGC" shall mean the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or
any successor thereto.
"PBGC Plan" shall mean any Plan subject to Title IV of ERISA.
"Permitted Letter of Credit Amount" shall mean that amount
which any Bank has paid, or may be required to pay, to the beneficiary of
any Permitted Letter of Credit, pursuant to the terms thereof when issued.
"Permitted Letters of Credit" shall have the meaning given
such term in Section 2.14.
"Permitted Liens" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
8.05.
"person" shall mean an individual, partnership, corporation,
trust, unincorporated organization or a government or any department or
agency thereof.
"Pledge of Collateral Mortgage Note (Parts)" shall mean that
Act of Pledge of the Collateral Mortgage Note (Parts) by the Company dated
April 16, 1986, together with any and all supplements, modifications or
amendments thereto or restatements thereof.
"Pledged Investment Securities" shall mean all Investment
Securities of the Company now or from time to time hereafter delivered to
the Agent and in which the Agent for the equal and ratable benefit of the
Creditors shall have a valid and perfected first priority security
interest pursuant to a Security Pledge Agreement.
"Prime Rate" shall mean a fluctuating rate per annum (based on
a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, and actual days elapsed)
equal on any given day to the prime rate most recently announced by the
Agent, which Prime Rate shall automatically fluctuate, without special
notice to the Company or any other person, upward and downward as and in
the amount by which such prime rate shall fluctuate. The Prime Rate is
set by the Agent as a general reference rate of interest, taking into
account such factors as the Agent may deem appropriate. The Prime Rate is
not necessarily the lowest or best rate actually charged to any customer,
and such rate may not correspond with future increases or decreases in
interest rates charged by other lenders or market rates in general. The
Agent and any of the Banks may make various business or other loans at
rates of interest having no relationship to the Prime Rate. Without
notice to the Company or any other person, the Prime Rate shall change
automatically from time to time, as determined by the Agent, subject
always to limitation to the Highest Lawful Rate.
"Prime Rate Interest Payment Date" shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 2.04.
"Prime Rate Loan" means the outstanding principal amount of
any Loan that bears interest at the lesser of (i) the Applicable Prime
Rate and (ii) the Highest Lawful Rate in effect from time to time.
"Prior Amended and Restated Loan Agreement" shall have the
meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.
"Ratable Share" shall mean, in the case of NationsBank, 37.5%,
in the case of Whitney, 37.5%, and in the case of FNBC, 25%.
"Rate Period" means with respect to any LIBOR Loan, the period
commencing on the date of Borrowing applicable to such LIBOR Loan under
Section 2.03 (or with respect to the outstanding principal amount of any
Loan that is to be converted to, or continued as, a LIBOR Loan, the date
of such conversion or continuation) and ending 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9 or 12
months thereafter, as the Company may specify in the Request for Borrowing
or the Notice of Conversion or Continuation, as the case may be;
provided, all of the foregoing provisions relating to Rate
Periods are subject to the following:
(1) if any Rate Period would otherwise end on a day that is
not a Business Day, such Rate Period shall be extended to the next
succeeding Business Day unless the result of such extension would be
to carry such Rate Period into another calendar month in which event
such Rate Period shall end on the immediately preceding Business
Day;
(2) any Rate Period that would otherwise extend beyond the
Termination Date shall end on the Termination Date;
(3) any Rate Period that begins on the last Business Day of
a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically
corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Rate
Period) shall end on the last Business Day of a calendar month;
(4) the Company shall use reasonable efforts to select Rate
Periods so as not to require a payment or prepayment of any LIBOR
Loan during a Rate Period for such Loan;
(5) the early termination provisions set forth in Subsection
2.13(e); and
(6) the Company may not select any Rate Period which ends
after any quarterly payment of principal pursuant to Section 2.01(b)
or Section 2.02(b) unless, after giving effect to such selection,
the Company would be able to make such payment without violation of
the next to the last sentence of Subsection 3.01(b).
"RCRA" shall have the meaning given in the definition of
"Environmental Protection Statute".
"Receivables" shall mean, with respect to any person, all
Indebtedness presently existing or hereafter owing to such person in
connection with such person's business, profession, occupation, or
undertaking that is carried on wholly or partly in the State of Louisiana,
including, but not limited to the sale of goods or the performance of
services or the leasing of property, together with all proceeds thereof;
excluding, however any indebtedness due to or arising out of claims
in tort and indebtedness evidenced by a promissory note or a negotiable
instrument.
"Reimbursement Obligations" means the reimbursement or
repayment obligations of the Company to the Issuing Banks pursuant to
this Agreement or the Letter of Credit Reimbursement Agreements with
respect to Permitted Letters of Credit issued for the account of the
Company.
"Rent Expense" means, for any period, all rental expenses of
the Company and the Consolidated Subsidiaries for such period (other than
rental expenses under Capital Leases), including without limitation,
rental expense for leases of real, personal or intangible property of the
Company and each Consolidated Subsidiary.
"Reportable Event" shall have the meaning assigned to that
term in Section 4043 (excluding Subsection (b)(7) and (b)(9)) of ERISA.
"Republic" shall mean First RepublicBank Houston, N.A.
(formerly known as RepublicBank Houston, N.A.)
"Request for Borrowing" shall have the meaning given such term
in Section 6.02.
"Responsible Officer" means any Senior Vice President within
the Southwest Corporate Division of the Agent.
"Restricted Payment" shall mean any payment in cash, property
or other assets upon or in respect of any shares of any class of capital
stock of the Company, including payments as dividends and payments for the
purpose of purchasing, retiring or redeeming any such shares of stock (or
any warrants or options evidencing a right to purchase any such shares of
stock) or making any other distribution in respect of any such shares of
stock, excluding, however, any dividends payable solely in common stock of
the Company and excluding any stock split whereby the issued shares of any
existing class or series of common stock of the Company are changed into
a greater or smaller number of shares of the same class or series and no
other consideration is distributed to shareholders; provided, however,
that the amount of any Restricted Payment in the nature of a dividend
declared or other payment or distribution made in property other than cash
shall be deemed to be the greater of net book value or fair market value
of such property at the time of declaration (in the case of dividends) or,
in other cases, at the time of payment or distribution, as the case
may be.
"Revolving Credit Borrowing" shall mean a borrowing consisting
of a simultaneous Revolving Credit Loan from each Bank.
"Revolving Credit Loan" shall have the meaning given such term
in Subsection 2.02(a).
"Revolving Credit Note" shall mean a note, substantially in
the form attached hereto as Exhibit A-2, evidencing the Revolving Credit
Loans made by a Bank, including all renewals, extensions, modifications,
amendments, rearrangements and replacements thereof.
"Securities Pledge Agreement" shall have the meaning given
such term in Section 9.02(a)(i).
"Security Agreement - Parts" shall mean that certain Amended
and Restated Security Agreement dated as of August 1, 1988, executed by
the Company, as Grantor, to NCNB Texas National Bank, as Secured Party,
for the equal and ratable benefit of itself, Whitney and FNBC covering all
of the Collateral (as defined therein) then existing or thereafter
acquired and located within the State of Texas, together with any and all
supplements, modifications or amendments thereto or restatements thereof.
"Security Documents" shall mean the Collateral Chattel
Mortgage (Parts), the Collateral Mortgage Note (Parts), the General
Assignment of Accounts Receivable, the Notice of Assignment, the Pledge of
the Collateral Mortgage Note (Parts), the Security Agreement - Parts, each
Securities Pledge Agreement, the Louisiana Security Agreement, and all
other documents, agreements, instruments, financing statements, financing
statement changes and continuation statements heretofore, now or hereafter
executed or delivered by any person in connection with, or as security for
the payment of the Loans and the obligations of the Company pursuant to
the Swap Agreement.
"Security Interest" means, with reference to the Collateral
(or any portion thereof), mortgages, liens, security interests, charges or
other encumbrances created by the Company in favor of the Banks and the
Creditors, as the case may be, and held by the Agent for their respective
equal and ratable benefit pursuant to the Security Documents.
"Swap Agreement" shall mean any interest rate protection
agreement, interest rate futures contract, interest rate option, interest
rate cap or other interest rate hedge arrangement, on terms and conditions
satisfactory to the Majority Banks at the inception of such interest rate
protection agreement, interest rate futures contract, interest rate
option, interest rate cap or other interest rate hedge arrangement, to or
which the Company is a party or a beneficiary, together with all schedules
thereto and the confirmations thereunder, as may be further amended,
modified, restated or supplemented (including, without limitation,
amendments, modifications, restatements or supplements which have the
effect of increasing the notional amount, liabilities or obligations
thereunder).
"Swap Provider" shall mean any Bank, or any affiliate of such
Bank, satisfactory to the Majority Banks at the time such Bank or
affiliate initially enters into its Swap Agreement with the Company,
which is a party to a Swap Agreement and has agreed in writing to be bound
by the terms of this Agreement.
"Subsidiary" shall mean any corporation of which at least a
majority of the Voting Stock is at the time directly or indirectly owned
by the Company. Anything to the contrary herein notwithstanding, the
ownership of Voting Stock of another corporation by any officers or
directors of the Company shall not, of itself, constitute indirect
ownership of such Voting Stock by the Company.
"Tangible Assets" shall mean, with respect to any person, all
assets of such person (after deducting applicable reserves for
depreciation and all other reserves properly deductible from the value of
such assets in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles)
except (a) deferred assets, (b) patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade
names, franchises and goodwill, (c) unamortized debt discount and expense
and (d) all other items generally regarded as intangibles in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles.
"TCB" shall mean Texas Commerce Bank National Association.
"Term Loan Borrowing" shall mean a borrowing consisting of a
simultaneous Term Loan from each Bank.
"Term Loan Note" shall mean a note, substantially in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit A-1, evidencing the Term Loan made by a Bank,
including all renewals, extensions, modifications, amendments,
rearrangements and replacements thereof.
"Term Loans" shall have the meaning given such term in
Subsection 2.01(a).
"Termination Date" shall have the meaning given such term in
Subsection 2.01(b).
"Trade Payables" shall mean, with respect to any person, the
accounts payable or trade indebtedness payable by such person in respect
of goods or services acquired by such person on a recurring basis and
classified as accounts or trade indebtedness payable on the balance sheet
of such person in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
consistently applied.
"Value of Pledged Investment Securities" shall mean the value
of all Pledged Investment Securities valued at the lower of cost or market
value as of the date of the applicable Borrowing Base Certificate.
"Voting Stock" shall mean the stock of a corporation the
holders of which are ordinarily, in the absence of contingencies, entitled
to elect a majority of the corporate directors (or persons performing
similar functions).
"Whitney" shall have the meaning given such term in the
introductory paragraph.
"Wholly-owned Subsidiary" shall mean any Subsidiary 100% of
the stock of every class of which (except for directors' qualifying
shares) at the time as of which any determination is being made, is owned,
directly or indirectly, by the Company.
1.02 Other Definitional Provisions. All accounting terms used in
this Agreement which are not expressly defined herein shall be construed
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United
States consistently applied, and all financial data submitted pursuant to
this Agreement shall be prepared in accordance with such principles. All
references to "Sections", "Subsections", "Articles", "Exhibits" and
"Schedules" shall be to sections, subsections, articles, exhibits and
schedules, respectively, of this Agreement unless otherwise specifically
provided. Unless otherwise specifically provided for herein, the term
"or" shall not be deemed to be exclusive.
2. THE LOANS.
2.01 Term Loans.
(a) Upon the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement, each Bank agrees to renew, modify and extend the loans made by
it to the Company pursuant to the Prior Amended and Restated Loan
Agreement and to convert $40,000,000 of such loans to principal
outstanding under a term facility (the "Term Loans"). After giving effect
to the foregoing, each Bank's Term Loan shall be evidenced by a Term Loan
Note, payable to the order of such Bank in installments and bearing
interest payable (except as otherwise provided in Article 3) on each
Interest Payment Date and on the date when such Term Loan is paid in full
at the rate or rates set forth in Section 2.04. The conversion of the
indebtedness due to each Bank under the loans made to the Company pursuant
to the Prior Amended and Restated Loan Agreement into the Term Loans under
the terms of this Agreement, shall not effect a novation of, but shall be,
to the fullest extent applicable, in modification, renewal, extension,
rearrangement and replacement of, the loans made by the Banks to the
Company pursuant to the Prior Amended and Restated Loan Agreement.
(b) The aggregate principal amount of the Term Loans shall
be payable in quarterly installments each in an amount equal to (i) for
all quarterly installments prior to October 31, 2003 (the "Termination
Date"), $1,000,000 and (ii) for the quarterly installment due on the
Termination Date, $14,000,000, which quarterly installments shall be
payable on the last day of each January, April, July and October of each
year, commencing April 30, 1997 and ending on the first such date on which
the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Term Loans shall be paid in
full by reason of quarterly installments paid as aforesaid and any
prepayments made pursuant to Article 3 or otherwise (but in any event no
later than the Termination Date).
(c) Each Bank shall post on a schedule attached to its Term
Loan Note or in records relating to its Term Loan Note (i) the rate of
interest such Term Loan will bear and (ii) each payment of principal and
interest thereon; provided, however, that neither the failure to make any
such postings nor any inaccuracy therein shall affect the Company's
obligations under any Term Loan Note or this Agreement. The information
set forth on such schedule shall be rebuttably presumptive evidence of the
matters described in the immediately preceding sentence.
2.02 Revolving Credit Loans.
(a) Upon the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement, each Bank agrees to renew, modify and extend the loans made by
it to the Company pursuant to the Prior Amended and Restated Loan
Agreement and to convert $17,500,000 of such loans to principal
outstanding under a revolving credit facility that will be used for
general corporate purposes, for funding the Company's purchase of
additional Aviation Units and for funding other capital expenditures and
that will convert into a term facility on the Conversion Date (the
"Revolving Credit Loans"), and to make additional Revolving Credit Loans
to the Company as part of Revolving Credit Borrowings hereunder on any one
or more Business Days on or after March 31, 1997 to but not including the
Conversion Date, up to an aggregate principal amount not exceeding at any
one time outstanding its Commitment, subject to the provisions of Section
8.16. After giving effect to the foregoing, each Bank's Revolving Credit
Loans shall be evidenced by a Revolving Credit Note, payable to the order
of such Bank in installments and bearing interest payable (except as
otherwise provided in Article 3) on each Interest Payment Date and on the
date when such Revolving Credit Loan is paid in full at the rate or rates
set forth in Section 2.04. Within the limits set forth above and subject
to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company may repay or
prepay the Revolving Credit Loans pursuant to Article 3 and prior to, but
not on or after the Conversion Date, borrow and reborrow under this
Subsection 2.02(a). On and after the Conversion Date, the Commitments of
the Banks are no longer revolving in nature and amounts repaid or prepaid
may not be reborrowed. The conversion of the indebtedness due to
each Bank under the loans made to the Company pursuant to the Prior
Amended and Restated Loan Agreement into the Revolving Credit Loans under
the terms of this Agreement, shall not effect a novation of, but shall be,
to the fullest extent applicable, in modification, renewal, extension,
rearrangement and replacement of, the loans made by the Banks to the
Company pursuant to the Prior Amended and Restated Loan Agreement.
(b) The aggregate principal amount of the Revolving Credit
Loans shall be payable in quarterly installments each in an amount equal
to 5% of the aggregate principal amount of the Revolving Credit Loans
outstanding as of the Conversion Date, which quarterly installments shall
be payable on the last day of each January, April, July and October of
each year, commencing January 31, 1999 and ending on the first such date
(after the Conversion Date) on which the aggregate unpaid principal amount
of the Revolving Credit Loans shall be paid in full by reason of quarterly
installments paid as aforesaid and any prepayments made pursuant to
Subsection 3.02(b) and 3.02(c) or otherwise (but in any event no later
than the Termination Date).
(c) Each Bank shall post on a schedule attached to its
Revolving Credit Note or in records relating to its Revolving Credit Note
(i) the date and principal amount of each Revolving Credit Loan, (ii) the
rate of interest each such Revolving Credit Loan will bear, and (iii) each
payment of principal and interest thereon; provided, however, that neither
the failure to make any such postings nor any inaccuracy therein shall
affect the Company's obligations under any Revolving Credit Note or this
Agreement. The information set forth on such schedule shall be rebuttably
presumptive evidence of the matters described in the immediately preceding
sentence.
2.03 Borrowing Procedure.
(a) With the exception of the Loans made on the Effective
Date, the Loans under Sections 2.01 and 2.02 shall be made upon at least
three (3) full Business Days' prior notice from the Company to the Agent
and each Bank (a "Notice of Borrowing"). Each such Notice of Borrowing
shall specify (i) the Borrowing Date, (ii) the total amount of the
proposed Loans (which shall be for not less than $1,000,000 and in an
integral multiple of $250,000), and (iii) whether such Loans are to be
Prime Rate Loans or LIBOR Loans, and if such Loans are to be LIBOR Loans,
the Rate Period applicable thereto.
(b) In connection with each Revolving Credit Borrowing to be
used to fund the Company's purchase of additional Aviation Units, the
Company shall (i) deliver, prior to the Borrowing Date set forth in the
Notice of Borrowing related to such Revolving Credit Borrowing, to the
Agent, with a copy to each Bank, invoices, receipts, or other evidence of
purchase (such evidence to be within seven (7) days prior to such
Borrowing Date) showing an aggregate value thereof that is greater than or
equal to the amount of the Revolving Credit Borrowing referred to in such
Notice of Borrowing and (ii), pursuant to, and within the time periods
specified by, Section 9.05(a), subject such Aviation Units to the Security
Interest and execute and deliver to the Agent Security Documents,
satisfactory to the Agent, to subject such Aviation Units to the
Security Interest, and (iii) comply with each of the requirements set
forth in clause (a) of the second paragraph of Section 7.11 in relation to
such Aviation Units.
(c) The failure of any Bank to make the Loan(s) to be made
by it as part of any Borrowing shall not relieve any other Bank of its
obligation, if any, hereunder to make its Loan(s) on the date of such
Borrowing, but no Bank shall be responsible for the failure of any other
Bank to make the Loan(s) to be made by such other Bank on the date of any
Borrowing.
(d) Not later than 11:00 a.m. (Dallas time) on the Borrowing
Date for each Borrowing, each Bank shall make its Ratable Share of such
Borrowing available at the Office of the Agent in immediately available
funds. On each Borrowing Date, provided each Bank shall have made its
Ratable Share of the applicable Borrowing available to the Agent as
required by the immediately preceding sentence, the Agent shall pay the
proceeds of such Borrowing in immediately available funds to or upon the
order of the Company no later than 2:00 p.m. (Dallas time).
(e) Unless the Agent shall have received notice from a Bank
prior to the date of any Borrowing that such Bank will not make available
to the Agent such Bank's Ratable Share of such Borrowing, the Agent may
assume that such Bank has made such Ratable Share available to the Agent
on the date of such Borrowing in accordance with Subsection 2.03(d), and
the Agent may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the
Company on such date a corresponding amount. If and to the extent such
Bank shall not have so made such Ratable Share available to the Agent,
such Bank, upon demand, and the Company, within three (3) Business Days
after demand, severally agree to repay to the Agent such corresponding
amount together with interest thereon, for each day from the date such
amount is made available to the Company until the date such amount is
repaid to the Agent, at the federal funds rate. If such Bank shall repay
to the Agent such corresponding amount, such amount so repaid shall
constitute such Bank's Loan as part of such Borrowing for purposes of this
Agreement.
2.04 Rates of Interest. The Loans shall bear interest on the
unpaid principal amount thereof from time to time outstanding at a rate or
rates per annum as follows:
(a) The Loans shall bear interest prior to maturity (by
acceleration or otherwise) at (i) for the Loans maintained as Prime Rate
Loans at the lesser of (A) the Applicable Prime Rate and (B) the Highest
Lawful Rate in effect from time to time and (ii) for the Loans maintained
as LIBOR Loans, at the lesser of (A) the LIBOR Rate applicable during such
Rate Period, and (B) the Highest Lawful Rate in effect from time to time
during such Rate Period. Interest on the Prime Rate Loans shall be due
and payable quarterly on (each a "Prime Rate Interest Payment Date") the
last day of each January, April, July and October commencing on the last
day of April, 1997, and on each such date thereafter until the date (after
the Conversion Date) when all principal amounts outstanding under the
Notes shall be paid in full and until the obligation of each Bank to make
Revolving Credit Loans shall be terminated. Interest on each LIBOR Loan
shall be due and payable on each Prime Rate Interest Payment Date, and, if
not a Prime Rate Interest Payment Date, the last day of each Rate Period
for such LIBOR Loan (each a "LIBOR Interest Payment Date" and, together
with each Prime Rate Interest Payment Date, an "Interest Payment Date").
(b) Overdue amounts of principal and interest on the Notes
shall bear interest payable on demand at a rate per annum (based on a year
of 365 or 366 days and actual days lapsed) equal to the lesser of the
Highest Lawful Rate or 3% per annum above the Prime Rate, but in no event
to exceed the maximum rate allowed by La. R.S. S 9:3509.1 if and to the
extent applicable.
(c) If the Applicable Prime Rate, the LIBOR Rate or the
Commitment Fee should become subject to adjustment in accordance with the
definition of the term Applicable Prime Rate, LIBOR Margin or Commitment
Fee, respectively, in Section 1.01, such adjustment shall:
(A) be made upon receipt by the Banks of the quarterly
financial statements required to be delivered pursuant to
Section 7.01,
(B) be effective as of the first day of the fiscal quarter
of the Company following the fiscal quarter reported upon in
such financial statements, and
(C) remain effective for each day thereafter until the first
day of the fiscal quarter of the Company following the failure
to meet or the exceeding of the requirements of the applicable
clause of the definition of the term Applicable Prime Rate,
LIBOR Margin or Commitment Fee, as applicable, in
Section 1.01.
(i) In the event any such adjustment to the Applicable
Prime Rate, the LIBOR Rate or the Commitment Fee, respectively,
shall result in the amount of interest or fees paid to any Bank on
a previous Interest Payment Date being more or less than the amount
due on such Interest Payment Date calculated at the adjusted level,
the amount of any overpayment or underpayment, as the case may be,
to such Bank resulting therefrom shall be deducted from or added to,
respectively, the amount of interest or fees due to such Bank on the
next Interest Payment Date succeeding such adjustment to the
Applicable Prime Rate, the LIBOR Rate or the Commitment Fee,
respectively; provided, however that no deductions or additions
shall occur after the Termination Date with respect to interest or
fees paid on any Loan, or the Conversion Date with respect to any
fees paid with respect to the unused portion of the Commitments, and
any adjustment to the Applicable Prime Rate, the LIBOR Rate or the
Commitment Fee, respectively, that would otherwise require such
deduction or addition after such date shall be of no effect.
(ii) All adjustments to the Applicable Prime Rate, the
LIBOR Rate or the Commitment Fee, respectively, provided for in this
Subsection 2.04(c) and in the definition of Applicable Prime Rate,
LIBOR Margin and Commitment Fee, respectively, in Section 1.01 shall
be adequately supported, in the sole but reasonable discretion of
the Banks, by the quarterly financial statements required to be
delivered from the Company to the Banks pursuant to Section 7.01.
2.05 Increased Costs - Reserve Requirements, Etc.
(a) If any Bank determines that compliance with any law or
regulation or any guideline or request from any central bank or other
governmental authority (whether or not having the force of law) affects or
would affect the amount of capital required or expected to be maintained
by such Bank or any corporation controlling such Bank and that the amount
of such capital is increased by or based upon the existence of such Bank's
Loans or Commitment and other loans or commitments of this type then, upon
demand by such Bank (with a copy of such demand to the Agent), the Company
shall immediately pay to such Bank from time to time as specified by such
Bank, additional amounts sufficient to compensate such Bank or
such corporation in the light of such circumstances, to the extent that
such Bank reasonably determines such increase in capital to be allocable
to the existence of any of such Bank's Loans or Commitment hereunder.
(b) The Company shall pay immediately upon demand by the
Agent any applicable stamp and registration taxes, duties, official and
sealed paper taxes or similar charges due, or which under applicable law
could in the future become due, or which may in the future become due as
a result of any change in applicable law, the interpretation thereof, or
otherwise, in connection with any Borrowing or the Notes or this Agreement
or in connection with the enforcement hereof or thereof.
(c) A certificate of any Bank seeking direct payment,
compensation or reimbursement under this Section 2.05 and setting forth a
computation of the amount or amounts to be paid by the Company shall be
delivered to the Company and shall be conclusive in the absence of
manifest error.
2.06 Recapture. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the
contrary, if the rate of interest applicable to any Borrowing or portion
thereof (the "Applicable Rate") would, but for the limitation of the rate
herein to the Highest Lawful Rate, for any period of time exceed the
Highest Lawful Rate, the rate of interest to accrue on such Borrowing or
portion thereof during such period shall be limited to the Highest Lawful
Rate, but such Borrowing shall bear interest thereafter at the Highest
Lawful Rate until the total amount of interest accrued thereon equals the
amount of interest which would have accrued thereon if the Applicable Rate
would have at all times been in effect during such period.
2.07 Commitment Fees; Agent's Fees.
(a) The Company agrees to pay to the Agent for the account
of the Banks the Commitment Fee, from and including the Effective Date to
and including the Conversion Date. The Commitment Fee shall be due and
payable on each Prime Rate Interest Payment Date, and shall be computed
for the period commencing with the day on which the Commitment Fee was
last paid, as the case may be, to but not including the day the Commitment
Fee is due and payable.
(b) In addition to the Commitment Fees described above, the
Company agrees to pay to the Agent for the period from and including the
Effective Date to and including the date upon which all obligations of the
Company under this Agreement, any and all Swap Agreements, the Notes and
the Security Documents have been paid in full and neither the Agent nor
any Bank has any commitment hereunder, an agent's fee for its services as
Agent in an amount equal to (a) $25,000 on the first day of May in each
year in which this Agreement shall be in effect as of such date, and (b)
on the date on which all such obligations are paid in full and neither the
Agent nor any Bank has any commitment hereunder, an amount equal to
$25,000 times a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days
that has elapsed from but not including the date on which such Agent's fee
was last paid to and including the date on which such obligations are paid
in full and neither the Agent nor any Bank has any commitment hereunder,
and the denominator of which is 365.
2.08 Payments, Notice of Certain Repayments, and Computations.
(a) All payments by the Company of principal, interest and
Commitment Fees hereunder and under the Notes shall be made in Dollars to
the Agent at the Office of the Agent for the account of each of the
respective Banks in immediately available funds not later than 11:00 a.m.
(Dallas time) on the date when due. The Company hereby authorizes each
Bank, if and to the extent payment is not made within three (3) days of
the date when due pursuant to any Note held by such Bank or the provisions
of this Agreement, to debit any account of the Company with such Bank in
an amount equal to the principal, interest, expenses, reimbursements,
compensation, Commitment Fees, and any other amount from time to time due
under any Note payable to such Bank or hereunder or under any Security
Document. Any Bank which so debits an account of the Company shall give
the Company and the Agent prompt notice of such debit, the amount thereof
and the obligations of the Company to which the amount so debited was
applied.
All payments by the Company of agent's fees hereunder
shall be made in Dollars to the Agent at the Office of the Agent in
immediately available funds not later than 11:00 a.m. (Dallas time) on the
date when due.
(b) Interest shall be calculated on Prime Rate Loans on the
basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as applicable, and on LIBOR Loans on
the basis of a year of 360 days. The Agent shall determine each interest
rate applicable to the Loans in accordance with this Agreement, and the
Agent's determination thereof shall be conclusive in the absence of
clearly demonstrated error.
2.09 Set-Off, Counterclaims and Taxes. All payments of principal,
interest, expenses, reimbursements, compensation and any other amount from
time to time due hereunder or under the Notes shall be made by the Company
without set-off or counterclaim and shall be made free and clear of and
without deduction for any present or future tax, levy, impost or any other
charge, if any, of any nature whatsoever now or hereafter imposed by any
taxing authority, excluding income and franchise taxes of the United
States and any political subdivision thereof. If the making of such
payments is prohibited by law unless such a tax, levy, impost or other
charge is deducted or withheld therefrom, the Company shall pay to the
Agent, on the date of each such payment, such additional amounts as may be
necessary in order that the net amounts received by the Agent after such
deduction or withholding shall equal the amounts which would have been
received if such deduction or withholding were not required. A
certificate of the Agent seeking payment of such additional amounts under
this Section 2.09 and setting forth a computation of the amount or amounts
to be paid to it by the Company shall be delivered to the Company and
shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error. The Company shall
confirm that all applicable taxes, if any, imposed on this Agreement or on
any transaction hereunder, shall have been properly and legally paid by it
to the appropriate taxing authorities, by sending official tax receipts or
notarized copies of such receipts to the Agent within 30 days after
payment of the payment evidenced thereby.
2.10 Termination or Reduction of Commitments.
The Company may at any time, upon at least five (5) full
Business Days' notice to the Agent and each Bank, terminate in whole or
reduce ratably in part the unused portions of the respective Commitments
of the Banks, provided that such termination and each such partial
reduction shall be irrevocable and that each such partial reduction shall
be in the aggregate amount of $1,000,000 or an integral multiple thereof,
and provided, further, that the Company shall not reduce the sum of the
Commitments at any time to an amount less than the aggregate unpaid
principal amount of the Revolving Credit Notes and the Permitted Letter of
Credit Amounts, then outstanding. On the date specified in such notice,
the respective Commitments of the Banks shall be deemed reduced or
terminated, as the case may be, as provided in such notice.
2.11 Application of Proceeds. The proceeds of all Borrowings under
this Agreement shall be used solely for capital expenditures and for
general corporate purposes of the Company.
2.12 Conversion and Continuation.
(a) With respect to the principal amount of the Loans
outstanding from time to time, subject to the terms and provisions of this
Agreement, the Company shall have the option, to (a) convert on any
Business Day all or any part of such outstanding principal amount
maintained as a Prime Rate Loan at such time to a LIBOR Loan; provided,
however, that each such LIBOR Loan shall be in a principal amount greater
than or equal to $1,000,000 or an integral multiple of $500,000 in excess
thereof, (b) convert all or any part of such outstanding principal amount
maintained as a LIBOR Loan to a Prime Rate Loan on the last day of the
Rate Period relating to such LIBOR Loan, or (c) effective as of the last
day of any Rate Period during which the outstanding principal amount of a
Loan is maintained as a LIBOR Loan, continue all or a portion of such
outstanding principal amount as a LIBOR Loan and the succeeding Rate
Period of each such continued LIBOR Loan shall commence on the last day of
the Rate Period then ended; provided, however, that each such continued
LIBOR Loan shall be in a principal amount greater than or equal to
$1,000,000 or an integral multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof.
Notwithstanding anything set forth herein, none of the outstanding
principal amount of the Loans shall be converted to, or continued as, a
LIBOR Loan if (y) the last day of the Rate Period relating to such LIBOR
Loan does not occur on or before the Termination Date or (z) a Default or
an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.
(b) In the event the Company shall elect to convert or
continue all or any part of the outstanding principal amount of a Loan as
provided in the immediately preceding Subsection 2.12(a), the Company
shall deliver a written notice to the Agent (each such notice, a
"Notice of Conversion or Continuation") (x) with respect to the conversion
of all or any part of a Loan to a LIBOR Loan or the continuation of any
LIBOR Loan, no later than 11:00 a.m., Dallas, Texas time three Business
Days in advance of the proposed conversion or continuation date, and (y)
with respect to the conversion of all or any part of a LIBOR Loan to a
Prime Rate Loan, no later than 11:00 a.m., Dallas, Texas time on the
Business Day immediately preceding the proposed conversion date,
specifying in each case (i) the amount of the outstanding principal amount
of each Loan that is to be converted or continued, (ii) the date of such
proposed conversion or continuation, which date shall be a Business Day,
(iii) whether the proposed conversion is of (A) Prime Rate Loan(s) to
LIBOR Loan(s), or (B) LIBOR Loan(s) to Prime Rate Loan(s), (iv) in the
case of a conversion to, or continuation of, a LIBOR Loan, the requested
Rate Period, (v) the aggregate principal amount of the Loans outstanding
after giving effect to such conversion or continuation, and (vi) that no
Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing. Each Notice
of Conversion or Continuation shall be irrevocable and the Company shall
be bound to convert or continue in accordance therewith.
(c) If with respect to all or any part of the outstanding
principal amount of any LIBOR Loan the Company fails to timely submit a
Notice of Conversion or Continuation, such outstanding principal amount
shall, effective as of the last day of the Rate Period relating thereto,
automatically and without notice of any kind be converted to a Prime Rate
Loan.
2.13 Provisions Relating to LIBOR Loans.
(a) Notwithstanding anything set forth this Agreement, the
Banks shall not be obligated to convert all or any part of the outstanding
principal amount of any Loan maintained as a LIBOR Loan to a Prime Rate
Loan until the last day of the Rate Period relating to such LIBOR Loan.
(b) If the Company shall have requested a LIBOR Loan or
requested that all or any part of the outstanding principal amount of any
Loan be converted to, or continued as, a LIBOR Loan and the Agent in good
faith determines (which determination shall be conclusive) that
extraordinary circumstances make it impossible or impracticable to
ascertain the applicable LIBOR Rate for the applicable Rate Period, such
Loan or portion thereof shall instead be funded, converted into or
continued, as the case may be, as a Prime Rate Loan.
(c) Notwithstanding anything set forth in this Agreement, if
at any time the Agent in good faith determines (which determination shall
be final and conclusive) that the introduction of, or any change in, any
applicable law, rule, regulation or treaty or any change in the
interpretation, application or administration thereof by any governmental
or other regulatory authority charged with the interpretation, application
or administration thereof shall make it unlawful for any of the Banks to
maintain or fund any LIBOR Loan, the Agent shall give notice thereof to
the Company and effective as of the date of such notice, and
notwithstanding Subsection 2.13(a), the outstanding principal amount of
such LIBOR Loan shall be converted to a Prime Rate Loan. Within five (5)
Business Days after any Bank's written notice and demand therefor, the
Company shall pay to such Bank such amount or amounts (to the extent that
such amount or amounts would not be usurious under applicable Law and to
the extent such amount or amounts have not been included in the
determination of the LIBOR Rate) as may be necessary to compensate such
Bank for any direct or indirect costs and losses incurred by it under, in
connection with or as a result of such conversion, but otherwise without
penalty. If notice with respect to any LIBOR Loan has been given by the
Agent pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Subsection 2.13(c)
then, unless and until the Agent notifies the Company that the
circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer apply, the Banks shall
have no obligation to make or convert all or any part of the outstanding
principal amount of any Loan into a LIBOR Loan. Any claim by the Banks
for compensation under this Subsection 2.13(c) shall be accompanied by a
certificate setting forth the computation upon which such claim is based
and such certificate shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes
absent manifest error.
(d) In the event that any law, regulation, treaty or
directive or any change therein or in the interpretation, application or
administration thereof or compliance by any Bank with any request or
directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any central bank
or other governmental authority, agency or instrumentality, does or shall,
as a result of, or with respect to, any LIBOR Loan:
(i) subject such Bank to any tax, duty or other charge
of any kind whatsoever with respect to this Agreement, any
other Loan Document or all or any part of the outstanding
principal amount of any Loan, or change the basis of taxation
of payments to such Bank of principal, interest or any other
amount payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document
(except for changes in the rate of any tax presently imposed
on such Bank);
(ii) impose, modify or hold applicable any reserve,
special deposit, compulsory loan or similar requirement
against assets held by, or deposits or other liabilities in or
for the account of, advances or loans by, or other credit
extended by, or any other acquisition of funds by, any office
of such Bank; or
(iii) impose on such Bank any other condition;
and the result of any of the foregoing is to increase the cost to such
Bank of making, renewing or maintaining advances or extensions of credit
to the Company or to reduce any amount receivable from the Company
thereunder then, in any such case (and to the extent not already included
in the calculation of the applicable LIBOR Rate), the Company shall
promptly pay to such Bank, within five (5) Business Days after such Bank's
written notice and demand therefor, any amounts necessary to compensate
such Bank for such additional cost or reduced amount receivable. Any
claim by a Bank for compensation under this Subsection 2.13(d) shall be
accompanied by a certificate setting forth the computation upon which such
claim is based and such certificate shall be conclusive and binding for
all purposes absent manifest error.
(e) In the event any prepayment under Section 3.02 requires
the Company to prepay a LIBOR Loan, or any part thereof, prior to the last
day of the Rate Period relating thereto, within five (5) Business Days
after the Agent's demand therefor the Company shall pay to the Agent such
amount or amounts (to the extent that such amount or amounts would not be
usurious under applicable Law) as may be necessary to compensate the Banks
for any costs and losses incurred by it under, in connection with or as a
result of such prepayment. Any claim by the Agent for compensation under
this Subsection 2.13(e) shall be accompanied by a certificate setting
forth the computation upon which such claim is based and such certificate
shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes absent manifest error.
(f) The Company may not prepay any LIBOR Loan before the
last day of the Rate Period relating thereto, except for payments required
under Section 3.02(b).
2.14 Permitted Letters of Credit. Subject to the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, the Company may request that the Issuing
Bank issue, from time to time during the period commencing on March 31,
1997, and ending on the Business Day immediately prior to the Conversion
Date, for the account of the Company through such of the Issuing Bank's
branches as it and the Company may jointly agree, one or more letters of
credit in accordance with this Section 2.14 and subject to the provisions
of Section 8.16 (each such letter of credit issued in accordance with this
Section 2.14, being individually referred to as a "Permitted Letter of
Credit" and collectively referred to as the "Permitted Letters of
Credit"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Issuing Bank shall not have
any obligation to issue any Permitted Letter of Credit at any time.
The Company may request issuances of Permitted Letters of
Credit only if:
(a) the aggregate undrawn face amount of Permitted Letters
of Credit theretofore issued by the Issuing Bank, after giving effect to
all requested but unissued Permitted Letters of Credit, does not exceed
any limit imposed by law or regulation upon the Issuing Bank;
(b) immediately after giving effect to the issuance of such
Permitted Letter of Credit, the aggregate amount of Permitted Letter of
Credit Amounts would not exceed $5,000,000 and the amount available for
Revolving Credit Loans under the Commitments would not be less than $0;
(c) such Permitted Letter of Credit has an expiration date
on or before the Business Day immediately preceding the Conversion Date;
(d) the Company shall have satisfied in full the conditions
precedent set forth in Section 6.02 as though such Permitted Letter of
Credit constituted a Revolving Credit Loan in the face amount thereof;
(e) the Company shall have delivered to the Issuing Bank, at
such times and in such manner as the Issuing Bank may prescribe, a
Permitted Letter of Credit application, a Letter of Credit Reimbursement
Agreement, and such other documents and materials as may be required
pursuant to the terms thereof;
(f) the terms of the proposed Permitted Letter of Credit
shall not be inconsistent with any term or provision of this Agreement and
otherwise shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Issuing Bank; and
(g) as of the date of issuance of such Permitted Letter of
Credit, no order, judgment, or decree of any court, arbitrator, or
Governmental Authority shall purport by its terms to enjoin or restrain
the Issuing Bank from issuing such Permitted Letter of Credit, and no law,
rule, or regulation applicable to the Issuing Bank, and no request or
directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any Governmental
Authority having jurisdiction over the Issuing Bank, shall prohibit or
request that the Issuing Bank refrain from the issuance of letters of
credit generally or the issuance of such Permitted Letter of Credit.
2.15 Issuance of Permitted Letters of Credit.
(a) The Company shall give the Issuing Bank written notice
in an Officers' Certificate of its request for the issuance of a Permitted
Letter of Credit no later than 10:00 a.m. three (3) Business Days prior to
the date such Permitted Letter of Credit is requested to be issued. Such
notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify, with respect to such
requested Permitted Letter of Credit, the face amount, beneficiary,
effective date of issuance, expiry date (which effective date and expiry
date shall be a Business Day and, with respect to the expiry date, shall
be no later than the Business Day immediately preceding the Conversion
Date), and the currency in which, and the purpose for which, such
Permitted Letter of Credit is to be issued. The Issuing Bank may issue
such Permitted Letter of Credit on the date requested by the Company,
unless (i) on or before the Business Day prior to such issuance date, the
Issuing Bank shall have received written notice from any Bank that the
conditions precedent to the Company's request for an issuance of a
Permitted Letter of Credit as set forth in Section 2.14 have not been met;
or (ii) on the requested issuance date, the officer of the Issuing Bank
executing such Permitted Letter of Credit has actual knowledge that such
conditions precedent to the Company's request for an issuance of a
Permitted Letter of Credit as set forth in Section 2.14 have not been met.
If the Issuing Bank receives written notice, or such officer has actual
knowledge that the conditions precedent to the Company's request for an
issuance of a Permitted Letter of Credit have not been met, then the
Issuing Bank shall not issue any Permitted Letter of Credit until (a) such
notice is withdrawn; (b) the condition(s) described in such notice have
been waived in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, or (c)
such officer shall have actual knowledge of the satisfaction of all
conditions precedent having been met.
(b) The Issuing Bank shall not extend or amend any Permitted
Letter of Credit unless the requirements of this Section 2.15 are met as
though a new Permitted Letter of Credit was being requested and issued.
2.16 Reimbursement Obligations; Duties of Issuing Bank.
(a) Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary in any
Letter of Credit Reimbursement Agreement:
(i) The Company shall reimburse the Issuing Bank for
a drawing under a Permitted Letter of Credit issued by the
Issuing Bank no later than the earlier of (A) the time
specified in the related Letter of Credit Reimbursement
Agreement; or (B) one (1) Business Day after the Issuing Bank
has provided notice (which notice may be in writing or oral,
including without limitation oral notice by telephone) of any
payment of such drawing by the Issuing Bank; and
(ii) the Company's Reimbursement Obligation with
respect to a drawing under a Permitted Letter of Credit shall
bear interest from the date of such drawing to the date paid
in full at the Applicable Prime Rate.
(b) No action taken or omitted to be taken by the Issuing
Bank in connection with any Permitted Letter of Credit shall (i) result in
any liability on the part of the Issuing Bank to any other Bank, unless
the Issuing Bank's action or omission constitutes willful misconduct or
gross negligence; or (ii) relieve any Bank of any of its obligations to
the Issuing Bank hereunder, unless the Permitted Letter of Credit in
question was issued at a time during which a notice, described in Section
2.15, from such Bank to the Issuing Bank remained in effect. Each Bank
agrees that, prior to making any payment to a beneficiary with respect to
a drawing under a Permitted Letter of Credit, the Issuing Bank shall be
responsible only to confirm that documents required by the terms of such
Permitted Letter of Credit to be delivered as a condition precedent to
such drawing have been delivered and that the same appear on their face to
conform with the requirements thereof. Each Bank further agrees that the
Issuing Bank may assume that documents appearing on their face to be the
documents required to be delivered as a condition precedent to a drawing
do in fact comply with the terms of such Permitted Letter of Credit.
2.17 Participations.
(a) Immediately upon the issuance by the Issuing Bank of any
Permitted Letter of Credit in compliance with the provisions of Section
2.14, each Bank, other than the Issuing Bank, shall be deemed to have
irrevocably and unconditionally purchased and received from the
Issuing Bank, without recourse or warranty, an undivided interest and
participation to the extent of such Bank's Ratable Share in such Permitted
Letter of Credit, including, without limitation, all obligations of the
Company with respect thereto and any security therefor or guaranty
pertaining thereto.
(b) The Issuing Bank shall promptly notify each other Bank,
if the Company fails to reimburse the Issuing Bank for payments made by
the Issuing Bank in respect of drawings by a beneficiary under a Permitted
Letter of Credit. Upon such Bank's receipt of such notice, such Bank
shall unconditionally pay to the Agent, for the account of the Issuing
Bank, an amount equal to such Bank's Ratable Share of the unreimbursed
payment made by the Issuing Bank under the Permitted Letter of Credit.
Such payment shall be made by such Bank in the same currency in which the
applicable Permitted Letter of Credit was denominated and in same day
funds on the day such Bank receives notice from the Agent that such
payment is owing, if such notice is received by such Bank prior to 10:00
a.m. (Dallas, Texas time) on a Business Day; if such notice is not
received by such time, then such Bank shall remit its payment on the next
Business Day following the day such notice is received. Any amount
payable by a Bank under this Subsection 2.17(b) which is not paid when due
pursuant to the terms hereof, shall be payable on demand, together with
interest thereon at the federal funds rate from the date such payment was
due until paid in full. The failure of any Bank to make any payment owing
by it under this Subsection 2.17(b) shall neither relieve nor increase the
obligation of any other Bank to make any payment owing by it under this
Subsection 2.17(b). The Agent shall promptly remit to the Issuing Bank
all amounts received by the Agent, for the account of the Issuing Bank,
from each other Bank pursuant to this Subsection 2.17(b).
(c) Whenever the Issuing Bank receives a payment with
respect to a Reimbursement Obligation (including any interest thereon) for
which the Issuing Bank has received payments from another Bank pursuant to
Subsection 2.17(b), the Issuing Bank shall promptly remit to each Bank
which has funded its participating interest therein, in the currency and
in the kind of funds so received, an amount equal to such Bank's Ratable
Share thereof. Each such payment shall be made by the Issuing Bank on the
Business Day on which such person receives the funds paid to such person
pursuant to the preceding sentence, if received prior to 10:00 a.m.
(Dallas, Texas time) on such Business Day, and otherwise on the next
succeeding Business Day.
(d) The obligations of a Bank under Subsection 2.17(b) to
make payments to the Agent for the account of the Issuing Bank with
respect to a Permitted Letter of Credit shall be irrevocable, not subject
to any qualification or exception whatsoever, and shall be made in
accordance with, but not subject to, the terms and conditions of this
Agreement under all circumstances (assuming that the Issuing Bank has
issued such Permitted Letter of Credit in compliance with the provisions
of Section 2.14), including, without limitation, any of the following
circumstances:
(i) any lack of validity or enforceability of this
Agreement or any Note or Security Document;
(ii) the existence of any claim, setoff, defense, or
other right which the Company may have at any time against a
beneficiary named in a Permitted Letter of Credit or any
transferee of any Permitted Letter of Credit (or any person
for whom any such transferee may be acting), the Agent, any
Bank, the Issuing Bank, or any person, whether in connection
with this Agreement, any Permitted Letter of Credit, the
transactions contemplated herein, or any unrelated
transactions (including any underlying transactions between
the Company and the beneficiary named in any Permitted Letter
of Credit);
(iii) any draft, certificate, or any other document
presented under the Permitted Letter of Credit proving to be
forged, fraudulent, invalid, or insufficient in any respect or
any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any
respect;
(iv) the surrender or impairment of any security for
the performance or observance of any of the terms of any Loan
Document; or
(v) the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default.
2.18 Payment of Reimbursement Obligations.
(a) The Company agrees to pay to the Issuing Bank the amount
of all Reimbursement Obligations, interest and other amounts payable to
the Issuing Bank under or in connection with any Permitted Letter of
Credit immediately when due, irrespective of any claim, set-off, defense,
or other right which the Company may have at any time against the Issuing
Bank or any other person.
(b) In the event any payment by the Company received by the
Issuing Bank with respect to a Permitted Letter of Credit and distributed
to the Banks on account of their respective participation is thereafter
set aside, avoided, or recovered from the Issuing Bank in connection with
any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, readjustment of
debt, dissolution or other liquidation law of any jurisdiction, each Bank
which received such distribution shall, upon demand by the Issuing Bank,
contribute such Bank's Ratable Share of the amount set aside, avoided, or
recovered together with interest at the rate required to be paid by the
Issuing Bank upon the amount required to be repaid by it.
2.19 EXONERATION. As between the Company, the Issuing Bank, each
other Bank and the Agent, the Company assumes all risks of the acts and
omissions of, or misuse of the Permitted Letter of Credit issued by the
Issuing Bank by, the respective beneficiaries of such Permitted Letter of
Credit. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, subject to
the provisions of the Permitted Letter of Credit applications, each of
the Issuing Bank, the other Banks and the Agent, in the absence of gross
negligence or intentional misconduct on its part, shall not be
responsible:
(a) for the form, validity, sufficiency, accuracy,
genuineness, or legal effect of any document submitted by any party in
connection with the application for and issuance of a Permitted Letter of
Credit, even if it should in fact prove to be in any or all respects
invalid, insufficient, inaccurate, fraudulent, or forged;
(b) for the validity or sufficiency of any instrument
transferring or assigning or purporting to transfer or assign a Permitted
Letter of Credit or the rights or benefits thereunder or proceeds thereof,
in whole or in part, which may prove to be invalid or ineffective for any
reason;
(c) for failure of the beneficiary of a Permitted Letter of
Credit to comply duly with conditions required in order to draw upon such
Permitted Letter of Credit;
(d) for errors, omissions, interruptions, or delays in
transmission or delivery of any messages, by mail, cable, telegraph,
telex, or otherwise, whether or not they be in cipher;
(e) for errors in interpretation of technical terms;
(f) for any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise
of any document required in order to make a drawing under any Permitted
Letter of Credit or of the proceeds thereof;
(g) for the misapplication by the beneficiary of such
Permitted Letter of Credit; or
(h) for any consequences arising from causes beyond the
control of the Agent or any Bank (including the Issuing Bank) including,
without limitation, any act or omission, whether rightful or wrongful, of
any present or future de jure or de facto government or Governmental
Authority.
IN FURTHERANCE AND EXTENSION AND NOT IN LIMITATION OF THE
SPECIFIC PROVISIONS HEREINABOVE SET FORTH, ANY ACTION TAKEN OR OMITTED BY
THE ISSUING BANK UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE PERMITTED LETTERS OF
CREDIT OR ANY RELATED CERTIFICATES, IF TAKEN OR OMITTED IN GOOD FAITH AND
NOT CONSTITUTING GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT, SHALL NOT PUT THE
AGENT, THE ISSUING BANK OR ANY OTHER BANK UNDER ANY RESULTING LIABILITY TO
THE COMPANY OR RELIEVE THE COMPANY OF ANY OF ITS OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER TO
ANY SUCH PERSON.
2.20 Reporting Requirements. In addition to the reports required
by Section 7.01, the Company shall, no later than the tenth Business Day
following the last day of each month, provide to each Bank separate
schedules for each Permitted Letter of Credit, in form and substance
satisfactory to the Agent, showing the date of issue, beneficiary, face
amount, expiration date, and the reference number of each Permitted
Letter of Credit issued by the Issuing Bank which was outstanding at any
time during such month and the aggregate amount payable by the Company
during the month pursuant to Section 2.21.
2.21 Compensation for Permitted Letters of Credit.
(a) Letter of Credit Fee. The Company agrees to pay to the
Agent, for the account of each Bank, in the case of each Permitted Letter
of Credit, a letter of credit fee (the "Letter of Credit Fee") payable
quarterly in arrears equal to the greater of (i) the LIBOR Margin
multiplied by the average amount available to be drawn under such
Permitted Letter of Credit during the quarter then ending multiplied by
the actual number of days during such quarter on which such Permitted
Letter of Credit was outstanding, divided by 360 and (ii) the actual
number of days during such quarter on which such Permitted Letter of
Credit was outstanding multiplied by $300, divided by 360. The Company
shall also pay to the Agent, in the event of any extension or modification
of a Permitted Letter of Credit which extends the expiration date or
increases the maximum amount available for drawing thereunder an
additional fee calculated and payable on the same basis as that set forth
in the first sentence of this Subsection 2.21(a) with respect to any such
extension or additional amount. Whenever the Issuing Bank receives a
payment from the Company with respect to any fees incurred in connection
with any Permitted Letter of Credit issued by the Issuing Bank, the
Issuing Bank shall promptly remit to the Agent, and the Agent shall
promptly remit to each Bank which has funded its participation in such
Permitted Letter of Credit, in the currency provided for in such
Permitted Letter of Credit and in same day funds, an amount equal to such
Bank's Ratable Share of such fees.
(b) Issuing Bank's Charges. The Issuing Bank shall have the
right to receive, solely for its own account, such amounts as it and the
Company may agree, in writing, to compensate the Issuing Bank with respect
to issuance fees and the Issuing Bank's out-of-pocket costs of issuing and
servicing Permitted Letters of Credit.
(c) Increased Capital. If either (i) the introduction of or
any change in or in the interpretation of any law or regulation, or (ii)
compliance by the Issuing Bank or any other Bank with any guideline or
request from any central bank or other Governmental Authority (whether or
not having the force of law) affects or would affect the amount of capital
required or expected to be maintained by it or any corporation controlling
it, and the Issuing Bank or such other Bank determines, on the basis of
reasonable allocations, that the amount of such capital is increased by or
is based upon its issuance or maintenance of or participation in, the
Permitted Letters of Credit then, upon demand by such Bank, the Company
shall immediately pay to the Agent (for the account of such Bank), from
time to time as specified by the Issuing Bank or such other Bank,
additional amounts sufficient to compensate such Bank therefor. A
certificate as to such amounts submitted to the Company by such Bank
shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding for all
purposes.
3. PREPAYMENT.
3.01 Optional Prepayments. The Company at any time and from time
to time on any Business Day may prepay the principal amount of any
Borrowings in whole or in part, without premium or penalty; provided that:
(a) The Company shall give to the Agent and each Bank not
less than five (5) full Business Days prior notice of each prepayment
specifying the type of Borrowing (i.e., Term Loan Borrowing or Revolving
Credit Borrowings) and the aggregate principal amount of such Borrowings
to be prepaid and the prepayment date. The Company's notice of such
prepayment having been given as aforesaid, the principal amount of the
Loans comprising such Borrowings specified in the notice, together with
interest thereon to the date of prepayment, shall become due and payable
on such prepayment date; and
(b) Prepayments of Revolving Credit Loans made under this
Section 3.01 on or after the Conversion Date and prepayment of the Term
Loans made under this Section 3.01 shall be applied, ratably, to such
principal installments of such Loans as the Company shall designate in its
notice of prepayment given pursuant to Subsection 3.01(a); provided that:
(i) if the Company does not so designate the principal
installments of the Revolving Credit Loans or Term Loans, as
the case may be, to which any of such prepayments is to be
applied, such prepayment shall be applied ratably (according
to each Bank's Ratable Share) to the principal installments
due under such Loans in the inverse order of their respective
due dates (the "Back End Installments");
(ii) the Company may not designate the principal
installments of the Revolving Credit Loans or Term Loans, as
the case may be, to which any of such prepayment is to be
applied, other than the Back End Installments, except in an
amount that, when added to the sum of all other prepaid
principal installments applied other than to the Back End
Installments and for which, as of the date of determination
thereof, the respective due dates of such prepaid principal
installments shall not yet have passed, shall not exceed
$8,000,000; and
(iii) the Company may not designate installments of the
Revolving Credit Loans or Term Loans, as the case may be,
other than the Back End Installments, to which any of such
prepayments is to be applied, more than two times in any one
fiscal quarter of the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may not prepay any
LIBOR Loan under this Section 3.01 before the last day of the Rate Period
relating thereto. Each partial prepayment made under this Section 3.01
designated to be applied to the Back End Installments (unless made
pursuant to the sale of one or more Aircraft under Subsection 9.05(b)(i)
or pursuant to an Event of Loss under Section 9.02) shall be in the
aggregate principal amount of not less than $500,000 and in an integral
multiple of $250,000.
3.02 Mandatory Prepayments.
(a) The Company shall prepay the Loans in whole at the
option of the Majority Banks, under the circumstances specified in Section
7.14.
(b) In the event of a Default under Section 8.16, the
Company will, within three (3) Business Days of the date upon which the
Company or any Bank determines that such Default has occurred, either (i)
make a prepayment on the Term Loans in the amount by which the aggregate
principal then outstanding under the Revolving Credit Loans and the
aggregate Permitted Letter of Credit Amounts exceeds the lesser of (x)
$40,000,000 and (y) the Borrowing Base, provided, however, if, at the time
of such prepayment, there is no aggregate principal amount outstanding
under the Term Loans, the Company may prepay the Revolving Credit Loans
and the respective Commitment of each Bank shall be permanently and
ratably reduced by the amount of such prepayment, or (ii) comply with the
provisions of clause (i) or (ii) of Subsection 9.03(b); provided, however,
if the sole cause of such Default is the occurrence of an Event of Loss
and so long as no other Default or any Event of Default has occurred and
is continuing, the Company may comply with the provisions of
Subsection 9.02(a) within the time periods provided therein, further
provided, however, that at no time while any Default under Section 8.16 is
continuing may the Company request any Borrowings hereunder.
(c) The Company shall prepay the Loans under the
circumstances specified in Subsection 9.05(b). Such prepayments of Loans
made under this Subsection 3.02(c) shall be applied to the principal
installment due under the Term Loans according to the terms and conditions
of Subsection 3.01(b) , provided, however, if, at the time of such prepayment,
there is no aggregate principal amount outstanding under the Term Loans, the
Company may prepay the Revolving Credit Loans and the respective Commitment of
each Bank shall be permanently and ratably reduced by the amount of such
prepayment.
(d) In the event the Company makes a prepayment pursuant to
this Section 3.02 or pursuant to a Notice of Election, the Company shall
designate in a notice to the Agent and each Bank the amount of such
prepayment. Except as provided in Subsection 3.02(c), the amount of any
such prepayment shall be applied ratably to the principal installments of
the Loans in inverse order of maturity. All prepayments under this
Section 3.02 or pursuant to a Notice of Election shall be without premium
or penalty, except as provided in Subsection 2.13(e).
4. PAYMENTS MADE ON BUSINESS DAYS. If any payment of principal,
interest, Commitment Fees, agent's fees or other amounts hereunder, under
any Security Document or any Note shall become due on a day that is not a
Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business
Day, and such extension of time shall in such case be included in
computing interest in connection with such payment provided, however, if
such extension would cause payment of interest on or principal of LIBOR
Loans to be made in the next following calendar month, such payment shall
be made on the next preceding Business Day.
5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The Company represents and
warrants:
5.01 Organization and Qualification. The Company and each
Subsidiary (a) are corporations duly organized and in good standing under
the laws of the state of their respective incorporation, have the
corporate power to own their respective property and to carry on their
respective business as now conducted, and (c) are duly qualified as a
foreign corporation to do business and are in good standing in every
jurisdiction where the failure to be so qualified would have a material
adverse effect on the business, prospects, earnings, properties or
condition, financial or otherwise, of the Company or such Subsidiary, as
the case may be. The Company is a Louisiana corporation and is a "citizen
of the United States" within the meaning of Section 101(13) of the
Federal Aviation Act and is an "air carrier" duly qualified as an
"air taxi commercial operator" within the meaning of said Act and the
regulations issued thereunder. The corporations named in Exhibit B are
the only Subsidiaries of the Company on the Effective Date, and such
Exhibit accurately reflects the percentage of (x) the issued and
outstanding capital stock, and (y) the Voting Stock of each class of each
Subsidiary on the Effective Date and accurately identifies the
Consolidated Subsidiaries and the percentage of the Company's and each
other Subsidiary's ownership of the outstanding Voting Stock of each
Subsidiary. The shares of capital stock of each Subsidiary owned by the
Company have been validly issued, are outstanding, fully-paid and
non-assessable shares of such Subsidiary and are owned by the Company free
and clear of all Liens (except statutory liens for taxes not yet due and
for salaries of clerical employees, none of which liens has been filed or
perfected).
5.02 Financial Statements. The Company has furnished the Banks
with the following financial statements: consolidated financial
statements as at and for the fiscal year of the Company ended April 30,
1996 included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year of the Company ended April 30, 1996 and accompanied by the report of
KPMG Peat Marwick, and unaudited consolidated financial statements as at
and for the fiscal quarter of the Company ended October 31, 1996,
certified by the principal financial officer of the Company. These
statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles consistently followed throughout the periods
involved and present fairly the consolidated financial condition of the
Company and the Consolidated Subsidiaries and the consolidated results of
operations of the Company and the Consolidated Subsidiaries as at the
dates and for the periods indicated, and neither the Company nor any
Consolidated Subsidiary has any material obligations or liabilities,
contingent or otherwise, not disclosed in the financial statements
described in clause (a) of this Section 5.02. There has been no material
adverse change in the consolidated condition or operations, financial or
otherwise, of the Company and the Subsidiaries since April 30, 1996.
5.03 Actions Pending. There is no action or proceeding pending or,
to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company or any
Subsidiary before any court or administrative agency which might result in
a material adverse change in the business or condition of the Company and
the Subsidiaries when taken as a whole. There are no outstanding
judgments or awards against the Company or any Subsidiary.
5.04 No Default. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in
default in any respect under the provisions of any instrument evidencing
any Indebtedness of the Company or such Subsidiary or of any agreement
relating thereto, or in default in any respect under any order, writ,
injunction or decree of any court, or in default in any respect under or
in violation of any order, regulation or demand of any governmental
instrumentality, which defaults or violations might have consequences
which would materially adversely affect the business, prospects, earnings,
properties or condition, financial or otherwise, of the Company and the
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
5.05 Warranty of Title; Leases. The Company and each Subsidiary
have good and marketable title to their real property and valid and
indefeasible ownership interests in their other properties, free and clear
of all Liens other than Permitted Liens. The Company has good and
marketable title to all the Collateral and has good right and full power
and authority to subject the Collateral to the Security Interest. The
Collateral is free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Liens. The
Security Documents do, as of the Effective Date, constitute a first
mortgage on and first priority perfected security interest in the
Collateral subject only to Permitted Liens. There is no financing
statement, chattel mortgage or notice thereof (including FAA Form 905,
"Aircraft Chattel Mortgage") or other security agreement or instrument or
notice thereof in which the Company (or any predecessor person) or any
Subsidiary is named as debtor or mortgagor, or which the Company (or any
predecessor person) or any Subsidiary has signed as debtor or mortgagor,
now on file in any public office (including the Aircraft Registry) and not
canceled covering any of the Collateral other than those previously filed,
the effect of which has been terminated by termination statements or
releases (including FAA Form 8050-41) duly filed prior to the time of the
filing of any of the Security Documents for recordation in the Aircraft
Registry. The Company and each Subsidiary have the right to, and do,
enjoy peaceful and undisturbed possession under all leases to which any of
them is a party or under which any of them is operating. All such leases
are valid and subsisting, and no default exists under any such lease.
5.06 Payment of Taxes. The Company and each Subsidiary have filed
all federal and state income and franchise tax returns which are required
to be filed and have paid all taxes shown on said returns and all
assessments which are due. The respective federal income tax returns of
the Company and each of its Consolidated Subsidiaries have been examined
and reported on by the Internal Revenue Service for all fiscal years to
and including the fiscal year ended April 30, 1992. The Company and its
officers know of no claims by any governmental authority for any unpaid
taxes. There are no tax sharing agreements between the Company and any of
the Subsidiaries.
5.07 Conflicting or Adverse Agreements or Restrictions. Neither
the Company nor any Subsidiary is a party to any contract or agreement or
subject to any restriction which materially and adversely affects the
business or assets or financial condition of the Company and the
Subsidiaries when taken as a whole. Neither the execution nor delivery of
this Agreement or the Notes nor compliance with the terms and provisions
hereof or of the Notes or any of the Security Documents will be contrary
to the provisions of, or constitute a default under, the charter or
by-laws of the Company or any Subsidiary or any law or any regulation,
order, writ, injunction or decree of any court or governmental
instrumentality or any agreement or instrument to which the Company or any
Subsidiary is a party or by which it is bound or to which it is subject.
5.08 Purpose of Borrowings. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary
owns any "margin stock" within the meaning of Regulation U of the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System (herein called "margin stock").
No part of the proceeds of any Borrowing will be used for the purpose of
purchasing or carrying any margin stock or for the purpose of reducing or
retiring any indebtedness which was originally incurred to purchase or
carry any margin stock. No part of the proceeds of any Borrowing shall be
used for any purpose which might constitute the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement a "purpose" credit within the meaning of said Regulation
U, as now in effect or as it may hereafter be amended. Neither the
Company nor any agent acting on its behalf has taken or will take any
action which might cause this Agreement, any Note or any Borrowing
hereunder to violate Regulation U, Regulation T or any other regulation of
the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or to violate the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, in each case as in effect now
or as the same may hereafter be in effect on the date of any Borrowing.
5.09 Patents, Etc. The Company and each Subsidiary have all
patents, patent rights or licenses, trademarks, trademark rights, trade
names, trade name rights, and copyrights which are required in order for
the Company or such Subsidiary to conduct its business as now conducted
without conflict with the rights of others.
5.10 Authorization, Validity, Etc. The Company has the corporate
power and authority to make and carry out this Agreement, to make the
Borrowings provided for herein, to execute and deliver the Notes and to
perform its obligations hereunder and under the Notes and the Security
Documents; and all such action has been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate proceedings on its part. This Agreement has been duly and
validly executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes a valid and
legally binding agreement of the Company enforceable in accordance with
its terms, and the Notes, when duly executed and delivered by the Company
pursuant to the provisions hereof, will constitute the valid and binding
obligations of the Company enforceable in accordance with the respective
terms thereof and of this Agreement, except as limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency or other laws of general application relating to or affecting
the enforcement of creditors' rights.
5.11 Franchises, Permits, Etc. The Company and each Subsidiary
hold free from materially burdensome restrictions all municipal consents,
franchises, permits, licenses, rights-of-way, easements, consents and
other rights which, together with their respective corporate and charter
powers, are sufficient for the proper and efficient operation as a whole
of their respective businesses as presently conducted and as presently
proposed to be conducted.
5.12 Governmental Approvals. No consent, approval or authorization
of, registration with or notice to any federal, state or local
governmental or public authority or agency or any third party creditor or
supplier is or will be required for the valid execution and delivery of
the Notes or this Agreement (except for the registrations and filings
referred to in Article 6, which, except to the extent otherwise stated
therein, have been made prior hereto) or for the valid performance of this
Agreement, the Security Documents or the Notes.
5.13 Description of and Title to Helicopters and Engines. Schedule
I to this Agreement contains a correct and complete description of all of
the helicopters and other Aviation Units subject to the Security Interest
as of the Effective Date, and a correct and complete description of each
aircraft engine of 750 or more rated takeoff horsepower, or the equivalent
of that horsepower, installed in or attached or appertaining to any such
helicopters or other Aviation Units. Without limiting the generality of
the representations and warranties contained in Sections 5.05 and 5.12,
the Company has made all filings, registrations and recordings (including,
without limitation, the filing for recordation in the Aircraft Registry of
FAA Form 8050-2, "Aircraft Bill of Sale", or other comparable forms,
covering each such helicopter, other Aviation Unit and engine), necessary
or advisable in order to establish, protect and preserve its title to and
interest in such helicopters, other Aviation Units and engines as against
the respective sellers thereof and all third parties, and each such
helicopter, other Aviation Unit and engine has been duly registered in the
name of the Company pursuant to the Federal Aviation Act. There are not
now any Liens on such helicopters, other Aviation Units and engines other
than Permitted Liens and those security interests created by the Security
Documents in favor of the Agent. Except for the filing of UCC
Continuation Statements in accordance with the recording provisions of
Louisiana and Texas law, no further action, including, without limitation,
any filing or recording of any documents (whether under Article 9 of the
Uniform Commercial Code of any applicable jurisdiction, or otherwise), is
necessary or advisable in order to establish, protect, perfect or preserve
the Company's title to and interest in such helicopters, other Aviation
Units and engines, and the first priority, perfected, security interest of
the Creditors in such helicopters, other Aviation Units and engines
created by the Security Documents in such helicopters, other Aviation
Units and engines (subject only to Permitted Liens), and in the proceeds
thereof as against the respective sellers thereof and all third parties.
5.14 Registered Office of Company, Etc. The registered office of
the Company (as shown on the records of the Secretary of State of the
State of Louisiana) and its chief executive office is 2121 Airline
Highway, Suite 400, Metairie, Louisiana 70001-5979.
5.15 Title to Parts and Receivables. There are no Liens on the
Parts (except for Permitted Liens) or on the Company's Receivables (except
for Permitted Liens of the type described in Subsection 8.05(b)).
Schedule II to the Louisiana Security Agreement contains a complete
listing of all of the locations at which Parts are located in the United
States. Except for the filing of UCC Continuation Statements, in
accordance with the recording provisions of the laws of the States of
Louisiana and Texas, no further action, including, without limitation, the
filing or recording of any additional documents (whether under Article 9
of the Uniform Commercial Code of any applicable jurisdiction, or
otherwise), is necessary or advisable in order to establish, protect or
preserve the prior perfected Security Interest of the Creditors in
the Parts and the Company's Receivables created by the Security Documents
as against third parties.
5.16 Section 1110 of Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978. The Company is
"a citizen of the United States of America holding an air carrier
operating certificate issued by the Secretary of Transportation," within
the meaning of the United States Bankruptcy Code, as amended, and it is
the intention of the Company and the Creditors that the Agent, for the
equal and ratable benefit of the Creditors, upon the execution and
delivery of this Agreement, will be a "secured party with a purchase-money
equipment security interest", within the meaning of Section 1110, in
the Aircraft and each portion thereof now or from time to time hereafter
subjected to the Security Interest to the extent that the Security
Interest constitutes a "purchase-money equipment security interest"
therein, with the result that the Agent, for the equal and ratable benefit
of the Creditors, may take the full benefit of the provisions of said
Section 1110 with respect to such Aircraft and each such portion thereof.
5.17 Environmental Protection Statutes.
(a) Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has: (i)
received any summons, citation, directive, letter, notice, or other form
of communication, or otherwise learned of any claim, demand, action,
event, condition, report, or investigation indicating or concerning any
potential or actual liability which would individually, or in the
aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the financial condition,
business, properties or operations of the Company and the Subsidiaries
taken as a whole, or on the ability of the Company to perform its
obligations under this Agreement, the Notes or any of the Security
Documents, arising in connection with (A) any non-compliance with, or
violation of, the requirements of any Environmental Protection Statute;
(B) the release, or threatened release, of any Hazardous Materials which
the Company or any Subsidiary would have a duty to report to any
governmental authority under any Environmental Protection Statute; (C) the
existence of any environmental lien on any property of the Company or any
of the Subsidiaries resulting from the presence of such Hazardous
Materials; (ii) obtained knowledge of any threatened or actual liability
in connection with the release or threatened release of any Hazardous
Materials which would individually, or in the aggregate, have a material
adverse effect on the financial condition, business, properties or
operations of the Company and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole, or on the
ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement,
the Notes or any of the Security Documents; (iii) received any notice of,
or otherwise learned of, any federal or state investigation evaluating
whether any remedial action is needed to respond to a release or
threatened release of any Hazardous Materials for which the Company or any
of the Subsidiaries may be liable; or (iv) received any notice that the
Company or any the Subsidiaries is or may be liable to any person under
any Environmental Protection Statute.
(b) The Company and each Subsidiary have obtained all
permits, licenses and authorizations which are required under all
Environmental Protection Statutes, (including, without limitation, laws
relating to emissions, discharges, releases, or threatened releases of
Hazardous Materials (including, without limitation, ambient air, surface
water, ground water, or land) or otherwise relating to the manufacture,
processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport, or
handling of Hazardous Materials), except to the extent that failure to
have or obtain any such permit, license or authorization does not have a
material adverse effect on the financial condition, business, properties
or operations of the Company and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole, or on
the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this
Agreement, the Notes or any of the Security Documents. The Company and
each of the Subsidiaries is in compliance with all terms and conditions of
the permits, licenses and authorizations required to be obtained by it,
and is also in compliance with all other limitations, restrictions,
conditions, standards, prohibitions, requirements, obligations, schedules,
and timetables contained in those laws or contained in any regulations,
code, plan, order, injunction, notice, or demand letter issued, entered,
promulgated, or approved thereunder, except to the extent that failure to
comply does not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition,
business, properties or operations of the Company and the Subsidiaries
taken as a whole, or on the ability of the Company to perform its
obligations under this Agreement, the Notes or any of the Security
Documents.
6. CONDITIONS OF LENDING.
6.01 Conditions Precedent to this Agreement. This Agreement shall
be effective between the parties hereto and the Banks shall be obligated
to make Loans hereunder upon, and shall not be effective between the
parties hereto and the Banks shall not be obligated to make Loans
hereunder until, satisfaction of the conditions precedent that the Agent
shall have received for the account of the Banks all of the following,
each dated (unless otherwise indicated) the Effective Date, in form, scope
and substance satisfactory to the Banks:
(a) The favorable signed opinions of Correro, Fishman,
Haygood, Phelps, Weiss, Walmsley & Casteix, L.L.P., counsel for the
Company, and Lytle, Soule & Curlee, a professional corporation, special
Federal Aviation Act counsel for the Company, as to the matters set forth
in Exhibits D-1 and D-2, respectively, with such changes as approved by
the Banks in their sole discretion, and as to such other matters as any
Bank may reasonably require.
(b) The Notes, duly authorized, executed and delivered by
the Company, renewing, extending and modifying the Notes (as defined in
the Prior Amended and Restated Loan Agreement) executed and delivered
under the Prior Amended and Restated Loan Agreement.
(c) This Agreement, duly authorized, executed and delivered
by the Company, together with all Schedules and Exhibits hereto.
(d) The Louisiana Security Agreement, duly authorized,
executed and delivered by the Company, together with any necessary
financing statement changes.
(e) A certificate of the president or a vice president and
of the secretary or an assistant secretary of the Company certifying,
inter alia, (i) true and correct copies of resolutions adopted by the
Board of Directors of the Company (A) authorizing the execution, delivery
and performance by the Company of this Agreement, the Notes and the
borrowings hereunder, (B) approving the forms of this Agreement and the
Notes, and (C) authorizing officers of the Company to execute and deliver
this Agreement, the Notes and any related documents, including, without
limitation, any agreement or security document contemplated by this
Agreement, (ii) the incumbency and specimen signatures of the officers of
the Company executing any documents on behalf of the Company and (iii) the
absence of any proceedings for the dissolution or liquidation of the
Company.
(f) The assignment to FNBC of 2.5% interests in the Loans
(as defined in the Prior Amended and Restated Loan Agreement) from each of
NationsBank and Whitney in exchange for payment by FNBC in immediately
available funds to each of NationsBank and Whitney.
(g) All accrued and unpaid interest and fees owing under the
Prior Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (allocated in accordance with
the definition of "Ratable Share" contained therein) whether or not
otherwise then due and payable.
(h) The Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as in
effect on March 31, 1997, certified by the Secretary of State of the State
of Louisiana and dated a date within 10 days prior to March 31, 1997.
(i) The Bylaws of the Company, including all amendments
thereto, certified by the secretary or an assistant secretary of the
Company.
(j) Certificates of the appropriate government officials of
the State of Louisiana as to the Company's existence and good standing,
and certificates of the appropriate government officials in each state
where the Company does business and where failure to qualify as a foreign
corporation would have a material adverse effect on the business,
prospects, earnings, properties, operations or condition, financial or
otherwise of the Company, as to the Company's good standing and due
qualification to do business in such state, each dated a date within
10 days prior to March 31, 1997, together with a telegram or facsimile
bearing the signature of the appropriate government official of the State
of Louisiana, certifying to the existence and good standing of the Company
as of March 31, 1997.
6.02 Conditions Precedent to each Borrowing. The obligation of
each Bank to make each Loan shall be subject to the following conditions
precedent that on the date of the Borrowing consisting of the Loans then
being made by the Banks (a) the following statements shall be true and
the Agent and each Bank shall have received an Officers' Certificate
requesting such Borrowing (a "Request for Borrowing") stating that (i) the
representations and warranties contained in Article 5, in Section 7.14 and
in the Security Documents are true on and as of the date of such Borrowing
with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had
been made on and as of such Borrowing, (ii) the Creditors have a valid,
equal and ratable perfected first priority Security Interest in the
Collateral, subject only to Permitted Liens, (iii) there exists on the
date of such Borrowing no Event of Default or Default, (iv) since April
30, 1996, no material adverse change has occurred with respect to the
business, prospects, earnings, properties or condition, financial or
otherwise, of the Company or the Company and the Subsidiaries taken as a
whole (including, without limitation, any material downward valuation by
the Company or any Subsidiary of the Aviation Units or any determination
by the Company or any Subsidiary that a significant portion of its
Receivables is uncollectible), and (v) the business and operations of the
Company and all of the Subsidiaries as conducted at all times relevant to
the transactions contemplated hereby to and including the close of
business on the date of such Borrowing have been and are in compliance
with applicable state and Federal laws, regulations and orders affecting
the Company and each Subsidiary and its business and operations, or any of
them, (b) for each Borrowing, the Agent and each Bank shall have received
a Borrowing Base Certificate dated as of the date of such Borrowing, and
(c) the Agent shall have received such other approvals, opinions or
documents as the Agent, or any Bank through the Agent, may reasonably
request.
7. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS. So long as the principal amount of any
Borrowing or any amount of interest accrued under the Notes or any
commitment or Agent's fees, or any expense, compensation, reimbursement or
other amounts payable by the Company shall remain unpaid or the Agent or
any Bank shall have any commitment hereunder, the Company will, unless the
Majority Banks shall otherwise consent in writing:
7.01 Financial Statements and Information. Deliver to each Bank:
(a) as soon as available after the end of each fiscal year
of the Company, and in any event within 120 days thereafter, a copy of (i)
a consolidated balance sheet of the Company and the Consolidated
Subsidiaries as of the end of such fiscal year and consolidated statements
of earnings, stockholders' equity and cash flows of the Company and the
Consolidated Subsidiaries for such fiscal year, setting forth, in each
case in comparative form, the figures for the previous fiscal year, all in
reasonable detail and certified by independent public accountants of
recognized national standing selected by the Company in an unqualified
written opinion which shall state that such financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
consistently applied and that the examination by such accountants in
connection with such financial statements has been made in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards and, accordingly, included such
tests of the accounting records and such other auditing procedures as were
considered necessary under the circumstances, and (ii) a consolidating
balance sheet of the Company and the Consolidated Subsidiaries as of the
end of such fiscal year and consolidating statements of earnings,
stockholders' equity and changes in the financial position of the Company
and the Consolidated Subsidiaries for such fiscal year, setting forth, in
each case in comparative form, the figures for the previous fiscal year,
all in reasonable detail and certified as complete and correct by the
principal financial officer of the Company;
(b) as soon as available after the end of each of the first
three fiscal quarters of the Company, and in any event within 60 days
thereafter, a copy of (i) a consolidated balance sheet of the Company and
the Consolidated Subsidiaries as of the end of such fiscal quarter and
(ii) consolidated statements of earnings and cash flows of the Company and
the Consolidated Subsidiaries for such fiscal quarter and (in the case of
the second and third fiscal quarters of the Company) for the portion of
the fiscal year ending with such fiscal quarter, setting forth, in each
case in comparative form, the figures for the corresponding periods in the
previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and certified as complete
and correct, subject to changes resulting from year-end adjustments, by
the principal financial officer of the Company;
(c) within 45 days after the end of each of the first,
second, fourth, fifth, seventh, eighth, tenth and eleventh months of each
fiscal year of the Company, a copy of (i) a consolidated balance sheet of
the Company and the Consolidated Subsidiaries as of the end of such month,
and (ii) a consolidated statement of earnings of the Company and the
Consolidated Subsidiaries for such month and for the portion of the fiscal
year ending with such month, setting forth, in each case in comparative
form, the figures for the corresponding periods in the previous fiscal
year, all in reasonable detail;
(d) promptly upon receipt thereof, one copy of each other
report submitted to the Company or any Subsidiary by independent
accountants in connection with any annual, interim or special audit made
by them of the books of the Company or such Subsidiary (other than any
auditors' comment letter to management, unless the same shall have been
requested by any Bank through the Agent);
(e) promptly upon their becoming available, one copy of each
financial statement, report, notice or proxy statement sent by the Company
or any Subsidiary to stockholders generally, and one copy of each regular
or periodic report, registration statement or prospectus, or written
communication (other than transmittal letters) in respect thereof, filed
by the Company or any Subsidiary with, or received by the Company or any
Subsidiary from any securities exchange or the Securities and Exchange
Commission, or any successor to either;
(f) with each set of financial statements delivered pursuant
to Subsections 7.01(a) and (b), an Officers' Certificate (i) setting forth
computations demonstrating compliance with the financial covenants
contained herein as of the date of such financial statements and for the
period then ended and setting forth computations demonstrating the amount
of the Leverage Ratio as of the date of such financial statements and (ii)
certifying that the signers have reviewed the relevant terms of this
Agreement (including Section 7.09) and have made, or have caused to be
made under their supervision, a review of the transactions and condition
of the Company and the Subsidiaries from the beginning of the accounting
period covered by the statement of earnings being delivered therewith to
the date of the certificate, and that such review has not disclosed the
existence during such period of any Event of Default or Default or, if any
such Event of Default or Default existed or exists, specifying the nature
and period of existence thereof and the action the Company has taken or
proposes to take with respect thereto; in addition, with each set of
financial statements delivered pursuant to Subsection 7.01(a), an
Officers' Certificate specifying (x) the insured value of the Aircraft,
(y) the existence and nature of any changes in the insurance coverage
required to be maintained by the Company under Section 7.10 and (z) if any
Aviation Unit constituting a portion of the Aircraft is then being leased
by the Company to another person, or operated by the Company under
contract with another person, the name of such person and the term of the
relevant lease or contract;
(g) with each set of financial statements delivered pursuant
to Subsection 7.01(a), a report of the accountants who have examined such
financial statements, stating that, in connection with their examination,
nothing came to their attention that caused them to believe that the
Company was not in compliance with the terms, covenants, provisions and
conditions of Sections 8 (except 8.05, 8.08, 8.11-16 and 8.18), 10.01(a)
and 10.01(b) (as to Subsection 10.01(b), limited to payment terms and
other financial terms, financial covenants, financial provisions and
financial conditions), or, if anything did come to their attention that
they believed to constitute noncompliance with any of those Sections,
specifying the nature and period of existence thereof;
(h) as soon as available after the end of each fiscal
quarter of the Company, and in any event within 60 days after the end of
each of the first three fiscal quarters of the Company and within 120 days
after the end of the fourth fiscal quarter of the Company (i) a schedule
of the Direct Expenses incurred by the Company and the Consolidated
Subsidiaries during such quarter in such form and containing such
information and detail as the Agent, or any Bank through the Agent, may
request, (ii) a summary description of the Parts, by type of Aviation Unit
to which such Parts are applicable, (iii) a list of the Receivables of the
Company as at the end of such quarter, (iv) a list of the Trade Payables
of the Company and the Consolidated Subsidiaries as at the end of such
quarter, each such schedule, description and list to be in such form and
contain such information and detail as the Agent, or any Bank through the
Agent, may reasonably request, including, without limitation, as to such
Receivables, agings thereof in the customary manner, identifying each
obligor thereon and designating each such Receivable that is 90 days old,
and as to such summary description of the Parts, the opening balance,
withdrawals, additions and closing balance, and as to such Trade Payables,
agings thereof in the customary manner, the supplier and the designation
of each Trade Payable not paid pursuant to its payment terms and (iv) a
written confirmation of the make and model, manufacturer's serial number
and United States registration number of each Aviation Unit constituting
a portion of the Aircraft, the month and year of purchase of each such
Aviation Unit and the parish (or county) and state (or, if such Aviation
Unit shall at the time be situated outside the United States, the country
and province) of the current location of each thereof;
(i) with each set of financial statements delivered pursuant
to Subsection 7.01(b) with respect to each third fiscal quarter of the
Company, a copy of a pro forma consolidated balance sheet of the Company
and the Consolidated Subsidiaries for the next succeeding fiscal year of
the Company and pro forma consolidated statements of earnings,
stockholder's equity and cash flows of the Company and the Consolidated
Subsidiaries for the next succeeding fiscal year of the Company;
(j) within 45 days after the end of each month of each
fiscal year of the Company, and within 45 days after each Event of Loss,
a Borrowing Base Certificate;
(k) on or before June 15 in each calendar year, the written
opinion of the Independent Appraiser as to the Appraised Value of the
Aircraft, as contemplated by Subsection 9.03(a); and
(l) promptly upon request, such additional financial or
other information as the Agent, or any Bank through the Agent, may
reasonably request.
7.02 Books and Records. Maintain, and cause the Subsidiaries to
maintain, proper books of record and account in accordance with generally
accepted accounting practices in which true, full and correct entries will
be made of all its dealings and business affairs.
7.03 General Insurance. Maintain, and cause the Subsidiaries to
maintain insurance with responsible companies in such amounts and against
such risks as is customarily carried on comparable businesses and
properties, and furnish to any Bank, upon request, an Officers'
Certificate containing full information as to the insurance carried; and
promptly after notice in writing from the Agent, or any Bank through the
Agent, obtain such additional insurance as the Agent, or any Bank through
the Agent, may reasonably request and which is customarily carried on
comparable businesses or properties. All policies of insurance maintained
by the Company on the Parts shall name the Agent as an additional insured
and any payment of claims thereunder shall be made payable to the Agent
(without the necessity for the Company's joining in endorsing any check or
otherwise accepting any payment) under a standard mortgagee loss payable
clause satisfactory to the Agent and the Banks; provided, however, that
such policies may provide that, with respect to proceeds of any particular
claim, such proceeds not in excess of $500,000 may be paid by the insurers
directly to the Company rather than to the Agent unless an Event of
Default or Default shall have occurred and is continuing and the Agent
shall have notified the insurer thereof.
7.04 Maintenance of Property. Cause its property and the property
of the Subsidiaries to be maintained, preserved, protected and kept in
good repair, working order and condition so that the business carried on
in connection therewith may be conducted properly and efficiently.
7.05 Inspection of Property and Records. Permit any employee of
any Bank or any other person designated by such Bank in writing to visit
and inspect any of the properties, corporate books and financial records
of the Company and the Subsidiaries and make copies and extracts therefrom
and discuss the respective affairs and finances of the Company and the
Subsidiaries with the officers, employees and independent public
accountants (who are hereby so authorized), all at such times as such Bank
may reasonably request.
7.06 Existence, Laws, Obligations, etc. (a) Maintain, and cause
each of the Subsidiaries to maintain, its corporate existence and its good
standing and qualification to do business as a foreign corporation in each
jurisdiction where the failure to be so qualified would have a material
adverse effect upon the business, prospects, earnings, properties or
condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company or such Subsidiary, as
the case may be; (b) pay and cause the Subsidiaries to pay all claims for
labor, supplies, rent and other obligations which if unpaid might become
a Lien against the property of the Company or a Subsidiary, except
liabilities being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, and
with respect to which adequate reserves shall have been established; (c)
remain a citizen of the United States within the meaning of Section
101(16) of the Federal Aviation Act and an "air carrier" duly qualified as
an "air taxi commercial operator" (or equivalent status permitting the
Company to continue to conduct its business as presently conducted) under
said Act; (d) defend its title to the Collateral against the claims and
demands of all persons whomsoever other than the Agent and the Creditors;
(e) from time to time, at its own cost and expense, promptly take such
action as may be necessary duly to discharge any Liens on the Collateral
other than Permitted Liens; (f) pay or cause to be paid all taxes
(including documentary stamp taxes), assessments and any other
governmental charges lawfully levied or assessed upon the Notes or upon
the Collateral or any portion thereof, upon the income from the
Collateral, or upon the interest of the Agent or any Creditor in the
Collateral, prior to the time when any fine, penalty, interest or cost may
be added thereto or charged for the nonpayment thereof; (g) duly observe
and conform to all requirements of any governmental authority relative to
any portion of the Collateral and all covenants, terms and conditions upon
or under which any portion of the Collateral shall at any time be held
(except that the Company shall not be required to observe or conform to
any such requirements of any governmental authority or to pay or cause to
be paid any such tax, assessment or governmental charge so long as (i) the
validity thereof shall be contested by it in good faith by proceedings
which, in an opinion of counsel delivered to the Agent with a copy to each
Creditor by counsel for the Company in any case involving an amount in
excess of $25,000, are appropriate, (ii) book reserves which, in the
opinion of the Company's independent public accountants, are adequate have
been established with respect thereto and (iii) the Company's title to the
affected portion of the Collateral shall not be divested thereby and its
right to use the affected portion of the Collateral shall not be adversely
affected thereby); and (h) subject to the further provisions of this
Section 7.06 to the extent that it is not legally prohibited from doing
so, PAY, AND SAVE THE AGENT AND THE CREDITORS HARMLESS AGAINST any and all
liability with respect to, any intangible personal property tax or other
similar tax, now or hereafter in effect, of any jurisdiction in which any
portion of the Collateral is or may be located, to the extent that the
same may be payable by the Agent or any Creditor in respect of the Notes,
any Swap Agreement, or the Security Documents; provided, however, that the
Company shall not have any obligation to pay, or to indemnify the Agent or
any Creditor against, any particular taxes, assessments or other
governmental charges of the nature referred to above which arise solely by
reason of the business, operations or activities conducted by the Agent or
such Creditor in a particular jurisdiction or jurisdictions (other than
any actions contemplated, required or permitted to be taken by the Agent
or such Creditor by or pursuant to this Agreement, any Swap Agreement or
the Security Documents, including the execution, delivery and recording of
the Security Documents, the creation of the Security Interest and any
actions taken by the Agent or such Creditor or in respect of the
Collateral, the Notes, the Security Documents, any Swap Agreement or this
Agreement, whether before or after the occurrence of a Default or Event of
Default). The obligations of the Company under this Section 7.06 shall
survive the payment or transfer of the Notes or any interest therein and
the discharge of this Agreement and any and all Swap Agreements, and,
without limiting the generality of Section 12.09, said obligations are
herein assumed expressly for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by,
the Agent, the Creditors or any other holder of an interest in any Note.
7.07 Notification of Defaults. Promptly, and in any case within 5
days after the Chairman of the Board, Vice Chairman of the Board, the
Secretary or the Treasurer of the Company learns thereof, notify the Agent
and each Bank in writing of the occurrence of a Default or an Event of
Default hereunder and of the default of the Company or any Subsidiary
under any other Indebtedness for Money Borrowed of the Company or such
Subsidiary or any contract and of the nature thereof and what action the
Company proposes to take with respect thereto.
7.08 Election and Incumbency Certificate. Promptly after the
annual meeting of the Company's stockholders, send to each Bank an
Officers' Certificate of the election and incumbency of the Company's
officers and directors in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent,
and each Bank.
7.09 Registration, Maintenance, Operation, Foreign Operations and
Marking.
(a) At its own cost and expense: (i) forthwith upon the
delivery thereof, cause each portion of the Aircraft to be duly
registered, and at all times thereafter to remain duly registered, in the
name of the Company, under the Federal Aviation Act; it will not register
any portion of the Aircraft under the laws of any country other than the
United States of America as aforesaid and it will cause the Security
Documents to be duly recorded and maintained of record in the Aircraft
Registry and any other appropriate public offices as a first mortgage on,
and as creating a prior perfected security interest in, the Aircraft and
each portion thereof (including each portion which consists of an aircraft
engine of 750 or more rated takeoff horsepower, or the equivalent of that
horsepower, or a propeller capable of absorbing 750 or more rated takeoff
shaft horsepower); (ii) maintain, service, repair, overhaul and test the
Aircraft so as to maintain the Aircraft in such condition as may be
necessary to enable the airworthiness certification of the Aircraft to be
maintained in good standing at all times under the Federal Aviation Act,
and, in any event, in good repair, working order and operating condition,
ordinary wear and tear excepted, and in compliance with any applicable
requirements of law and of any governmental authority having jurisdiction
(regardless of upon which person such requirements shall, by their terms,
be nominally imposed), and from time to time it will make or cause to be
made all necessary or appropriate repairs, restorations, replacements and
renewals thereof and additions or improvements thereto, and in furtherance
thereof (subject to Section 9.01 and the provisions of this Agreement
specifying the obligations of the Company upon the occurrence of Events of
Loss) will promptly replace aircraft engines and all Parts of whatever
nature which, originally or from time to time, have been incorporated in
or installed as part of the Aircraft, or any portion thereof, and which
may from time to time become worn out, lost, stolen, destroyed, seized,
confiscated, damaged beyond repair or permanently rendered unfit for use
for any reason whatsoever, and each replacement portion shall be free and
clear of all Liens (other than Permitted Liens) and rights of others and
shall be in as good operating condition as, and shall have a value and
utility at least equal to that of, the replaced portion (assuming that
such replaced portion shall have been in the condition and state of repair
required to be maintained under the terms hereof); (iii) maintain all
records, logs and other materials required by the Federal Aviation
Administration, and any other governmental authority having jurisdiction,
to be maintained in respect of the Aircraft, regardless of upon which
person any such requirements shall, by their terms, be nominally imposed,
and the Company will comply with all applicable maintenance, service,
repair and overhaul manuals and service bulletins published by or on
behalf of the manufacturers of the Aircraft; (iv) at such times as any
Bank may reasonably request, through the Agent, furnish to the Agent, with
a copy to each Bank, statements regarding the condition and state of
repair of the Aircraft, in such detail as such Bank, through the Agent,
may reasonably request; and (v) procure and pay for all permits,
franchises, inspections and licenses necessary or appropriate in
connection with the Aircraft or any repair, restoration, replacement,
renewal, addition or improvement with respect to the Aircraft, the failure
to procure which might have an adverse effect on any Aviation Unit or
Units constituting a portion of the Aircraft, or any interest of
the Creditors therein or in respect thereof. The Company further
covenants that the Aircraft will not be (x) maintained, used or operated
in violation of any law or any rule, regulation or order of any
governmental authority having jurisdiction, or in violation of any
airworthiness certification, license or registration relating to the
Aircraft issued by any such governmental authority or (y) used or operated
at any time that the full amount of insurance required by Section 7.10 to
be carried with respect thereto shall not be in effect. The Company
further covenants (A) that no portion of the Aircraft, the Appraised Value
of which is used to determine the Borrowing Base will be used, operated or
situated at any time or for any period outside the continental United
States; and (B)(1) the Company shall maintain with respect to the Aircraft
used, operated or situated outside the continental United States hull war
risk insurance (including insurance against war, strikes, riots, civil
commotion, acts of persons for political or terrorist purposes, malicious
acts, acts of sabotage, hijacking, confiscation and nationalization,
except confiscation and nationalization by the United States), extending
throughout the world, which insurance shall be made payable to the Agent,
for the benefit of the Creditors under a standard mortgagee loss payable
clause satisfactory to the Agent and each Creditor, or (2) the Company
shall have entered into such other protective arrangements with respect to
such Aircraft used, operated or situated outside the continental United
States as shall be acceptable to the Agent and each Creditor.
(b) At all times affix to and maintain in each portion of
the Aircraft consisting of an Aviation Unit, adjacent to the airworthiness
certification therein, a metal nameplate bearing the following inscription
in plain, distinct and conspicuous lettering:
"THIS EQUIPMENT IS OWNED BY PETROLEUM HELICOPTERS, INC. SUBJECT TO
A MORTGAGE IN FAVOR OF NATIONSBANK OF TEXAS, N.A., WHITNEY NATIONAL
BANK AND FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF COMMERCE (THE "BANKS"). ANY BUYER
OR OTHER ENCUMBRANCER OF THIS EQUIPMENT IS HEREBY PUT ON NOTICE THAT
THE SALE OR CREATION OF AN ENCUMBRANCE BY PETROLEUM HELICOPTERS,
INC. TO OR IN FAVOR OF SUCH BUYER OR ENCUMBRANCER IS IN VIOLATION OF
THE AFORESAID MORTGAGE UNLESS AND UNTIL SUCH BUYER OR ENCUMBRANCER
SHALL HAVE RECEIVED FROM SAID NATIONSBANK OF TEXAS, N.A., AS AGENT
FOR THE BANKS, A WRITTEN STATEMENT TO THE EFFECT THAT SUCH EQUIPMENT
HAS BEEN DULY RELEASED FROM THE SECURITY INTEREST OF SAID MORTGAGE."
The Company will promptly replace any part of such nameplate which may be
removed, defaced or destroyed, and in the event that any person shall, in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement, succeed to the position of
the Company or the Creditors named on any such nameplate, the Company will
promptly replace such nameplate with a nameplate inscribed with the name
of such successor. Except as above provided, the Company will not permit
or suffer the name of any person other than the Company to be placed on
any portion of the Aircraft as a designation that might be interpreted as
a claim of ownership or a right to the possession or use thereof.
(c) Hangar the Aircraft principally in Lafayette Parish,
Louisiana, and although any Aviation Unit may from time to time, and for
various periods of time, operate in the normal course of business outside
said parish and state, it is intended and agreed that such Aviation Unit
shall remain principally hangared, and in that sense located, in Lafayette
Parish, Louisiana.
7.10 Insurance with Respect to the Aircraft.
(a) Without limiting the generality of Section 7.03, at its
own cost and expense, maintain, with insurers of recognized national
stature and responsibility satisfactory to the Agent and the Creditors,
insurance policies insuring against loss or damage to the Aircraft from
such risks and in such amounts as a prudent person would maintain on
similar properties; provided, however, that, without the prior written
consent of the Agent and the Creditors, the Company will not permit or
suffer the Aircraft to be insured on any basis or to any extent other than
that upon which the other Aviation Units in the Company's fleet shall be
insured, and, in any event, the Company will not permit or suffer the
amount of such insurance for each occurrence, less the deductible, if any,
with respect thereto, at any time to be less than the Appraised Value of
the Aircraft. The policies required by this Subsection 7.10(a) to be
maintained shall name the Agent as an additional insured with respect to
the Aircraft and any payment of claims thereunder shall be made payable to
the Agent (without the necessity for the Company's joining in endorsing
any check or otherwise accepting any payment) under a standard mortgagee
loss payable clause satisfactory to the Agent and the Creditors; provided,
however, that such policies may provide that, with respect to proceeds of
any particular claim, such proceeds not in excess of $500,000 may be paid
by the insurers directly to the Company rather than to the Agent unless an
Event of Default or Default shall have occurred and be continuing and the
Agent shall have notified the insurer thereof. To the extent that such
insurance coverage shall be available, such policies shall further provide
that (v) in respect of the interest of the Agent and the Creditors in such
policies, the insurance shall not be invalidated by any action or inaction
of the Company or any other person, (w) the Agent's and Creditors'
interest shall be insured regardless of any breach or violation by the
Company of any warranties, declarations or conditions contained in such
policies, (x) the insurers waive all rights of subrogation against the
Company, the Agent and each Creditor, (y) the insurers waive any right to
any set-off, counterclaim or deduction, whether by attachment or
otherwise, in respect of any liability of the Company and (z) such
insurance will not be invalidated by any foreclosure or other remedial
proceedings or notices thereof relating to the Aircraft or any portion
thereof or interest therein, or by any change in the title to or ownership
of the Aircraft or any portion thereof or interest therein, or by the use
or operation of the Aircraft or any portion thereof for purposes more
hazardous, or in a manner more hazardous, than shall have been permitted
by such policies. No such policy shall contain a provision reducing or
eliminating the liability of the insurer thereunder for any loss by reason
of the existence of other insurance policies covering the Aircraft or any
portion thereof against the peril involved, whether collectible or not.
As between the Agent and the Creditors and the Company, all insurance
proceeds received as the result of the occurrence of an Event of Loss
shall be applied in accordance with Subsection 9.02(a), and all insurance
proceeds received as the result of loss or damage not constituting an
Event of Loss shall be applied in accordance with Subsection 9.02(b).
(b) At its own cost and expense, maintain, with insurers of
recognized national stature and responsibility satisfactory to the Agent
and the Creditors, insurance policies with respect to the Aircraft
insuring against loss or damage to the person and property of others from
such risks and in such amounts as a prudent person would maintain in
similar circumstances (including passenger legal liability insurance);
provided, however, that the Company will maintain public liability
(including passenger legal liability) and property damage insurance
applicable to the Aircraft in an amount which shall not be less than
$20,000,000 per accident, subject to a deductible not in excess of
$50,000. The policies required by this Subsection 7.10(b) to be
maintained shall name the Agent for the equal and ratable benefit of the
Creditors as an additional insured with respect to the Aircraft, and, to
the extent available, shall insure the Agent's and Creditors' interest
regardless of any breach of or violation by the Company of any warranties,
declarations or conditions contained in such policies and shall provide
that the insurers waive all rights of subrogation against the Company, the
Agent and each Creditor and that the insurers waive any right to any
set-off, counterclaim or deduction, whether by attachment or otherwise, in
respect of any liability of the Company. No such policy shall contain a
provision reducing or eliminating the liability of the insurer thereunder
for any loss by reason of the existence of other insurance policies
covering the Aircraft or any portion thereof against the peril involved,
whether collectible or not.
Each insurance policy required by this subsection (b) to be
maintained by the Company shall expressly provide that all the provisions
thereof, except the limits of liability (which shall be applicable to all
insureds as a group) and liability for premiums (which shall be solely a
liability of the Company), shall operate in the same manner as if there
were a separate policy covering each insured.
(c) Upon request, furnish to the Agent, with a copy to each
Creditor, and in any event within 120 days after the end of each fiscal
year of the Company, a certificate signed by the Company's independent
insurance broker or consultant summarizing the insurance then maintained
by the Company pursuant to this Section 7.10 and stating that, in the
opinion of said broker or consultant, such insurance complies with the
terms hereof.
The Company will, and every insurance policy required by this
Section 7.10 to be maintained by the Company shall provide that the
insurer will, (i) advise the Agent and each Creditor in writing promptly
of any default in the payment of any premiums or of any other act or
omission on the part of the Company of which it shall have knowledge and
which might invalidate or render unenforceable, in whole or in part, any
such insurance and (ii) advise the Agent and each Creditor in writing, at
least thirty days prior thereto, of the expiration or cancellation or any
reduction or any material change in the coverage of any such insurance
(each such policy to provide that no such cancellation, reduction or
change will be effective until thirty days after such notice is given).
The Company will advise the Agent and each Creditor in writing promptly of
any notice or other communication received from any insurer by which such
insurer indicates that it may seek to suspend, terminate or change any
insurance required by this Section 7.10 to be maintained by the Company.
7.11 Recording, Etc. Forthwith upon the execution and delivery of
this Agreement and thereafter from time to time, cause the Security
Documents and all other documents and notices with respect thereto
(including financing statements and continuation statements, if any), to
be promptly filed, registered or recorded (and the Company will cause any
such filing, registration and recording to be continued in effect) to such
extent, in such manner and in such places (including the Aircraft
Registry) as may be necessary or appropriate under any present or future
law in order to publish notice of and fully to preserve and protect the
validity and priority of the Security Interest, and the interest of the
Agent and the Creditors, in the property comprising or intended to
comprise the Collateral (including any portion of the Aircraft or any Part
which consists of an aircraft engine of 750 or more rated takeoff
horsepower, or the equivalent of that horsepower, or a propeller capable
of absorbing 750 or more rated takeoff shaft horsepower), and from time to
time will perform or cause to be performed any and all other actions, and
will execute and deliver or cause to be executed and delivered and filed,
registered or recorded any and all other documents, that may be required
by applicable law or requested by any Creditor for such publication,
preservation and protection. The Company will pay or cause to be paid all
filing, registration and recording taxes and fees incident to such filing,
registration and recording, and all expenses incident to the preparation,
execution, delivery and acknowledgment of this Agreement, the Security
Documents, financing statements, continuation statements, if any, and
other such documents, and all stamp taxes and other taxes, duties,
imposts, assessments and charges arising out of or in connection with the
execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Security Documents,
financing statements, continuation statements and other such documents.
The Company will deliver to the Agent (a) promptly after the
execution and delivery of any Security Document which subjects additional
Collateral other than Aviation Units to the Security Interest, an opinion
of legal counsel satisfactory to the Creditors stating either (i) that
such Security Document and all other documents have been properly filed,
registered and recorded to the extent required by this Section 7.11, and
reciting the details of such action or referring to prior opinions of
counsel in which such details are given, or (ii) that no such action is
necessary to maintain the Security Interest, as so required, and
(b) within 45 days after a written request from the Agent or any Creditor,
but in no event more than once during each calendar year, an opinion of
legal counsel satisfactory to the Creditors (i) stating that all action
has been taken with respect to the filing, registration, recording,
refiling, re-registration and re-recording of the Security Documents and
all other documents as is necessary to maintain the Security Interest, as
required under this Agreement and the Security Documents (including the
Security Interest on any property acquired by the Company after the date
of execution and delivery of the Security Documents and owned on the date
of such request which is intended to be subject to the Security Interest),
and reciting the details of such action or referring to prior opinions of
counsel in which such details are given, and (ii) describing what if any
action of the foregoing character may reasonably be expected to become
necessary in the future to maintain the Security Interest, as so required,
in the Collateral.
7.12 Material Adverse Change. Notify each Bank promptly of the
occurrence of any material adverse change with respect to the business,
prospects, earnings, properties or condition, financial or otherwise, of
the Company or of the Company and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole since
April 30, 1996 (including, without limitation, any downward valuation by
the Company or any Subsidiary of the Aviation Units or any determination
by the Company or any Subsidiary that a significant portion of its
Receivables is uncollectible). If at any time any Bank notifies the
Company through the Agent that it believes that the value of the Aircraft
to be less than the Appraised Value of the Aircraft, the Company will, at
its own cost and expense, forthwith submit to the Agent, with a copy to
each Bank, such new written opinions of the Independent Appraiser as the
Agent, or such Bank through the Agent, shall reasonably require.
7.13 Further Assurances. At any time and from time to time,
promptly, at its own cost and expense, the Company will do, execute,
acknowledge and deliver, or cause to be done, executed, acknowledged and
delivered, any and all such further acts, instruments, mortgages, security
agreements, financing statements, continuation statements and assurances
as the Agent or any Creditor through the Agent shall reasonably require to
obtain the full benefits of the estates, interests, rights, powers,
privileges, and immunities granted herein and in the Security Documents
and for the better mortgaging, hypothecating, pledging, assuring and
confirming to or with the Creditors, or for the protection or continuance
of protection of the validity and priority of the Security Interest in,
all or any portion of the Collateral by the Security Documents mortgaged,
hypothecated or pledged, or intended hereby or thereby to be mortgaged,
hypothecated or pledged, to or with the Creditors or which the Company may
be or may hereafter become bound to mortgage, hypothecate or pledge to or
with the Creditors.
7.14 Change of Control. Notify the Agent and each Bank forthwith
if at any time Carroll Wilson Suggs ("C.W. Suggs") shall cease to own the
Control Stock (hereinafter defined), and at any time thereafter, upon the
written demand of the Agent given at the request of the Majority Banks,
pay to the Agent, for the ratable account of the Banks, the entire unpaid
principal amount of the Notes, together with accrued interest thereon on
the date specified in such demand, which date shall not be less than 30
days after the date of such demand; provided, however, if C.W. Suggs shall
cease to own the Control Stock solely because of the death of C.W. Suggs,
then, if and so long as the Control Stock is owned by the estate of C.W.
Suggs and the successor trustees of trusts created under the will of
Robert L. Suggs (the "Successor Trustees") (collectively, the "Substitute
Control Group"), such demand by the Agent shall be given only during the
period from and including the date that is 273 days after the death of
C.W. Suggs to and including the date that is 365 days after her death;
provided further that if at any time after the death of C.W. Suggs the
Control Stock shall cease to be owned by the Substitute Control Group, the
terms of the preceding proviso shall thereupon cease to apply and such
demand for payment may thereupon and at any time thereafter be given. As
used in this Section 7.14, the term "Control Stock" shall mean that number
of shares of the capital stock of the Company which is sufficient to give
the holder or holders thereof the power to elect all of the members of the
board of directors of such corporation; Control Stock shall be deemed
"owned" only if owned both legally and beneficially; provided that in the
case of stock owned by the estate of C.W. Suggs, the interest therein of
heirs and devisees shall be disregarded until any of such stock is
transferred from the estate to any such heir or devisee; provided further
that for purposes of this Section 7.14, including for purposes of the
representation and the warranty given in the next sentence, C.W. Suggs or
the Successor Trustees, as the case may be, shall be deemed to own stock
which is owned by Carroll W. Suggs, Robert L. Suggs, and Frank A. Suggs or
any trust created under the will of Robert L. Suggs for so long as C.W.
Suggs or the Successor Trustees, as appropriate, has the right to vote
such stock. Subject to the last proviso of the immediately preceding
sentence, the Company represents and warrants that according to the stock
records of the Company, and to the best of the Company's knowledge, C.W.
Suggs owns the Control Stock.
7.15 Location of Parts. Notify each Creditor and the Agent
promptly in the event that $5,000,000 of Parts (valued at the lower of
average cost or market) are located at any location other than those
enumerated in Schedule II to the Louisiana Security Agreement, and take
such actions as the Creditors and the Agent may reasonably request to
subject such Parts to the Security Interest.
8. NEGATIVE COVENANTS. So long as the principal amount of any
Borrowing or any amount of interest accrued under the Notes or any
commitment or Agent's fees, or any expense, compensation, reimbursement or
other amounts payable by the Company shall remain unpaid or any Bank shall
have any Commitment hereunder, the Company will not, unless the Majority
Banks shall otherwise consent in writing:
8.01 Current Ratio; Consolidated Tangible Net Worth. At the end of
any fiscal quarter of the Company, permit the Consolidated Current Ratio
to be less than 1.75 to 1.0 or permit Consolidated Tangible Net Worth to
be less than an amount equal to the greater of (i) $69,600,000, or
(ii) the sum of $69,600,000 plus 50% of Consolidated Net Income for the
period commencing on May 1, 1994 and terminating at the end of the fiscal
quarter most recently ended.
8.02 Restricted Payments. Directly or indirectly, through any
Subsidiary or otherwise, declare or make or incur any liability to make
any Restricted Payment; provided, however, the Company may, so long as no
Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result
from the making of such Restricted Payment (unless any such Default or
Event of Default has been waived in the manner required by Section 12.02)
(a) pay or declare cash dividends in an aggregate amount not in excess of
20% of the average of the quarterly Consolidated Net Income after taxes
(excluding from the computation of Consolidated Net Income extraordinary
gains) for the immediately preceding four consecutive fiscal quarters of
the Company, and (b) acquire its stock from its employees who are leaving
the employ of the Company, provided that the aggregate purchase price of
all such stock acquired by the Company during any fiscal year of the
Company shall not exceed $50,000.
8.03 Capital Expenditures. Approve, incur or commit to incur, or
permit any Consolidated Subsidiary to approve, incur or commit to incur,
any capital expenditures if, after giving effect thereto, the aggregate
amount of all such expenditures for the Company and the Consolidated
Subsidiaries in any fiscal year would exceed the sum of (a) the cash
proceeds, net of direct selling expenses, received by the Company or any
Consolidated Subsidiary from the sale of any plant, property, equipment or
other capital asset during such fiscal year, plus (b) (i) for the fiscal
year ending April 30, 1997, $35,000,000, and (ii) for any subsequent
fiscal year, $25,000,000. Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, the
Company will not approve, incur or commit to incur, or permit any
Consolidated Subsidiary to approve, incur or commit to incur, any capital
expenditures during the continuance of an Event of Default.
8.04 Modified Cash Flow Coverage. Permit Modified Cash Flow
Coverage for any four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Company to be
less than (a) for any such period of four consecutive fiscal quarters
ending during the period from the Effective Date to and including July 31,
1997, 1.15 and (b) for any such period of four consecutive fiscal quarters
ending after July 31, 1997, 1.25.
8.05 Liens, Etc. Create or permit to exist or permit any
Subsidiary to create or permit to exist any Liens (including, with respect
to the Collateral, any Lien subordinate to the Security Interest) on any
of its property or assets, real or personal, except the following (the
following being sometimes in this Agreement collectively referred to as
the "Permitted Liens"):
(a) the Security Interest;
(b) liens for taxes either not yet delinquent or being
contested in accordance with the provisions of Section 7.06;
(c) materialmen's, mechanics', workmen's, repairmen's,
vendor's, employees' or other like liens arising in the ordinary course of
business for amounts the payment of which shall not be delinquent, or
which shall have been bonded, or the enforcement of which shall have been
suspended (but then only for the duration of such suspension);
(d) liens arising out of judgments or awards against the
Company or a Subsidiary (provided, however, that any such lien is
discharged within 60 days after entry, or that the Company or such
Subsidiary at the time shall in good faith be prosecuting an appeal or
proceedings for review of such judgment or award and a stay of execution
shall have been granted pending such appeal or proceedings, or that such
lien shall have been bonded);
(e) leases of the Aircraft permitted by Section 8.15 and
leases, other than Capital Leases, of any Aviation Unit not constituting
a portion of the Aircraft;
(f) liens created by statute or lease agreement in favor of
the landlord, as such, of any land upon which any portion of the
Collateral is or may be located, which liens arise in the ordinary course
of business and secure amounts the payment of which shall not be
delinquent; provided, however, that any such lien created by or in respect
of (i) any lease agreement executed and delivered after February 1, 1983
or (ii) any extension or renewal of any lease agreement in force and
effect on February 1, 1983, which extension or renewal is effected
pursuant to the exercise by the Company or any Affiliate after February 1,
1983 of an option to extend or renew any such lease agreement (other than
by way of failure to terminate any lease agreement containing provisions
for automatic extension or renewal), shall not be permitted under this
Section 8.05 unless, by contract or by operation of law, such lien shall
be junior and subordinate to the Security Interest;
(g) liens described on Schedule II attached hereto, provided
that as long as this Agreement shall remain in effect, (i) the
Indebtedness secured by such liens shall not increase in amount or in the
actual or implicit interest rate payable thereon and shall not have the
maturity of any principal payment due thereunder shortened and (ii) no
such lien shall extend to or cover any property other than the property
subject to such lien on March 31, 1997; and
(h) a lien in favor of Fleet Credit Corporation, solely with
respect to that certain Sikorsky S-76 helicopter, not constituting a
portion of the Aircraft, provided, however, that the value of said
Aviation Unit, including its engine, shall not exceed $950,000, said value
to be determined in the manner provided herein for the determination of
"Appraised Value," notwithstanding that the subject Aviation Unit does not
constitute a portion of the Aircraft.
The Company covenants that if it or any Subsidiary shall create or assume
any mortgage, pledge, security interest, encumbrance, lien or charge of
any kind upon any of its property or assets, whether now owned or
hereafter acquired, other than Permitted Liens, it will make or cause to
be made effective provisions whereby the Notes will be secured by such
mortgage, pledge, security interest, encumbrance, lien or charge equally
and ratably with any and all other Indebtedness thereby secured as long as
any such other Indebtedness shall be so secured.
8.06 Limitations on Indebtedness for Money Borrowed and Long-Term
Leases. Create, assume, incur, guarantee or in any manner become liable,
or permit any Subsidiary to create, assume, incur, guarantee or in any
manner become liable, contingently or otherwise, in respect of
any Indebtedness for Money Borrowed, except for (a) the Notes,
(b) Indebtedness for Money Borrowed existing on March 31, 1997 and listed
on Schedule III, provided that as long as this Agreement shall remain in
effect, such Indebtedness for Money Borrowed shall not increase in amount
or in the actual or implicit interest rate payable thereon and shall not
have the maturity of any principal payment due thereunder shortened, and
(c) to the extent not described in Schedule III, Permitted Letters of
Credit.
8.07 Investments. Make or acquire, or permit any Subsidiary to
make or acquire, any investment in shares of the capital stock of any
person which is neither a Subsidiary nor a corporation "Controlled" by the
Company within the meaning of the second sentence of the definition of
"Affiliate" in Article 1, or any options, warrants or other rights to
purchase or acquire such shares, or any securities convertible into or
exchangeable for such shares (whether or not with additional
consideration). Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 8.07 shall
not prohibit (i) investments by the Company in the capital stock (or
comparable equity or partnership interests) of one or more joint ventures,
other than that described in clause (iii) of this Section 8.07, that are
neither Subsidiaries nor corporations "Controlled" by the Company within
the meaning of the second sentence of the definition of "Affiliate" in
Article 1, provided that (x) the Company shall not make or suffer to exist
any investment in any such joint venture in which 50% or more of the
capital stock (or comparable equity or partnership interests) is owned by
the Company and (y) the aggregate book value of all such investments,
together with the book value of all loans and advances permitted under
Subsection 8.18(i), shall not at any time exceed 3% of the Consolidated
Tangible Net Worth of the Company at such time, (ii) the 1990 Stock
Purchase Transaction as defined in the Sixth Amendment to the 1988 Loan
Agreement, dated as of October 24, 1990, or (iii) the investment by the
Company in up to 49% of the capital stock (or comparable equity
securities) of Irish Helicopters, Limited, a corporation organized under
the laws of the Republic of Ireland, the amount of such investment not to
exceed $4,000,000.
8.08 Nature of Business. Engage, or permit any Subsidiary to
engage, in any line of business materially different from any line of
business carried on by the Company or such Subsidiary on the
Effective Date.
8.09 Stock of Subsidiaries, Merger, Sale of Assets, Etc. Permit
any Subsidiary to issue or dispose of its stock (other than directors
qualifying shares) except to the Company or to another Subsidiary, and the
Company will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, sell or otherwise
dispose of any shares of stock of, or obligation (howsoever evidenced)
from, any Subsidiary, or merge or consolidate with any other corporation
or sell, lease or transfer or otherwise dispose of all or a substantial
part of its assets, except that
(a) any corporation may merge or consolidate with the
Company or a Subsidiary provided that the Company or such Subsidiary shall
be the continuing or surviving corporation and shall not be a subsidiary
of another person, and
(b) any Subsidiary may sell, lease, transfer or otherwise
dispose of any of its assets to the Company or another Subsidiary, or may
merge or consolidate with the Company or with another Subsidiary.
8.10 Change in Accounting Method. Make, or permit any Subsidiary
to make, any change in accounting principles or methods or in the
application thereof from those followed in the financial statements
referred to in Subsection 5.02(a) if any such change would affect any
computation or calculation made pursuant to this Agreement, except for
changes in which the Company's independent public accountants shall concur
and with respect to which the Banks shall have given their prior written
consent; provided, however, if no such consent is given by the Banks, the
Company may make such changes so long as it shall maintain separate
financial statements for purposes of this Agreement that are consistent in
accounting principle, method and application with those followed in the
preparation of the financial statements referred to in Subsection 5.02(a).
8.11 Sale of Receivables and Parts. Sell, or permit any
Subsidiary to sell, any of its Receivables or notes receivable or sell
any of the Parts other than in the ordinary course of business.
8.12 Tax Consolidation. File or permit or suffer to be filed any
consolidated income tax return with any person other than a Subsidiary.
8.13 Chief Executive Office; Registered Office. Move either its
chief executive office or registered office in the State of Louisiana from
the location set forth in Section 5.14.
8.14 Transactions with Affiliates. Enter into or be a party to, or
permit any Subsidiary to enter into or be a party to, any transaction
(including the purchase, sale or exchange of any property or the rendering
of any services) with any Affiliate except in the ordinary course of
business of the Company or such Subsidiary and except upon fair and
reasonable terms no less favorable to the Company or such Subsidiary than
would obtain in a comparable arm's-length transaction with a person not an
Affiliate.
8.15 Leasing. Lease, or permit or suffer to be leased, any portion
of the Aircraft except pursuant to a written lease which shall contain
terms expressly subjecting and subordinating the leasehold interest to the
Security Interest and to the rights of the Agent and the Banks hereunder
(a copy of which lease agreement shall have been furnished to each Bank),
and the Company will not assign or otherwise transfer to any person any of
its rights under any such lease. Flight service agreements between the
Company (alone or together with one or more Subsidiaries) and its
customers, pursuant to which a crew, as well as a helicopter, is
furnished, shall not be considered "leases" for purposes of this
Section 8.15.
8.16 Limitation on Amount of Loans and Permitted Letters of Credit.
Permit at any time the sum of the aggregate outstanding principal amount
of the Revolving Credit Loans and the aggregate amount of Permitted Letter
of Credit Amounts to exceed the lesser of (i) $40,000,000 and (ii) the
Borrowing Base.
8.17 Limitation on Prepayments on Funded Indebtedness. Prepay, or
permit any Consolidated Subsidiary to prepay, any Funded Indebtedness
prior to its due date (except the Funded Indebtedness evidenced by the
Notes).
8.18 Loans and Advances to Other Persons. Make or permit to remain
outstanding, or permit any Subsidiary to make or permit to remain
outstanding, any loan or advance to any person, except for (i) loans by
the Company to joint ventures, and provided that the aggregate book value
of all such loans and advances, together with the book value of all
investments permitted under Subsection 8.07(i), shall not at any time
exceed 3% of the Consolidated Tangible Net Worth of the Company at such
time, or (ii) travel advances to employees in the ordinary course of
business and other loans and advances to non-officers as is normal and
customary; provided, however the aggregate amount of all such travel
advances and other loans and advances permitted under this
Subsection 8.18(ii) shall not at any time exceed $200,000.
8.19 Hazardous Materials. Cause or permit, or allow any of the
Subsidiaries to cause or permit, any Hazardous Materials to be placed,
held, used, located or disposed of on, under or at any of such person's
property or any part thereof by any person in a manner which could
reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect upon the
financial condition, business, properties or operations of the Company and
the Subsidiaries taken as a whole or the ability of the Company to perform
its obligations under this Agreement, the Notes or any of the Security
Documents, or cause or permit any part of any of such person's property to
be used as a manufacturing, storage or dump site for Hazardous Materials,
where such action could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse
effect upon the financial condition, business, properties or operations of
the Company and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole or the ability of the
Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement, the Notes or any
of the Security Documents, or cause or suffer any Lien to be recorded
against any of such person's property as a consequence of, or in any way
related to, the presence, remediation, or disposal of Hazardous Materials
in or about any of such person's property, including any so-called state,
federal or local "superfund" Lien relating to such matters, which,
together with all other such Liens, secures obligations which in the
aggregate exceed $500,000.
9. POSSESSION, USE, VALUATION AND RELEASE OF COLLATERAL; APPLICATION OF
PROCEEDS THEREOF; ADDITIONS TO COLLATERAL.
9.01 Possession and Use of Collateral. Unless and until an Event
of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Company may remain
in full possession, enjoyment and control of the Collateral (except any
Investment Securities deposited as security for the Notes and
the obligations of the Company under this Agreement, any Swap Agreement
and any Security Document with, and held by, the Agent in accordance with
the provisions of this Agreement), may manage, operate and use the same
and each portion thereof (except the aforesaid Investment Securities) and
may take and use the tolls, rents, issues, profits, receipts, products,
revenues and other income thereof, except as otherwise expressly provided
in this Agreement or any Security Document; provided, however, that, as a
condition to the foregoing privilege of the Company, the possession,
enjoyment, control, management, operation and use of the Collateral shall
at all times be maintained and conducted in accordance with the
requirements of this Agreement and the Security Documents.
Anything in this Agreement or the Security Documents to the
contrary notwithstanding, the Company may, at its own cost and expense,
remove from any Aviation Unit constituting a portion of the Aircraft, in
the ordinary course of maintenance, service, repair, overhaul or testing,
any aircraft engine or any Parts, whether or not worn out, destroyed,
seized, confiscated, damaged beyond repair or permanently rendered unfit
for use; provided, however, that the Company shall have fully complied
with the provisions of Subsection 7.09(a) of this Agreement as if such
removed aircraft engine or Parts shall have been worn out, lost, stolen,
destroyed, seized, confiscated, damaged beyond repair or permanently
rendered unfit for use. Any aircraft engine and all Parts at any time
removed from any Aviation Unit constituting a portion of the Aircraft
shall, no matter where located, remain subject to the Security Interest
until the Company shall have fully complied with the provisions of Section
7.11 with respect to each such aircraft engine and such Part.
It is expressly agreed that, anything herein contained to the
contrary notwithstanding, the Company shall remain liable under any and
all purchase orders and contracts relating to the construction or
acquisition of the Aircraft or any portion thereof to perform all its
obligations thereunder, all in accordance with and pursuant to the terms
and provisions thereof, and neither the Agent nor any Creditor shall have
liability under any of the foregoing by reason of or arising out of the
action taken by the Company in the granting of the Security Interest, nor
shall the Agent or any Creditor be required or obligated in any manner to
perform or fulfill any obligation of the Company under or pursuant to any
such purchase orders or contracts.
Upon, but not before, (a) the occurrence of an Event of
Default and the automatic acceleration of the Notes pursuant to clause (a)
of Section 10.02 or the making of the request or the granting of the
consent required by clause (b) of Section 10.02, the Agent may, with the
consent of the Majority Banks and shall upon the request of the Majority
Banks, notify any and all account debtors or obligors on the Receivables
of the Company to make payment on all such Receivables to the Agent for
application as provided in Section 10.05, and, subsequent to the
occurrence of an Event of Default, any proceeds of Receivables received by
the Company shall be held in trust by the Company for the account of the
Agent and the Creditors, shall not be commingled with any other funds,
accounts, monies or property of the Company and, upon receipt thereof by
the Company shall be promptly accounted for, paid over, transmitted and
delivered to the Agent for the benefit of the Creditors in the form
received by the Company. The Company agrees to assist the Agent in all
such collection efforts.
The Company hereby agrees that it will not, except as
expressly permitted by this Agreement, take, suffer or omit to take any
action the taking, suffering or omission of which might result in an
impairment of the Collateral or any portion thereof, or the Security
Interest therein. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the
Company agrees that it will not sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of,
lease, or create or suffer to exist any Lien on, all or any portion of the
Collateral except as and to the extent permitted by the express terms of
this Agreement.
9.02 Loss, Restriction, Requisition, Etc.
(a) If an Event of Loss shall occur, the Company shall
forthwith (and, in any event, within 20 days after such occurrence) give
the Agent and each Bank notice of such Event of Loss. Any amounts
received by the Agent representing payment of insurance proceeds or
payment from any governmental authority or other person with respect to
any condemnation, requisition, confiscation, theft or seizure of, or
requisition of title to or use of, or loss or damage to, the Aircraft or
any portion thereof resulting in the occurrence of such Event of Loss, net
of the direct expenses of collecting such insurance proceeds or other
payments and net of the taxes payable upon or occasioned by such Event of
Loss, shall be paid, ratably, to the Banks for application to the
principal installments due under the Term Loans in the inverse order of
their respective due dates, provided, however, if, at the time of such
prepayment, there is no aggregate principal amount outstanding under the
Term Loans, the Company may prepay the Revolving Credit Loans and the
respective Commitment of each Bank shall be permanently and ratably
reduced by the amount of such prepayment. If, as a result of such Event
of Loss, the Company shall not be in compliance with Section 8.16, the
Company also shall, within 40 days after the occurrence of such Event of
Loss, (x) elect to take one or more of the following actions in respect of
such Event of Loss and (y) give the Agent and each Bank notice of which
action it has elected to take (said written notice being hereinafter in
this Subsection 9.02(a) called the "Notice of Election"):
(i) the Company may deposit with the Agent for the
equal and ratable benefit of the Creditors, as security for
the Notes and the obligations of the Company under
this Agreement, any Swap Agreement and any Security Document
and as a portion of the Collateral subject to the Security
Interest, Pledged Investment Securities in an aggregate amount
equal to the Appraised Value (determined prior to such Event
of Loss) of the Aircraft affected by such Event of Loss and in
respect of which Aviation Units shall not have been subjected
to the Security Interest pursuant to clause (ii) below or the
Notes shall not have been prepaid pursuant to clause (iii)
below; and, in the event of the Company's election to take
such action, the Company shall, within 30 days after the
delivery of the Notice of Election, deposit such Pledged
Investment Securities with the Agent at its principal office
in Dallas, Texas (any such Investment Securities to be
deposited and pledged with the Agent in such manner and
pursuant to a pledge and security agreement, in form and
substance satisfactory to all of the Creditors, executed by
the Company in favor of the Creditors) (each such pledge and
security agreement, together with all supplements,
modifications and amendments thereto, herein referred to as a
"Securities Pledge Agreement"); or
(ii) the Company may subject to the Security Interest
one or more Aviation Units (provided, however, that any such
other Aviation Units must be acceptable to the Agent and each
Creditor), having an aggregate Appraised Value (in the case of
helicopters or other Aviation Units more than one year old, as
specified by the Independent Appraiser in a written opinion
addressed and delivered to the Agent and each Creditor) at
least equal to the Appraised Value (determined prior to such
Event of Loss) of the Aircraft affected by such Event of Loss
and in respect of which Investment Securities shall not have
been pledged with the Agent pursuant to clause (i) above or
the Notes shall not have been prepaid pursuant to clause (iii)
below; and, in the event of the Company's election to take
such action, the Company shall, within 45 days after the
delivery of the Notice of Election, take Appropriate Actions;
or
(iii) the Company may prepay principal on the Term Loan
Notes in an amount equal to the amount necessary to cause the
Company to be in compliance with Subsection 8.16, provided,
however, if, at the time of such prepayment, there is no
aggregate principal amount outstanding under the Term Loans,
the Company may prepay the Revolving Credit Loans and the
respective Commitment of each Bank shall be permanently and
ratably reduced by the amount of such prepayment; and in the
event of the Company's election to take such action, the
Company shall, in the Notice of Election, specify the
principal amount of the Loans to be repaid and designate a
date for prepayment which shall be no later than 45 days after
the date of the occurrence of such Event of Loss, and on such
date such aggregate principal amount of the Loans, together
with interest thereon to the date of such prepayment, shall
become due and payable. All such prepayments shall be applied
as set forth in Subsection 3.02(d) and shall be paid without
any premium or penalty except as provided in Subsection
3.02(d).
Upon or concurrently with full compliance by the Company with the
foregoing provisions of this Subsection 9.02(a), the Company may make
written request of the Agent to release from the Security Interest in
accordance with Subsection 9.05(b) any Aircraft which is the subject of an
Event of Loss.
In the event that the Company shall deposit Pledged Investment
Securities with the Agent pursuant to clause (i) above, the Agent shall
deal with the same in accordance with the provisions of Subsection 9.02(c)
and the other provisions of this Agreement. In the event that the Agent
shall receive any insurance proceeds or payments from any governmental
authority or other person in connection with the occurrence of such Event
of Loss, such amounts shall be held by the Agent as a portion of the
Collateral and may be invested in accordance with the provisions of
Subsection 9.02(c). Such amounts shall be paid to the Company upon
written request by the Company, but only after the Company shall have
fully complied with the foregoing provisions of this Subsection 9.02(a)
and only if, at the time of such payment, the Agent shall not have any
actual knowledge that any Default or Event of Default shall have occurred
and then be continuing, or will exist immediately after such payment.
(b) If any Aircraft or any portion thereof shall be
condemned, requisitioned, confiscated, stolen, seized, lost or damaged or
its title or use requisitioned, and such action shall not result in an
Event of Loss, the Company will promptly take the action required by
Section 7.09 with respect to the repair and replacement thereof, and, in
the event of any such condemnation, requisition, confiscation, requisition
of title or use, the Company will forthwith (and, in any event, upon the
earlier of the Business Day next preceding the date upon which a Borrowing
Base Certificate is to be delivered hereunder or 10 days after such
occurrence) notify the Banks in writing and, forthwith upon receipt by the
Company, will deposit with the Agent any award or purchase price received
by the Company in connection therewith (the Company hereby assigning to
the Agent for the equal and ratable benefit of the Creditors all its
rights and interest in and to any and all such awards or purchase price
and hereby agreeing to execute and deliver, upon the request of the Agent
or any Creditor, any and all assignments and other instruments deemed by
the Agent or such Creditor to be necessary or desirable for the purpose of
confirming or further evidencing the assignment by the Company of the
aforesaid awards or purchase price to the Agent for the benefit of the
Creditors free and clear of any and all Liens of any kind or nature
whatsoever created by the Company). Any amounts received by the Agent
representing payment of insurance proceeds or payment from any
governmental authority or other person with respect to any condemnation,
requisition, confiscation, theft or seizure of, or requisition of title to
or use of, or loss or damage to, the Aircraft or any portion thereof that
shall not result in an Event of Loss will be applied by the Agent to
reimburse the Company for (but only after its completion of) the repair or
replacement of the affected portion of the Aircraft, but such
reimbursement shall be made only (x) if, at the time of
such reimbursement, the Agent shall not have any actual knowledge that
any Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and then be
continuing, or will exist immediately after such reimbursement, and (y)
upon receipt by each Bank, in form and substance satisfactory to such
Bank, of an Officers' Certificate requesting such reimbursement,
describing the costs incurred by the Company for which it is requesting
reimbursement and certifying that (i) there is not any outstanding
Indebtedness for the purchase price or construction of said repairs or
replacements, or for labor, wages, materials or supplies in connection
with the making thereof, which, if unpaid, might become the basis for a
vendor's, mechanic's, laborer's, materialman's, statutory or other similar
lien upon said repairs or replacements or any portion thereof, or which
might materially impair the security afforded by said repairs or
replacements; (ii) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is then
continuing, or will exist immediately after such reimbursement; (iii) no
part of the amount requested for reimbursement has been or is being made
the basis, in any previous or then pending application, for the withdrawal
of any other proceeds under this subsection (b); and (iv) the affected
portion of the Aircraft, as so repaired or replaced, is of a value not
less than the value thereof immediately preceding such condemnation,
requisition, confiscation, theft, seizure, requisition of title or use,
loss or damage and, in any event, is in the condition required by Section
7.09 to be maintained. If, with respect to any particular loss, the Agent
shall not have notified the insurers that any Default or Event of Default
has occurred and is continuing, the proceeds attributable to such loss not
in excess of $500,000 may be paid by the insurers directly to the Company,
provided, such proceeds shall be applied by the Company (and the Company,
by acceptance of such proceeds, covenants so to apply such proceeds) to
the cost of repairing, restoring or replacing the property destroyed or
damaged; and any portion of such proceeds remaining after such application
may be retained by the Company. All proceeds attributable to such loss in
excess of $500,000 shall be directly paid by the insurers, or, if
the Company shall receive such proceeds, the Company shall promptly
surrender such proceeds, to the Agent for the ratable benefit of
the Creditors. In all instances, other than those described in the two
immediately preceding sentences, such proceeds shall be directly paid by
the insurers, or, if the Company shall receive such proceeds, the Company
shall promptly surrender such proceeds, to the Agent for the ratable
benefit of the Creditors.
(c) All Pledged Investment Securities deposited with the
Agent as security for the Notes and the obligations of the Company under
this Agreement, any Swap Agreement and any Security Document, pursuant to
Subsection 9.02(a)(i) or any other provision of this Agreement, and all
insurance proceeds and payments from any governmental authority or other
person received by the Agent in connection with any loss or taking of, or
damage to, the Collateral, shall be held by the Agent for the benefit of
the Creditors as a portion of the Collateral. Any such proceeds and
payments shall be invested and reinvested by the Agent in Investment
Securities in accordance with written instructions received from the
Company, and Investment Securities purchased with such proceeds and
payments shall also be held by the Agent for the benefit of the Creditors
as Pledged Investment Securities constituting a portion of the Collateral.
The interest accruing on all Pledged Investment Securities held by the
Agent, and any profit realized from the investment of such proceeds and
payments or the sale of Pledged Investment Securities held by the Agent
(hereinafter, net of commissions and expenses, collectively called
"Pledged Investment Securities Gains"), shall be held by the Agent for the
account of the Company (but subject to the Security Interest), and shall
be paid to or at the direction of the Company from time to time upon
written request by the Company if, at such time, the Agent shall not have
any actual knowledge or notice that a Default or Event of Default shall
have occurred and then be continuing, or will exist immediately after such
payment. Amounts equal to losses, if any, attributable to such Pledged
Investment Securities deposited with the Agent and specified in any report
delivered by the Agent to the Company pursuant to the next sentence shall
be paid to the Agent, to be held as a portion of the Collateral, by the
Company within 5 days after the delivery to the Company by the Agent of
such report. Within 15 days after the end of each calendar month during
which any Pledged Investment Securities shall be held by the Agent as a
portion of the Collateral, the Agent shall deliver to the Company a
written report of the earnings and losses, if any, attributable to such
Pledged Investment Securities during the preceding calendar month, or the
portion thereof during which such Pledged Investment Securities shall have
been held by the Agent as a portion of the Collateral. Upon the payment
by the Agent to the Company of any Pledged Investment Securities Gains in
accordance with the foregoing provisions of this subsection (c), the
amount of such Pledged Investment Securities Gains so paid shall be deemed
to have been released from the Security Interest.
In addition to the payment of Pledged Investment Securities
Gains and the release thereof from the Security Interest in accordance
with the preceding paragraph, and without limiting the generality of any
other provisions of this Agreement, the Agent may, with the consent of the
Creditors, make payment of and deliver Pledged Investment Securities to or
at the direction of the Company, and may, with the consent of the
Creditors, release the same from the Security Interest, upon the written
request of the Company, the presentation to the Agent and the Creditors of
any documents (including appropriate termination statements or releases),
in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent and each Creditor,
presented to the Agent and each Creditor by the Company and necessary to
release the same from the Security Interest, and the taking by the Company
of all the actions specified in Subsection 9.02(a)(ii) to subject to the
Security Interest one or more additional helicopters or other Aviation
Units having an aggregate Appraised Value equal to or greater than the
aggregate amount of the Pledged Investment Securities to be released from
the Security Interest.
Any Aircraft subject to an Event of Loss or subject to the
provisions of Subsection 9.02(b) shall not be included in Aircraft for the
purpose of determining the Borrowing Base.
9.03 Valuation of Aircraft, Etc.
(a) The Company will deliver or cause to be delivered to the
Agent and each Bank on or before June 15 in each calendar year,
commencing June 15, 1997, (i) with respect to any Aircraft that shall at
the time be new or not more than one year old, an Officers' Certificate
certifying the purchase price thereof, and having attached thereto a
schedule of all the Aircraft showing the Appraised Value of each Aviation
Unit constituting a portion thereof for that year and the immediately
prior year and (ii) with respect to any Aircraft that shall at the time be
more than one year old, a written opinion of the Independent Appraiser,
dated as of a date after April 30 of that year and addressed to the Agent
and each Bank, specifying the "purchase price" (as referred to in and
determined in accordance with clause (ii) of the definition of "Appraised
Value" set forth herein) of such Aircraft as of such date. The written
opinion referred to in clause (ii) of the preceding sentence shall (x)
state that the Independent Appraiser has, on or after April 30 of that
year, made such a physical inspection, if any, of each helicopter or other
Aviation Unit covered by said written opinion as he deems necessary or
appropriate for the purposes of such opinion; (y) indicate, for each such
helicopter or other Aviation Unit, (aa) the make and model, manufacturer's
serial number and the United States registration number thereof, (bb) the
month and year of purchase thereof by the Company, (cc) the original
purchase price thereof and (dd) the "purchase price" thereof referred to
in and determined in accordance with clause (ii) of the definition of
"Appraised Value" set forth herein; and (z) otherwise be satisfactory in
form and substance to the Agent and each Bank. In the event that, after
receiving any such annual written opinion of the Independent Appraiser,
any Bank shall deliver to the Company and the Agent a written request for
a new written opinion and a written statement of the reasons for its
objection to the annual opinion, the Company shall cause the Independent
Appraiser to deliver to the Agent, with a copy to each Bank, within 30
days after the receipt by the Company of such written request, a new
written opinion, dated as of a date within such 30-day period, with
respect to the matters referred to in clause (ii) of the first sentence of
this Subsection 9.03(a); provided, however, that, if the Company shall
not, within 45 days after the delivery to the Agent and the Banks of any
annual written opinion, have received a written request for a new written
opinion pursuant to the preceding sentence, the Agent and the Banks shall
be deemed to have permitted the Company to use such annual written opinion
as the basis for determining the "Appraised Value" of Aircraft for
purposes of this Agreement, including, without limitation, as the basis
for complying with its obligations under Subsection 9.03(b). In the event
any Bank shall request a new written opinion pursuant to the preceding
sentence, the Agent and the Banks shall be deemed to have permitted the
Company to use the most recent annual written opinion delivered by the
Independent Appraiser as the basis for determining the "Appraised Value"
of Aircraft for purposes of this Agreement until such new written opinion
is delivered.
(b) In the event that for any reason, other than the
occurrence of an Event of Loss, the aggregate outstanding principal
amounts of the Revolving Credit Loans plus the aggregate amount of
Permitted Letter of Credit Amounts shall, at any time, exceed the lesser
of $40,000,000 and the Borrowing Base as shown on the most recently
delivered Borrowing Base Certificate, then, the Company may, in lieu of
the mandatory prepayment required pursuant to Subsection 3.02(b): (i) take
all the actions described in Subsection 9.02(a)(ii) for the purpose and
with the effect of subjecting to the Security Interest one or more
Aviation Units (provided, however, that any such Aviation Units must be
acceptable to the Agent and the Creditors) having an aggregate Appraised
Value in an amount which, when added to the aggregate Appraised Value of
the Aircraft then subject to the Security Interest, the amount of Pledged
Investment Securities then held by the Agent subject to the Security
Interest, 80% of the amount of Eligible Receivables and 50% of the amount
of Eligible Parts (valued at the lower of average cost or market), would
cause the Company to be in compliance with the provisions of Section 8.16;
or (ii) deposit Pledged Investment Securities with the Agent pursuant to
a Securities Pledge Agreement in such an amount that will cause the
Company to be in compliance with Section 8.16; provided, however,
notwithstanding the time periods set forth in Subsection 9.02(a)(ii), any
action taken by the Company pursuant to this Subsection 9.03(b) must be
taken within 3 Business Days of the date upon which the Company or any
Bank determines that the Company is not in compliance with Section 8.16.
9.04 Protection of Purchasers. No purchaser of property purporting
to be released under this Agreement shall be bound to ascertain the
authority of the Agent and the Creditors to execute any documents
effecting such release, or to inquire as to any facts required by the
provisions of this Agreement to exist as a condition to the proper
exercise of such authority.
9.05 Other Additions to Collateral; Releases of Collateral
(a) Other Additions to Collateral. Within 30 days after
purchasing any Aviation Unit that the Company desires or is required by
Subsection 2.03(b) to include in the calculation of the Borrowing Base,
the Company will grant a first priority security interest in such
Aviation Unit to the Agent for the ratable benefit of the Creditors to
secure the Company's obligations hereunder and under any other documents
executed in connection herewith or contemplated hereby, whereupon such
Aviation Unit shall constitute a portion of the Collateral subject to the
Security Interest. Without limitation on the foregoing, within 30 days
after the purchase of such Aviation Unit, the Company shall take
Appropriate Actions.
(b) Releases of Collateral. (i) If the Company determines
that it is in the best interest of the Company to transfer ownership of
one or more Aviation Units that comprise a portion of the Aircraft or
exchange one or more Aviation Units that comprise a portion of the
Aircraft for one or more other Aviation Units, then upon the delivery of
an Officers' Certificate stating the United States registration number of
the Aviation Unit to be transferred or exchanged and the date (which shall
not be less than 14 nor more than 90 days from the date of such Officers'
Certificate) that the Company intends to consummate such transaction, the
Company may request that the Agent, on behalf of the Creditors, release
from the Security Interest the Aircraft to be transferred or exchanged and
the Agent, on behalf of the Creditors, within a reasonable time after such
request and in any event on or before the date on which the Company
consummates such transaction, shall execute all documents (including all
appropriate termination statements and releases) required to effect such
release, provided that (A) (I) the Company shall provide the Aviation Unit
to be received by it in any such exchange for inclusion in the Security
Interest pursuant to Subsection 9.05(b)(ii), and the sum of the Appraised
Value of said Aviation Unit, as reflected on a certificate of an
Independent Appraiser, in form and substance acceptable to the Agent, plus
the amount of any cash to be received by the Company as additional
consideration for the Aviation Unit being transferred, shall be greater
than or equal to the Appraised Value, as reflected on a certificate of an
Independent Appraiser, in form and substance acceptable to the Agent, of
the Aviation Unit to be released, and the Company shall pay to the Agent
for the ratable benefit of the Banks all proceeds, if any, from such sale,
net of direct expenses of, and taxes payable upon or occasioned by, such
sale, to be applied to the principal installments due under the Loans
according to the terms and conditions of Subsection 3.02(c), or (II) in
the event the Company is selling one or more Aircraft, the Company shall
pay to the Agent for the ratable benefit of the Banks the proceeds of such
sale, net of direct expenses of, and taxes payable upon or occasioned by,
such sale to be applied to the principal installments due under the Loans
according to the terms and conditions of Subsection 3.02(c), and (B) no
Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result
from the release of the Aircraft to be transferred or exchanged by the
Company, and the Company shall have delivered to the Agent an Officers'
Certificate to such effect in the form of Exhibit E to this Agreement.
(ii) For each Aviation Unit that the Company desires or
is required to include in the Security Interest as a
substitute for an Aviation Unit to be released pursuant to
Subsection 9.05(b)(i), the Company shall, upon its acquisition
thereof, grant a first priority security interest in such
Aviation Unit to the Agent for the ratable benefit of the
Creditors to secure the Company's obligations hereunder and
under any other documents executed in connection herewith or
contemplated hereby, whereupon such Aviation Unit shall
constitute a portion of the Collateral subject to the Security
Interest. Without limitation on the foregoing, within 30 days
after the earlier of the Company's acquiring the Aviation Unit
to be subjected to the Security Interest or the Agent's
release of the Aircraft pursuant to Subsection 9.05(b)(i), the
Company shall take Appropriate Actions.
(iii) The Agent shall be absolutely entitled to rely on
the Officers' Certificates and certificates of Independent
Appraisers and opinions of counsel referred to in the
definition of "Appropriate Actions" and (b) for the veracity
of each of the statements made therein absent actual knowledge
to the contrary on the part of the officer of the Agent
executing the documents relating to such release or addition.
The Agent shall not be required to investigate or verify any
statement made in such Officers' Certificates and certificates
of Independent Appraisers and opinions of counsel and any
investigation that the Agent shall elect to undertake shall
not affect its ability to rely on such Officers' Certificates
and Certificates of Independent Appraisers and opinions of
counsel.
(iv) As long as there is no Default or Event of
Default, each of the Creditors hereby authorizes the Agent to
execute and deliver (and, where appropriate, as determined by
the Agent in its sole and independent discretion, to authorize
others to execute and deliver on its behalf) on behalf of the
Creditors, all documents required to effect the release of the
Aviation Unit and the addition of one or more substitute
Aviation Units received by the Company, if any, under the
Security Interest.
(v) At no one time shall there be more than three (3)
Aircraft that are the subject of releases from the Security
Interest unless all requirements set forth in this
Subsection 9.05(b) with respect thereto and with respect to
the Aviation Units to be subjected to the Security Interest in
place thereof have been satisfied.
10. EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES.
10.01 Events of Default. The following shall constitute Events of
Default hereunder:
(a) The Company shall fail to pay or prepay any principal
of or interest on any Note when due or any commitment fee, agent's fee,
additional fee, expense, compensation or reimbursement or any other amount
payable by the Company hereunder, or under any Security Document when due
(including, without limitation, any payment required by Subsection 3.02(b)
or Section 7.14), and such failure in either case, shall continue for
three (3) days after the date such payment or prepayment is due; or
(b) The Company or any Subsidiary shall fail to pay any
Indebtedness for Money Borrowed in excess of $100,000 in principal amount
(other than Indebtedness for Money Borrowed evidenced by the Notes) owing
by the Company or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, or any interest or
premium thereon, when due (whether by scheduled maturity, mandatory
prepayment, acceleration, demand or otherwise) and such failure shall
continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in the
agreement or instrument relating to such Indebtedness for Money Borrowed
if the effect of such failure is to permit the holder of such Indebtedness
for Money Borrowed to declare such Indebtedness for Money Borrowed due
prior to its stated maturity; or any other condition shall exist or event
occur permitting any Indebtedness for Money Borrowed (other than
Indebtedness for Money Borrowed evidenced by the Notes) owing by the
Company or any Subsidiary to become or be declared due prior to its stated
maturity; or
(c) Any material representation or warranty made by the
Company herein or in any Security Document or in any writing furnished in
connection with this Agreement or any Security Document shall be false in
any material respect when made; or
(d) The Company violates any covenant, agreement or
condition contained in Section 7.06, 7.07, 7.09, 7.10, 7.11 (first
paragraph), 7.12 (first sentence), Article 8 (except Section 8.16),
Section 9.02 or Subsection 9.03(b); or
(e) The Company violates any covenant, agreement or
condition contained in Subsection 7.01(g) and such violation shall not
have been remedied within five (5) days; or
(f) The Company violates any other covenant, agreement or
condition contained herein, or any covenant, agreement or condition
contained in any Security Document and such violation shall not have been
remedied within 30 days; or
(g) The Company or any Subsidiary makes an assignment for
the benefit of creditors; or
(h) The Company or any Subsidiary applies to any tribunal
for the appointment of a trustee or receiver or custodian of any
substantial part of the assets of the Company or any Subsidiary, or
commences any proceedings relating to the Company or any Subsidiary under
any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, readjustment of
debt, dissolution or other liquidation law of any jurisdiction; or
(i) Any such application is filed, or any such proceedings
are commenced, against the Company or any Subsidiary, and the Company or
such Subsidiary indicates its approval, consent or acquiescence, or an
order is entered appointing a trustee or receiver or custodian, or
adjudicating the Company or any Subsidiary bankrupt or insolvent, or
approving the petition in any such proceedings, and such order remains in
effect for 60 days; or
(j) Any order is entered in any proceeding against the
Company or any Subsidiary decreeing the dissolution or split-up of the
Company or such Subsidiary, and such order remains in effect for 60 days;
or
(k) Final judgment for the payment of money in excess of
$100,000 shall be rendered against the Company or any Subsidiary and the
same shall remain undischarged for a period of 30 days during which
execution shall not be effectively stayed by the posting of an appeal bond
or otherwise; or
(l) (i) the Company, any Subsidiary, or any agents or
representatives of either the Company or any Subsidiary shall engage in
any "prohibited transaction" (as defined in Section 406 of ERISA or
Section 4975 of the Code) which can be expected to result in a material
liability to the Company; (ii) any material "accumulated funding
deficiency" (as defined in Section 302 of ERISA or Section 412 of the
Code), whether or not waived, shall exist with respect to any PBGC Plan or
Multiple Employer Plan, if in the reasonable judgment of the Majority
Banks, such accumulated funding deficiency would give rise to a material
liability of the Company; (iii) the Company, any Subsidiary or any ERISA
Affiliate shall apply for or be granted a funding waiver under Section 302
of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code, which waiver or request for waiver is
for a material amount; (iv) a Reportable Event (other than a Reportable
Event not subject to the provision for thirty-day notice to the PBGC under
applicable PBGC regulations) shall occur with respect to any PBGC Plan or
Multiple Employer Plan, which Reportable Event is, in the reasonable
opinion of the Majority Banks, likely to result in the termination of such
PBGC Plan or Multiple Employer Plan for purposes of Title IV of ERISA and
to give rise to a material liability of the Company or any Subsidiary; (v)
proceedings shall commence to have a trustee appointed or a trustee shall
be appointed to terminate or administer a PBGC Plan or a Multiple Employer
Plan which proceeding is, in the opinion of the Majority Banks, likely to
result in the termination of such PBGC Plan or Multiple Employer Plan and
to give rise to a material liability of the Company or any Subsidiary with
respect to such termination; (vi) a notice of intent to terminate a PBGC
Plan or Multiple Employer Plan under Section 4041(c) is filed with the
PBGC if such termination would give rise to a material liability of the
Company, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate; (vii) any Multiemployer
Plan is in reorganization or is insolvent and the circumstances are such
that, in the opinion of the Majority Banks, there could be a material
liability incurred by or imposed upon the Company, any Subsidiary or any
ERISA Affiliate; (viii) there is a complete or partial withdrawal from a
Multiemployer Plan under circumstances which, in the opinion of the
Majority Banks, would likely subject the Company, any Subsidiary or any
ERISA Affiliate to material liability; or (ix) any event or condition
described in (i) through (viii) above (determined without regard to
whether the event or condition taken alone would or could result in a
material liability) shall occur or exist with respect to a PBGC Plan, a
Multiple Employer Plan or a Multiemployer Plan which individually or in
combination with one or more of any events described in clauses (i)
through (viii) above (determined without regard to whether the event or
condition taken alone would or could result in a material liability), if
any, in the opinion of the Majority Banks would likely, subject the
Company, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate to any material tax,
penalty or other liability; provided that for the purposes of this
Subsection 10.01(l), an obligation or liability shall be considered
material if it equals or exceeds $500,000; or
(m) The Company does not pay any dividend on any of its
capital stock as declared or permits any dividend to accumulate on any of
its capital stock in respect of which cumulative dividends are provided
for.
10.02 Acceleration of Maturity. Upon (a) the occurrence of any
Event of Default described in Subsection 10.01(g), 10.01(h), 10.01(i) or
10.01(j) with respect to the Company, the unpaid principal amount of and
accrued interest on the Notes and the Loans shall automatically become
immediately due and payable, together with all other amounts payable under
this Agreement or any Security Document, and the obligation of each Bank
to make Loans and the ability of Issuing Bank to issue Permitted Letters
of Credit shall automatically terminate, without presentment, demand,
protest or further notice (including, without limitation, notice of
acceleration and notice of intent to accelerate) of any kind, all of which
are hereby expressly waived by the Company and (b) the occurrence of any
other Event of Default, the Agent shall at the request, and may with the
consent, of the Majority Banks, by notice to the Company, (i) declare the
obligation of each Bank to make Loans and the ability of Issuing Bank to
issue Permitted Letters of Credit to be terminated whereupon the same
shall forthwith terminate, and (ii) declare the unpaid principal amount of
and accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes and the Loans, together with
all other amounts payable under this Agreement or any Security Document,
to be forthwith due and payable, whereupon the principal amount of and
accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes and the Loans, and all such other
amounts, shall become and be forthwith due and payable, without
presentment, demand, protest or further notice (including, without
limitation, notice of acceleration and notice of intent to accelerate) of
any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Company. Upon
the occurrence of any such Event of Default and the acceleration of the
unpaid principal amount of and accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes
and the Loans and all other amounts due hereunder and under the Security
Documents, the Agent shall at the request, and may with the consent, of
the Majority Banks, proceed to protect and enforce the rights of the
Creditors either by suit in equity or by action at law or both, whether
for the specific performance of any covenant or agreement contained in
this Agreement or in any Security Document or in aid of the exercise of
any power granted in this Agreement or in any Security Document; or may
proceed to enforce the payment of the indebtedness outstanding under the
Notes, hereunder and under or secured by the Security Documents and
interest thereon in the manner set forth therein; it being intended that
no remedy conferred herein or in any other Security Document shall be
exclusive but shall be in addition to every other remedy given hereunder
and under the Security Documents or now or hereafter existing at law or in
equity or by statute or otherwise.
10.03 Right of Set-off. Upon (a) the occurrence and during the
continuance of any Event of Default and (b) either automatic acceleration
of the Notes pursuant to clause (a) of Section 10.02 or the making of the
request or the granting of the consent required by clause (b) of Section
10.02 to declare the Notes due and payable pursuant to the provisions of
Section 10.02, each Bank is hereby authorized, to the extent permitted by
applicable law, at any time and from time to time, without notice to the
Company (any such notice being expressly waived by the Company), to set
off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand,
provisional or final) at any time held and other indebtedness (whether or
not then due and payable) at any time owing by such Bank to or for the
credit or the account of the Company, against any and all of the
obligations of the Company now or hereafter existing under this Agreement,
the Notes, or any of the Security Documents, irrespective of whether or
not such Bank shall have made any demand for satisfaction of such
obligations and although such obligations may be unmatured or portions
thereof may be owing to Banks other than the Banks effecting such set-off
and application. Each Bank agrees to notify the Company and the Agent
promptly after any such set-off and application made by such Bank,
provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the
validity of such set-off and application. The rights of each Bank under
this Section 10.03 are in addition to other rights and remedies
(including, without limitation, other rights of set-off) which such Bank
may have hereunder, under any of the other Security Documents or under any
applicable law.
10.04 Sharing of Payments, Etc. If at any time, whether before or
after the occurrence of an Event of Default, any Bank shall obtain any
payment (whether voluntary, involuntary, through the exercise of any right
of set-off or otherwise) of principal, interest or Commitment Fees on
account of the Notes held by it in excess of its Ratable Share of such
payments, such Bank shall purchase from the other Banks such
participations in the Notes held by them as shall be necessary to cause
such purchasing Bank to share the excess payment ratably with each of
them, provided, however, that if all or any portion of such excess payment
is thereafter recovered from such purchasing Bank, such purchase from each
Bank shall be rescinded and such Bank shall repay to the purchasing Bank
the purchase price to the extent of such recovery together with an amount
equal to such Bank's ratable share (according to the proportion of the
amount of such Bank's required repayment to the total amount so recovered
from the purchasing Bank) of any interest or Commitment Fee paid or
payable by the purchasing Bank in respect of the total amount so
recovered. The Company agrees that any Bank so purchasing a participation
from another Bank pursuant to this Section 10.04 may exercise all its
rights of payment (including the right of set-off) with respect to such
participation, at any time, as fully as if such Bank were the direct
creditor of the Company in the amount of such participation.
10.05 Application of Proceeds of Collateral. (a) All moneys
received by the Agent as a result of the enforcement of the rights and
remedies of the Agent or the Creditors pursuant to the Security Documents
and otherwise in respect of the Collateral shall be distributed by the
Agent on the dates fixed by the Agent (individually a "Distribution Date"
and collectively, the "Distribution Dates") as follows:
FIRST: to the Agent in payment of the amount of any and all
unreimbursed expenses of the Agent, including, without
limitation, the fees and disbursements of its counsel
and of any agents and experts employed by the Agent,
incurred by the Agent prior to the relevant Distribution
Date in connection with (w) the administration of this
Agreement and the Security Documents, (x) the custody,
preservation, use or operation of, or the sale of,
collection from, or other realization upon any assets of
the Company pursuant to the Security Documents (y) the
exercise or enforcement of any of the rights of the
Agent hereunder or under the Security Documents or (z)
the failure by the Company to perform or observe any of
the provisions of this Agreement or any Security
Document;
SECOND: to the Banks in an amount equal to the sum of the unpaid
principal of and interest on the Notes plus the
aggregate amount of Permitted Letter of Credit Amounts
(excluding all such Permitted Letter of Credit Amounts
which the Issuing Bank of any Permitted Letters of
Credit has paid to the beneficiary thereof and has been
reimbursed therefor by the Company), and accrued
interest thereon, if any, and to the Swap Providers in
an amount equal to the obligations of the Company
(calculated, if the Swap Agreement is an ISDA Master
Agreement (Multicurrency-Cross Border) ("ISDA
Agreement"), pursuant to Section 6(e) thereof, or, if
the Swap Agreement is not an ISDA Agreement, pursuant to
the provisions of such Swap Agreement substantially
similar to Section 6(e) of the ISDA Agreement) under the
Swap Agreements and any accrued interest thereon, if
any, and, in the event such moneys shall be insufficient
to pay in full such amounts, then to the payment thereof
ratably to each Creditor in the same proportion which
(x) the sum of aggregate unpaid principal of and
interest on the Notes held by such Bank plus the
aggregate amount of unreimbursed Permitted Letter of
Credit Amounts and accrued interest thereon (excluding
therefrom an amount equal to that portion of such
interest calculated at a rate per annum in excess of the
rate per annum provided for under Subsection 2.04(b),
such excluded amount being the "Excess Interest"), if
any, in respect of Permitted Letters of Credit issued by
such Bank or the sum of the obligations of the Company
(calculated as described above) to such Swap Provider
under the applicable Swap Agreement and any
accrued interest thereon, as the case may be, bears to
(y) the sum of the aggregate unpaid principal of and
interest on the Notes plus the aggregate amount of
Permitted Letter of Credit Amounts and accrued interest
thereon (excluding therefrom an amount equal to the
aggregate Excess Interest), if any, plus an amount equal
to the obligations of the Company (calculated as
described above) under the Swap Agreements and any
accrued interest thereon, if any, on the relevant
Distribution Date (all such prepayments to be applied by
each Creditor first to the payment of accrued and unpaid
interest, if any, owing by the Company to such Creditor,
then to the payment of principal on the Notes or the
obligations of the Company (calculated as described
above) under the Swap Agreements, as the case may be,
and finally pursuant to the documents evidencing the
Permitted Letter of Credit Amounts, if any, of such
Creditor); provided, however, in the event any Bank that
has issued a Permitted Letter of Credit does not for any
reason apply its portion of the proceeds of the
Collateral as provided herein within 30 days after the
expiration date of such Permitted Letter of Credit, such
Bank shall return all such unapplied proceeds to the
Agent for distribution to the Banks for the ratable
application to any unpaid obligations held by the Banks
in respect of the Notes and any other Permitted Letters
of Credit;
THIRD: to the Creditors in an amount equal to the sum of unpaid
commitment and agent's fees payable under this Agreement
plus the fees, if any, due in respect of any Permitted
Letters of Credit plus the fees, if any, due in respect
of any Swap Agreements (collectively the "Fees"),
whether matured or unmatured, and, in the event such
moneys shall be insufficient to pay in full such amount,
then to the payment thereof ratably to each Creditor in
the same proportion which the aggregate amount of Fees
due to such Creditor bears to the aggregate unpaid Fees
due to all the Creditors on the relevant Distribution
Date;
FOURTH: to the Banks in an amount equal to the aggregate Excess
Interest plus all other amounts due under this Agreement
and the Security Documents and to the Swap Providers, in
an amount equal to all other amounts, due under the Swap
Agreements, this Agreement and the Security Documents
(collectively the "Other Amounts"), and in the event
such moneys shall be insufficient to pay in full such
amount, then to the payment thereof ratably to each
Creditor in the same proportion which the aggregate
amount of Other Amounts due such Creditor to the
aggregate unpaid Other Amounts due to all the Creditors
on the relevant Distribution Date; and
FIFTH: any surplus then remaining shall be paid to the Company,
or to its successors and assigns, or to whomsoever may
be lawfully entitled to receive the same, or as a court
of competent jurisdiction may direct.
(b) The term "unpaid" as used in this Section 10.05 shall
mean all obligations outstanding as of a Distribution Date as to which
prior distributions have not been made, after giving effect to any
adjustments which are made pursuant to Section 10.04 and of which the
Agent shall have been notified.
11. THE AGENT.
11.01 Appointment of Agent; Authority. Each of the Creditors
irrevocably appoints and authorizes the Agent to act on its behalf under
this Agreement and under the Security Documents, and to exercise such
powers hereunder and thereunder as are specifically delegated to or
required of the Agent by the terms hereof and thereof, together with such
powers as may be reasonably incidental thereto. As to (i) any action
which is discretionary with the Agent under the provisions hereof or of
the Notes or the Security Documents or (ii) any action not expressly
required of the Agent by this Agreement, the Notes and the Security
Documents (including, without limitation, enforcement or collection of the
Notes), the Agent shall not be required to exercise any discretion or take
any action, but shall be required to act or to refrain from acting (and
shall be fully protected in so acting or refraining from acting) upon the
instructions of all of the Creditors, and such instructions shall be
binding upon all Creditors and all holders of Notes; provided, however,
that the Agent shall not be required to take any action which, in the
reasonable opinion of the Agent, either exposes the Agent to personal
liability or is contrary to this Agreement, any Note, any Security
Document or applicable law.
11.02 INDEMNIFICATION OF AGENT. The Agent shall not be required to
take any action hereunder or to prosecute or defend any suit in respect of
this Agreement, the Notes or the Security Documents, unless indemnified to
its satisfaction by the Creditors against loss, cost, liability and
expense. If any indemnity furnished to the Agent shall become impaired,
it may call for additional indemnity and cease to do the acts indemnified
against until such additional indemnity is given. In addition EACH OF THE
CREDITORS AGREES TO INDEMNIFY the Agent, its officers, directors,
employees, attorneys and agents (each an "Indemnified Party") (to the
extent not reimbursed by the Company), ratably according to such
Creditor's pro rata interest in the Obligations (as defined in the
Louisiana Security Agreement), from and against any and all liabilities,
obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs,
expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever which may be
imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against such Indemnified Party in any
way relating to or arising out of this Agreement, the Security Documents,
or the Notes, or any of them, or any action taken or omitted by such
Indemnified Party under this Agreement, the Security Documents or the
Notes, or any of them, provided that no Creditor shall be liable for any
portion of such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties,
actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulting from
such Indemnified Party's gross negligence or willful misconduct, provided
further, that IT IS THE INTENTION OF THE CREDITORS TO INDEMNIFY EACH
INDEMNIFIED PARTY FROM AND AGAINST THE CONSEQUENCES OF ITS OWN NEGLIGENCE.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Creditor agrees to
reimburse each Indemnified Party promptly upon demand for its pro rata
percentage of any out-of-pocket expenses (including counsel fees) incurred
by such Indemnified Party in connection with the preparation, execution,
administration or enforcement of, or the preservation of any rights
hereunder or under the Notes or the Security Documents to the extent such
Indemnified Party is not reimbursed by the Company.
The payment obligations and indemnities contained in this
Section 11.02 shall survive the payment or sale or transfer of the Notes,
and the termination of this Agreement and any and all Swap Agreements
(i) with respect to all events, facts, conditions or other circumstances
occurring or existing prior to such sale, transfer or termination, and
(ii) with respect to all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages,
penalties, claims, actions, suits, costs, charges, expenses and
disbursements, whenever the same shall be imposed, incurred or asserted
(whether before or after such sale, transfer, resignation, removal or
termination), arising out of the events, facts, conditions or other
circumstances referred to in the first paragraph of this Section 11.02.
The aforesaid payment obligations and indemnities are made expressly for
the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, any Indemnified Party.
11.03 LIABILITY OF AGENT. NEITHER THE AGENT NOR ANY OTHER
INDEMNIFIED PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY ACTION TAKEN OR OMITTED BY IT OR
THEM HEREUNDER, OR IN CONNECTION HEREWITH, (i) with the consent or at the
request of the Creditors, or (ii) in the absence of its or their own gross
negligence or willful misconduct. Without limitation of the generality of
the foregoing, the Agent: (i) may treat the payee of any Note as the
holder thereof until the Agent receives written notice of the assignment
or transfer thereof signed by such payee and in form satisfactory to the
Agent; (ii) may consult with legal counsel (including counsel for the
Company), 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; (iii) makes no warranty or representation to any
Creditor and shall not be responsible to any Creditor for any statements,
warranties or representations made in or in connection with this
Agreement, any Swap Agreement, any Security Document or any Note; (iv)
shall not have any duty to ascertain or to inquire as to the performance
or observance or any of the terms, covenants or conditions of this
Agreement, any Swap Agreement, the Security Documents or any Note, or to
inspect the property (including the books and records) of the Company or
any Subsidiary; (v) shall not be deemed to have notice of any Default or
Event of Default absent actual knowledge thereof by a Responsible Officer
of the Agent; (vi) shall not be responsible to any Creditor for the due
execution, legality, validity, enforceability or genuineness of this
Agreement, any Swap Agreement, any Security Document or any Note, or any
other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; and (vii) shall
incur no liability under or in respect of the Agreement, any Security
Document or any Note by acting upon any notice or consent (whether oral or
written and whether by telephone, telegram, cable, telex or facsimile),
certificate or other instrument or writing (which may be by telegram,
cable, telex or facsimile) believed by it to be genuine and communicated,
signed or sent by the proper person or persons.
11.04 Independent Credit Decision. Each Creditor agrees that it has
relied solely upon its independent review of the financial statements of
the Company and all other representations and warranties made by the
Company herein or otherwise in making the credit decisions preliminary to
entering into this Agreement and agrees that it will continue to rely
solely upon its independent review of the facts and circumstances of the
Company in making future decisions with respect to this Agreement and the
Borrowings. Each Bank agrees that it has not relied and will not rely
upon the Agent or any other Creditor respecting the ability of the Company
to perform its obligations pursuant to this Agreement, any Swap Agreement,
the Notes or any Security Document.
11.05 Agent and Affiliates; Multiple Capacities. With respect to its
Commitment, the Loans made by it and the Notes payable to it, NationsBank
shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement, the Security
Documents and the Notes as any other Bank and may exercise the same
as though it were not the Agent; and the term "Bank" or "Banks" shall,
unless otherwise expressly indicated, include NationsBank in its
individual capacity. NationsBank and its affiliates, including, without
limitation, any Swap Provider affiliated with NationsBank, may accept
deposits from, lend money to, act as trustee under indentures of and
generally engage in any kind of business with, the Company, any of the
Subsidiaries and any person or entity who may do business with or own
securities of any of them or of their subsidiaries, all as if NationsBank
were not the Agent and without any duty to account therefor to the
Creditors. No exercise or failure to exercise by NationsBank of any of
its discretionary powers, rights or remedies in one capacity shall
constitute, or be deemed to constitute, a breach of any duty of loyalty,
fiduciary duty or other duty which NationsBank has, or may have, in any
other capacity. If at any time any other Bank shall serve as Agent, the
foregoing provisions of this Section 11.05 shall apply to such Bank
mutatis mutandis.
11.06 Successor Agent. The Agent or any successor or successors
hereunder may at any time, by giving 30 days' prior written notice to the
Company and the Creditors, resign and be discharged of the
responsibilities under this Agreement, the Security Documents and the
Notes, such resignation to become effective upon the earlier of (i) 30
days from the date of such notice or (ii) the appointment of a successor
agent, and the approval of such successor agent by the Majority Banks and
the Company (which consent of the Company will not be unreasonably
withheld). The Agent may be removed at any time and a successor agent
appointed, with the consent of the Company (which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld), by the affirmative vote of all of the Banks (other
than the Agent); provided that the Agent so removed shall be entitled to
its fees and expenses to the date of removal. If no successor agent shall
be appointed and accepted within 30 days from the date of the giving of
the aforesaid notice of resignation or within 30 days from the date of
such removal, the Bank that is an original party to this Agreement
(excluding the Agent that has resigned or been removed) having the largest
Ratable Share shall become the Agent. Any such successor agent shall
immediately and without further act be superseded by any successor agent
appointed by the Banks as above provided. Upon the acceptance of any
appointment as Agent under this Agreement by a successor Agent, such
successor Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the
rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Agent. After
any retiring Agent's resignation or removal as Agent under this Agreement,
the Security Documents and the Notes, the provisions of this Article 11
shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken
by it while it was Agent under this Agreement, the Security Documents and
the Notes.
12. MISCELLANEOUS.
12.01 No Waiver; Remedies. No failure or delay on the part of the
Agent or any Creditor in exercising any power or right hereunder or under
the Notes or any Security 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 remedies herein are cumulative and not
exclusive of any remedies provided by law.
12.02 Amendments, Etc. Except for amendments to the Security
Documents to effect the addition or release of certain Collateral pursuant
to Sections 9.02, 9.03, or 9.05, no modification or waiver of any
provision of this Agreement, any of the Security Documents or the Notes
and no consent to the departure by the Company therefrom shall in any
event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the
Majority Banks, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in
the specific instance and for the purpose for which given; provided,
however, that no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and
signed by the Agent in addition to the Majority Banks, affect the rights
or duties of the Agent hereunder or under any Security Document. No
notice to or demand on the Company in any case shall entitle the Company
to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other
circumstances.
12.03 Duty With Respect to Collateral. The duty of the Agent and
any Creditor with respect to the Collateral shall be solely to use
reasonable care in the custody and preservation of Collateral in its
possession, and neither the Agent nor any Creditor shall be required to
take any steps to preserve rights against prior parties.
12.04 Performance of Company's Covenants. If the Company shall fail
to perform or cause to be performed any of the covenants contained in
Subsections 7.06(b)-(h), 7.09, 7.10 and 7.11, any Bank may, but shall be
under no obligation to, advance sums to perform the same on its behalf;
and sums so advanced by such Bank shall be repaid by the Company on demand
and shall bear interest at the rate of the lesser of the Highest Lawful
Rate or the Prime Rate plus 3% per annum until paid, and shall be secured
hereby, having the benefit of the Security Interest. No such advance
shall be deemed to relieve the Company from any default under this
Agreement.
12.05 INDEMNITIES. Any provision hereof to the contrary
notwithstanding, and whether or not the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement shall be consummated:
(a) The Company agrees to pay on demand (i) all reasonable
costs and expenses of the Agent and the Creditors paid to third parties in
connection with the preparation, execution, delivery and administration of
this Agreement, any Swap Agreement, the Notes and the Security Documents,
and also in connection with any future amendment or supplement to or
waiver or release with respect to (whether or not given) any of the
foregoing (including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and
out-of-pocket expenses of Baker & Botts, L.L.P., special counsel for the
Agent and the Banks, and Liskow & Lewis, special Louisiana counsel for the
Agent and the Banks), and (ii) all reasonable costs and expenses of the
Agent and the Creditors (including reasonable counsel fees and expenses),
if any, in connection with the enforcement of, and preservation of any
rights under this Agreement, any Swap Agreement, the Notes and the
Security Documents.
(b) THE COMPANY HEREBY ASSUMES LIABILITY FOR, AND AGREES TO
INDEMNIFY, PROTECT, SAVE AND KEEP HARMLESS the Agent and each Creditor and
their respective successors and assigns and any of their respective
officers, directors, employees, attorneys and agents, and any of them
(hereinafter for purposes hereof called an "Indemnified Credit Party"),
from and against, any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages,
penalties, claims, causes of action, suits, demands, judgments, costs,
charges, expenses and disbursements (including legal fees and expenses),
of whatsoever kind and nature (hereinafter for the purposes hereof
collectively called "Expenses"), imposed on, asserted against or incurred
or suffered by any Indemnified Credit Party and in any way relating to or
arising out of this Agreement, any Swap Agreement, any of the Security
Documents or the construction, manufacture, installation, purchase,
acceptance, non-acceptance, rejection, ownership, delivery, non-delivery,
possession, use, occupancy, transportation, operation, insurance,
condition, safety, return, sale, exchange or other disposition of or in
respect of the Collateral or any portion thereof or interest therein,
including latent and other defects, whether or not discoverable by the
Company or any Indemnified Credit Party, any claim for patent, trademark
or copyright infringement, any claim arising under the strict liability
doctrine in tort or any claim arising from (a) injury to persons or
property growing out of or in connection with the ownership or use of the
Collateral, or any portion thereof or interest therein, or resulting from
the condition or safety thereof or (b) violation or breach by the Company
of any representation, warranty, covenant, agreement or condition
contained in this Agreement, any Swap Agreement or any of the Security
Documents or of conditions, agreements, laws, regulations, requirements
and rules affecting or relating to the Collateral, or any portion thereof
or interest therein; provided, however, that the Company shall not be
required to indemnify any Indemnified Credit Party against Expenses
incurred by an Indemnified Credit Party attributable to its gross
negligence or willful misconduct; provided, further, THAT IT IS THE INTENT
OF THE PARTIES HERETO THAT THE COMPANY INDEMNIFY EACH INDEMNIFIED
CREDIT PARTY AGAINST EXPENSES INCURRED BY AN INDEMNIFIED CREDIT PARTY
ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE CONSEQUENCES OF ITS OWN NEGLIGENCE, WHETHER SOLE,
CONCURRENT, CONTRIBUTORY OR OTHERWISE. If the Company shall have
knowledge of any Expense hereby indemnified against, it will give prompt
written notice thereof to every Indemnified Credit Party concerned. All
amounts payable by the Company under this Subsection 12.05(b) shall be
paid directly to the Indemnified Credit Party or Parties entitled to
indemnification. The Company shall be obligated under this
Subsection 12.05(b) as primary obligor whether or not any Indemnified
Credit Party shall also be indemnified with respect to the same matter
under any other agreement by any other person, and any Indemnified Credit
Party seeking to enforce the indemnification by the Company may proceed
directly against the Company under this Subsection 12.05(b) without first
resorting to any such other rights of indemnification. If any action,
suit or proceeding shall be brought against any Indemnified Credit Party
in connection with any claim indemnified against under this
Subsection 12.05(b), the Company may (and, upon such Indemnified Credit
Party's request, will), at the Company's own cost and expense, resist and
defend such action, suit or proceeding, or cause the same to be resisted
and defended, by counsel selected by the Company and approved by such
Indemnified Credit Party, and, in the event of any failure by the Company
to do so, the Company will pay all costs and expenses (including legal
fees and expenses) incurred by such Indemnified Credit Party in connection
with such action, suit or proceeding. In the event that the Company shall
be required to make any payment under this Subsection 12.05(b), the amount
payable (and which the Company hereby covenants to pay) shall be an amount
which, after deduction of all taxes required to be paid by the particular
Indemnified Credit Party in respect of the receipt thereof under the laws
of the United States of America or of any political subdivision thereof
(after giving credit for any savings in respect of any such taxes by
reason of deductions, credits or allowances in respect of the payment of
the expense indemnified against, and of any such taxes), shall be equal to
the amount of such payment. Upon the payment in full by the Company of
any indemnities under this Subsection 12.05(b), the Company shall be
subrogated to any right of such Indemnified Credit Party in respect of the
matter against which indemnity shall have been given. Thereafter, and so
long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, any
payment received by any Indemnified Credit Party from any person (except
the Company) as a result of any matter with respect to which such
Indemnified Credit Party has been indemnified by the Company under this
Subsection 12.05(b) shall be paid over to the Company to the extent
necessary to reimburse the Company for indemnification payments previously
made.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, THE COMPANY
HEREBY ASSUMES LIABILITY FOR, AND AGREES TO INDEMNIFY, PROTECT, SAVE AND
KEEP HARMLESS each Indemnified Credit Party from and against, any and all
liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, causes of
action, suits, demands, judgments, costs, charges, expenses and
disbursements (including legal fees and expenses), which any of the
Indemnified Credit Parties may sustain or incur by reason of or arising
out of any and all claims or proceedings (whether brought by a private
party, governmental authority, or otherwise) for bodily injury, property
damage, abatement, remediation, environmental damage, or impairment or any
other injury or damage resulting from or relating to any Hazardous
Materials located upon, migrating into, from, or through or otherwise
relating to any property of the Company or any Subsidiary (whether or not
the release of such Hazardous Materials was caused by the Company, any
Subsidiary, a tenant, or subtenant of the Company or any Subsidiary, a
prior owner, a tenant or subtenant of any prior owner or any other party
and whether or not the alleged liability is attributable to the handling,
storage, generation, transportation, or disposal of any Hazardous
Materials or the mere presence of any Hazardous Materials on such
property; provided that the Company shall not be liable to the Indemnified
Credit Parties where the release of such Hazardous Materials occurs at any
time after which the Company or any Subsidiary has ceased to own such
property), which any Indemnified Credit Party may incur due to the
performance of its obligations under any Swap Agreement or the making of
Loans or the Commitments hereunder, the exercise of any of its rights
under this Agreement, any Swap Agreement, the Notes, the Security
Documents, or otherwise, provided that no Indemnified Credit Party shall
be entitled to the benefits of this paragraph to the extent its own gross
negligence or willful misconduct contributed to its loss, provided,
further, THAT IT IS THE INTENT OF THE PARTIES HERETO THAT THE COMPANY
INDEMNIFY EACH INDEMNIFIED CREDIT PARTY FROM AND AGAINST THE CONSEQUENCES
OF SUCH INDEMNIFIED CREDIT PARTY'S OWN NEGLIGENCE, WHETHER SOLE,
CONCURRENT, CONTRIBUTORY OR OTHERWISE. If any action, suit or proceeding
shall be brought against any Indemnified Credit Party in connection with
any claim indemnified against under this paragraph of this
Subsection 12.05(b), the Company may (and, upon such Indemnified Credit
Party's request, will), at the Company's own cost and expense, resist and
defend such action, suit or proceeding, or cause the same to be resisted
and defended, by counsel selected by the Company and approved by such
Indemnified Credit Party, and, in the event of any failure by the Company
to do so, the Company will pay all costs and expenses (including legal
fees and expenses) incurred by such Indemnified Credit Party in connection
with such action, suit or proceeding. Upon the payment in full by the
Company of any indemnities under this Subsection 12.05(b), the Company
shall be subrogated to any right of such Indemnified Credit Party in
respect of the matter against which indemnity shall have been given.
Thereafter, and so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and
is continuing, any payment received by any Indemnified Credit Party from
any person (except the Company) as a result of any matter with respect to
which such Indemnified Credit Party has been indemnified by the Company
under this Subsection 12.05(b) shall be paid over to the Company to the
extent necessary to reimburse the Company for indemnification payments
previously made.
(c) The payment obligations and indemnities contained in
this Section 12.05 shall survive the payment or sale or transfer of the
Notes, and the termination of this Agreement and any and all Swap
Agreements with respect to all events, facts, conditions or other
circumstances occurring or existing prior to such sale, transfer or
termination, and with respect to all liabilities, obligations, losses,
damages, penalties, claims, actions, suits, costs, charges, expenses and
disbursements, whenever the same shall be imposed, incurred or asserted
(whether before or after such sale, transfer, resignation, removal or
termination), arising out of the events, facts, conditions or other
circumstances referred to in clause (i) of this Subsection 12.05(c). The
aforesaid payment obligations and indemnities are made expressly for the
benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, any Indemnified Credit Party.
12.06 Notices. Notices and other communications provided for herein
shall be in writing (including telegraphic, telex, cable or facsimile
communication) and shall be delivered, mailed, telegraphed, telexed or
cabled addressed as follows:
(a) If to the Company, to it at:
Mr. John H. Untereker
Petroleum Helicopters, Inc.
113 Borman Drive
Municipal Airport
Lafayette, LA 70508
Telecopy: (504) 828-8333
(b) If to the Agent or NationsBank, to it at:
901 Main Street, Suite 6700
Dallas, Texas 75202
Attention: Mr. Thomas Blake
Telecopy No.: (214) 508-0980
(c) If to Whitney, to it at:
228 St. Charles
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
Attention: Mr. Harry Stahel
Telecopy No.: (504) 599-3073
(d) If to FNBC, to it at:
201 St. Charles, 28th Floor
New Orleans, Louisiana 70170
Attention: Mr. J. Charles Freel, Jr.
Telecopy No.: 504-623-1316
(e) If to a Swap Provider, to it at the address specified in
the applicable Swap Agreement.
All notices and other communications given to any party hereto in
accordance with the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to have
been given (a) when deposited in the United States mail, when sent by
registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, and with proper
postage prepaid; (b) when sent (after receipt of confirmation or answer
back), if sent by telecopy, telex or other similar facsimile transmission;
(c) when deposited with a reputable overnight courier with all charges
prepaid; or (d) when delivered, if hand-delivered by messenger; and in
each case addressed to such party as provided in this Section 12.06 or in
accordance with the latest unrevoked direction from such party, except for
Notices of Borrowing, Notices of Election and notices of prepayment of
Loans hereunder, each of which shall be deemed to have been given only
when actually received by the Agent.
12.07 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall become effective when it
shall have been executed by the Company, the Agent and the Banks, and
thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company,
the Agent and each Creditor and their respective successors and assigns,
except that the Company shall not have the right to assign its rights
hereunder or any interest herein without the prior written consent of the
Creditors and that the undertaking of the Banks to make the Loans to the
Company shall not inure to the benefit of any successor or assign of the
Company.
12.08 Interest. No provision of this Agreement or of the Notes, any
Security Document or any other instrument is intended or shall be
construed to require or permit the payment or collection of interest at a
rate that exceeds the Highest Lawful Rate (and, to the extent that the
Highest Lawful Rate is at any time determined by Texas law, such rate
shall be the "indicated rate ceiling" described in Section (a)(1) of
Article 1.04 of Chapter 1, Subtitle 1, Title 79, of the Revised Civil
Statutes of Texas, 1925, as amended; provided, however, to the extent
permitted by such Article, the Banks from time to time by notice through
the Agent to the Company may revise the aforesaid election of such
interest rate ceiling as such ceiling affects the then current or future
balances of the Borrowings outstanding under the Notes). Accordingly, if
the maturity of the Notes is accelerated for any reason, or in the event
of voluntary prepayment of all or any portion of the Notes by the Company,
or in any other event, earned interest for any Bank on each Borrowing may
never exceed the Highest Lawful Rate, computed from the Borrowing Date of
each such Borrowing until payment, and any unearned interest otherwise
payable under any Note which is in excess of the Highest Lawful Rate shall
be canceled automatically as of the date of such acceleration or
prepayment or other such event and (if theretofore paid) shall, at the
option of the holder of such Note, be either refunded to the Company or
credited on the principal of such Note. In determining whether or not the
interest paid or payable, under any specific contingency, exceeds the
Highest Lawful Rate, the Company and the Banks shall, to the maximum
extent permitted by applicable law, (a) characterize any nonprincipal
payment as an expense, fee or premium rather than as interest, and (b)
amortize, prorate, allocate and spread, in equal parts during the period
of the full stated term of the borrowing in question, all interest at any
time contracted for, charged, received or reserved in connection with such
Borrowing.
12.09 Survival of Representations and Warranties. All
representations, warranties and covenants contained herein or made in
writing by the Company in connection herewith shall survive the execution
and delivery of this Agreement and of the Notes, and will bind and inure
to the benefit of the respective successors and assigns of the parties
hereto, whether so expressed or not.
12.10 Severability. Should any clause, sentence, paragraph,
subsection or section of this Agreement be judicially declared to be
invalid, unenforceable or void, such decision will not have the effect of
invalidating or voiding the remainder of this Agreement, and the parties
hereto agree that the part or parts of this Agreement so held to be
invalid, unenforceable or void will be deemed to have been stricken
herefrom and the remainder will have the same force and effectiveness as
if such part or parts had never been included herein.
12.11 Descriptive Headings. The section headings in this Agreement
have been inserted for convenience only and shall be given no substantive
meaning or significance whatever in construing the terms and provisions of
this Agreement.
12.12 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in several
counterparts, and by the parties hereto on separate counterparts. When
counterparts executed by all the parties shall have been delivered to the
Agent, this Agreement shall become effective, and at such time the Agent
shall notify the Company and each Creditor. Each counterpart, when so
executed and delivered, shall constitute an original instrument, and all
such separate counterparts shall constitute but one and the
same instrument.
12.13 GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE NOTES SHALL BE
INTERPRETED AND GOVERNED BY, AND THE RIGHTS, OBLIGATIONS AND LIABILITIES
OF THE PARTIES HERETO AND THERETO SHALL BE DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH,
THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS AND APPLICABLE FEDERAL LAW. Without
limitation of the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement or in the Notes
shall be deemed to constitute a waiver of any rights which any Bank may
have under applicable federal legislation relating to the rate of interest
which such Bank may contract for, take, reserve, receive or charge in
respect of any borrowing. Chapter 15, Subtitle 3, Title 79, of the
Revised Civil Statutes of Texas, 1925, as amended (relating to revolving
loan and revolving triparty accounts), shall not apply to this Agreement
or the Notes hereunder or the transactions contemplated hereby.
THIS WRITTEN "LOAN AGREEMENT" (AS DEFINED IN SECTION 26.02 OF
THE TEXAS BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE, AS IN EFFECT ON THE EFFECTIVE DATE
AND AS THE SAME MAY THEREAFTER BE AMENDED AT ANY TIME AND FROM TIME TO
TIME), TOGETHER WITH THE NOTES AND THE SECURITY DOCUMENTS, REPRESENTS THE
FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COMPANY, THE BANKS AND THE AGENT AND MAY NOT
BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL
AGREEMENTS OF SAID PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS
BETWEEN SAID PARTIES.
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto, by their officers
thereunto duly authorized, have executed this Agreement as of the day and
year first above written.
PETROLEUM HELICOPTERS, INC.
By:
Name:
Title:
NATIONSBANK OF TEXAS, N.A.,
individually and as Agent
By:
Name:
Title:
WHITNEY NATIONAL BANK
By:
Name:
Title:
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF COMMERCE
By:
Name:
Title:
EXHIBIT A-2
PETROLEUM HELICOPTERS, INC.
Revolving Credit Note
$___________ March 31, 1997
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, Petroleum
Helicopters, Inc., a Louisiana corporation (successor by merger
to Petroleum Helicopters, Inc., a Delaware corporation) (herein
called the "Company"), hereby promises to pay to the order of
________________ (herein called the "Bank") in lawful money of
the United States of America on or before the Termination Date
unless the maturity is earlier accelerated, the principal sum of
____________ and _____/100 Dollars ($ ) or, if less, the aggregate
unpaid principal amount of all Revolving Credit Loans made by the
Bank to the Company and outstanding on the Termination Date, at such
times and upon the terms set forth in that certain Amended and
Restated Loan Agreement dated as of March 31, 1997 (as the same
heretofore has been amended and as the same hereafter from time
to time may be supplemented, amended, restated, extended or
otherwise modified, the "Amended and Restated Loan Agreement")
among the Company, the Bank, the other Banks and NationsBank of
Texas, N.A., as Agent thereunder. The Company also agrees to
pay interest on the unpaid principal balance of this note from
the date hereof until maturity, whether by acceleration or
otherwise, payable on each Interest Payment Date during such
period and at maturity, at the rate or rates per annum provided
for in the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement. Capitalized
terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the
respective meanings assigned to them in the Amended and
Restated Loan Agreement.
If any payment or prepayment of principal or interest
on this note shall become due on a day that is not a Business
Day, such payment or prepayment shall be made on the next
succeeding Business Day, and such extension of time shall in
such case be included in computing interest in connection with
such payment or prepayment provided, however, if such extension
would cause payment of interest on or principal of LIBOR Loans
to be made in the next following calendar month, such payment
shall be made on the next preceding Business Day.
All past due principal and interest on this note
shall bear interest at a rate equal to the lesser of (i) the
Prime Rate plus 3% per annum or (ii) the Highest Lawful Rate.
Payments of both principal and interest are to be
made in immediately available funds at the Office of the Agent
or such other place as the Agent shall designate in writing to
the Company.
This note is one of the Notes provided for in, and is
entitled to the benefits of, the Amended and Restated Loan
Agreement which Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, among
other things, contains provisions for acceleration of the
maturity hereof upon the happening of certain stated events,
for prepayments on account of principal hereof prior to the
maturity hereof upon the terms and conditions therein specified
and to the effect that no provision of the Amended and Restated
Loan Agreement, the Security Documents or this note shall be
construed to require or permit the payment or collection of
interest at a rate that exceeds the Highest Lawful Rate.
This note is secured by and entitled to the benefits of the
Security Documents.
[Furthermore, this note does not effect a novation
but is given, to the fullest extent applicable, in
modification, renewal, extension, rearrangement and replacement
of [$_______________] of the aggregate principal amount of that
certain Revolving Credit and Term Note dated August 13, 1996,
in the principal face amount of $_____________, executed by the
Company, payable to the order of the Bank (the "1996 Note"),
which 1996 Note modified, renewed, extended, rearranged and
replaced certain indebtedness evidenced by both (i) that
certain Capital Loan Note dated as of October 31, 1995, in the
principal face amount of $___________, executed by the
Company, payable to the order of the Bank (the "1995 Capital
Loan Note"), which 1995 Capital Loan Note modified, renewed,
extended, rearranged and replaced certain indebtedness
evidenced by that certain Capital Loan Note of the Company
dated as of October 31, 1994 (the "1994 Capital Loan Note"),
which 1994 Capital Loan Note modified, renewed, extended,
rearranged and replaced certain indebtedness evidenced by that
certain Capital Loan Note of the Company dated as of July 9,
1993 (the "1993 Capital Loan Note"), which 1993 Capital Loan
Note modified, renewed, extended, rearranged and replaced
certain indebtedness evidenced by that certain Term Note of the
Company dated October 29, 1991 (the "1991 Term Note"), which
1991 Term Note modified, renewed, extended, rearranged and
replaced certain indebtedness evidenced by certain Term Notes
of the Company dated as of December 28, 1990 (the "1990 Term
Notes"), which 1990 Term Notes modified, renewed, extended,
rearranged and replaced certain indebtedness originally
evidenced by certain Term Notes of the Company dated as of
April 22, 1986 (the 1986 Term Notes ), and (ii) that certain
Revolving Credit Note dated as of October 31, 1995 in the
principal face amount of $_______________, executed by the
Company, payable to the order of the Bank (the "October 1995
Note"), which October 1995 Note modified, renewed, extended,
rearranged and replaced certain indebtedness evidenced by that
certain Revolving Credit Note dated as of October 31, 1994 (the
"October 1994 Note"), which October 1994 Note modified,
renewed, extended, rearranged and replaced certain indebtedness
evidenced by that certain Revolving Credit Note dated as of
October 31, 1993 (the "October 1993 Note"), which October 1993
Note modified, renewed, extended, rearranged and replaced
certain indebtedness evidenced by that certain Revolving Credit
Note dated as of July 9, 1993 (the "July 1993 Note"), which
July 1993 Note modified, renewed, extended, rearranged and
replaced certain indebtedness originally evidenced by certain
Revolving Credit Notes of the Company dated as of April 22,
1986 (the "1986 Notes"), and delivered pursuant to that
certain Loan Agreement originally dated as of January 31, 1986,
as amended and restated in its entirety as of August 1, 1988,
amended and restated in its entirety as of December 28, 1990,
amended and restated in its entirety as of July 9, 1993,
amended and restated in its entirety as of August 13, 1996 and
amended as of January 1, 1997, of which said Loan Agreement the
Amended and Restated Loan Agreement is an amendment and
restatement in its entirety. All liens and security interests
securing payment of the 1996 Note (including, without
limitation, those securing payment of the 1995 Capital Loan
Note, the 1994 Capital Loan Note, the 1993 Capital Loan Note,
the 1991 Term Note, the 1990 Term Notes, the 1986 Term Notes,
the October 1995 Note, the October 1994 Note, the October 1993
Note, the July 1993 Note, and the 1986 Notes) are hereby
collectively renewed, extended, rearranged, ratified and
brought forward as security for the payment and performance of
this note. The Company hereby agrees that this modification,
renewal, extension, rearrangement, and replacement shall in no
manner affect, release, cancel, terminate, extinguish or
otherwise impair the liens and security interests securing
payment of the 1996 Note and that said liens and
security interests shall not in any manner be waived. - To be
included in NationsBank of Texas, N.A. s and Whitney National
Bank s Revolving Credit Notes]
[Furthermore, this note does not effect a novation
but is given, to the fullest extent applicable, in
modification, renewal, extension, rearrangement and replacement
of [$_______________] of the aggregate principal amount of
those certain Revolving Credit and Term Notes dated August 13,
1996, in the principal face amounts of $_____________,
_____________ and______________, respectively, executed by the
Company, payable to the order of the Bank, NationsBank of
Texas, N.A. and Whitney National Bank, respectively (the "1996
Notes"), which 1996 Notes modified, renewed, extended,
rearranged and replaced certain indebtedness evidenced by both
(i) those certain Capital Loan Notes dated as of October 31,
1995, in the principal face amounts of $___________,
________________ and _____________, respectively, executed by
the Company, payable to the order of the Bank, NationsBank of
Texas, N.A. and Whitney National Bank, respectively (the "1995
Capital Loan Notes"), which 1995 Capital Loan Notes modified,
renewed, extended, rearranged and replaced certain indebtedness
evidenced by those certain Capital Loan Notes of the Company
dated as of October 31, 1994 (the "1994 Capital Loan Notes"),
which 1994 Capital Loan Notes modified, renewed, extended,
rearranged and replaced certain indebtedness evidenced by those
certain Capital Loan Notes of the Company dated as of July 9,
1993 (the "1993 Capital Loan Notes"), which 1993 Capital Loan
Notes modified, renewed, extended, rearranged and replaced
certain indebtedness evidenced by those certain Term Notes of
the Company dated October 29, 1991 (the "1991 Term Notes"),
which 1991 Term Notes modified, renewed, extended, rearranged
and replaced certain indebtedness evidenced by certain Term
Notes of the Company dated as of December 28, 1990 (the "1990
Term Notes"), which 1990 Term Notes modified, renewed,
extended, rearranged and replaced certain indebtedness
originally evidenced by certain Term Notes of the Company dated
as of April 22, 1986 (the 1986 Term Notes ), and (ii) those
certain Revolving Credit Notes dated as of October 31, 1995 in
the principal face amounts of $_______________,
_____________________ and ___________________, respectively,
executed by the Company, payable to the order of the Bank,
Nationsbank of Texas, N.A. and Whitney National Bank,
respectively (the "October 1995 Notes"), which October 1995
Notes modified, renewed, extended, rearranged and replaced
certain indebtedness evidenced by those certain Revolving
Credit Notes dated as of October 31, 1994 (the "October 1994
Notes"), which October 1994 Notes modified, renewed, extended,
rearranged and replaced certain indebtedness evidenced by those
certain Revolving Credit Notes dated as of October 31, 1993
(the "October 1993 Notes"), which October 1993 Notes modified,
renewed, extended, rearranged and replaced certain indebtedness
evidenced by those certain Revolving Credit Notes dated as of
July 9, 1993 (the "July 1993 Notes"), which July 1993 Notes
modified, renewed, extended, rearranged and replaced certain
indebtedness originally evidenced by certain Revolving Credit
Notes of the Company dated as of April 22, 1986 (the "1986
Notes"), and delivered pursuant to that certain Loan Agreement
originally dated as of January 31, 1986, as amended and
restated in its entirety as of August 1, 1988, amended and
restated in its entirety as of December 28, 1990, amended and
restated in its entirety as of July 9, 1993, amended and
restated in its entirety as of August 13, 1996 and amended as
of January 1, 1997, of which said Loan Agreement the Amended
and Restated Loan Agreement is an amendment and restatement in
its entirety. All liens and security interests securing
payment of the 1996 Notes (including, without limitation, those
securing payment of the 1995 Capital Loan Notes, the 1994
Capital Loan Notes, the 1993 Capital Loan Notes, the 1991 Term
Notes, the 1990 Term Notes, the 1986 Term Notes, the October
1995 Notes, the October 1994 Notes, the October 1993 Notes, the
July 1993 Notes, and the 1986 Notes) are hereby collectively
renewed, extended, rearranged, ratified and brought forward as
security for the payment and performance of this note. The
Company hereby agrees that this modification, renewal,
extension, rearrangement, and replacement shall in no manner
affect, release, cancel, terminate, extinguish or otherwise
impair the liens and security interests securing payment of the
1996 Notes and that said liens and security interests shall not
in any manner be waived. - To be included in FNBC s Revolving
Credit Note only]
The Company and any and all endorsers, guarantors and
sureties severally waive grace, demand, presentment for
payment, notice of dishonor or default, protest, notice of
intent to accelerate, notice of acceleration and notice of
protest and diligence in collecting and bringing of suit
against any party hereto, and agree to all renewals, extensions
or partial payments hereon, in whole or in part, with or
without notice, before or after maturity.
THIS NOTE SHALL BE INTERPRETED AND GOVERNED BY, AND
THE RIGHTS, OBLIGATIONS AND LIABILITIES OF THE PARTIES HERETO
SHALL BE DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE
OF TEXAS AND APPLICABLE FEDERAL LAW.
PETROLEUM HELICOPTERS, INC.
By:________________________
Name:______________________
Title:_____________________
EXHIBIT A-1
PETROLEUM HELICOPTERS, INC.
Term Note
$ __________ March 31, 1997
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, Petroleum
Helicopters, Inc., a Louisiana corporation (successor by
merger to Petroleum Helicopters, Inc., a Delaware corporation)
(herein called the "Company"), hereby promises to pay to the
order of __________________________________________________
(herein called the "Bank") in lawful money of the United
States of America on or before the Termination Date unless the
maturity is earlier accelerated, the principal sum of _________
and ____/100 Dollars ($ ___________). The principal of this
note shall be due and payable in quarterly installments each
in an amount equal to (i) for all quarterly installments prior
to the Termination Date, [$_______________] and (ii) for the
quarterly installment due on the Termination Date,
[$_______________], which quarterly payments shall be payable
on the last day of each January, April, July and October of
each year commencing April 30, 1997 and ending on the first
such date on which the aggregate unpaid principal amount of
this note shall be paid in full by reason of quarterly
payments as aforesaid and any prepayments made pursuant to the
Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (as defined below) or
otherwise (but in any event no later than the Termination
Date). The Company also agrees to pay interest on the unpaid
principal balance of this note from the date hereof until
maturity, whether by acceleration or otherwise, payable on
each Interest Payment Date during such period and at maturity,
at the rate or rates per annum provided for in that certain
Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated as of March 31, 1997
(as the same heretofore has been amended and as the same
hereafter from time to time may be supplemented, amended,
restated, extended or otherwise modified, the "Amended and
Restated Loan Agreement") among the Company, the Bank, the
other Banks and NationsBank of Texas, N.A., as Agent
thereunder. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined
herein shall have the respective meanings assigned to them in
the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement.
If any payment or prepayment of principal or
interest on this note shall become due on a day that is not a
Business Day, such payment or prepayment shall be made on the
next succeeding Business Day, and such extension of time shall
in such case be included in computing interest in connection
with such payment or prepayment provided, however, if such
extension would cause payment of interest on or principal of
LIBOR Loans to be made in the next following calendar month,
such payment shall be made on the next preceding Business Day.
All past due principal and interest on this note
shall bear interest at a rate equal to the lesser of (i) the
Prime Rate plus 3% per annum or (ii) the Highest Lawful Rate.
Payments of both principal and interest are to be
made in immediately available funds at the Office of the Agent
or such other place as the Agent shall designate in writing to
the Company.
This note is one of the Notes provided for in, and
is entitled to the benefits of, the Amended and Restated Loan
Agreement which Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, among
other things, contains provisions for acceleration of the
maturity hereof upon the happening of certain stated events,
for prepayments on account of principal hereof prior to the
maturity hereof upon the terms and conditions therein
specified and to the effect that no provision of the
Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, the Security Documents or
this note shall be construed to require or permit the payment
or collection of interest at a rate that exceeds the Highest
Lawful Rate. This note is secured by and entitled to the
benefits of the Security Documents.
Furthermore, this note does not effect a novation
but is given, to the fullest extent applicable, in
modification, renewal, extension, rearrangement and
replacement of [$_______________] of the aggregate principal
amount of that certain Revolving Credit and Term Note dated
August 13, 1996, in the principal face amount of
$_____________, executed by the Company, payable to the order
of the Bank (the "1996 Note"), which 1996 Note modified,
renewed, extended, rearranged and replaced certain
indebtedness evidenced by both (i) that certain Capital Loan
Note dated as of October 31, 1995, in the principal face
amount of $___________, executed by the Company, payable to
the order of the Bank (the "1995 Capital Loan Note"), which
1995 Capital Loan Note modified, renewed, extended, rearranged
and replaced certain indebtedness evidenced by that certain
Capital Loan Note of the Company dated as of October 31, 1994
(the "1994 Capital Loan Note"), which 1994 Capital Loan Note
modified, renewed, extended, rearranged and replaced certain
indebtedness evidenced by that certain Capital Loan Note of
the Company dated as of July 9, 1993 (the "1993 Capital Loan
Note"), which 1993 Capital Loan Note modified, renewed,
extended, rearranged and replaced certain indebtedness
evidenced by that certain Term Note of the Company dated
October 29, 1991 (the "1991 Term Note"), which 1991 Term Note
modified, renewed, extended, rearranged and replaced certain
indebtedness evidenced by certain Term Notes of the Company
dated as of December 28, 1990 (the "1990 Term Notes"), which
1990 Term Notes modified, renewed, extended, rearranged and
replaced certain indebtedness originally evidenced by certain
Term Notes of the Company dated as of April 22, 1986 (the
1986 Term Notes ), and (ii) that certain Revolving Credit
Note dated as of October 31, 1995 in the principal face amount
of $_______________, executed by the Company, payable to the
order of the Bank (the "October 1995 Note"), which October
1995 Note modified, renewed, extended, rearranged and replaced
certain indebtedness evidenced by that certain Revolving
Credit Note dated as of October 31, 1994 (the "October 1994
Note"), which October 1994 Note modified, renewed, extended,
rearranged and replaced certain indebtedness evidenced by that
certain Revolving Credit Note dated as of October 31, 1993
(the "October 1993 Note"), which October 1993 Note modified,
renewed, extended, rearranged and replaced certain
indebtedness evidenced by that certain Revolving Credit Note
dated as of July 9, 1993 (the "July 1993 Note"), which July
1993 Note modified, renewed, extended, rearranged and replaced
certain indebtedness originally evidenced by certain Revolving
Credit Notes of the Company dated as of April 22, 1986 (the
"1986 Notes"), and delivered pursuant to that certain Loan
Agreement originally dated as of January 31, 1986, as amended
and restated in its entirety as of August 1, 1988, amended and
restated in its entirety as of December 28, 1990, amended and
restated in its entirety as of July 9, 1993, amended and
restated in its entirety as of August 13, 1996 and amended as
of January 1, 1997, of which said Loan Agreement the Amended
and Restated Loan Agreement is an amendment and restatement in
its entirety. All liens and security interests securing
payment of the 1996 Note (including, without limitation, those
securing payment of the 1995 Capital Loan Note, the 1994
Capital Loan Note, the 1993 Capital Loan Note, the 1991 Term
Note, the 1990 Term Notes, the 1986 Term Notes, the October
1995 Note, the October 1994 Note, the October 1993 Note, the
July 1993 Note, and the 1986 Notes) are hereby collectively
renewed, extended, rearranged, ratified and brought forward as
security for the payment and performance of this note. The
Company hereby agrees that this modification, renewal,
extension, rearrangement, and replacement shall in no manner
affect, release, cancel, terminate, extinguish or otherwise
impair the liens and security interests securing payment of
the 1996 Note and that said liens and security interests shall
not in any manner be waived.
The Company and any and all endorsers, guarantors
and sureties severally waive grace, demand, presentment for
payment, notice of dishonor or default, protest, notice of
intent to accelerate, notice of acceleration and notice of
protest and diligence in collecting and bringing of suit
against any party hereto, and agree to all renewals,
extensions or partial payments hereon, in whole or in part,
with or without notice, before or after maturity.
THIS NOTE SHALL BE INTERPRETED AND GOVERNED BY, AND
THE RIGHTS, OBLIGATIONS AND LIABILITIES OF THE PARTIES HERETO
SHALL BE DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE
OF TEXAS AND APPLICABLE FEDERAL LAW.
PETROLEUM HELICOPTERS, INC.
By:_______________________
Name:_____________________
Title:____________________
EXHIBIT E
OFFICER'S CERTIFICATE AS TO RELEASE OF COLLATERAL
The undersigned [Carroll W. Suggs or John H. Untereker] the [Chairman of the
Board or the Treasurer, respectively] of Petroleum Helicopters, Inc., a
Lousiana corporation (the "Company"), on my behalf and on behalf of the
Company, hereby certifies as to the matters set forth in the numbered
paragraphs below. The capitalized terms used and not defined herein are used
with the same meaning assigned thereto in that certain Amended and Restated
Loan Agreement among the Company and NationsBank of Texas, N.A.,
individually and as agent, Whitney National Bank, and First National Bank of
Commerce dated as of March 31, 1997 (the "Loan Agreement").
1. The Company is currently and will be, immediately after giving effect to
Amendment No. ____ dated ________, ____, to the Louisiana Security
Agreement (the "Amendment"), in full compliance with all of the provisions
of the Loan Agreement.
2. The helicopters to be released consist of one or more complete helicopters
or other Aviation Units.
3. The portion of the Aircraft remaining subject to the Security Interest
consists of complete helicopters or other Aviation Units in the operating
condition required by Section 7.09 of the Loan Agreement to be maintained
by the Company.
4. The Company has satisfied, or promptly hereafter will satisfy, the
requirements of the proviso of Subsection 9.05(b) of the Loan Agreement.
5. There are no more than three (3) Aircraft that are the subject of releases
from the Security Interest with respect to which all the requirements set
forth in Subsection 9.05(b), including those with respect to the Aviation
Units to be subjected to the Security Interest in place thereof, have not
been satisfied.
6. There is currently no Default or Event of Default under the Loan Agreement,
no such Default or Event of Default is imminent and no such Default or
Event of default will be precipitated or continued by the transactions
contemplated herein. The Company is currently, and immediately after
giving effect to the Amendment will be, in full compliance with each of
the Security Documents.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I hereunto set over my hand and affix the
corporate seal of the Company on this ___ day of _____________, ____.
________________________________
[Carroll W. Suggs or John H. Untereker]
[Chairman of the Board or Treasurer,
respectively]
SCHEDULE II
LIENS OF THE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
LIENHOLDER/LENDER NATURE OF COLLATERAL
debis Financial Services, Inc. A Purchase Money Security Interest
in Three (3) BK-117 Aircraft not
constituting a portion of the Aircraft
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE III
INDEBTEDNESS OF THE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
LIENHOLDER/LENDER NATURE OF INDEBTEDNESS
debis Financial Services, Inc. $9,300,000.00, 7% fixed rate,
10-year installment financing on
or about June 4, 1993, secured by
the Purchase Money Security Interest
described on Schedule II, as of
March 31, 1997, approximately
$6,530,011.00 was outstanding.
EXHIBIT C
BORROWING BASE CERTIFICATE
The undersigned [Carroll W. Suggs or John H. Untereker] the
[Chairman of the Board or the Treasurer, respectively] of
Petroleum Helicopters, Inc., a Louisiana corporation
(the "Company"), on my behalf and on behalf of the Company,
hereby certifies as to the matters set forth in the numbered
paragraphs below. The capitalized terms used and not defined
herein are used with the same meaning assigned thereto in that
certain Amended and Restated Loan Agreement among the Company
and NationsBank of Texas, N.A., individually and as agent,
Whitney National Bank, and First National Bank of Commerce
dated as of March 31, 1997.
1. As of the date hereof, the Borrowing Base is
[$___________], which consists of (a) (i) 80% of Eligible
Receivables ([$___________]), as more fully set forth on
Annex 1 attached hereto and made a part hereof, (ii) 50%
of the Appraised Value of the Aircraft ([$___________]),
as more fully set forth on Annex 2 attached hereto and
made a part hereof, (iii) the Value of Pledged Securities
([$___________]), as more fully set forth on Annex 3
attached hereto and made a part hereof, and (iv) 50% of
the value of Eligible Parts (valued at the lower of cost
or market) as more fully set forth on Annex 4 attached
hereto and made a part hereof, in which each of the
Creditors has a valid, equal and ratable first priority
Security Interest, pursuant to the Security Documents,
minus (b) the aggregate principal amount of the Term
Loans.
2. [After giving effect to the Borrowing contemplated in the
Notice of Borrowing dated [_______________], the] The
aggregate principal amount of the Revolving Credit Loans
and the aggregate amount of Permitted Letter of Credit
Amounts does not [will not] exceed the lesser of (i)
$40,000,000 and (ii) the Borrowing Base.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I hereunto set over my hand
and affix the corporate seal of the Company on this ___ day of
_____________, ____.
_______________________________________
[Carroll W. Suggs or John H. Untereker]
[Chairman of the Board or Treasurer,
respectively]
EXHIBIT B
SUBSIDIARIES
# of
% of Shares
Outstanding Subject
Shares to
Class of Number of Number of Owned Outstand
Juris- Capital Shares of Shares of Directly or ing
diction of Stock Each Class Each Class Indirectly Options
Name of Incor Author- Author- Out- by The Warrants
Subsidiary -poration ized ized standing Company Etc.
International
Helicopter
Transport, Inc. Louisiana Common 20,000 100 All None
Evangeline
Airmotive, Inc. Louisiana Common 100 100 All None
Petroleum
Helicopters
De Bolivia, Inc. Delaware Common 100 100 All None
Heli-Tours, Inc. Louisiana Common 1,000 100 All None
Acadian Composites,
Inc. Louisiana Common 1,000 1,000 All None
EXHIBIT D-1
[LETTERHEAD OF CORRERO FISHMAN HAYGOOD
PHELPS WEISS WALMSLEY & CASTEIX, L.L.P.]
April [ ], 1997
NationsBank of Texas, N.A., Whitney National Bank
individually and as agent 228 St. Charles Avenue
901 Main Street, Suite 6700 New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
Dallas, Texas 75202
First National Bank of Commerce
201 St. Charles Avenue, 28th Floor
New Orleans, Louisiana 70170
RE: Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of March 31,
1997 (the Amended Loan Agreement ), among Petroleum
Helicopters, Inc. (the Company ), being the successor by
merger to Petroleum Helicopters, Inc., a Delaware corporation
( PHI-Delaware ), NationsBank of Texas, N.A. ( NationsBank ),
Whitney National Bank ( Whitney ), First National Bank of
Commerce ( FNBC ) (NationsBank, Whitney and FNBC are
collectively referred to as the Banks ) and NationsBank as
agent, being an amendment and restatement in its entirety of
that certain Loan Agreement, originally dated as of January
31, 1986 (the Original Agreement )
Gentlemen:
This opinion is rendered pursuant to Section 6.01(a) of the
Amended Loan Agreement and Section 4.2(a) of that certain Master
Agreement dated as of March 31, 1997 between NationsBank of Texas,
N.A. (the Initial Swap Provider ) and the Company, together with
all schedules thereto (the Swap Agreement ).
For purposes of this opinion, we have reviewed each of the
following (collectively, the Examined Documents ): (i) an executed
original of the Amended Loan Agreement; (ii) executed originals of
that certain $15,000,000 Term Note payable to the order of
NationsBank, that certain $15,000,000 Term Note payable to the
order of Whitney, that certain $10,000,000 Term Note payable to the
order of FNBC, that certain $15,000,000 Revolving Credit Note
payable to the order of NationsBank, that certain $15,000,000
Revolving Credit Note payable to the order of Whitney and that
certain $10,000,000 Revolving Credit Note payable to the order of
FNBC, each dated March 31, 1997 (the 1997 Notes ); (iii) an
executed original of the Amended and Restated Security Agreement by
the Company to NationsBank, as agent for the Banks, the Initial
Swap Provider, and any other Swap Providers (as defined in the
Amended Loan Agreement) (the Amended and Restated Security
Agreement ); (iv) a photocopy of that certain Agreement dated as of
March 31, 1997 among the Initial Swap Provider, the Banks and
NationsBank as agent for the Banks; (v) a photocopy of that certain
Security Agreement, dated as of September 25, 1990, made by PHI-
Delaware to NCNB Texas National Bank, as agent (the Original
Louisiana Security Agreement ), that certain First Amendment to
Security Agreement, dated December 28, 1990, by PHI-Delaware,
Whitney, FNBC and NCNB Texas National Bank, individually and as
agent (the First Amendment ), that certain Amendment No. 4 to
Security Agreement, dated July 15, 1991 by PHI-Delaware, Whitney,
FNBC and NCNB Texas National Bank, individually and as agent (the
Fourth Amendment ), and that certain Amendment No. 16 to Security
Agreement, dated July 22, 1993 by PHI-Delaware, Whitney, FNBC and
NationsBank, individually and as agent (the Sixteenth Amendment );
(vi) a photocopy of the file-stamped Louisiana UCC-1 Financing
Statement executed by PHI-Delaware in connection with the Original
Louisiana Security Agreement and filed on October 3, 1990 in
Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, under file number 26-163010 (the
Jefferson UCC-1"), a photocopy of the file-stamped Louisiana UCC-3
Statements of Continuation, Release, Assignment, etc. executed by
NationsBank as agent and PHI-Delaware in connection with the First
Amendment and filed December 21, 1990 in Jefferson Parish,
Louisiana, under file no. 26-164815 and a photocopy of the file-
stamped Louisiana UCC-3 Statements of Continuation, Release,
Assignment, etc. executed by NationsBank as agent, and filed on
September 11, 1995 in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, under file no.
26-201769 continuing the Jefferson UCC-1; (vii) a photocopy of the
file-stamped Louisiana UCC-1 Financing Statement executed by PHI-
Delaware in connection with the Original Louisiana Security
Agreement and filed on October 28, 1994 in Orleans Parish,
Louisiana, under file no. 36-88428 (the Orleans UCC-1"); (viii) a
photocopy of the file-stamped Louisiana UCC-3 Statements of
Continuation, Release, Assignment, etc. executed by the Company and
NationsBank, as agent in connection with the Amended and Restated
Security Agreement filed on April 15, 1997 in Jefferson Parish,
Louisiana, under file no. 26214174; (ix) a photocopy of the file-
stamped Louisiana UCC-3 Statements of Continuation, Release,
Assignment, etc. executed by the Company and NationsBank, as agent
in connection with the Amended and Restated Security Agreement and
filed on April 15, 1997 in Orleans Parish, Louisiana, under file
no. 36-116707; (x) those certain UCC, state and federal lien
searches of the records of Jefferson and Orleans Parish, Louisiana
dated February 18, 1997; (xi) an executed original of the Swap
Agreement; and (xii) such other documents, instruments and
corporate records as we have deemed necessary or appropriate,
subject to the limitations hereof with respect to the scope of our
investigation in cases in which opinions are based on our current
actual knowledge.
For the purposes of this opinion, the First Amendment, Fourth
Amendment and Sixteenth Amendment and the amendments to the
Original Louisiana Security Agreement dated February 13, 1991,
February 25, 1991, October 29, 1991, October 29, 1991, November 18,
1991, December 20, 1991, January 23, 1992, February 7, 1992, March
27, 1992, June 9, 1992, July 20, 1992, February 18, 1993, March 1,
1993, October 19, 1993, November 23, 1993, December 8, 1993,
January 12, 1994, February 25, 1994, March 18, 1994, March 23,
1994, March 31, 1994, April 8, 1994, April 21, 1994, August 12,
1994, September 12, 1994, October 20, 1994, December 29, 1994, June
14, 1995, July 27, 1995, September 19, 1995, October 25, 1995,
November 15, 1995, November 15, 1995, November 20, 1995, December
27, 1995, December 29, 1995, December 29, 1995, January 8, 1996,
February 29, 1996, March 8, 1996, April 10, 1996, May 1, 1996, June
4, 1996, June 14, 1996, June 24, 1996, July 16, 1996, August 12,
1996, August 27, 1996, September 23, 1996, October 29, 1996 and
March 6, 1997 are defined as the Security Agreement Amendments.
The Original Louisiana Security Agreement, as amended by the
Security Agreement Amendments, is the Security Agreement.
As to any facts material to our opinion, we have relied upon
factual representations made in or pursuant to the Amended Loan
Agreement and the documents referred to therein by the various
parties thereto. We have also reviewed and relied on (i) that
certain Officers Certificate dated April [ ], 1997, executed by
John H. Untereker, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of
the Company, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A and
(ii) that certain Certificate of Corporate Officers dated April [
], 1997, executed by John H. Untereker, Vice President, and Robert
D. Cummiskey, Jr., Secretary of the Company, a copy of which is
attached hereto as Exhibit B (collectively, the Officers
Certificates ). We have additionally relied upon such other
documents, certificates, instruments, corporate records and reports
of Company officers, public officials and others, as to factual
matters, to the extent that we deemed reasonable, subject to the
limitations hereof with respect to the scope of our investigation
in cases in which opinions are based on our current actual
knowledge.
In our examination of the foregoing, we have assumed that the
parties signing all documents, other than the Company, have been
properly authorized to do so; the authenticity of all documents
submitted as copies thereof, that the only currently effective
amendment forming part of the Original Agreement as of the date
hereof is the Amended Loan Agreement (this firm has no knowledge of
any other amendments); and that the only amendments forming part of
the Original Louisiana Security Agreement as of the date hereof are
the Security Agreement Amendments (this firm has no knowledge of
any other amendments).
For all purposes of this opinion, we have also assumed the
validity and enforceability of the Amended Loan Agreement, the
Original Agreement and the 1997 Notes (specifically including
without limitation the Texas usury provisions) under the laws of
the State of Texas.
Unless otherwise provided, capitalized terms that are used but
are not defined in this opinion are used herein with the same
definitions assigned to them in the Amended Loan Agreement. Based
on the foregoing and limited by the matters specified below, we are
of the opinion that:
1. The Company is a corporation duly organized and existing
in good standing under the laws of the State of Louisiana and has
the power and authority to conduct its business as presently
conducted. Our opinions set out above are limited by the fact that
our knowledge of the Company s present business is limited to our
current actual knowledge.
2. The Amended Loan Agreement, the Amended and Restated
Security Agreement, the Swap Agreement and the 1997 Notes have been
duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of
the Company and have been duly executed and delivered by the
Company. The Amended and Restated Security Agreement constitutes
a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company. If,
notwithstanding the choice of law provision of the Amended Loan
Agreement, the Swap Agreement and the 1997 Notes, Louisiana law
were to apply to the Amended Loan Agreement, the Swap Agreement and
the 1997 Notes, the Amended Loan Agreement, the Swap Agreement and
the 1997 Notes would constitute legal, valid and binding
obligations of the Company.
3. The Amended and Restated Security Agreement continues in
the case of the Collateral (as defined in the Amended and Restated
Security Agreement) that is subject to the Security Agreement or
creates in the case of all other Collateral, as the case may be, a
valid security interest (the Security Interest ). Based upon our
examination of the Examined Documents and assuming that the
financing statement changes reflecting the additions of collateral
pursuant to the Security Agreement Amendments (other than the First
Amendment, Fourth Amendment and Sixteenth Amendment) were filed in
accordance with Article 9 of the Louisiana Commercial Laws ( LCL ),
the Security Interest is perfected. In rendering the foregoing
opinion, we express no opinion as to which portion of the
Collateral described in the Amended and Restated Security Agreement
was previously subject to the Security Agreement. The 1997 Notes
and the Swap Agreement are entitled to the benefits and security
provided by the Amended and Restated Security Agreement.
4. Subject to the last two sentences of this paragraph, no
consent, approval or authorization of any person and no
registration with or notice to any governmental or public authority
or agency is required in connection with the offer, issue, or
delivery of the 1997 Notes or the performance of the Amended Loan
Agreement, the Amended and Restated Security Agreement and the Swap
Agreement, in all cases excepting such actions as are specified in
SS 5.13 and 5.15 of the Amended Loan Agreement and excepting such
approvals or other actions as are needed as to those Accounts (as
defined in the Amended and Restated Security Agreement) or
Receivables that are payable by the United States of America or any
agency or department thereof. Any opinion expressed above that all
actions that relate to (i) the aircraft described in Schedule III
to the Amended and Restated Security Agreement or (ii) any aircraft
engine described in the Amended and Restated Security Agreement
have been duly taken, is based with respect to all factual and
legal matters (other than matters of Louisiana law to the extent
that it is applicable), solely on our assumption that no further
action is required under the Federal Aviation Act or any other
rules, regulations, or orders of the Federal Aviation
Administration or related laws, rules, regulations, and orders to
perfect or create, or to maintain the perfection of the liens and
security interests created by or continued pursuant to the Amended
and Restated Security Agreement in any of such Collateral and that
all such necessary or appropriate actions have been taken. Our
other opinions expressed in this Paragraph 4 are based with respect
to all factual matters solely on our current actual knowledge and
on matters set out in the Officers Certificates.
5. Based solely on our current actual knowledge and on the
matters set out in the Officers Certificates, neither (i) the
offer, issuance, or delivery of the 1997 Notes, nor (ii) the
performance of the Amended Loan Agreement, the Amended and Restated
Security Agreement and the Swap Agreement will conflict with or
result in a breach of the terms, conditions or provisions of any
evidence of Indebtedness, agreement or instrument to which the
Company is a party or under which it is obligated, including,
without limitation any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, lease,
credit agreement or franchise, or will constitute a default under
any of the foregoing or will result in the creation or imposition
of any Lien of any material nature upon any of the Company s
properties or assets under the terms of any such evidence of
Indebtedness, agreement or instrument (except security interests
previously created by the Security Documents and any security
interests previously created in favor of the Agent or its
predecessor in interest for the benefit of the Banks or their
predecessors in interest in connection with the Amended Loan
Agreement or any of the indebtedness governed thereby).
6. No documentary stamp or other issuance or transfer Taxes
for which the Company is responsible under S 7.06(f) of the Amended
Loan Agreement are payable under Louisiana or federal law in
respect of or by reason of the offer, issuance, or delivery of the
1997 Notes.
7. The performance of the 1997 Notes, the Amended Loan
Agreement, the Amended and Restated Security Agreement and the Swap
Agreement will not conflict with or result in a breach of the
terms, conditions, or provisions of the charter or by-laws of the
Company.
The opinions expressed herein are subject to the following
additional assumptions, exceptions, qualifications and limitations:
A. The enforceability of the Amended Loan Agreement, the
1997 Notes, the Amended and Restated Security Agreement and the
Swap Agreement is subject to the effect of bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium, respite, litigious rights and similar
laws affecting creditors rights generally or the collection of
debtors obligations generally; fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent
transfer laws; and, matters affecting the availability of certain
equitable remedies, regardless of whether enforcement is sought in
a proceeding at equity or at law, including without limitation,
concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair
dealing.
B. We express no opinion with respect to any of the
following matters:
1. the validity or enforceability of any provision
(including without limitation Sections 10.05(a) and 12.05(b)) of
the Amended Loan Agreement, the Amended and Restated Security
Agreement, the Swap Agreement or the 1997 Notes that purports to
allow the collection of any attorneys fees in excess of reasonable
fees;
2. the enforceability in all circumstances of any no
waiver provisions, or the enforceability of any provision that
prohibits the amendment of a document or documents except in
writing, or prohibits the introduction of oral evidence as to the
parties agreement;
3. the validity or enforceability of (i) waivers of unknown
rights, unknown claims or unknown defenses, (ii) the creation of a
constructive trust as to any funds received by any person, or (iii)
standards for commercial reasonableness to the extent such
standards are manifestly unreasonable;
4. the validity or enforceability of any provision which (i)
permits the Agent or any Creditor to exercise remedies under any
document without notice to the obligor thereunder, (ii) permits the
Agent or any Bank to exercise any remedy granted under any document
prior to occurrence of an event which constitutes a default under
such document, (iii) purports to grant an irrevocable power of
attorney or license, (iv) requires any party to indemnify another
party for claims arising from the indemnified party s own
negligence, or otherwise releases or limits the liability of a
party for its intentional or gross fault or for causing physical
injury to the other party, (v) provides that any party s
determinations will be final and/or non-appealable, (vi) provides
for the severability of any provision of any document to the extent
that any such provision is material to the document in question,
(vii) expressly or by implication provides for liquidated damages
or penalties or calculates the measure of damages of any party,
(viii) confers self-help (except to the extent exercised in
conformity with Part 5 of Article 9 of the LCL) or equitable
remedies with respect to corporeal moveable property, (ix) waives
or releases in advance the legal rights of any party prior to the
accrual or existence of such rights, (x) allows or authorizes the
delay or omission of enforcement of any remedy, indemnity or
consent judgement to the extent the delay or omission is contrary
to the course of dealing or conduct established by the Agent, (xi)
establishes non-culpability for actions taken by or on behalf of
any party or any other person, (xii) restricts or prohibits the
transfer of title to or further encumbrance of any property
described in the Examined Documents and the Amended and Restated
Security Agreement, other than with respect to the creation of an
Event of Default, (xiii) defines rights relating to exculpation,
subrogation (other than the waiver thereof), waiver or ratification
of future acts, trespass, conversions, negligence or fraud, (xiv)
establishes methods of appraisal or (xv) allows the Agent to take
possession of any collateral, other than payments from the account
debtors of the Company in accordance with the Amended and Restated
Security Agreement and LCL, prior to valid foreclosure of the liens
against such collateral or the taking of some action that is
judicially deemed to be equivalent thereof;
5. with respect to the last sentence of Section 2.01(a) and
Section 2.02(a) of the Amended Loan Agreement, whether the Loans
made under the Amended Loan Agreement will not effect a novation of
the loans, made under the Original Agreement, as amended, to the
extent of any increase in the amount of each Bank s obligations
under the Commitments (as defined in the Prior Amended and Restated
Loan Agreement), and to the extent that the terms of the Prior
Amended and Restated Loan Agreement have been modified (but such
possible novation will not render the Amended Loan Agreement or the
1997 Notes unenforceable);
6. the enforceability of Section 2.06 of the Amended Loan
Agreement, as it may be limited by Article 2924 of the Louisiana
Civil Code;
7. the enforceability of Section 2.09 of the Amended Loan
Agreement or of any other provision waiving any rights to set-off
or to counterclaim;
8. any provisions, including Section 10.05(a) of the Amended
Loan Agreement, to the extent, if any, that they order the
application of the proceeds of collateral in any other manner
except as provided in La. R.S. S 10:9-504;
9. the validity or enforceability of (i) any Examined
Document other than the Amended Loan Agreement, the 1997 Notes, the
Amended and Restated Security Agreement and the Swap Agreement, or
(ii) except with respect to the continuity of the security interest
created by the Security Agreement addressed in paragraph 3 of our
opinion, any documents or other writings incorporated by reference
in or amended or modified by the Amended Loan Agreement, the 1997
Notes, the Amended and Restated Security Agreement and the Swap
Agreement;
10. the perfection of a security interest in collateral in
which the perfection of a security interest is governed by Federal
law;
11. the perfection of a security interest in permits,
copyrights, trademarks, trade names and other similar collateral;
12. the enforceability of any provision of the Examined
Documents upon a determination by any court or other tribunal that
the Agent or the Banks failed to act reasonably, in good faith and
in compliance with law;
13. the enforceability of the choice of law provisions in the
Amended Loan Agreement, the Swap Agreement and the 1997 Notes with
respect to claims related to but arising outside of the Amended
Loan Agreement, the Swap Agreement or the 1997 Notes;
14. with respect to the legality, validity, binding effect or
enforceability of any provision of the Amended and Restated
Security Agreement purporting to cover or affect, or grant a
security interest in, any Collateral located outside the State of
Louisiana, with respect to which Collateral the creation and or
perfection of a security interest therein is governed by laws of
jurisdictions other than the State of Louisiana;
15. the priority of any security interest created by the
Amended and Restated Security Agreement (except that the execution
and delivery of the Amended and Restated Security Agreement will
not result in a loss of the priority of the security interest
created by the Security Agreement, whatever that priority may be);
16. whether any of the representations and warranties given
in the Examined Documents are true, correct and complete;
17. whether any information delivered or otherwise disclosed
to the Creditors in connection with the Examined Documents is true,
correct and complete except as may be expressly covered by our
opinions;
18. whether any of the obligations, covenants or agreements
contained in the Examined Documents have been or will be fulfilled,
completed or performed; or
19. the validity or enforceability of provisions of the 1997
Notes and the Amended Loan Agreement which make the Agent s
calculation of interest or principal due conclusive absent its
manifest error.
C. Under certain circumstances described in Sections 9-301,
9-308 and 9-309 of the LCL, purchasers of Collateral may take free
of a perfected security interest; and in the case of proceeds of
the Collateral, continuation of perfection of the Agent s security
interest therein is limited to the extent set forth in Section 9-
306 of the LCL.
D. We have not made an examination of title to any of the
Collateral or the effect of failure or lack of title thereto on the
validity, binding effect or enforceability of the security
interests created by the Amended and Restated Security Agreement.
E. We have assumed that NationsBank of Texas, N.A. is the
duly authorized successor to NCNB Texas National Bank.
F. We advise you that the rights of the Agent and/or the
Creditors against any person responsible for paying proceeds
attributable to any Event of Loss, theft or condemnation of any
Collateral will be subject to any dealings by such person with the
Company, or its successor in interest, until such person receives
written notice from or on behalf of the Agent, the Creditors or the
Company of the collateral assignment to Agent on behalf of the
Creditors of the right to receive such proceeds (provided that the
naming of Agent as loss payee under any policies of insurance
covering the Aircraft and parts shall constitute sufficient notice
of the right of the Agent, on behalf of the Creditors, to receive
such proceeds).
G. With respect to the opinions set out above that are based
on our current actual knowledge, such knowledge consists only of
the conscious awareness of information by the lawyers of this firm
that have given substantive legal attention to the affairs of the
Company, with such awareness having been gained solely in the
course of the matters that this firm has been asked to handle on
behalf of the Company. With your consent, we have performed no
independent investigation of public records, Company records, or
any other matter whatsoever. Our current actual knowledge is also
limited by the fact that this firm commenced its representation of
the Company with respect to corporate matters in June, 1994; that
we did not represent the Company with respect to any significant
legal matters prior to that date; and that this firm did not
represent the Company as counsel with respect to the Original
Agreement and the transactions contemplated therein until June,
1996.
H. With respect to the opinions based on the Officers
Certificates, we have, with your consent, relied entirely on and
assumed the accuracy of the factual matters set out in the
Officers Certificates without any investigation whatsoever. We
have no current knowledge that the Officers Certificates are
incomplete or inaccurate.
I. We are qualified to practice law in the State of
Louisiana, and this opinion is limited to the laws and
jurisprudence of the State of Louisiana and to federal law (other
than the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, regulations promulgated
thereunder, and laws, rules, regulations, and orders of the Federal
Aviation Administration), and we do not express any opinion herein
concerning any other law or with respect to the Federal Aviation
Act of 1958, regulations promulgated thereunder, and laws, rules,
regulations, and orders of the Federal Aviation Administration, or
with respect to the laws of any other state or jurisdiction that
are or may be applicable to any of the transactions or documents
referred to herein or their effect on any such transaction or
document. In addition, we have not been requested to review, and
have not undertaken to review, federal or state banking laws or
regulations in order to determine whether the transaction complies
with such laws and regulations.
J. The foregoing expresses our legal opinion, subject to the
limitations set forth above, as to the specific matters set forth
above and is based on our professional knowledge and judgment at
this time. It is not, however, to be construed as a guaranty.
K. This opinion is rendered to you solely in connection with
the Amended Loan Agreement, the Amended and Restated Security
Agreement, the Swap Agreement and the 1997 Notes and may not be
relied upon by you or any other person or entity for any other
purpose whatsoever. The opinions expressed herein are expressed as
of the date hereof and are not intended to have prospective effect.
We undertake no responsibility to advise you or any other persons
of any change in the law or facts after the date hereof, whether or
not deemed material, that would alter the scope or substance of the
opinions expressed herein unless otherwise requested by you in
writing.
Very truly yours,
EXHIBIT 21
PETROLEUM HELICOPTERS INC.
SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT AT APRIL 30, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PLACE OF % OF VOTING
COMPANY INCORPORATION STOCK OWNED
- ------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
International Helicopter Transport, Inc. Louisiana 100%
Evangeline Airmotive, Inc. Louisiana 100%
Petroleum Helicopters De Bolivia, Inc. Delaware 100%
Heli-Tours, Inc. Louisiana 100%
Acadian Composites, Inc. Louisiana 100%
Transnatinal Transit LTD Trinidad 20%
Asis Aircraft Overseas Phillippines Philippines 30%
Siam Aerospace Technology Thailand 30%
Clintondale Aviation New York 50%
Aeroservicios Ranger Venezuela 28%
</TABLE>
Exhibit 23
Consent of Independent Auditors
The Board of Directors
Petroleum Helicopters, Inc.:
We consent to incorporation by reference in registration statements No.
33-51617 on Form S-8 and No. 333-02025 on Form S-8 of Petroleum
Helicopters, Inc. of our report dated June 19, 1997, relating to the
consolidated balance sheets of Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. and
subsidiaries as of April 30, 1997 and 1996, and the related consolidated
statements of earnings, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of
the years in the three-year period ended April 30, 1997, and the related
schedule, which report appears in the April 30, 1997 annual report on
Form 10-K of Petroleum Helicopters, Inc.
KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
/s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
New Orleans, Louisiana
July 23, 1997
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION FROM CONDENSED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDING APRIL 30, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY
BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> APR-30-1997
<PERIOD-END> APR-30-1997
<CASH> 2,437
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 35,547
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 30,202
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 71,958
<PP&E> 244,047
<DEPRECIATION> 122,220
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 196,631
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 30,711
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 509
<OTHER-SE> 86,907
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 196,631
<SALES> 211,663
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 212,388
<CGS> 184,456
<TOTAL-COSTS> 197,234
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 4,297
<INCOME-PRETAX> 10,857
<INCOME-TAX> 4,387
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 6,470
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 6,470
<EPS-PRIMARY> 1.27
<EPS-DILUTED> 1.27
</TABLE>
