UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-Q
|X| QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For The Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2003
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For The Transition Period From _____ to _____
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Commission File Number: 1-9293
PRE-PAID LEGAL SERVICES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Oklahoma 73-1016728
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
321 East Main Street, Ada, Oklahoma 74821-0145
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(Registrants' telephone number, including area code): (580) 436-1234
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes |X| No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as
defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes |X| No [ ]
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock as of
October 24, 2003 was 17,316,399.
PRE-PAID LEGAL SERVICES, INC.
FORM 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2003
CONTENTS
Part I. Financial Statements
Item 1. Financial Statements of Registrant:
a) Consolidated Balance Sheets
as of September 30, 2003 (Unaudited) and
December 31, 2002
b) Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited) for the three months and the
nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002
c) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited) for the three months and the
nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002
d) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited) for the nine months ended
September 30, 2003 and 2002
e) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Part II. Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
Signatures
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF REGISTRANT
PRE-PAID LEGAL SERVICES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in 000's, except par values)
ASSETS
September 30, December 31,
2003 2002
------------- -------------
Current assets: (Unaudited)
Cash and cash equivalents........................................................ $ 12,489 $ 20,858
Available-for-sale investments, at fair value.................................... 3,860 3,970
Membership income receivable..................................................... 4,643 5,247
Inventories...................................................................... 947 1,212
Refundable income taxes.......................................................... 828 275
Deferred member and associate service costs...................................... 12,854 13,639
Deferred income taxes............................................................ 5,211 4,603
------------- -------------
Total current assets......................................................... 40,832 49,804
Available-for-sale investments, at fair value...................................... 13,744 11,560
Investments pledged................................................................ 4,156 4,160
Property and equipment, net........................................................ 41,718 25,593
Deferred member and associate service costs........................................ 2,637 2,991
Other assets....................................................................... 4,009 2,728
------------- -------------
Total assets............................................................... $ 107,096 $ 96,836
------------- -------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Membership benefits.............................................................. $ 8,878 $ 8,610
Deferred revenue and fees........................................................ 22,836 22,612
Current portion of capital leases payable........................................ 808 14
Current portion of notes payable................................................. 1,676 2,412
Accounts payable and accrued expenses............................................ 15,063 13,498
------------- -------------
Total current liabilities...................................................... 49,261 47,146
Capital leases payable........................................................... 1,691 912
Notes payable.................................................................... 15,924 8,221
Deferred revenue and fees........................................................ 3,628 4,266
Deferred income taxes ........................................................... 2,643 1,319
------------- -------------
Total liabilities............................................................ 73,147 61,864
------------- -------------
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value; 100,000 shares authorized; 22,153 and
23,688 issued at September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively........ 222 237
Capital in excess of par value................................................... 10,259 43,219
Retained earnings................................................................ 121,769 90,254
Accumulated other comprehensive income........................................... 727 290
Treasury stock, at cost; 4,852 shares held at
September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002....................................... (99,028) (99,028)
------------- -------------
Total stockholders' equity................................................... 33,949 34,972
------------- -------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity................................. $ 107,096 $ 96,836
------------- -------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
PRE-PAID LEGAL SERVICES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Amounts in 000's, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
----------------------- ------------------------
2003 2002 2003 2002
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Revenues:
Membership fees.................................................$ 82,695 $ 79,583 $ 246,123 $ 229,062
Associate services.............................................. 6,033 9,363 19,900 27,499
Other........................................................... 1,296 1,213 3,963 3,573
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
90,024 90,159 269,986 260,134
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Costs and expenses:
Membership benefits............................................. 27,956 26,620 82,271 76,936
Commissions..................................................... 28,443 31,064 84,974 91,671
Associate services and direct marketing......................... 7,411 7,732 21,820 22,455
General and administrative...................................... 9,896 8,529 26,817 23,869
Other, net...................................................... 2,175 2,539 6,256 4,968
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
75,881 76,484 222,138 219,899
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Income before income taxes........................................ 14,143 13,675 47,848 40,235
Provision for income taxes........................................ 4,705 4,718 16,333 13,881
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net income........................................................$ 9,438 $ 8,957 $ 31,515 $ 26,354
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Basic earnings per common share...................................$ .54 $ .46 $ 1.79 $ 1.32
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Diluted earnings per common share.................................$ .54 $ .46 $ 1.78 $ 1.32
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
PRE-PAID LEGAL SERVICES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Amounts in 000's)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
----------------------- ------------------------
2003 2002 2003 2002
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net income..................................................... $ 9,438 $ 8,957 $ 31,515 $ 26,354
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment...................... 15 (30) 144 69
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments:
Unrealized holding gains arising during period (197) 104 236 155
Reclassification adjustment for realized losses (gains)
included in net income................................... 35 (25) 57 (54)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
(162) 79 293 101
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes
of ($87) and $43 for the three months and $158 and $54 for
the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002,
respectively................................................. (147) 49 437 170
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Comprehensive income........................................... $ 9,291 $ 9,006 $ 31,952 $ 26,524
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
PRE-PAID LEGAL SERVICES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in 000's)
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
-------------------------
2003 2002
----------- -----------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income....................................................................... $ 31,515 $ 26,354
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
by operating activities:
Provision for deferred income taxes............................................ 133 (294)
Depreciation and amortization.................................................. 5,295 3,844
Tax benefit on exercise of stock options....................................... 91 817
Contribution of stock to ESOP.................................................. 221 207
Decrease (increase) in Membership income receivable............................ 604 (737)
Decrease (increase) in inventories............................................. 265 (288)
Increase in refundable income taxes............................................ (553) (256)
Decrease (increase) in deferred member and associate service costs............. 1,139 (1,248)
(Increase) decrease in other assets............................................ (1,281) 771
Increase in accrued Membership benefits........................................ 268 920
(Decrease) increase in deferred revenue and fees............................... (414) 3,616
Decrease in income taxes payable............................................... - (1,087)
Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses and other.................... 2,292 6,426
----------- -----------
Net cash provided by operating activities.................................... 39,575 39,045
----------- -----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment............................................ (20,045) (9,672)
Purchases of investments - available for sale.................................. (5,605) (12,890)
Maturities and sales of investments - available for sale....................... 3,828 13,199
----------- -----------
Net cash used in investing activities.................................... (21,822) (9,363)
----------- -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercise of common stock options................................. 844 3,036
Decrease in capital lease obligations.......................................... (802) -
Proceeds from vendor rebate.................................................... 1,000 -
Proceeds from issuance of debt................................................. 15,300 9,100
Repayments of debt............................................................. (8,333) (667)
Purchases of treasury stock.................................................... (34,131) (42,364)
----------- -----------
Net cash used in financing activities ................................... (26,122) (30,895)
----------- -----------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents........................................ (8,369) (1,213)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period................................. 20,858 14,290
----------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period....................................... $ 12,489 $ 13,077
----------- -----------
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest......................................................... $ 403 $ 37
----------- -----------
Income taxes paid.............................................................. $ 16,200 $ 14,980
----------- -----------
Non-cash activities - capital lease obligations incurred (net of $1 million
rebate)........................................................................ $ 1,375 $ -
----------- -----------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
PRE-PAID LEGAL SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Except for per share amounts, dollar amounts
in tables are in thousands unless otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)
Note 1 - Basis Of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have
been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission. Accordingly, certain disclosures normally included in
financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") have been omitted. The
accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read
in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto
included in the Company's 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of
the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, as well as those of PPL Agency,
Inc. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated
in consolidation.
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited financial
statements as of September 30, 2003, and for the three and nine month periods
ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, reflect adjustments (which were normal and
recurring) which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair
statement of the financial position and results of operations of the interim
periods presented. Results for the three and nine month periods ended September
30, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of results expected for the full year.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at
the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company has a stock-based employee compensation plan. The Company
accounts for this plan under the recognition and measurement principles of
Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued
to Employees, and related Interpretations. No stock-based employee compensation
cost is reflected in net income, as all options granted under those plans had an
exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the
date of grant. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and
earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition
provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement ("FASB") No. 123,
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, to stock-based employee compensation.
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
---------------------- -----------------------
2003 2002 2003 2002
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income, as reported................................ $ 9,438 $ 8,957 $ 31,515 $ 26,354
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense
determined under fair value based method for all awards,
net of related tax effects............................. (177) (336) (684) (2,756)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Pro forma net income................................... $ 9,261 $ 8,621 $ 30,831 $ 23,598
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Earnings per share:
Basic - as reported................................ $ .54 $ .46 $ 1.79 $ 1.32
Basic - pro forma.................................. $ .53 $ .45 $ 1.75 $ 1.19
Diluted - as reported.............................. $ .54 $ .46 $ 1.78 $ 1.32
Diluted - pro forma................................ $ .53 $ .45 $ 1.75 $ 1.19
Note 2 - Contingencies
The Company and various of its executive officers have been named as
defendants in a putative securities class action originally filed in the United
States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma in early 2001 seeking
unspecified damages on the basis of allegations that the Company issued false
and misleading financial information, primarily related to the method the
Company used to account for commission advance receivables from sales
associates. On March 5, 2002, the Court granted the Company's motion to dismiss
the complaint, with prejudice, and entered a judgment in favor of the
defendants. Plaintiffs thereafter filed a motion requesting reconsideration of
the dismissal which was denied. The plaintiffs have appealed the judgment and
the order denying their motion to reconsider the judgment to the Tenth Circuit
Court of Appeals. In August 2002 the lead institutional plaintiff withdrew from
the case, leaving two individual plaintiffs as lead plaintiffs on behalf of the
putative class. As of September 30, 2003, the briefing in the appeal had been
completed. The Company is unable to predict when a decision will be made on this
appeal, and the ultimate outcome of the case is not determinable.
Beginning in the second quarter of 2001 multiple lawsuits were filed
against the Company, certain officers, employees, sales associates and other
defendants in various Alabama and Mississippi state courts by current or former
members seeking actual and punitive damages for alleged breach of contract,
fraud and various other claims in connection with the sale of memberships. As of
September 30, 2003, the Company was aware of 30 separate lawsuits involving
approximately 285 plaintiffs that have been filed in multiple counties in
Alabama, although since September 30, the claims of approximately 181 plaintiffs
in five of the Alabama cases have been dismissed with prejudice pursuant to a
settlement payment of $27,000. As of September 30, 2003, the Company was aware
of 18 separate lawsuits involving approximately 432 plaintiffs in multiple
counties in Mississippi, although since September 30 the court has granted the
Company's motion to dismiss the plaintiff's claims in one of the cases for
failure to state a claim. Certain of the Mississippi lawsuits also name the
Company's provider attorney in Mississippi as a defendant. Proceedings in
several of the eleven cases which name the Company's provider attorney as a
defendant have been stayed pending the Mississippi Supreme Court's ruling on the
Pre-Paid defendants' appeal of a trial court's granting of a partial summary
judgment that the action is not required to be submitted to arbitration. At
least three complaints have been filed by the law firm representing plaintiffs
in eleven of the cases on behalf of certain of the Mississippi plaintiffs and
others with the Attorney General of Mississippi in March 2002, December 2002 and
August 2003. The Company has responded to the Attorney General's requests for
information with respect to these complaints, and as of September 30, 2003, the
Company was not aware of any further actions being taken by the Attorney
General. In Mississippi, the Company has filed lawsuits in the United States
District Court for the Southern and Northern Districts of Mississippi in which
the Company seeks to compel arbitration of the various Mississippi claims under
the Federal Arbitration Act and the terms of the Company's membership
agreements, and has appealed the state court rulings in favor of certain of the
plaintiffs on the arbitration issue to the Mississippi Supreme Court. These
cases are all in various stages of litigation, including trial settings
beginning in Alabama in December 2003, and in Mississippi in February 2004, and
seek varying amounts of actual and punitive damages. While the amount of
membership fees paid by the plaintiffs in the Mississippi cases is $500,000 or
less, certain of the cases seek damages of $90 million. Additional suits of a
similar nature have been threatened. The ultimate outcome of any particular case
is not determinable.
On April 19, 2002, counsel in certain of the above-referenced Alabama suits
also filed a similar suit against the Company and certain of its officers in the
District Court of Creek County, Oklahoma on behalf of Jeff and Jana Weller
individually and doing business as Hi-Tech Auto making similar allegations
relating to the Company's memberships and seeking unspecified damages on behalf
of a "nationwide" class. The Pre-Paid defendants' preliminary motions in this
case were denied, and on June 17, 2003, the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals
reversed the trial court's denial of the Pre-Paid defendants' motion to compel
arbitration, finding that the trial court erred when it denied Pre-Paid's motion
to compel arbitration pursuant to the terms of the valid membership contracts,
and remanded the case to the trial court for further proceedings consistent with
that opinion. The ultimate outcome of this case is not determinable.
On June 29, 2001, an action was filed against the Company in the District
Court of Canadian County, Oklahoma. In 2002, the petition was amended to add
five additional named plaintiffs and to add and drop certain claims. This action
is a putative class action brought by Gina Kotwitz, George Kotwitz, Rick Coker,
Richard Starke, Jeff Turnipseed and Aaron Bouren on behalf of all sales
associates of the Company. The amended petition seeks injunctive and declaratory
relief, with such other damages as the court deems appropriate, for alleged
violations of the Oklahoma Uniform Consumer Credit Code in connection with the
Company's commission advances, and seeks injunctive and declaratory relief
regarding the enforcement of certain contract provisions with sales associates,
including a request stated in June 2003 for the imposition of a constructive
trust as to earned commissions applied to the reduction of debit balances and
disgorgement of all earned renewal commissions applied to the reduction of debit
balances. On September 23, 2003 the court entered an order dismissing the class
action allegations upon the motion of the plaintiffs. The order provides that
the action will proceed only on an individual basis, and that the hearing on
plaintiffs' motion for class certification previously set for February 2004 was
cancelled. The ultimate outcome of this case is not determinable.
On March 1, 2002, an action was filed in the United States District Court
for the Western District of Oklahoma by Caroline Sandler, Robert Schweikert, Sal
Corrente, Richard Jarvis and Vincent Jefferson against the Company and certain
executive officers. This action is a putative class action seeking unspecified
damages filed on behalf of all sales associates of the Company and alleges that
the marketing plan offered by the Company constitutes a security under the
Securities Act of 1933 and seeks remedies for failure to register the marketing
plan as a security and for violations of the anti-fraud provisions of the
Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in connection
with representations alleged to have been made in connection with the marketing
plan. The complaint also alleges violations of the Oklahoma Securities Act, the
Oklahoma Business Opportunities Sales Act, breach of contract, breach of duty of
good faith and fair dealing and unjust enrichment and violation of the Oklahoma
Consumer Protection Act and negligent supervision. This case is subject to the
Private Litigation Securities Reform Act. Pursuant to the Act, the Court has
approved the named plaintiffs and counsel and an amended complaint was filed in
August 2002. The Pre-Paid defendants filed motions to dismiss the complaint and
to strike the class action allegations on September 19, 2002, and discovery in
the action was stayed pending a ruling on the motion to dismiss. On July 24,
2003, the Court granted in part and denied in part the Pre-Paid defendants'
motion to dismiss. The claims asserted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
and the Oklahoma Securities Act were dismissed without prejudice. The motion was
denied as to the remaining claims. On July 23, 2003, the Court denied the motion
to strike class action allegations at this time. Accordingly, the case will now
proceed in the normal course as to the remaining claims. Discovery has commenced
on class certification issues which is expected to be completed by March 2004,
but no hearing has been scheduled. The ultimate outcome of this case is not
determinable.
In December 2002, the West Virginia Supreme Court reversed a summary
judgment which had been granted by the Circuit Court of Monangalia County, West
Virginia in favor of the Company in connection with the claims of a former
member, Georgia Poling and her daughters against the Company and a referral
lawyer with respect to a 1995 referral. That action was originally filed in
March 2000, and alleges breach of contract and fraud against the Company in
connection with the referral. Plaintiffs seek actual and punitive damages in
unspecified amounts. The case is set for trial in April 2004. The ultimate
outcome of this case is not determinable.
On January 30, 2003, the Company announced that it had received a subpoena
from the office of the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New
York requesting information relating to trading activities in the Company's
stock in advance of the January 2003 announcement of recruiting and membership
production results for the fourth quarter of 2002. The Company also received
notice from the Securities and Exchange Commission that it is conducting an
informal inquiry into the same subject and requesting that the Company
voluntarily provide certain information. The Company has and will continue to
respond to any such requests. The ultimate outcome of these matters is not
determinable.
The Company is a defendant in various other legal proceedings that are
routine and incidental to its business. The Company will vigorously defend its
interests in all proceedings in which it is named as a defendant. The Company
also receives periodic complaints or requests for information from various state
and federal agencies relating to its business or the activities of its marketing
force. The Company promptly responds to any such matters and provides any
information requested.
While the ultimate outcome of these proceedings is not determinable, the
Company does not currently anticipate that these contingencies will result in
any material adverse effect to its financial condition or results of operation,
unless an unexpected result occurs in one of the cases. The Company has
established an accrued liability it believes will be sufficient to cover
estimated damages in connection with various cases, which at September 30, 2003
was $3.3 million. If an unexpected result were to occur in one or more of the
pending cases, the amount of damages awarded could differ significantly from
management's estimates. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses in all
pending cases and will vigorously defend against the plaintiffs' claims.
The Company is constructing a new corporate office complex with an
estimated completion during the fourth quarter of 2003 at an estimated cost of
approximately $30 million. Costs incurred through September 30, 2003 of
approximately $28.0 million, including approximately $508,000 of capitalized
interest costs, have been paid from existing resources and a real estate line of
credit. The Company expects to incur additional indebtedness in order to finance
the remaining costs of its new corporate headquarters. The Company has entered
into construction contracts in the amount of $28.7 million with the general
contractor pertaining to the new office complex. Total remaining costs of
construction from October 1, 2003 are estimated at approximately $2.0 million.
Note 3 - Treasury Stock Purchases
The Company announced on April 6, 1999, a treasury stock purchase program
authorizing management to acquire up to 500,000 shares of the Company's common
stock. The Board of Directors has increased such authorization from 500,000
shares to 8,000,000 shares during subsequent board meetings. At September 30,
2003, the Company had purchased 7.1 million treasury shares under these
authorizations for a total consideration of $159.3 million, an average price of
$22.47 per share. During the quarter and nine month periods ended September 30,
2003, the Company purchased and formally retired 86,100 and 1.6 million shares
of treasury shares reducing its common stock by $1,000 and $15,000 and its
capital in excess of par by $1.9 million and $34.1 million, respectively.
Treasury stock purchases will be made at prices that are considered attractive
by management and at such times that management believes will not unduly impact
the Company's liquidity. No time limit has been set for completion of the
treasury stock purchase program. Given the current interest rate environment,
the nature of other investments available and the Company's expected cash flows,
management believes that purchasing treasury shares enhances shareholder value.
The Company expects to continue its treasury stock program and may seek
alternative sources of financing to continue or accelerate the program. During
the third quarter of 2003, the Company arranged a new $25 million line of credit
for purposes of financing treasury stock purchases. See Note 6 below.
Note 4 - Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income by the
weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the
respective periods. Diluted earnings per common share are computed by dividing
net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock and common
stock equivalents outstanding during the respective periods. The weighted
average number of common shares is increased by the number of shares issuable on
the exercise of options less the number of common shares assumed to have been
purchased with the proceeds from the exercise of the options pursuant to the
treasury stock method; those purchases are assumed to have been made at the
average price of the common stock during the respective period.
Three Months Nine Months
Ended Ended
September 30, September 30,
-------------------- -------------------
Basic Earnings Per Share: 2003 2002 2003 2002
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Earnings:
Net income........................................................... $ 9,438 $ 8,957 $ 31,515 $ 26,354
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Shares:
Weighted average shares outstanding.................................. 17,335 19,312 17,654 19,909
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Diluted Earnings Per Share:
Earnings:
Net income........................................................... $ 9,438 $ 8,957 $ 31,515 $ 26,354
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Shares:
Weighted average shares outstanding.................................. 17,335 19,312 17,654 19,909
Assumed exercise of options.......................................... 70 37 51 119
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Weighted average number of shares, as adjusted....................... 17,405 19,349 17,705 20,028
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Options to purchase shares of common stock are excluded from the
calculation of diluted earnings per share when their inclusion would have an
anti-dilutive effect on the calculation. Options to purchase 753,000 shares and
982,000 shares for the three months and 809,000 shares and 918,000 shares for
the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively, with an average
exercise price of $28.19, $29.81, $27.79 and $30.38, respectively, were excluded
from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the respective periods.
Note 5 - Recent Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of
Variable Interest Entities (FIN 46). Subject to certain criteria defined in the
Interpretation, FIN 46 will require consolidation by business enterprises of
variable interest entities if the enterprise has a variable interest that will
absorb the majority of the entity's expected losses, receives a majority of its
expected returns, or both. The provisions of FIN 46 are effective immediately
for interests acquired in variable interest entities after January 31, 2003, and
at the beginning of the first interim or annual period beginning after June 15,
2003, for interests acquired in variable interest entities before February 1,
2003 (for the Company in the third quarter of 2003). FASB has delayed the
effective date (for the Company until December 31, 2003) for applying the
provisions of FIN 46 for interests held by public entities in variable interest
entities or potential variable interest entities created before February 1,
2003. The Company has determined the adoption of the provisions of FIN 46 will
not have a material effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
Certain transitional disclosures required by FIN 46 in all financial statements
initially issued after January 31, 2003, have been included in the accompanying
financial statements.
In May 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of
both Liabilities and Equity" ("SFAS 150"). SFAS No. 150 changes the accounting
for certain financial instruments that, under previous guidance, could be
classified as equity or "mezzanine" equity, by now requiring those instruments
to be classified as liabilities (or assets in some circumstances) in the
Consolidated Balance Sheets. Further, SFAS No. 150 requires disclosure regarding
the terms of those instruments and settlement alternatives. The guidance in SFAS
No. 150 generally is effective for all financial instruments entered into or
modified after May 31, 2003, and was otherwise effective at the beginning of the
first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The Company has evaluated
SFAS No. 150 and determined that it does not have an impact on its financial
reporting and disclosures.
Note 6 - Notes Payable and Capital Leases
On June 11, 2002, the Company entered into two line of credit agreements
totaling $30 million with a commercial lender providing for a treasury stock
purchase line and a real estate line for funding of the Company's new corporate
office complex. The treasury stock line of credit provided for funding of up to
$10 million to finance treasury stock purchases and has been repaid. The real
estate line of up to $20 million may be funded over the period ending December
31, 2003 with interest at the 30 day LIBOR Rate plus 2.25%, adjusted monthly,
and will be repayable beginning December 31, 2003 in monthly principal payments
equal to the principal balance outstanding at December 31, 2003 divided by 105
plus interest with a balloon payment on September 30, 2008. Additionally,
interest on the outstanding balance of the real estate line is payable monthly
through November 30, 2003.
As of September 30, 2003, the Company had accessed $17.6 million of the $20
million real estate line. The interest rate as of September 30, 2003 was 3.37%
for the real estate loan and the real estate loan agreement provides for the
same financial covenants described below for the 2003 $25 million credit
facility. The Company is scheduled to begin principal payments on the real
estate line on December 31, 2003. As of September 30, 2003, interest capitalized
related to construction in progress was $508,000.
During the 2003 third quarter, the Company arranged $25 million in
additional financing from a group of banks, consisting of Bank of Oklahoma,
Comerica Bank and First United Bank and Trust. The $25 million is immediately
available to the Company with advances required to be made no later than
November 30, 2003. The financing provides up to $25 million for treasury stock
purchases with scheduled monthly principal payments beginning December 31, 2003
and ending on May 31, 2005 with interest at the 30 day LIBOR Rate plus three
percent, adjusted monthly. The loan is primarily secured by the Company's rights
to receive membership fees on a portion of its memberships and a pledge of the
stock of its subsidiaries. The definitive agreement contains covenants similar
to those in the Company's previous line of credit, including provisions
prohibiting the Company from pledging assets, incurring additional indebtedness
and selling assets. The loan agreement also prohibits the Company from
purchasing treasury stock with any funds other than the $25 million loan
proceeds until the loan is repaid. In addition to customary events of default,
an additional event of default occurs if Harland C. Stonecipher ceases to be the
chairman and Chief Executive officer of the Company for 90 days. Pre-payment of
the loan is permitted. The Company expects to draw down the full $25 million of
this line during the fourth quarter prior to the required advance date of
November 30, 2003 to continue the treasury stock purchase program.
The loan agreement contains the following financial covenants: (a) the
Company's quarterly Debt Coverage Ratio (as defined in the loan agreement) shall
not be less than 125%; (b) the Company's cancellation rate on contracts less
than or equal to twelve months old shall not exceed 45% on a trailing 12 month
basis, calculated on a monthly basis, (c) the Company shall maintain a rolling
twelve month average retention rate of membership contracts in place for greater
than eighteen months of not less than 70%, calculated on a monthly basis, (d)
the Company shall maintain tangible net worth equal to the lower of zero or the
September 30,2003 net worth increased by 50% of subsequent net income, and (e)
the Company's dividends to shareholders, if declared, are limited to $1.8
million per quarter.
A schedule of outstanding balances and future maturities as of
September 30, 2003 follows:
Real estate line of credit................. $ 17,600
Less: Current portion of notes payable..... (1,676)
Long term portion.......................... ----------------
$ 15,924
----------------
Repayment Schedule commencing
October 2003:
Year 1..................................... $ 1,676
Year 2..................................... 2,011
Year 3..................................... 2,011
Year 4..................................... 2,011
Year 5..................................... 2,011
Thereafter................................. 7,880
Total notes payable........................ ----------------
$ 17,600
----------------
During the nine months ended September 30, 2003, the Company entered into a
capital lease in the amount of $2.4 million to acquire significant new computer
hardware to supplement its current information technology platform and provide
redundancy for its critical business systems. The capital lease requires the
Company to make annual payments of $792,000 beginning January 2003 through
January 2005. Pursuant to this lease, the Company received a $1 million vendor
rebate during April 2003, which was recorded as a reduction in property and
equipment.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Results of Operations - First nine months of 2003 compared to first nine months
of 2002
The Company reported net income of $31.5 million, or $1.78 per diluted
common share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, up 20% from net
income of $26.4 million, or $1.32 per diluted common share, for the comparable
period of the prior year. Diluted earnings per share increased 35% due to
increased net income of 20% and an approximate 12% decrease in the weighted
average number of outstanding shares.
Membership fees totaled $246.1 million during 2003 compared to $229.1
million for 2002, an increase of 7%. Membership fees and their impact on total
revenues in any period are determined directly by the number of active
Memberships in force during any such period. The active Memberships in force are
determined by both the number of new Memberships sold in any period together
with the renewal rate of existing Memberships. New Membership sales decreased
14% during the nine months ended September 30, 2003 to 518,356 from 604,417
during the comparable period of 2002. At September 30, 2003, there were
1,420,860 active Memberships in force compared to 1,389,467 at September 30,
2002, an increase of 2%. Additionally, the average annual fee per Membership has
increased from $256 for all Memberships in force at September 30, 2002 to $257
for all Memberships in force at September 30, 2003, as a result of a higher
portion of active Memberships containing the additional pre-trial hours benefit
at an additional cost to the member, a larger number of Legal Shield subscribers
and increased sales of the Company's business oriented memberships.
Associate services revenue decreased 28% from $27.5 million for the first
nine months of 2002 to $19.9 million during the same period of 2003 primarily as
a result of approximately 40% fewer new associates recruited. As a result of the
40% lower overall recruiting, 38% fewer associates elected to participate in the
Company's training program during the 2003 period compared to the 2002 period.
The Fast Start program generated training fees of approximately $6.3 million
during the first nine months of 2003 compared to $8.2 million for the comparable
period of 2002. The field training program, titled Fast Start to Success ("Fast
Start") is aimed at increasing the level of new Membership sales per associate.
Fast Start typically requires a training fee of $184 per new associate, except
for special promotions the Company implements from time to time (which the
Company did during the 2003 period), and upon successful completion of the
program provides for the payment of certain training bonuses. These training
fees were collected from approximately 74,645 new sales associates who elected
to participate in Fast Start during the first nine months of 2003 compared to
120,896 that participated during the comparable period of 2002. Total new
associates enrolled during the first nine months of 2003 were 75,489 compared to
126,108 for the same period of 2002, a decrease of 40%. Future revenues from
associate services will depend primarily on the number of new associates
enrolled and the number who choose to participate in the Company's training
program, but the Company expects that such revenues will continue to be largely
offset by the direct and indirect cost to the Company of training (including
training bonuses paid), providing associate services and other direct marketing
expenses. Additionally, revenue received from associates subscribing to the
Company's web related services declined by approximately $1.7 million during the
2003 period compared to the comparable period of 2002.
Other revenue increased 11%, to $4.0 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 2003 from $3.6 million for the comparable period of 2002 primarily
due to an increase in enrollment fees of $496,000. Enrollment fee revenue
increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 despite a lower number of
Memberships being written during the period compared to the 2002 period due to
the amortization of previously deferred revenue.
Primarily as a result of the increase in Membership fees, total revenues
increased to $270.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 from
$260.1 million during the comparable period of 2002, an increase of 4%.
Membership benefits totaled $82.3 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 2003 compared to $76.9 million for the comparable period of 2002,
and represented 33% and 34% of Membership fees for the 2003 and 2002 periods,
respectively. This Membership benefit ratio (Membership benefits as a percentage
of Membership fees) should remain near current levels as substantially all
active Memberships provide for a capitated cost in the absence of any changes in
the capitated benefit level, which has not changed significantly since 1993.
Commissions to associates decreased 7% to $85.0 million for the nine months
ended September 30, 2003 compared to $91.7 million for the comparable period of
2002, and represented 35% and 40% of Membership fees for such periods. These
amounts were reduced by $144,000 and $635,000, respectively, representing
Membership lapse fees. These fees were determined by applying the prime interest
rate to the unearned advance commission balance pertaining to lapsed
Memberships. The Company realizes and recognizes this fee only when the amount
of the calculated fee is collected by withholding from cash commissions due the
associate, because the Company's ability to recover fees in excess of current
payments is primarily dependent on the associate selling new Memberships which
qualify for advance commission payments. These fees were eliminated for
Memberships sold after March 1, 2002. Commissions to associates are primarily
dependent on the number of new memberships sold during a period. New memberships
sold during the nine months ended September 30, 2003 totaled 518,356, a 14%
decrease from the 604,417 sold during the comparable period of 2002. Commissions
to associates per new membership sold were $164 per membership for the nine
months ended September 30, 2003 compared to $152 for the comparable period of
2002. The average commission per new membership sold varies depending on the
compensation structure that is in place at the time a new membership is sold and
the amount of any charge-backs (recoupment of previous commission advances) that
are deducted from amounts that would otherwise be paid to the various sales
associates that are compensated for the membership sale. Should the Company add
additional commissions to its compensation plan or reduce the amount of
chargebacks collected from its associates as it has from time to time, the
commission cost per new Membership will increase accordingly.
Associate services and direct marketing expenses decreased to $21.8 million
for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 from $22.5 million for the
comparable period of 2002. Fast Start training bonuses incurred were
approximately $2.2 million during the first nine months of 2003 compared to $4.3
million in the same period of 2002. This $2.1 million decline in bonuses and a
$628,000 decline in associate incentive program costs were offset by a $2.0
million increase in Fast Start attendance bonuses incurred, implemented January
2003, and a $1.1 million increase in the amortization of deferred associate
costs. The Fast Start training bonuses are affected by the number of new sales
associates that successfully meet the qualification criteria established by the
Company, i.e. more training bonuses will be paid when a higher number of new
sales associates meet such criteria. These expenses also include the costs of
providing associate services and marketing expenses.
General and administrative expenses during the nine months ended September
30, 2003 and 2002 were $26.8 million and $23.9 million, respectively, and
represented 11% and 10%, respectively, of Membership fees for each period. The
2003 third quarter reflects increased legal fees for litigation costs and bad
debt expense as described below. Management expects general and administrative
expenses when expressed as a percentage of Membership fees to remain relatively
consistent over the near term. The Company should experience cost efficiencies
as a result of certain economies of scale in some areas but expects such cost
savings for the remainder of 2003 to be largely offset by higher levels of
expenses related to legal fees, expenses related to moving its corporate
headquarters to its new facilities and increased compliance costs as a result of
new requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Other expenses, net, which include depreciation and amortization and
premium taxes reduced by interest income, was $6.3 million for the period ended
September 30, 2003 compared to $5.0 million for the 2002 comparable period. The
Company did not increase its litigation accrual during the nine months ended
September 30, 2003, compared to an increase in the comparable period of 2002 of
$1.3 million. Depreciation increased to $5.3 million for the first nine months
of 2003 from $3.8 million for the comparable period of 2002 primarily due to
technology infrastructure additions during the last 12 months. Premium taxes
increased from $1.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 to $2.0
million for the comparable period of 2003. The increase in 2003 was due to a
change in the tax structure of one of the states in which the Company pays
premium taxes. Interest income decreased by approximately $600,000 for the first
nine months of 2003 to $1.1 million from $1.7 million for the 2002 period due to
a decrease in balances of interest bearing notes and a decrease in the average
interest rates for cash and investment balances.
The Company has recorded a provision for income taxes of $16.3 million
(34.1% of pretax income) for the first nine months of 2003 compared to $13.9
million (34.5% of pretax income) for the same period of 2002.
Results of Operations - Third Quarter of 2003 compared to the Third Quarter
of 2002
The results of operations in the third quarter of 2003, compared to the
third quarter of 2002, reflect increases in revenues and expenses primarily as a
result of the same factors discussed in the comparison of the first nine months
of 2003 to the first nine months of 2002.
Total revenues decreased by approximately $200,000 to $90.0 million in the
third quarter of 2003 compared to $90.2 million in the third quarter of 2002,
primarily as a result of decrease in associate services income offset by an
increase membership fees. The membership fee increase of 4% primarily resulted
from an increase in the number of average active memberships during the third
quarter of 2003 compared to the similar period in 2002.
Membership benefits totaled $28.0 million in the 2003-third quarter
compared to $26.6 million in the 2002-third quarter and resulted in a loss ratio
of 34% and 33%, respectively.
Associate services revenue decreased 36% to $6.0 million for the third
quarter of 2003 from $9.4 million during the same period of 2002 primarily as a
result of less new associates enrolled during the third quarter of 2003 of
22,987 compared to 46,653 enrolled during the comparable period of 2002. The
Fast Start program generated training fees of approximately $2.0 million during
the third quarter of 2003 compared to $2.1 million for the comparable period of
2002 and were collected from approximately 22,462 new sales associates who
elected to participate in Fast Start during the 2003-third quarter compared to
46,474 that participated during the comparable quarter of 2002. Additionally, as
a result of fewer associates subscribing to the Company's web related services,
revenue attributable to such subscriptions declined by approximately $1.3
million during the 2003 period compared to the comparable period of 2002.
Other income increased 7%, to $1.3 million for the three months ended
September 30, 2003 from $1.2 million for the comparable period of 2002 primarily
due to an increase in enrollment fees of $131,000.
Commissions to associates decreased 8% to $28.4 million for the three
months ended September 30, 2003 compared to $31.1 million for the comparable
period of 2002, and represented 34% and 39% of Membership fees for such periods.
These amounts were reduced by $33,000 and $85,000, respectively, representing
Membership lapse fees. Commissions to associates per new membership sold were
$169 per membership for the three months ended September 30, 2003 compared to
$157 for the comparable period of 2002.
Associate services and direct marketing expenses decreased to $7.4 million
for the three months ended September 30, 2003 from $7.7 million for the
comparable period of 2002. Fast Start bonuses incurred were approximately
$800,000 during the third quarter of 2003 compared to $1.7 million in the same
period of 2002. This approximate $900,000 decline in bonuses offset a $600,000
increase in Fast Start attendance bonuses incurred, implemented January 2003.
These expenses also include marketing costs, other than commissions, that are
directly associated with new Membership sales.
General and administrative expenses during the three months ended September
30, 2003 and 2002 were $9.9 million and $8.5 million, respectively, and
represented 12% and 11% of Membership fees, respectively, for each period. The
2003 third quarter reflects increased legal fees for litigation costs and bad
debt expense as described below. Management expects general and administrative
expenses when expressed as a percentage of Membership fees to remain relatively
consistent over the near term. The Company should experience cost efficiencies
as a result of certain economies of scale in some areas but expects such cost
savings for the remainder of 2003 to be largely offset by higher levels of
expenses related to legal fees, expenses related to moving its corporate
headquarters to its new facilities and increased compliance costs as a result of
new requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Other expenses, net, which include depreciation and amortization and
premium taxes reduced by interest income, were approximately $2.2 million and
$2.5 million for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2003 and 2002,
respectively. The Company did not increase its litigation accrual during the
three months ended September 30, 2003, compared to an increase in the comparable
period of 2002 of $1.3 million. Depreciation and amortization increased to $1.8
million for the three months ended September 30, 2003 from $1.3 million for the
comparable period of 2002 primarily due to technology infrastructure additions
during the last 12 months and premium taxes increased $58,000 from $625,000 for
the three months ended September 30, 2002 to $683,000 for the comparable period
of 2003 due to an increase in membership revenues. Interest income decreased by
approximately $367,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2003 to $356,000
from $723,000 for the 2002 period primarily due to a decrease in balances of
interest bearing notes.
The Company has recorded a provision for income taxes of $4.7 million
(33.3% of pretax income) for the 2003 third quarter compared to $4.7 million
(34.5% of pretax income) for the same period of 2002.
The above factors resulted in a 2003 third quarter net income of $9.4
million, or $.54 per share, diluted, compared to $9.0 million, or $.46 per
share, for the third quarter of 2002.
Results of Operations - Third Quarter of 2003 compared to the Second Quarter
of 2003
Third quarter 2003 membership fees increased slightly to $82.7 million from
$81.9 million for second quarter of 2003. Primarily due to the $263,000
reduction in revenue received from associates subscribing to the Company's web
related services, associate services revenues declined during the 2003 third
quarter by approximately $300,000 to $6.0 million from $6.3 million for the 2003
second quarter while associate services and direct marketing expenses increased
by $61,000 during the same period. Membership benefits totaled $28.4 million in
the third quarter of 2003 compared to $27.6 million for the second quarter and
represented 34% of membership fees for both quarters. Total commissions to
associates per new membership sold during the respective quarters were $169 per
membership for the three months ended September 30, 2003 compared to $166 for
the three months ended June 20, 2003. Primarily due to increased legal fees
associated with ongoing litigation and bad debt expense described below, general
and administrative expenses during the 2003 third quarter increased to $9.9
million compared to $8.9 million for the second quarter of 2003 and represented
12% and 11% of membership fees, respectively, for each period.
During the 2003 third quarter, the Company terminated a marketing services
agreement with Eric Worre, a senior marketing associate, and commenced an action
in the District Court of Pontotoc County, Oklahoma alleging breach of contract
and seeking to collect $1.4 million in outstanding notes receivable arising from
loans made by the Company at various times between 1998 and 2001. Due to
uncertainties about the full recoverability of these notes, the Company recorded
bad debt expense of $515,000 in the third quarter to write down the notes to the
Company's current estimate of their recoverable value. Depending on future
developments in the litigation, it is possible that a write off of all or a
portion of the remaining $867,000 of notes receivable may be necessary.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
General
Consolidated net cash provided by operating activities was $39.6 million
for the first nine months of 2003 compared to cash provided of $39.0 million for
the 2002 period. The increase of $600,000 resulted primarily from the increase
in net income of $5.1 million, a net increase in the change in income taxes
payable of $1.1 million partially offset by a change in accounts payable and
accrued expenses of $4.1 million, an increase in other assets of $2.1 million
and a decrease in deferred revenue and fees of $4.0 million.
Consolidated net cash used in investing activities was $21.8 million for
the first nine months of 2003 compared to $9.4 million for the comparable period
of 2002. This $12.4 million increase in cash used in investing activities
resulted from the $10.3 million increase in additions to property and equipment,
primarily additional costs of the Company's new corporate office complex offset
by a $2.1 million net decrease in available-for-sale investments.
Net cash used in financing activities during the first nine months of 2003
was $26.1 million compared to $30.9 million for the comparable period of 2002,
in each case primarily for treasury stock purchases. This $4.8 million change
was primarily comprised of the $6.2 million increase in net proceeds from
issuance of debt and a $1.0 million vendor rebate offset by the $8.4 million
increase in payments on debt and capital lease obligations, a $2.2 million
decrease in proceeds from sale of common stock and an $8.3 million decrease of
treasury stock purchases.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2003, the Company purchased and
formally retired 1.6 million shares of treasury stock reducing its common stock
accounts by $15,000 and capital in excess of par accounts by $34.1 million.
Primarily due to the large amount of treasury stock purchases in the first nine
months of 2003 of approximately $34.1 million, the Company had a consolidated
working capital deficit of $8.5 million at September 30, 2003, a decrease of
$11.2 million compared to a consolidated working capital surplus of $2.7 million
at December 31, 2002. Approximately $10.0 million of the working capital deficit
at September 30, 2003 is related to deferred revenue and fees in excess of
deferred member and associate service costs. These amounts will be eliminated by
the passage of time without the utilization of other current assets or the
Company incurring other current liabilities. Additionally, at the current rate
of cash flow provided by operations ($39.6 million during the first nine months
of 2003), the Company's ability to control the timing of its discretionary
treasury stock purchases and the availability pursuant to its real estate line
of credit, ($2.4 million at September 30, 2003), the Company does not expect any
difficulty in meeting its financial obligations in the short term or the long
term.
At September 30, 2003 the Company reported $30.1 million in cash and cash
equivalents and unpledged investments compared to $36.4 million at December 31,
2002. The Company's investments consist of common stocks, investment grade
(rated Baa or higher) preferred stocks and investment grade bonds primarily
issued by corporations, the United States Treasury, federal agencies, federally
sponsored agencies and enterprises as well as mortgage-backed securities and
state and municipal tax-exempt bonds.
The Company generally advances significant commissions at the time a
Membership is sold. During the nine months ended September 30, 2003, the Company
advanced commissions of $83.7 million on new Membership sales compared to $92.4
million for the same period of 2002. Since approximately 95% of Membership fees
are collected on a monthly basis, a significant cash flow deficit is created on
a per Membership basis at the time a Membership is sold. Since there are no
further commissions paid on a Membership during the advance period, the Company
typically derives significant positive cash flow from the Membership over its
remaining life.
The Company expenses advance commissions ratably over the first month of
the related membership. As a result of this accounting policy, the Company's
commission expenses are all recognized over the first month of a Membership and
there is no commission expense recognized for the same Membership during the
remainder of the advance period. The Company tracks its unearned advance
commission balances outstanding in order to ensure the advance commissions are
recovered before any renewal commissions are paid and for internal purposes of
analyzing its commission advance program. While not recorded as an asset,
unearned advance commission balances from associates as of September 30, 2003,
and related activity for the six month period then ended, were:
(Amounts in 000's)
------------------
Beginning unearned advance commission payments (1)............ $ 227,084
Advance commission payments, net.............................. 83,676
Earned commissions applied.................................... (113,693)
Advance commission payment write-offs......................... (2,154)
------------
Ending unearned advance commission payments before
estimated unrecoverable payments (1) ....................... 194,913
Estimated unrecoverable advance commission payments (1)....... (23,917)
------------
Ending unearned advance commission payments, net (1).......... $ 170,996
------------
(1) These amounts do not represent fair value, as they do not take into
consideration timing of estimated recoveries.
The ending unearned advance commission payments, net, above includes net
unearned advance commission payments to non-vested associates of $29.9 million.
As such, at September 30, 2003 future commission payments and related expense
should be reduced as unearned advance commission payments of $141 million are
recovered. Commissions are earned by the associate as Membership premiums are
earned by the Company, usually on a monthly basis. For additional information
concerning these commission advances, see the Company's Annual report on Form
10-K under the heading Commissions to Associates in Item 7 - Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The Company believes that it has significant ability to finance expected
future growth in Membership sales based on its recurring cash flow and existing
amount of cash and cash equivalents and unpledged investments at September 30,
2003 of $30.1 million. The Company expects to maintain cash and investment
balances, including pledged investments, on an on-going basis of approximately
$20 to $30 million in order to meet expected working capital needs and
regulatory capital requirements. Cash balances in excess of this amount would be
used for discretionary purposes such as treasury stock purchases.
The Company is constructing a new corporate office complex with an
estimated completion during the fourth quarter of 2003 at an estimated cost of
approximately $30 million. Costs incurred through September 30, 2003 of
approximately $28.0 million, including approximately $508,000 of capitalized
interest costs, have been paid from existing resources and a real estate line of
credit. The Company expects to incur additional indebtedness in order to finance
the remaining costs of its new corporate headquarters. The Company has entered
into construction contracts in the amount of $28.7 million with the general
contractor pertaining to the new office complex. Total remaining costs of
construction from October 1, 2003 are estimated at approximately $2.0 million.
On June 11, 2002, the Company entered into two line of credit agreements
totaling $30 million with a commercial lender providing for a treasury stock
purchase line and a real estate line for funding of the Company's new corporate
office complex. The treasury stock line of credit provided for funding of up to
$10 million to finance treasury stock purchases and has been repaid. The real
estate line of up to $20 million may be funded over the period ending December
31, 2003 with interest at the 30 day LIBOR Rate plus 2.25%, adjusted monthly,
and will be repayable beginning December 31, 2003 in monthly principal payments
equal to the principal balance outstanding at December 31, 2003 divided by 105
plus interest with a balloon payment on September 30, 2008. Additionally,
interest on the outstanding balance of the real estate line is payable monthly
through November 30, 2003.
As of September 30, 2003, the Company had accessed $17.6 million of the $20
million real estate line. The interest rate as of September 30, 2003 was 3.37%
for the real estate loan and the real estate loan agreement provides for the
same financial covenants described below for the 2003 $25 million credit
facility. The Company is scheduled to begin principal payments on the real
estate line on December 31, 2003. As of September 30, 2003, interest capitalized
related to construction in progress was $508,000.
During the 2003 third quarter, the Company arranged $25 million in
additional financing from a group of banks, consisting of Bank of Oklahoma,
Comerica Bank and First United Bank and Trust. The $25 million is immediately
available to the Company with advances required to be made no later than
November 30, 2003. The financing provides up to $25 million for treasury stock
purchases with scheduled monthly principal payments beginning December 31, 2003
and ending on May 31, 2005 with interest at the 30 day LIBOR Rate plus three
percent, adjusted monthly. The loan is primarily secured by the Company's rights
to receive membership fees on a portion of its memberships and a pledge of the
stock of its subsidiaries. The definitive agreement contains covenants similar
to those in the Company's previous line of credit, including provisions
prohibiting the Company from pledging assets, incurring additional indebtedness
and selling assets. The loan agreement also prohibits the Company from
purchasing treasury stock with any funds other than the $25 million loan
proceeds until the loan is repaid. In addition to customary events of default,
an additional event of default occurs if Harland C. Stonecipher ceases to be the
chairman and Chief Executive officer of the Company for 90 days. Pre-payment of
the loan is permitted. The Company expects to draw down the full $25 million of
this line during the fourth quarter prior to the required advance date of
November 30, 2003 to continue the treasury stock purchase program.
The loan agreement contains the following financial covenants: (a) the
Company's quarterly Debt Coverage Ratio (as defined in the loan agreement) shall
not be less than 125%; (b) the Company's cancellation rate on contracts less
than or equal to twelve months old shall not exceed 45% on a trailing 12 month
basis, calculated on a monthly basis, (c) the Company shall maintain a rolling
twelve month average retention rate of membership contracts in place for greater
than eighteen months of not less than 70%, calculated on a monthly basis, (d)
the Company shall maintain tangible net worth equal to the lower of zero or the
September 30,2003 net worth increased by 50% of subsequent net income, and (e)
the Company's dividends to shareholders, if declared, are limited to $1.8
million per quarter.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2003, the Company entered into a
capital lease in the amount of $2.4 million to acquire significant new computer
hardware to supplement its current information technology platform and provide
redundancy for its critical business systems. The capital lease requires the
Company to make annual payments of $792,000 beginning January 2003 through
January 2005. Pursuant to this lease, the Company received a $1 million vendor
rebate during April 2003, which was recorded as a reduction in property and
equipment.
Actions that May Impact Retention in the Future
The potential impact on the Company's future profitability and cash flow
due to future changes in Membership retention can be significant. For additional
information concerning Membership retention, see the Company's Annual report on
Form 10-K under the heading Measures of Member Retention in Item 7 -
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations. While blended retention rates have not changed significantly over
the past five years, the Company continues to take actions that it expects to
favorably impact retention rates in the future. Since December 31, 2002, the
Company has implemented several new initiatives aimed at improving the retention
rate of both new and existing Memberships. Such initiatives include newly
designed marketing tools and Fast Start training materials as well as a
completely redesigned membership contract kit. The Company believes that such
efforts may increase the utilization by members and therefore lead to higher
retention rates.
Parent Company Funding and Dividends
Although the Company is the operating entity in many jurisdictions, the
Company's subsidiaries serve as operating companies in various states that
regulate Memberships as insurance or specialized legal expense products. The
most significant of these wholly owned subsidiaries are Pre-Paid Legal Casualty,
Inc. ("PPLCI") and Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. of Florida ("PPLSIF"). The
ability of PPLCI and PPLSIF to provide funds to the Company is subject to a
number of restrictions under various insurance laws in the jurisdictions in
which PPLCI and PPLSIF conduct business, including limitations on the amount of
dividends and management fees that may be paid and requirements to maintain
specified levels of capital and reserves. In addition PPLCI will be required to
maintain its stockholders' equity at levels sufficient to satisfy various state
or provincial regulatory requirements, the most restrictive of which is
currently $3.0 million. Additional capital requirements of PPLCI or PPLSIF will
be funded by the Company in the form of capital contributions or surplus
debentures. At September 30, 2003, PPLSIF did not have funds available for
payment of substantial dividends without the prior approval of the insurance
commissioner. PPLCI had approximately $3.5 million in surplus funds available
for payment of an ordinary dividend during December 2003.
Forward-Looking Statements
All statements in this report concerning Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. (the
"Company") other than purely historical information, including but not limited
to, statements relating to the Company's future plans and objectives,
discussions with the staff of the SEC, expected operating results, and the
assumptions on which such forward-looking statements are based, constitute
"Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities
Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are based
on the Company's historical operating trends and financial condition as of
September 30, 2003 and other information currently available to management. The
Company cautions that the Forward-Looking Statements are subject to all the
risks and uncertainties incident to its business, including but not limited to
risks described below. Moreover, the Company may make acquisitions or
dispositions of assets or businesses, enter into new marketing arrangements or
enter into financing transactions. None of these can be predicted with certainty
and, accordingly, are not taken into consideration in any of the Forward-Looking
Statements made herein. For all of the foregoing reasons, actual results may
vary materially from the Forward-Looking Statements. The Company assumes no
obligation to update the Forward-Looking Statements to reflect events or
circumstances occurring after the date of the statement.
Risk Factors
There are a number of risk factors that could affect our financial
condition or results of operations. See Note 2 - Contingencies and Part II, Item
1 - Legal Proceedings. Please refer to page 37 and 38 of the Company's 2002
Annual Report on Form 10-K for a description of other risk factors.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Company's consolidated balance sheets include a certain amount of
assets and liabilities whose fair values are subject to market risk. Due to the
Company's significant investment in fixed-maturity investments, interest rate
risk represents the largest market risk factor affecting the Company's
consolidated financial position. Increases and decreases in prevailing interest
rates generally translate into decreases and increases in fair values of those
instruments. Additionally, fair values of interest rate sensitive instruments
may be affected by the creditworthiness of the issuer, prepayment options,
relative values of alternative investments, liquidity of the instrument and
other general market conditions.
As of September 30, 2003, substantially all of the Company's investments
were in investment grade (rated Baa or higher) fixed-maturity investments,
interest-bearing money market accounts and a collateralized repurchase
agreement. The Company does not hold any investments classified as trading
account assets or derivative financial instruments.
The table below summarizes the estimated effects of hypothetical increases
and decreases in interest rates on the Company's fixed-maturity investment
portfolio. It is assumed that the changes occur immediately and uniformly, with
no effect given to any steps that management might take to counteract that
change. The hypothetical changes in market interest rates reflect what could be
deemed best and worst case scenarios. The fair values shown in the following
table are based on contractual maturities. Significant variations in market
interest rates could produce changes in the timing of repayments due to
prepayment options available. The fair value of such instruments could be
affected and, therefore, actual results might differ from those reflected in the
following table (dollars in 000's):
Hypothetical change Estimated fair
in interest rate value after
Hypothetical change hypothetical
in interest rate change in interest
Fair Value (bp=basis points) rate
----------- ------------------- ------------------
Fixed-maturity investments at September 30, 2003 (1)........ $ 18,863 100 bp increase $ 17,557
200 bp increase 16,417
50 bp decrease 19,358
100 bp decrease 19,914
Fixed-maturity investments at December 31, 2002 (1)......... $ 16,111 100 bp increase $ 14,740
200 bp increase 13,806
50 bp decrease 16,310
100 bp decrease 16,794
--------------------
(1) Excluding short-term investments with a fair value of $2.4 and $2.7 million
at September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively.
The table above illustrates, for example, that an instantaneous 200 basis
point increase in market interest rates at September 30, 2003 would reduce
the estimated fair value of the Company's fixed-maturity investments by
approximately $2.4 million at that date. At December 31, 2002, an
instantaneous 200 basis point increase in market interest rates would have
reduced the estimated fair value of the Company's fixed-maturity
investments by approximately $2.3 million at that date. The definitive
extent of the interest rate risk is not quantifiable or predictable due to
the variability of future interest rates, but the Company does not believe
such risk is material.
The Company primarily manages its exposure to interest rate risk by
purchasing investments that can be readily liquidated should the interest rate
environment begin to significantly change.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. The Company's Principal
Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have reviewed and
evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 240.13a-14(c)) as of the end of
the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Principal
Executive Officer and the Principal Financial Officer have concluded that
the Company's current disclosure controls and procedures are effective to
ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the
reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded,
processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in
the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms.
(b) Changes in internal controls over financial reporting. There were no
changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that
occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's
internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
See Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in
Part I, Item 1 of this report for information with respect to legal proceedings.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
(a) Exhibits:
Exhibit No. Description
10.1 Loan agreement dated September 19, 2003 between Registrant and Bank of Oklahoma, N.A.,
Comerica Bank and First United Bank & Trust
31.1 Certification of Harland C. Stonecipher, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Pursuant to
Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, filed under Exhibit 31 of Item 601
of Regulation S-K
31.2 Certification of Steve Williamson, Chief Financial Officer,
Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, filed under Exhibit 31 of Item 601 of Regulation S-K.
32.1 Certification of Harland C. Stonecipher, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Pursuant to 18
U.S.C. Section 1350, filed under Exhibit 32 of Item 601 of Regulation S-K.
32.2 Certification of Steve Williamson, Chief Financial Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, filed under Exhibit 32 of Item 601 of Regulation S-K.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:
The Company filed Form 8-K dated July 2, 2003 providing under Item 7 -
Financial Statements and Exhibits the Company's press release dated
July 2, 2003 announcing its membership and recruiting information for
the three months ended June 30, 2003.
The Company filed Form 8-K dated July 28, 2003 providing under Item 7
- Financial Statements and Exhibits the Company's press release dated
July 28, 2003, announcing its earnings and operating results for the
three months ended June 30, 2003.
Both of these Form 8-K's were filed pursuant to the instructions to
Form 8-K requiring the information to be "furnished" to the SEC. They
are not deemed to be filed for any other purpose.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
PRE-PAID LEGAL SERVICES, INC.
Date: October 27, 2003 /s/ Harland C. Stonecipher
---------------------------------------------
Harland C. Stonecipher
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date: October 27, 2003 /s/ Randy Harp
---------------------------------------------
Randy Harp
Chief Operating Officer
(Duly Authorized Officer)
Date: October 27, 2003 /s/ Steve Williamson
---------------------------------------------
Steve Williamson
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
Exhibit 10.1
LOAN AGREEMENT
Between
PRE-PAID LEGAL SERVICES, INC.
And
BANK OF OKLAHOMA, N.A.;
COMERICA BANK; and
FIRST UNITED BANK & TRUST
BANK OF OKLAHOMA, N.A., Agent
September 19, 2003
1. CERTAIN DEFINITIONS 1.1 Advance 1.2 Affiliate 1.3 Agreement 1.4 Business Day
1.5 Collateral 1.6 Code 1.7 Commitment
1.8 Commitment Percentage
1.9 Compliance Certificate
1.10 Debt Coverage Ratio
1.11 ERISA
1.12 Events of Default
1.13 Funded Debt
1.14 GAAP 1.15 Governmental Authority 1.16 Guarantor 1.17 Guaranty Agreement
1.18 Indebtedness 1.19 Law or Laws 1.20 Legal Contracts 1.21 LIBOR Rate 1.22
Lien 1.23 Loan 1.24 Loan Documents 1.25 Majority Banks 1.26 Material Adverse
Effect 1.27 Maturity Date 1.28 Notes 1.29 Payor 1.30 PBGC 1.31 Person 1.32
Permitted Liens 1.33 Plan 1.34 Pledge Agreement 1.35 Potential Default 1.36
Prime Rate 1.37 Pro Rata or Pro Rata Part 1.38 Reportable Event 1.39 Required
Payment 1.40 Responsible Officer 1.41 Security Agreement 1.42 Subsidiary
2. LENDING AGREEMENT 2.1 Loan
2.2 Making of Payments 2.3 Sharing of Payments, Etc 2.4 Non-Receipt of Funds
by the Agent 2.5 Prepayment and Prepayment Penalty 2.6 Application of
Payments 2.7 Default Interest 2.8 Commitment Fee 2.9 Agency Fee 2.10 Further
Assurance
2.11 Taxes, Yield Protection And Illegality
3. COLLATERAL
3.1 Security Interest
3.2 Pledge of Stock
3.3 Guaranty Agreement
4. CONDITIONS OF LENDING
4.1 Conditions Precedent to Closing and Advances Pursuant to Loan
5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES 5.1 Organization and Good Standing 5.2
Authorization and Power 5.3 Governmental Authorization 5.4 Binding Effect 5.5
Financial Statements 5.6 Labor Disputes and Acts of God 5.7 Other Agreements
5.8 Title to Property 5.9 Litigation
5.10 No Defaults on Outstanding Judgments or Orders 5.11 Debt 5.12
Conflicting Documents or Agreements 5.13 Full Disclosure 5.14 No Default 5.15
Material Agreements 5.16 Principal Office 5.17 ERISA 5.18 Payment of Taxes
5.19 Environment 5.20 Survival Representations and Warranties
6. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS 6.1 Applicable Laws
6.2 Annual Financial Statements 6.3 Quarterly Financial Statements 6.4 Notice
of Litigation 6.5 Maintenance of Existence 6.6 Books and Records; Inspections
6.7 Taxes 6.8 Title to Assets and Maintenance 6.9 Additional Assurances 6.10
Performance of Obligations 6.11 Expenses 6.12 Payment of Liabilities 6.13
Right to Conduct Business 6.14 Other Information 6.15 Maintenance of
Insurance 6.16 Regulation U Compliance
7. NEGATIVE COVENANTS 7.1 Negative Pledge 7.2 Sale of Assets
7.3 Additional Indebtedness 7.4 Name, Fiscal Year and Accounting Method 7.5
Dividends and Distributions 7.6 Loans or Advances 7.7 Discontinuance of
Business Lines 7.8 Mergers and Acquisitions 7.9 Transactions With Affiliates
7.10 Purchases of Common Stock
8. FINANCIAL COVENANTS 8.1 Debt Service Coverage 8.2 Retention Rate 8.3
Cancellation Rate 8.4 Tangible Net Worth
9. EVENTS OF DEFAULT 9.1 Nonpayment of Notes 9.2 Nonpayment of Interest 9.3
Other Nonpayment 9.4 Breach of Covenants
9.5 Representations and Warranties 9.6 Insolvency 9.7 Voluntary Bankruptcy
9.8 Involuntary Bankruptcy 9.9 Creditor's Proceedings 9.10 Monetary Judgments
9.11 Borrower Dissolution 9.12 Harland Stonecipher 9.13 Financial Covenants
9.14 Other Defaults
10. REMEDIES 10.1 Immediate Acceleration 10.2 No Cure or Notice 10.3 Five Day
Notice and Demand 10.4 Thirty Day Notice and Demand 10.5 Other Rights 10.6
Cumulative Remedies
11. THE AGENT AND THE BANKS 11.1 Appointment and Authorization 11.2 Note Holders
11.3 Consultation with Counsel 11.4 Documents 11.5 Resignation or Removal of
Agent 11.6 Responsibility of Agent 11.7 Independent Investigation 11.8
Indemnification 11.9 Benefit of Section 11 11.10 Pro Rata Treatment 11.11
Assumption as to Payments 11.12 Other Financings 11.13 Interests of Banks
11.14 Investments 11.15 Inter-Creditor Agreement
12. GENERAL CONDITIONS 12.1 Assignments and Participations 12.2 Cross-Default
12.3 Notices 12.4 Amendment; Waiver 12.5 Governing Law 12.6 Prohibition
Against Assignment 12.7 Indemnification 12.8 Entire Agreement 12.9
Severability 12.10 Captions 12.11 Binding Effect 12.12 Contrary Provisions
12.13 Counterpart 12.14 Waiver of Jury Trial
LOAN AGREEMENT
THIS LOAN AGREEMENT is made and entered into this 19th day of September,
2003, by and between PRE-PAID LEGAL SERVICES, INC., an Oklahoma corporation (the
"Borrower") and BANK OF OKLAHOMA, N.A., a national banking association ("BOK")
and COMERICA BANK ("Comerica"), FIRST UNITED BANK & TRUST, a state banking
corporation ("FUB"), and each of the financial institutions which may from time
to time become a party hereto pursuant to the provisions of Section 12.1 hereof
or any successor or assignee thereof (hereinafter collectively referred to as
"Banks", and individually, "Bank") and BOK, as Agent ("Agent").
W I T N E S S E T H:
-------------------
WHEREAS, Borrower and Banks have agreed to an extension of credit in the
principal amount of Twenty Five Million and No/100 Dollars ($25,000,000.00) from
the Banks to the Borrower consisting of a term loan for the primary purpose of
purchasing Borrower's shares of stock in the open market; and
WHEREAS, the Borrower desires to secure its obligation under this Agreement
and the promissory notes described herein with (i) a first security interest in
legal contracts issued in states where such contracts are not viewed as
insurance products and (ii) a pledge of Borrower's ownership interests in its
Subsidiaries; and
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
herein contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, Bank and Borrower hereby consent and
agree as follows:
1. CERTAIN DEFINITIONS.
As used in this Agreement, "Agent", "BOK", "Borrower", "Bank", "Comerica",
and "FUB" shall have the meanings set forth above and the following terms with
their initial letters capitalized shall have the following meanings except where
the context otherwise requires:
1.1 Advance. The term "Advance" shall mean the disbursement by Banks of a sum or
sums loaned to Borrower pursuant to this Agreement.
1.2 Affiliate. The term "Affiliate" shall mean any Person which, directly or
indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the
relevant Person. For the purposes of this definition, "control" (including, with
correlative meanings, the terms "controlled by" and "under common control
with"), as used with respect to any Person, shall mean a member of the board of
directors, a general partner or an executive officer of such Person, or any
other Person with possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or
cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, through the
ownership (of record, as trustee, or by proxy) of voting shares, partnership
interests or voting rights, through a management contract or otherwise. Any
Person owning or controlling directly or indirectly ten percent or more of the
voting shares, partnership interests or voting rights, or other equity interest
of another Person shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of such Person.
1.3 Agreement. The term "Agreement" shall mean this Loan Agreement, as the same
may from time to time be amended, supplemented or modified.
1.4 Business Day. The term "Business Day" shall mean any day other than a
Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close
under the Laws of, or are in fact closed in, the State of Oklahoma.
1.5 Collateral. The term "Collateral" shall have that meaning ascribed to such
term as is provided in Section 3 hereof.
1.6 Code. The term "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as
amended from time to time.
1.7 Commitment. The term "Commitment" shall mean (A) for all Banks, $25,000,000,
and, (B) as to any Bank, its obligation to make Advances hereunder on the Loan
in an amount equal to such Bank's Commitment Percentage times the total
Commitment as of any date and as described on Schedule 1.7 attached hereto. The
Commitment of each Bank hereunder shall be adjusted from time to time to reflect
assignments made by such Bank pursuant to Section 12.1 hereof. Each reduction in
the Commitment shall result in a Pro Rata reduction in each Bank's Commitment.
1.8 Commitment Percentage. The term "Commitment Percentage" shall mean for each
Bank the percentage derived by dividing its Commitment at the time of the
determination by the Commitments of all Banks at the time of determination. The
Commitment Percentage of each Bank hereunder shall be adjusted from time to time
to reflect assignments made by such Bank pursuant to Section 12.1 hereof.
1.9 Compliance Certificate. The term "Compliance Certificate" shall mean each
certificate, substantially in the form of Exhibit B attached hereto, executed by
the Responsible Officer on behalf of Borrower and furnished from time to time in
accordance with this Agreement.
1.10 Debt Coverage Ratio. The term "Debt Coverage Ratio" shall mean (A) for the
previous three-months annualized, Net Income plus depreciation and amortization,
plus interest expense minus (i) construction costs on the Borrower's new home
office facility or other facilities for the previous twelve (12) months which
were not funded by the Borrower's real estate loan from BOK and (ii) an
additional $1,000,000 (representing a mutually agreed level of anticipated
annual maintenance capital expenditures) DIVIDED BY (B) for the next ensuing
twelve-months, principal payments due on all funded debt plus interest expense
for the previous three-months annualized plus dividends declared for the
previous three-months annualized.
1.11 ERISA. The term "ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act of 1974, as amended, together with all regulations issued pursuant thereto.
1.12 Events of Default. The term "Events of Default" shall have that meaning
ascribed to such term as is provided in Section 9 hereof.
1.13 Funded Debt. The term "Funded Debt" shall mean debt for borrowed money and
all other debt that is evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, or other similar
instruments.
1.14 GAAP. The term "GAAP" shall mean generally accepted accounting principles
set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board
and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and
pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other
statements by such other entity as may be approved by a significant segment of
the accounting profession, which are applicable to the circumstances as of the
date of determination.
1.15 Governmental Authority. The term "Government Authority" means any nation or
government, any state or other political subdivision thereof, any agency,
authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, administrative tribunal,
central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial,
taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to
government, and any corporation or other entity owned or controlled, through
stock or capital ownership or otherwise, by any of the foregoing.
1.16 Guarantor. The term Guarantor shall refer to each of Borrower's
non-insurance Subsidiaries, whether one or more. Such Guarantors shall include:
American Legal Services, Inc., Ada Travel Service, Inc., Pre-Paid Canadian
Holdings, L.L.C., and PPL Legal Care of Canada Corporation.
1.17 Guaranty Agreement. The term "Guaranty Agreement" shall mean a continuing
guaranty of payment and collection, in substantially the form of Exhibit "F"
attached hereto, absolutely, unconditionally guarantying the obligations
evidenced by the Loan.
1.18 Indebtedness. The term "Indebtedness" shall mean: (i) all obligations of
Borrower as evidenced by the Notes; (ii) all obligations of Borrower evidenced
by this Agreement; (iii) all obligations of the Borrower arising from any of the
Loan Documents or other agreements covering property secured by a Lien on any
asset of Borrower now or hereafter contemplated by this Agreement, whether
direct or indirect, absolute or contingent.
1.19 Law or Laws. The terms "Law" or "Laws" means, collectively, all
international, foreign, federal, state and local statutes, treaties, rules,
guidelines, regulations, ordinances, codes and administrative or judicial
precedents or authorities, including the interpretation or administration
thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the enforcement,
interpretation or administration thereof, and all applicable administrative
orders, directed duties, requests, licenses, authorizations and permits of, and
agreements with, any Governmental Authority, in each case whether or not having
the force of law.
1.20 Legal Contracts. The term "Legal Contracts" has the meaning given it is
Section 11.15 below.
1.21 LIBOR Rate. The term "LIBOR Rate" shall mean the arithmetic average of the
rate at which Dollar deposits in immediately available funds and for a maturity
equal to one-month (30 days) are offered or available in the London Interbank
Market for Eurodollars as of 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the date of
determination, as reported in the "Money Rates" section of The Wall Street
Journal or a substitute source reasonably determined by Agent in the event such
source is no longer available. If more than one month (30 days) LIBOR Rate is
published in The Wall Street Journal for any particular time period then the
LIBOR Rate shall be the highest of such published rates. Beginning October 1,
2003, such rate shall be adjusted as of the first day of each month during the
term hereof.
1.22 Lien. The term "Lien" shall mean, with respect to any asset of the
Borrower, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or encumbrance
of any kind in respect of such asset.
1.23 Loan. The term "Loan" shall mean that loan described at Section 2.1 below
and which is evidenced by the Note and secured by the Loan Documents.
1.24 Loan Documents. The term "Loan Documents" shall collectively mean this
Agreement, the Notes, the Guaranty Agreements, the Security Agreement, the
Pledge Agreement, all financing statements, stock powers and all other security
documents and instruments executed and delivered in connection with the Loan
described herein which secure the obligations of the Borrower to the Bank and
any renewals, amendments, supplements or modifications thereof or thereto.
1.25 Majority Banks. The term "Majority Banks" means two or more Banks, one of
which must be the Agent, holding 66 2/3% or more of the Commitment.
1.26 Material Adverse Effect. The term "Material Adverse Effect" shall mean any
circumstance or event which could have a material adverse effect on (i) the
Borrower's assets or properties, liabilities, financial condition, business,
operations, affairs or circumstances, or (ii) the ability of Borrower to repay
its debt from ongoing cash flow from operations or cash reserves; or (iii) the
ability of Borrower to carry out its business as of the date of this Agreement
or as proposed at the date of this Agreement to be conducted or to meet its
obligations under the Notes, this Agreement or the other Loan Documents on a
timely basis.
1.27 Maturity Date. The term "Maturity Date" shall mean May 31, 2005.
1.28 Notes. The term "Notes" shall mean the promissory notes, substantially in
the form of Exhibit "A" hereto issued or to be issued hereunder to each Bank,
respectively, to evidence the indebtedness to such Bank arising by reason of the
Loan, together with all modifications, renewals and extensions thereof or any
part thereof.
1.29 Payor. The term "Payor" is used herein as defined in Section 2.4 hereof
1.30 PBGC. The term "PBGC" shall mean the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation,
and any successor to all or any of this entity's functions under ERISA.
1.31 Person. The term "Person" shall include an individual, a corporation, a
joint venture, a general or limited partnership, a limited liability company, a
trust, an unincorporated organization or a government or any agency or political
subdivision thereof.
1.32 Permitted Liens. The term "Permitted Liens" shall refer to those Liens
described in items (a) through (f) in Section 7.1 herein.
1.33 Plan. The term "Plan" shall mean an employee benefit plan or other plan
maintained by either Borrower for employees of either Borrower and covered by
Title IV of ERISA, or subject to the minimum finding standards under Section 412
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended.
1.34 Pledge Agreement. The term "Pledge Agreement" shall mean that certain
pledge agreement, in substantially the form of Exhibit "D" attached hereto,
executed by Borrower and/or certain Subsidiaries in order to pledge to the Banks
such Borrower's or Subsidiary's ownership interest in Borrower's Subsidiaries.
1.35 Potential Default. The term "Potential Default" shall mean any event which
with the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would become an Event of
Default.
1.36 Prime Rate. The term "Prime Rate" shall mean the rate of interest announced
by Comerica from time to time as its prime commercial lending rate of interest.
1.37 Pro Rata or Pro Rata Part. The term "Pro Rata" or "Pro Rata Part" shall
mean for each Bank the proportion which the portion of the outstanding principal
amount owed to such Bank bears to the aggregate outstanding principal amount
owed to all Banks at the time in question.
1.38 Reportable Event. The term "Reportable Event" shall have that meaning
assigned to such term in Title IV of ERISA
1.39 Required Payment. The term "Required Payment" is used herein as defined in
Section 2.4 hereof.
1.40 Responsible Officer. The term "Responsible Officer" shall refer to Steve
Williamson, Borrower's Chief Financial Officer or Randy Harp, Chief Operating
Officer.
1.41 Security Agreement. The term "Security Agreement" shall mean that certain
Security Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit "E" attached hereto
executed by Borrower covering the Borrower's legal contracts.
1.42 Subsidiary. The term "Subsidiary" shall mean, as to any Person, a
corporation, limited partnership, or limited liability company of which shares
of stock or other ownership interest having ordinary voting power (other than
stock having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) to
elect a majority of the board of directors, the general partner or other
managers of such corporation, limited partnership, or limited liability company
are at the time owned, or the management of which is otherwise controlled,
directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, or both, by such
Person.
2. LENDING AGREEMENT. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, and the terms
and conditions of the Loan Documents, and in reliance upon the Borrower's
representations and warranties contained herein, the Banks agree to extend
credit to the Borrower, and the Borrower agrees to such extensions of credit
from the Banks on the following terms and conditions:
2.1 Loan. The Banks agree to extend credit to the Borrower as evidenced by the
Notes. This Loan is secured by the Collateral. The Notes will be in the form of
an amortizing or term credit upon which, except as set forth in subsection 2.1.4
below, the Banks shall have no obligation to make additional advances. No
negative amortization will be permitted.
2.1.1 Principal. The principal amount of the Loan shall not exceed
$25,000,000.00.
2.1.2 Note Interest Rate. Beginning on the date of the first Advance hereunder,
and continuing throughout the life of the Loan, the outstanding principal amount
of the Notes shall bear interest per annum at the LIBOR Rate plus three percent
(3%). Interest shall be calculated on the basis of a year of 360 days for the
actual number of days elapsed. The LIBOR Rate shall be adjusted on the first day
of each month commencing October 1, 2003. From the date hereof until October 1,
2003 the interest rate shall be ________.
2.1.3 Advances and Purpose. Advances not to exceed $25,000,000.00 in the
aggregate will be available to fund Borrower's acquisitions of its stock on the
open market or otherwise (such as private purchases). This Loan is expressly not
a revolving credit. Once sums are advanced they cannot be paid back and
re-advanced. Advances under the Loan are not available after November 30, 2003.
2.1.4 Advance Procedure. Borrower shall give Banks one day prior written notice
in the form of a written request for an Advance for the purpose of stock
acquisition which shall specify (a) the amount of such Advance and (b) any such
other information as Borrower deems necessary for the Banks to review. Upon each
such request for an Advance hereunder, Borrower shall be deemed to represent and
warrant that (i) all matters set forth in the Solvency Certificate delivered in
connection herewith continue to be true and accurate and (ii) no Event of
Default currently exists or will be incurred as a result of the Advance.
2.1.5 Repayment. Beginning December 31, 2003 and continuing on the last day of
each month thereafter through April 31, 2005, Borrower shall make a principal
payment in the amount of $1,388,888.00 together with a payment of all accrued
but unpaid interest. All outstanding principal plus all accrued but unpaid
interest is due and payable on the Maturity Date.
2.2 Making of Payments. Borrower shall direct each payment or prepayment
required herein to the Agent. Each Bank's Pro Rata Part of each payment or
prepayment of the Loan shall be directed by wire transfer to such Bank by the
Agent at the address provided to the Agent for such Bank for payments no later
than 2:00 p.m., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, time on the Business Day such payments
or prepayments are deemed hereunder to have been received by Agent; provided,
however, in the event that any Bank shall have failed to make any advance as
contemplated herein (a "Defaulting Bank") and the Agent or another Bank or Banks
shall have made such Advance, payment received by Agent for the account of such
Defaulting Bank or Banks shall not be distributed to such Defaulting Bank or
Banks until such Advance or Advances shall have been repaid in full to the Bank
or Banks who funded such Advance or Advances. Any payment or prepayment received
by Agent at any time after 12:00 noon, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, time on a
Business Day shall be deemed to have been received on the next Business Day.
Interest shall cease to accrue on any principal as of the end of the day
preceding the Business Day on which any such payment or prepayment is deemed
hereunder to have been received by Agent. If Agent fails to transfer any
principal amount to any Bank as provided above, then Agent shall promptly direct
such principal amount by wire transfer to such Bank.
2.3 Sharing of Payments, Etc. If any Bank shall obtain any payment (whether
voluntary, involuntary, or otherwise) on account of the Loan, (including,
without limitation, any set-off) which is in excess of its Pro Rata Part of
payments on the Loan, as the case may be, obtained by all Banks, such Bank shall
purchase from the other Bank such participation as shall be necessary to cause
such purchasing Bank to share the excess payment pro rata with each of them;
provided that, if all or any portion of such excess payment is thereafter
recovered from such purchasing Bank, the purchase shall be rescinded and the
purchase price restored to the extent of the recovery. The Borrower agrees that
any Bank so purchasing a participation from another Bank pursuant to this
Section may, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, exercise all of its rights
of payment (including the right of offset) with respect to such participation as
fully as if such Bank were the direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of
such participation.
2.4 Non-Receipt of Funds by the Agent. Unless the Agent shall have been notified
by a Bank or the Borrower (the "Payor") prior to the date on which such Bank is
to make payment to the Agent of the proceeds of a Loan to be made by it
hereunder or the Borrower is to make a payment to the Agent for the account of
one or more of the Banks, as the case may be (such payment being herein called
the "Required Payment"), which notice shall be effective upon receipt, that the
Payor does not intend to make the Required Payment to the Agent, the Agent may
assume that the Required Payment has been made and may, in reliance upon such
assumption (but shall not be required to), make the amount thereof available to
the intended recipient on such date and, if the Payor has not in fact made the
Required Payment to the Agent, the recipient of such payment shall, on demand,
pay to the Agent the amount made available to it together with interest thereon
in respect of the period commencing on the date such amount was made available
by the Agent until the date the Agent recovers such amount at the overnight
federal funds rate.
2.5 Prepayment and Prepayment Penalty. Except as set forth herein, the Borrower
may prepay any or all of the Loan, either in whole or in part at any time and
from time to time, on any date without premium or penalty. From the date hereof
through May 31, 2004, any portion of the Loan prepaid due to a refinancing with
a Person other than the Banks shall be assessed a penalty of one percent (1%) of
the portion prepaid.
2.6 Application of Payments. Borrower hereby agrees that all Note payments paid
to Banks shall be applied: (1) to any costs which the Borrower is obligated to
pay, (2) to any accrued but unpaid interest, and (3) to the principal
indebtedness of the Notes, or to any other indebtedness or obligations due to
Banks.
2.7 Default Interest. While any Event of Default exists hereunder or under the
Notes or any of the Loan Documents, in lieu of the interest rate provided in the
Notes, all sums owing by Borrower to Banks in connection with the Loan shall
bear interest at the rate equal to three percent (3%) per annum in excess of the
Prime Rate, accrued from the date of such Event of Default, but after any
applicable grace period to cure certain Events of Default as provided herein, to
the date on which such default is cured to the reasonable satisfaction of the
Banks.
2.8 Commitment Fee. On the date hereof Borrower shall pay each Bank it Pro Rata
Part of a commitment fee equal to the amount of $250,000.00.
2.9 Agency Fee. On the date hereof and on each anniversary of such date during
the term of the Notes, Borrower shall pay Agent a fee as set forth in that
certain fee letter from Agent to Borrower dated of even date herewith to
compensate Agent for its efforts in administrating and participating the Loan.
2.10 Further Assurance. The Borrower shall, from time to time, execute and
deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, to the Agent for the ratable
benefit of the Banks such mortgages, deeds of trust, instruments, agreements,
assignments, financing statements, continuation statements and other documents,
and take or cause to be taken such actions as Agent may reasonably require, to
provide Banks with and to perfect the security interests required hereunder and
to establish and maintain the priority of such security interests and liens.
2.11 Taxes, Yield Protection And Illegality.
2.11.1 Taxes.
(a) Any and all payments by the Borrower to or for the account of the
Agent or any Bank under any Loan Document shall be made free and clear of
and without deduction for any and all present or future taxes, duties,
levies, imposts, deductions, assessments, fees, withholdings or similar
charges, and all liabilities with respect thereto, excluding, in the case
of the Agent and each Bank, taxes imposed on or measured by its net income,
and franchise taxes imposed on it (in lieu of net income taxes), by the
jurisdiction (or any political subdivision thereof) under the laws of which
the Agent or such Bank, as the case may be, is organized or maintains a
lending office (all such non-excluded taxes, duties, levies, imposts,
deductions, assessments, fees, withholdings or similar charges, and
liabilities being hereinafter referred to as "Taxes"). If the Borrower
shall be required by any Laws to deduct any Taxes from or in ----- respect
of any sum payable under any Loan Document to the Agent or any Bank, (i)
the sum payable shall be increased as necessary so that after making all
required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums
payable under this Section), the Agent and such Bank receives an amount
equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made,
(ii) the Borrower shall make such deductions, (iii) the Borrower shall pay
the full amount deducted to the relevant taxation authority or other
authority in accordance with applicable laws, and (iv) within 30 days after
the date of such payment, the Borrower shall furnish to the Agent (which
shall forward the same to such Bank) the original or a certified copy of a
receipt evidencing payment thereof.
(b) In addition, the Borrower agrees to pay any and all present or
future stamp, court or documentary taxes and any other excise or property
taxes or charges or similar levies which arise from any payment made under
any Loan Document or from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement
or registration of, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document
(hereinafter referred to as "Other Taxes").
(c) If the Borrower shall be required to deduct or pay any Taxes or
Other Taxes from or in respect of any sum payable under any Loan Document
to the Agent or any Bank, the Borrower shall also pay to the Agent (for the
account of such Bank) or to such Bank, at the time interest is paid, such
additional amount that such Bank specifies is necessary to preserve the
after-tax yield (after factoring in all Taxes, including Taxes imposed on
or measured by net income) such Bank would have received if such Taxes or
Other Taxes had not been imposed.
(d) The Borrower agrees to indemnify the Agent and each Bank for (i)
the full amount of Taxes and Other Taxes (including any Taxes or Other
Taxes imposed or asserted by any jurisdiction on amounts payable under this
Section) paid by the Agent and such Bank, (ii) amounts payable under
Section 2.11.1(c) and (iii) any liability (including penalties, interest
and expenses) arising therefrom or with respect thereto, in each case
whether or not such Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally imposed
or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. Payment under this
subsection (d) shall be made within 30 days after the date the Bank or the
Agent makes a demand therefor.
2.11.2 Illegality. If any Bank determines that any Law has made it unlawful, or
that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Bank
or its applicable office to make, maintain or fund Loans, or to determine or
charge interest rates based upon the LIBOR Rate, then, on notice thereof by such
Bank to the Borrower through the Agent, any obligation of such Bank to make or
continue the Loan shall be suspended until such Bank notifies the Agent and the
Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer
exist. Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrower shall, upon demand from such
Bank (with a copy to the Agent), prepay the Loan of such Bank, either on the
last day of the Interest Period thereof, if such Bank may lawfully continue to
maintain such Loan to such day, or immediately, if such Bank may not lawfully
continue to maintain such Loan. Upon any such prepayment or conversion, the
Borrower shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted.
Each Bank agrees to designate a different office if such designation will avoid
the need for such notice and will not, in the good faith judgment of such Bank,
otherwise be materially disadvantageous to such Bank.
2.11.3 Inability to Determine Rates. If the Agent determines in connection with
any request for a Loan that (a) dollar deposits are not being offered to banks
in the LIBOR market for the applicable amount and interest period of such Loan,
(b) adequate and reasonable means do not exist for determining the LIBOR Rate
for such Loan, or (c) the LIBOR Rate for such Loan does not adequately and
fairly reflect the cost to the Banks of funding such Loan, the Agent will
promptly notify the Borrower and all Banks. Thereafter, the obligation of the
Banks to make or maintain Loans shall be suspended until the Agent revokes such
notice. Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrower may revoke any pending request
for a Borrowing or continuation of Loans.
2.11.4 Increased Cost and Reduced Return; Capital Adequacy.
(a) If any Bank determines that as a result of the introduction of or
any change in or in the interpretation of any Law, or such Bank's
compliance therewith, there shall be any increase in the cost to such Bank
of agreeing to make or making, funding or maintaining LIBOR rate loans or
(as the case may be) a reduction in the amount received or receivable by
such Bank in connection with any of the foregoing (excluding for purposes
of this subsection (a) any such increased costs or reduction in amount
resulting from (i) Taxes or Other Taxes (as to which Section 3.01 shall
govern), (ii) changes in the basis of taxation of overall net income or
overall gross income by the United States or any foreign jurisdiction or
any political subdivision of either thereof under the Laws of which such
Bank is organized or has its lending office, and (iii) reserve
requirements, then from time to time upon demand of such Bank (with a copy
of such demand to the Agent), the Borrower shall pay to such Bank such
additional amounts as will compensate such Bank for such increased cost or
reduction.
(b) If any Bank determines that the introduction of any Law regarding
capital adequacy or any change therein or in the interpretation thereof, or
compliance by such Bank therewith, has the effect of reducing the rate of
return on the capital of such Bank or any corporation controlling such Bank
as a consequence of such Bank's obligations hereunder (taking into
consideration its policies with respect to capital adequacy and such Bank's
desired return on capital), then from time to time upon demand of such Bank
(with a copy of such demand to the Agent), the Borrower shall pay to such
Bank such additional amounts as will compensate such Bank for such
reduction.
(c) The Borrower shall pay to each Bank, as long as such Bank shall be
required to maintain reserves with respect to liabilities or assets
consisting of or including Eurocurrency funds or deposits (currently known
as "Eurocurrency liabilities"), additional interest on the unpaid principal
amount of the Loan equal to the actual costs of such reserves allocated to
such Loan by such Bank (as determined by such Bank in good faith, which
determination shall be conclusive), which shall be due and payable on each
date on which interest is payable on such Loan, provided the Borrower shall
have received at least 15 days' prior notice (with a copy to the Agent) of
such additional interest from such Bank. If a Bank fails to give notice 15
days prior to the relevant interest payment date, such additional interest
shall be due and payable 15 days from receipt of such notice.
2.11.5 Funding Losses. Upon demand of any Bank (with a copy to the Agent) from
time to time, the Borrower shall promptly compensate such Bank for and hold such
Bank harmless from any loss, cost or expense incurred by it as a result of:
(a) any continuation, payment or prepayment of any Loan on a day other
than the last day of the month for such Loan (whether voluntary, mandatory,
automatic, by reason of acceleration, or otherwise); [or]
(b) any failure by the Borrower (for a reason other than the failure
of such Lender to make a Loan) to prepay, borrow or continue any Loan on
the date or in the amount notified by the Borrower; or including any loss
of anticipated profits and any loss or expense arising from the liquidation
or reemployment of funds obtained by it to maintain such Loan or from fees
payable to terminate the deposits from which such funds were obtained. The
Borrower shall also pay any customary administrative fees charged by such
Lender in connection with the foregoing.
For purposes of calculating amounts payable by the Borrower to the
Banks under this Section 2.11, each Bank shall be deemed to have funded
each Loan made by it at the LIBOR Rate for such Loan by a matching deposit
or other borrowing in the London interbank LIBOR market for a comparable
amount and for a comparable period, whether or not such Loan was in fact so
funded.
2.11.6 Matters Applicable to all Requests for Compensation. A certificate of the
Agent or any Bank claiming compensation under this Section 2.11 and setting
forth the additional amount or amounts to be paid to it hereunder shall be
conclusive in the absence of manifest error. In determining such amount, the
Agent or such Bank may use any reasonable averaging and attribution methods.
3. COLLATERAL.
The Loans shall be secured by the following Collateral:
3.1 Security Interest. The Banks shall have a first, valid and enforceable
security interest evidenced by a security agreement and a UCC-1 financing
statement covering and encumbering Borrower's Legal Contracts.
3.2 Pledge of Stock. The Borrower shall pledge, grant and assign to Agent, for
the ratable benefit of the Banks, 100% of the outstanding common stock or other
equity interest of each of its Subsidiaries and shall execute such pledge
agreements, stock powers and other documents and instruments as are deemed
necessary by Agent.
3.3 Guaranty Agreement. In addition to the other collateral referenced in this
Section 3, each Guarantor shall unconditionally guarantee the prompt payment and
collection of the Indebtedness evidenced by the Notes.
4. CONDITIONS OF LENDING.
4.1 Conditions Precedent to Closing and Advances Pursuant to Loan. The
obligation of the Banks to perform this Agreement and to extend the Loan as
described herein is subject to the performance of the following conditions
precedent in form satisfactory to the Banks:
4.1.1 Loan Documents. This Agreement, the Notes, the Security Agreement, the
Pledge Agreement, the Guaranty Agreements, financing statements, stock powers
and all other Loan Documents not specifically mentioned but heretofore required
by the Banks shall have been duly executed, acknowledged (where appropriate) and
delivered to the Agent or the Banks, all in form and substance satisfactory to
the Banks, and all such applicable documents shall have been properly recorded
in all appropriate recording offices.
4.1.2 Resolutions of Borrower. Resolutions of Borrower approving the execution,
delivery and performance of this Agreement, the Notes, the Security Agreement,
the Pledge Agreement, and all other Loan Documents and the transactions
contemplated herein and therein, duly adopted by Borrower's board of directors
and accompanied by a certificate of Borrower's secretary or assistant secretary
stating that such Resolutions are true and correct, have not been altered or
repealed and are in full force and effect shall have been delivered to the
Agent.
4.1.3 Resolutions of Guarantors and Pledgors. Resolutions and/or consents of
each guarantor and non-borrower debtor, pursuant to a security agreement, or
pledgor, pursuant to a pledge agreement (each a "Support Party"), approving the
execution, delivery and performance of any Loan Document applicable thereto and
the transactions contemplated herein and therein, duly adopted by such Support
Party's board of directors or managers, as the case may be, and accompanied by a
certificate of such Support Party's secretary or assistant secretary or manager,
as the case may be, stating that such resolutions or consents are true and
correct, have not been altered or repealed and are in full force and effect
shall have been delivered to the Agent.
4.1.4 Incumbency Certificate of Borrower. A signed certificate of Borrower's
secretary or assistant secretary which shall certify the name of the officers of
Borrower authorized to sign the Loan Document on behalf of Borrower to be
executed by such Person and the other documents or certificates to be delivered
by such Person pursuant to the Loan Documents, together with the true signatures
of each of such Persons shall have been delivered to the Agent. The Certificate
of Incorporation and the Certificate of Good Standing for Borrower issued by the
Secretary of State of the State of Oklahoma shall have also been delivered to
the Agent.
4.1.5 Incumbency Certificate of Each Support Party. A signed certificate of each
Support Party's secretary or assistant secretary or manager, as applicable,
which shall certify the name of the officers of the Support Party authorized to
sign the Loan Documents on behalf of such Support Party to be executed by such
Person and the other documents or certificates to be delivered by such Person
pursuant to the Loan Documents, together with the true signatures of each of
such Persons shall have been delivered to the Agent.
4.1.6 Borrower Organizational Documents. A copy of the Certificate of
Incorporation and current bylaws of Borrower, and all amendments thereto,
certified by a Responsible Officer as being true, correct and complete as of the
date of such certification and the Certificate of Good Standing for Borrower
issued by the Secretary of State of the State of Oklahoma shall have also been
delivered to the Agent.
4.1.7 Support Party Organizational Documents. A copy of the certificate of
incorporation or articles of organization and the current bylaws or operating
agreement of each Support Party, and all amendments thereto, certified by the
secretary or assistant secretary or manager, as the case may be, as being true,
correct and complete as of the date of such certification and a certificate of
good standing issued by the appropriate official from the jurisdiction of
organization of each Support Party shall have been delivered to the Agent..
4.1.8 Financial Statements and other Information. The Borrower shall have
furnished to the Banks such financial statements and other information and/or
documents as the Banks shall have requested.
4.1.9 No Default. No Events of Default shall have occurred and be continuing
under this Agreement or the Loan Documents and the representation and warranties
set forth herein and in all other Loan Documents shall be true and correct in
all material respects.
4.1.10 Compliance. Borrower shall comply with and shall continue to be in
compliance with all material terms, covenants, warranties, and conditions of
this Agreement and any other loan documents contemplated herein.
4.1.11 No Adverse Effect. As of the date of making such Advance, no Material
Adverse Effect has occurred since the date of the most recent financial
statement submitted to Bank.
4.1.12 Opinion of Counsel. Borrower shall provide an opinion of its counsel in
form and substance acceptable to Banks.
4.1.13 Solvency Certificate. Borrower shall provide a certificate from its chief
financial officer in the form of Exhibit "C" attached hereto.
4.1.14 Commitment Fee. Banks shall have received the Commitment Fee.
4.1.15 Agency Fee. Agent shall have received the fee required by Section 2.9
above.
4.1.16 Repayment of Previous Stock Loan. Borrower shall repay in full the "Stock
Note" made by Borrower payable to the order of BOK dated June 11, 2002 and in
the amount of $10,000,000.
4.1.17 Delivery of Stock and Stock Powers. Borrower and any Support Party
pledging its ownership interest in certain Subsidiaries shall have provided
Agent with the all stock certificates evidencing such ownership interests
together with an assignment separate from the instrument executed in blank.
5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.
To induce the Banks to extend the Loan and enter into this Agreement, Borrower
represents and warrants to the Banks as of the date hereof and on any and all
renewals and extensions thereof, as follows:
5.1 Organization and Good Standing. Borrower is a corporation duly organized and
existing in good standing under the laws of the State of Oklahoma and has the
requisite power and authority to own its properties and assets and to transact
the business in which it is engaged.
5.2 Authorization and Power. Borrower has the requisite power and authority to
execute, deliver and perform the Loan Documents. Borrower has taken all
necessary corporate action to authorize such execution, delivery and performance
of the Loan Documents. Borrower is and will continue to be duly authorized to
perform the Loan Documents.
5.3 Governmental Authorization. The execution, delivery, and performance by
Borrower of this Agreement requires no approval of or filing with any
Governmental Authorities.
5.4 Binding Effect. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents, when duly
executed and delivered, will constitute legal, valid, and binding obligations of
Borrower, fully enforceable in accordance with their respective terms (subject
to limitations on enforceability resulting from bankruptcy and other similar
laws relating to creditor's rights and principles of equity) and will secure the
payment and performance of the Loan as described herein.
5.5 Financial Statements. The consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries as of June 30, 2003 and the related consolidated statements of
income and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the three months
then ended, and the accompanying footnotes, as included in the Borrower's
Quarterly report on Form 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, copies of which have been furnished to the Banks, are complete and
correct and fairly present the consolidated financial condition of the Borrower
and its Subsidiaries at such dates and the consolidated results of the
operations of the Borrower and it Subsidiaries for the periods covered by such
statements, all in accordance with GAAP consistently applied (subject to
year-end adjustments in the case of the interim financial statements), and since
June 30, 2003 there has been no material adverse change in the consolidated
condition (financial or otherwise), business, or operations of the Borrower and
its Subsidiaries. There are no liabilities of the Borrower or any Subsidiary,
fixed or contingent, which are material but are not reflected in the financial
statements or in the notes thereto, other than liabilities arising in the
ordinary course of business since June 30, 2003.
5.6 Labor Disputes and Acts of God. Neither the business nor the properties of
the Borrower or any Subsidiary are affected by any fire, explosion, accident,
strike, lockout, or other labor dispute, drought, storm, hail, earthquake,
embargo, act of God or of the public enemy, or other casualty (whether or not
covered by insurance), which materially and adversely affects the business,
properties, or the operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a
whole.
5.7 Other Agreements. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary of Borrower is a
party to any indenture, loan, or credit agreement, or to any lease or other
agreement or instrument or subject to any charter or corporate restriction which
could have a Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary is
in default in any respect in the performance, observance, or fulfillment of any
of the obligations, covenants, or conditions contained in any agreement or
instrument material to the Borrower's consolidated business.
5.8 Title to Property. Borrower has good and marketable title to all of the
Collateral referenced in Section 3 above, free and clear of all liens, pledges,
restrictions, and encumbrances except for Permitted Liens.
5.9 Litigation. Excluding the lawsuits and other proceedings disclosed by
Borrower in the SEC reports, there are no pending legal or governmental actions,
proceedings, or investigations to which Borrower is a party or to which any
property of Borrower is subject which Borrower reasonably expects would result,
in a Material Adverse Effect and to the best of Borrower's knowledge, no such
actions or proceedings are threatened, in writing, or contemplated by
governmental authorities or any other persons.
5.10 No Defaults on Outstanding Judgments or Orders. The Borrower and its
Subsidiaries have satisfied all judgments, and neither the Borrower nor any
Subsidiary is in default with respect to any judgment, writ, injunction, or
decree of any court, arbitrator, or federal, state, municipal, or other
governmental authority, commission, board, bureau, agency, or instrumentally,
domestic or foreign.
5.11 Debt. The financial statements described in Section 4.1.5 contain a
complete and correct list of all credit agreements, indentures, purchase
agreements, guaranties, capital leases, and other investments, agreements, and
arrangements presently in effect providing for or relating to extensions of
credit (including agreements and arrangements for the issuance of letters of
credit or for acceptance financing) in respect of which the Borrower or any
Subsidiary is in any manner directly or contingently obligated; and the maximum
principal or face amounts of the credit in question, outstanding or to be
outstanding, are correctly stated, and all Liens of any nature given or agreed
to be given as security therefore are correctly described or indicated in such
financial statements.
5.12 Conflicting Documents or Agreements. There are no provisions pursuant to
existing real estate mortgages, indentures, leases, security agreements,
contracts, notes, instruments, or any other agreements or documents binding on
Borrower or affecting its properties, which would conflict with or in any way
prevent the execution, delivery or performance of the Loan Documents by
Borrower.
5.13 Full Disclosure. There is no material fact that Borrower has not disclosed
to Banks which could have a Material Adverse Effect. Neither the financial
statements relied upon by the Banks, nor any certificate or statement delivered
herewith or heretofore by Borrower to Agent or any Bank in connection with the
negotiations of this Agreement, contain any untrue statement of a material fact
or omits to state any material fact necessary to keep the statements herein or
therein from being misleading.
5.14 No Default. No event has occurred and is continuing which constitutes an
Event of Default or a Potential Default.
5.15 Material Agreements. Borrower is not in default in any material respect
under any contract, lease, loan agreement, indenture, mortgage, security
agreement or other material agreement or obligation to which it is a party or by
which any of its properties is bound.
5.16 Principal Office. The principal place of business of Borrower in Oklahoma
is at 321 East Main Street, Ada, Oklahoma 74821.
5.17 ERISA.
(a) No Reportable Event has occurred and is continuing with respect to
any Plan;
(b) PBGC has not instituted proceedings to terminate any Plan;
(c) Neither Borrower nor any duly appointed administrator of a Plan
(i) has incurred any liability to PBGC with respect to any Plan other than
for premiums not yet due or payable, or (ii) has instituted or intends to
institute proceedings to terminate any Plan under Sections 4041 or 4041A of
ERISA or withdraw from any Multi-Employer Pension Plan (as that term is
defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA);
(d) Each Plan of Borrower has been maintained and funded in all
material respects in accordance with its terms and with all provisions of
ERISA and the Code applicable thereto;
(e) Borrower has complied with all applicable minimum funding
requirements of ERISA and the Code with respect to each Plan;
(f) There are no unfunded benefit liabilities (as defined in Section
4001(a)(18) of ERISA) with respect to any Plan of such Borrower which pose
a risk of causing a Lien to be created in the assets of Borrower; and
(g) No material prohibited transaction under the Code or ERISA has
occurred with respect to any Plan of Borrower.
5.18 Payment of Taxes. Borrower has filed all required federal, state and local
tax returns and have paid all taxes as shown on such returns as they become due
except those being contested in good faith and which have not resulted in any
Liens.
5.19 Environment. The Borrower and each Subsidiary have duly complied in all
material respects with, and their businesses, operations, assets, equipment,
property, leaseholds or other facilities are in compliance in all material
respects with, the provisions of all federal, state and local environmental,
health and safety laws, codes and ordinances, and all rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder. The Borrower and each Subsidiary have been issued and
will maintain all required federal, state, and local permits, licenses,
certificates and approvals relating to (1) air emissions; (2) discharges to
surface water or groundwater; (3) noise emissions; (4) solid or liquid waste
disposal; (5) the use, generation, storage, transportation, or disposal of toxic
or hazardous substances or wastes (intended hereby and hereafter to include any
and all such materials listed in any federal, state, or local law, code or
ordinance and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder as hazardous or
potentially hazardous); or (6) other environmental, health, or safety matters.
Neither Borrower nor any Subsidiary has received notice of, or knows of, or
suspects facts which might constitute any violations of any federal, state, or
local environmental, health, or safety laws, codes or ordinances and any rules
or regulations promulgated thereunder with respect to its businesses,
operations, assets, equipment, property, leaseholds, or other facilities. For
all premises of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, there has been no emission,
spill, release, or discharge into or upon (1) the air; (2) soils, or any
improvements located thereon; (3) surface water or groundwater; or (4) the
sewer, septic system or waste treatment, storage or disposal system servicing
the premises of any toxic or hazardous substances or wastes at or from the
premises; and accordingly the premises of Borrower and its Subsidiaries are free
of all such toxic or hazardous substances or wastes. There has been no
complaint, order, directive, claim, citation, or notice by any governmental
authority or any person or entity against Borrower or any Subsidiary with
respect to (1) air emissions; (2) spills, releases, or discharges to soils or
improvements located thereon, surface water, groundwater or the sewer, septic
system or waste treatment, storage or disposal systems servicing the premises;
(3) noise emissions; (4) solid or liquid waste disposal; (5) the use,
generation, storage, transportation, or disposal of toxic or hazardous
substances or waste; or (6) other environmental, health, or safety matters
affecting the Borrower or its business, operations, assets, equipment, property,
leaseholds, or other facilities. Neither the Borrower nor its Subsidiaries have
any indebtedness, obligation or liability, absolute or contingent, matured or
not matured, with respect to the storage, treatment, cleanup, or disposal of any
solid wastes, hazardous wastes, or other toxic or hazardous substances
(including without limitation any such indebtedness, obligation, or liability
with respect to any current regulation, law, or statute regarding such storage,
treatment, cleanup, or disposal). 5.20 Survival Representations and Warranties.
All representations and warranties by Borrower herein shall survive delivery of
the Notes and any investigation at any time made by or on behalf of any Bank
shall not diminish any Bank's right to rely thereon.
6. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS.
Until payment in full of the Notes, and any renewals and extensions
thereof, Borrower agrees, unless the Majority Banks shall otherwise consent in
writing, to perform or cause to be performed the following agreements:
6.1 Applicable Laws. Borrower shall comply in all material respects with the
requirements of all Laws applicable to it or to its business or property, except
in such instances in which (i) such requirement of Law is being contested in
good faith or a bona fide dispute exists with respect thereto; or (ii) the
failure to comply therewith could not reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect.
6.2 Annual Financial Statements. Borrower shall deliver to the Banks annual,
audited financial statements within 90 days of its year-end, current within
twelve months, all prepared in accordance with GAAP, consistently maintained and
applied, and concurrent with the submission of the financial statements,
Borrower shall deliver a Compliance Certificate executed by a Responsible
Officer stating that such person, after due inquiry, has no knowledge of an
Event of Default and containing a computation of, and demonstrating compliance
with, the financial covenants described in Section 8 below. The financial
statements shall consist of, at least, consolidated balance sheets and
consolidated statements of income and cash flows.
6.3 Quarterly Financial Statements. Borrower shall deliver to the Banks
quarterly, unaudited financial statements within 45 days after the end of each
of Borrower's fiscal quarters (excluding the last fiscal quarter of Borrower's
fiscal year), prepared in accordance with GAAP, consistently maintained and
applied, and concurrent with the submission of the financial statements,
Borrower shall deliver a Compliance Certificate executed by a Responsible
Officer stating that such person, after due inquiry, has no knowledge of an
Event of Default and containing a computation of, and demonstrating compliance
with, the financial covenants described in Section 8 below. The financial
statements shall consist of, at least, consolidated balance sheets and
consolidated statements of income and cash flows.
6.4 Notice of Litigation. Borrower shall deliver to the Agent within five (5)
days after the occurrence thereof (a) notice of any material developments
associated with any and all actions, suits, and proceedings before any court or
governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality,
domestic or foreign, affecting Borrower or any Subsidiary of Borrower in
existence on the date hereof which could reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect and (b) notice of any additional actions, suits, and
proceedings involving Borrower or any Subsidiary of Borrower which arise after
the date hereof and which could reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect.
6.5 Maintenance of Existence. Borrower shall preserve and maintain its corporate
existence and all of each of its rights, privileges and franchises necessary or
desirable in the normal conduct of its business, and conduct its business in an
orderly and efficient manner consistent with good business practices.
6.6 Books and Records; Inspections. Accurate books and records shall be kept by
the Borrower, and the Banks will have the right to inspect, upon reasonable
advance notice, any assets of the Borrower, and to examine and copy such books
and records, to discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of the Borrower, and
to be informed as to the same at such times and intervals as the Banks might
reasonably request under its normal course of business.
6.7 Taxes. All taxes, assessments, governmental charges and levies imposed on
the Borrower and its assets, income and profits will be paid prior to the date
on which penalties attach thereto.
6.8 Title to Assets and Maintenance. Borrower shall defend and maintain title to
all its material properties and assets. Borrower shall keep its assets, both
real and personal, in good order and condition consistent with industry practice
and shall make all necessary repairs, replacements and improvements required by
the Leases.
6.9 Additional Assurances. The Borrower agrees to execute, acknowledge and
deliver to the Agent such instruments, documents, and any other items in a form
acceptable to Agent as the Banks may reasonably require in order to more fully
carry out the transactions contemplated herein.
6.10 Performance of Obligations. The Borrower shall pay the Notes according to
the reading, tenor and effect thereof, and Borrower will do and perform every
act and discharge all obligations provided herein to be performed and discharged
or as contemplated hereby, at the time or times and in the manner specified.
6.11 Expenses. The Borrower covenants and agrees to pay all costs and expenses
required to satisfy the conditions of this Agreement. Further, the Borrower
covenants and agrees to pay all costs and expenses incurred in (i) preparation
for the closing hereof and for any subsequent waivers or amendments and (ii) in
connection with the exercise of rights and remedies of Agent and Banks under the
Loan Documents, including but not limited to Agent's fees of attorneys for
Agent, to the extent permitted by law.
6.12 Payment of Liabilities. The Borrower shall pay all liabilities as they
become due unless they are contested in good faith by appropriate actions or
legal proceedings and the Borrower establishes adequate reserves therefor in
accordance with recognized accounting principles consistently applied.
6.13 Right to Conduct Business. The Borrower shall take all necessary actions to
preserve their right to conduct business in any applicable jurisdictions and
before all regulatory bodies; to obtain and retain all necessary Governmental
Authorities approvals, consents, permits, licenses and certificates; to comply
in all material respects with all valid and applicable statutes, rules and
regulations; and to continue to conduct his businesses in substantially the same
manner as such businesses are now conducted.
6.14 Other Information. The Borrower will furnish to the Agent such other
information concerning the financial status of the Borrower as the Banks may
reasonably request.
6.15 Maintenance of Insurance. The Borrower will maintain such insurance as is
required elsewhere herein and in the Loan Documents. The Borrower shall furnish
a certificate of each renewal policy to the Agent not less than 15 days prior to
the expiration of the initial or each succeeding renewal policy
6.16 Regulation U Compliance. By action of its Board of Directors either before
or as soon as practicable after any purchases, cause any and all shares of
Borrower's common stock purchased with the proceeds of the Loan to be cancelled
and retired to the status of authorized but unissued common stock. Borrower
shall provide Agent with written evidence stating the number of shares
purchased, cancelled and/or retired in conjunction with the monthly compliance
certificates delivered pursuant to Sections 8.2 and 8.3 below.
7. NEGATIVE COVENANTS.
Prior to the payment in full of the Notes and any renewals and extensions
thereof, the Borrower agrees that, unless the Majority Banks otherwise gives
their prior consent in writing, the Borrower will not perform or permit to be
performed any of the following acts:
7.1 Negative Pledge. Except as provided herein, Borrower shall not create,
incur, assume, or permit to exist Lien, or other encumbrances of any kind upon
in, on, or to any of its assets except (a) liens for taxes or assessments or
other governmental charges being contested in good faith and by appropriate
proceedings, (b) liens in connection with workers compensation, unemployment
insurance, or other social security obligations, (c) mechanic's, workmen's,
materialmen's, landlord's, carrier's, or other like liens arising in the
ordinary course of business with respect to obligations which are not due or
which are being contested in good faith, (d) any lien or other encumbrance
permitted and accepted by Agent and set forth on the ALTA 1970-B, as revised,
title insurance policy, (e) judgment and other similar liens arising in
connection with court proceedings, provided the execution or other enforcement
of such liens is effectively stayed and the claims secured thereby are being
actively contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings, and (f)
purchase money security interests in office furnishings and office equipment
acquired in the ordinary course of business, provided that such security
interest shall attach only to the furnishings and equipment so purchased, and
(g) that certain mortgage lien in favor of BOK executed in conjunction with that
certain Loan Agreement between Borrower and BOK dated as of June 11, 2002 (the
"2002 Loan Agreement").
7.2 Sale of Assets. Borrower will not sell, enter into sale-lease back
agreements, exchange or transfer title to any or all of its assets, except in
the ordinary or normal course of business operations.
7.3 Additional Indebtedness. Borrower will not incur, create, assume, suffer to
exist or in any manner become or be liable in respect of any indebtedness, nor
will Borrower guarantee or otherwise in any manner become or be liable in
respect of any indebtedness, liabilities or other obligations of any other
person or entity, whether by agreement to purchase the indebtedness of any other
person or entity or agreement for the furnishing of funds to any other person or
entity through the purchase or lease of goods, supplies or services (or by way
of stock purchase, capital contribution, advance or loan) for the purpose of
paying or discharging the indebtedness of any other person or entity, or
otherwise, except that the foregoing restrictions shall not apply to: (i) the
Notes and any renewal or increase thereof, or other indebtedness of the Borrower
heretofore disclosed to Banks in the Borrower's Financial Statements or on
Schedule "7.3" hereto, including any indebtedness under the 2002 Loan Agreement;
or (ii) taxes, assessments or other government charges which are not yet due or
are being contested in good faith by appropriate action promptly initiated and
diligently conducted, if such reserve as shall be required by GAAP shall have
been made therefor and levy and execution thereon have been stayed and continue
to be stayed; or (iii) indebtedness (other than in connection with a loan or
lending transaction) incurred in the ordinary course of business; or; (iv) any
renewals or extensions (but not increases in) of any of the foregoing.
7.4 Name, Fiscal Year and Accounting Method. Borrower shall not change its name
or its method of accounting without providing Agent with three (3) month's prior
written notice. Further, in regard to a name change, Borrower shall have taken
such action as the Banks deem necessary to continue the perfection of any Liens
securing payment of the Indebtedness.
7.5 Dividends and Distributions. Borrower shall not declare, pay or make,
whether in cash or property, or set aside or apply any money or assets to pay or
make any dividend or other distribution with respect to its capital stock during
any fiscal quarter in excess of $1,800,000.00, in the aggregate. Provided,
however, this provision shall not be construed to prohibit stock dividends or
purchases of Borrower's stock with proceeds of the Loan as permitted by Section
7.10 below. Provided further, Borrower shall not be permitted to make any
dividend if there exists as of the time of the dividend an Event of Default or
if the declaration or payment of the dividend shall create an Event of Default.
7.6 Loans or Advances. Borrower shall not make or permit to remain outstanding
any loans or advances made by it to or in any person or entity, except that the
foregoing restriction shall not apply to: (i) loans or advances the material
details of which have been set forth in the Financial Statements of the Borrower
heretofore furnished to Banks; or (ii) advances made in the ordinary course of
Borrower's business to any Subsidiary or sales associate or employees for travel
or similar expenses; or (iii) loans to employees for option exercises; provided,
however, such loans for option exercises shall not involve an actual advance of
cash to any such employee; or (iv) loans or advance to Subsidiaries to satisfy
regulatory requirements of Governmental Authorities.
7.7 Discontinuance of Business Lines. Borrower shall not discontinuance any line
of business which would have a Material Adverse Effect.
7.8 Mergers and Acquisitions. Borrower will not: (i) consolidate or merge with
or into any other Person, except that Borrower may merge with another Person if
such Borrower is the surviving entity in such merger and if, after giving effect
thereto, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or
(ii) acquire or create any additional subsidiaries.
7.9 Transactions With Affiliates. Borrower shall not enter into any transaction,
including, without limitation, the purchase, sale, or exchange of property or
the rendering of any service, with any Affiliate, or permit any Subsidiary to
enter into any transaction, including, without limitation, the purchase, sale,
or exchange of property or the rendering of any service, with any Affiliate,
except in the ordinary course of and pursuant to the reasonable requirements of
the Borrower's or such Subsidiary's business and upon fair and reasonable terms
no less favorable to the Borrower or such Subsidiary than would be obtained in a
comparable arm's-length transaction with a Person not an Affiliate.
7.10 Purchases of Common Stock. So long as there is any amount owing under and
pursuant to the Loan, Borrower shall not purchase its common stock in the open
market with any funds other than the proceeds of the Loan.
8. FINANCIAL COVENANTS
Prior to the payment in full of the Notes and any renewals and extensions
thereof, the Borrower agrees that, unless the Majority Banks otherwise gives
their prior consent in writing, the Borrower will perform or permit to be
performed (or not perform or not permit to be performed, as the case may be) any
of the following acts:
8.1 Debt Service Coverage. Borrower's quarterly Debt Coverage Ratio, calculated
on a consolidated basis and in accordance with GAAP, shall not be less than
125%, calculated on a quarterly basis. Within forty five (45) days of the end of
each calendar quarter (excluding the last fiscal quarter), Borrower shall
deliver a Compliance Certificate demonstrating compliance with this financial
covenant.
8.2 Retention Rate. Borrower shall maintain, on a consolidated basis and in
accordance with GAAP, a rolling twelve (12) month average retention rate of
membership contracts in place for greater than eighteen (18) months of not less
than seventy percent (70%), calculated on a monthly basis. Within fifteen (15)
days of the end of each month, Borrower shall deliver a Compliance Certificate
demonstrating compliance with this financial covenant.
8.3 Cancellation Rate. Borrower's cancellation rate on contracts less than or
equal to twelve (12) months old, on a consolidated basis, shall not exceed 45%
on a trailing twelve (12) month basis, measured on a monthly basis. Within
fifteen (15) days of the end of each month, Borrower shall deliver a Compliance
Certificate demonstrating compliance with this financial covenant.
8.4 Tangible Net Worth. Borrower's Tangible Net Worth (as hereafter defined),
determined on a consolidated basis and in accordance with GAAP, shall never fall
below the lower of (i) $0.00 and (ii) the amount thereof as of September 30,
2003 and for each calendar quarter thereafter, the amount as of September 30,
2003 increased by fifty percent (50%) of the amount of such quarterly Net Income
(as defined by GAAP, but excluding Net Losses). For the purposes hereof, the
term Tangible Net Worth shall be defined in accordance with GAAP; provided,
however, such definition shall exclude the amount of adjustments to net worth,
as required by GAAP, relating to changes in Borrower's securities portfolio.
Within forty five (45) days of the end of each calendar quarter (excluding the
last fiscal quarter), Borrower shall deliver a Compliance Certificate
demonstrating compliance with this financial covenant.
9. EVENTS OF DEFAULT.
The following shall constitute Events of Default hereunder and under each
of the Loan Documents:
9.1 Nonpayment of Notes. Failure to make any payment when due of any principal
due and owing on the Notes.
9.2 Nonpayment of Interest. Failure to make any payment when due of any interest
on the Notes.
9.3 Other Nonpayment. Borrower's or any Guarantor's failure to make any payment
when due, other than as set forth in Sections 9.1 and 9.2 above, of any amount
payable to the Banks under the terms of this Agreement, the Notes, the Loan
Documents or any other obligation or agreement between the Borrower and any Bank
including, but not limited to, that certain Loan Agreement dated as of June 11,
2002 by and between Borrower and BOK.
9.4 Breach of Covenants. Default by Borrower or any Guarantor in the performance
or observance of any covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement, the
Notes, the Security Agreement, the Pledge Agreement, or any of the other Loan
Documents not specifically set forth in this paragraph other than as set forth
in Section 9.13, or any agreement in connection therewith, or under the terms of
any other instrument delivered to the Agent or Banks in connection with this
Agreement.
9.5 Representations and Warranties. Any representation or warranty herein, or
any representation, statement, certificate, schedule or report made or furnished
to the Banks on behalf of Borrower or any Guarantor, proves to be false or
erroneous in any material respect at the time of making thereof.
9.6 Insolvency. Borrower or any Guarantor: (i) applies for or consents to the
appointment of a receiver, trustee or liquidator of the properties of Borrower;
(ii) admits in writing the inability to pay debts as they mature; (iii) makes a
general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or (iv) has any significant
portion of its assets or property placed in the hands of a receiver, trustee or
other officers or representatives of a court or of creditors.
9.7 Voluntary Bankruptcy. Borrower or any Guarantor shall be adjudged bankrupt,
or any voluntary proceeding shall be instituted by Borrower in insolvency or
bankruptcy, or for readjustment, extension or composition of debts or for any
other relief of debtors.
9.8 Involuntary Bankruptcy. Any involuntary proceeding shall be instituted
against Borrower or any Guarantor in insolvency or for readjustment, extension,
or composition of debts, which proceeding is not dismissed within ninety (90)
days from the filing of the commencement of the same.
9.9 Creditor's Proceedings. The institution of any levy or attachment against
the assets of Borrower or any Guarantor and such levy or attachment shall
continue in place and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days without
being vacated, discharged, satisfied, stayed, or removed.
9.10 Monetary Judgments. One or more judgments, decrees, or orders for the
payment of money in excess of $500,000.00 in the aggregate shall be rendered
against Borrower or any Guarantor and such judgments, decrees, or orders shall
continue unsatisfied and in effect for a period of 30 consecutive days without
being vacated, discharged, satisfied, or stayed or bonded pending appeal.
9.11 Borrower Dissolution. The occurrence of any act causing a dissolution or
loss of legal existence of Borrower.
9.12 Harland Stonecipher. Harland Stonecipher shall ever cease to hold the title
of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer or comparable title and position with
Borrower for a period of 90 consecutive days.
9.13 Financial Covenants. Default shall be made in respect of those covenants
set forth in Section 8 of the Agreement, FINANCIAL COVENANTS.
9.14 Other Defaults. Default shall be made in respect of any obligation for
borrowed money in excess of $100,000.00, entered into by Borrower or any
Guarantor and any other financial institution or lender, for which Borrower is
liable (directly, by assumption, as guarantor or otherwise), or any obligations
secured by any mortgage, pledge or other security interest, lien, charge or
encumbrance with respect thereto, on any asset or property of Borrower in
respect of any agreement relating to any such obligations unless Borrower is not
liable for same (i.e., unless remedies or recourse for failure to pay such
obligations is limited to foreclosure of the collateral security therefor), and
if such default shall continue for more than thirty (30) days from the date of
default.
10. REMEDIES.
10.1 Immediate Acceleration. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default
specified in Sections 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9 and 9.10 immediately and without
notice, (i) all obligations hereunder and under the Notes shall automatically
become immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest, notice
of protest, default or dishonor, notice of intent to accelerate maturity, notice
of acceleration of maturity or other notice of any kind, except as may be
provided to the contrary elsewhere herein, all of which are expressly waived by
the Borrowers, and (ii) the Banks are hereby authorized at any time and from
time to time, without notice to the Borrower (and any such notice being
expressly waived by the Borrower), to set-off and apply any and all deposits of
the Borrower (general or special, time or demand, provision or final) held by
any Bank owing by any such Bank to or for the credit or account of the Borrower
against any and all of the debt evidenced by the Notes or other obligations set
forth in any Loan Document.
10.2 No Cure or Notice. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default specified in
Sections 9.11 and 9.13, the Banks may declare all debt evidenced by any and all
Loan Documents to be immediately due and payable without presentment, demand,
protest, notice of protest, default or dishonor, notice of intent to accelerate
maturity, notice of acceleration of maturity or other notice of any kind, except
as may be provided to the contrary elsewhere herein, all of which are hereby
expressly waived by the Borrower, and in such event, the Banks are hereby
authorized at any time and from time to time, without notice to the Borrower
(any such notice being expressly waived by the Borrower), to set-off and apply
any and all deposits containing funds of the Borrower (general or special, time
or demand, provision or final) held by any Bank, and any and all other
indebtedness at any time owing by any such Bank or to or for credit or account
of the Borrower against any and all of the debt evidenced by any Loan Document.
In the event Borrower is diligently pursuing a cure to any Event of Default but
such cure cannot be accomplished within the time periods set forth herein, Banks
may, in their sole discretion, extend any such cure period.
10.3 Five Day Notice and Demand. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default
specified in Sections 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, and 9.5 Borrower shall have five (5)
business days to cure such failure to make payment without notice. In the event
Borrower shall fail to effectuate such a cure, the Banks may declare all debt
evidenced by any and all Loan Documents to be immediately due and payable
without presentment, demand, protest, notice of protest, default or dishonor,
notice of intent to accelerate maturity, notice of acceleration of maturity or
other notice of any kind, except as may be provided to the contrary elsewhere
herein, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower, and in such
event, the Banks are hereby authorized at any time and from time to time,
without notice to the Borrower (any such notice being expressly waived by the
Borrower), to set-off and apply any and all deposits containing funds of the
Borrower (general or special, time or demand, provision or final) held by any
Bank, and any and all other indebtedness at any time owing by any such Bank or
to or for credit or account of the Borrower against any and all of the debt
evidenced by any Loan Document. In the event Borrower is diligently pursuing a
cure to any Event of Default but such cure cannot be accomplished within the
time periods set forth herein, Banks may, in their sole discretion, extend any
such cure period.
10.4 Thirty Day Notice and Demand. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default
other than those specified in the sections referenced in Section 10.1, 10.2 and
10.3 above, Borrower shall have thirty (30) days after receiving written
notification from the Agent of the Event of Default to cure such default. In the
event Borrower shall fail to effectuate such a cure, the Banks may declare all
debt evidenced by any and all Loan Documents to be immediately due and payable
without presentment, demand, protest, notice of protest, default or dishonor,
notice of intent to accelerate maturity, notice of acceleration of maturity or
other notice of any kind, except as may be provided to the contrary elsewhere
herein, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower, and in such
event, the Banks are hereby authorized at any time and from time to time,
without notice to the Borrower (any such notice being expressly waived by the
Borrower), to set-off and apply any and all deposits containing funds of the
Borrower (general or special, time or demand, provision or final) held by any
Bank, and any and all other indebtedness at any time owing by any such Bank or
to or for credit or account of the Borrower against any and all of the debt
evidenced by any Loan Document. In the event Borrower is diligently pursuing a
cure to any Event of Default but such cure cannot be accomplished within the
time periods set forth herein, Bank may, in its sole discretion, extend any such
cure period.
10.5 Other Rights. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement and after the
giving of any required notice and the expiration of any applicable cure period,
upon the occurrence of any Event of Default the Banks may, in addition to the
foregoing, exercise any or all of its rights and remedies provided by law or
pursuant to any other Loan Document.
10.6 Cumulative Remedies. No failure on the part of the Banks to exercise and no
delay in exercising any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver hereof, nor
shall any single or partial exercise by Banks of any right hereunder preclude
any other or further right of exercise thereof or the exercise of any other
right. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and not alternative.
11. THE AGENT AND THE BANKS.
11.1 Appointment and Authorization. Each Bank hereby appoints Agent as its
nominee and agent, in its name and on its behalf: (i) to act as nominee for and
on behalf of such Bank in and under all Loan Documents; (ii) to arrange the
means whereby the funds of Banks are to be made available to the Borrower under
the Loan Documents; (iii) to take such action as may be requested by any Bank
under the Loan Documents (when such Bank is entitled to make such request under
the Loan Documents); (iv) to receive all documents and items to be furnished to
Banks under the Loan Documents; (v) to be the secured party, mortgagee,
beneficiary, and similar party in respect of, and to receive, as the case may
be, any collateral for the benefit of Banks; (vi) to promptly distribute to each
Bank all material information, requests, documents and items received from the
Borrower under the Loan Documents; (vii) to promptly distribute to each Bank
such Bank's Pro Rata Part of each payment or prepayment (whether voluntary, as
proceeds of insurance thereon, or otherwise) in accordance with the terms of the
Loan Documents and (viii) to deliver to the appropriate Persons requests,
demands, approvals and consents received from Banks. Each Bank hereby authorizes
Agent to take all actions and to exercise such powers under the Loan Documents
as are specifically delegated to Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together
with all other powers reasonably incidental thereto. With respect to its
commitments hereunder and the Notes issued to it, Agent and any successor Agent
shall have the same rights under the Loan Documents 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 Agent and any
successor Agent in its capacity as a Bank. Agent and any successor Agent and its
Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, act as trustee under
indentures of and generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrower,
and any person which may do business with the Borrower, all as if Agent and any
successor Agent was not Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor
to the Banks; provided that, if any payments in respect of any property (or the
proceeds thereof) now or hereafter in the possession or control of Agent which
may be or become security for the obligations of the Borrower arising under the
Loan Documents by reason of the general description of indebtedness secured or
of property contained in any other agreements, documents or instruments related
to any such other business shall be applied to reduction of the obligations of
the Borrower arising under the Loan Documents, then each Bank shall be entitled
to share in such application according to its pro rata part thereof. Each Bank,
upon request of any other Bank, shall disclose to all other Banks all
indebtedness and liabilities, direct and contingent, of the Borrower to such
Bank as of the time of such request.
11.2 Note Holders. From time to time as other Banks may become a party to this
Agreement, Agent shall obtain execution by the Borrower of additional Notes in
amounts representing the Commitment of each such new Bank, up to an aggregate
face amount of all Notes not exceeding $25,000,000.00. The obligation of such
Bank shall be governed by the provisions of this Agreement, including but not
limited to, the obligations specified in Section 2 hereof. From time to time,
Agent may require that the Banks exchange their Notes for newly issued Notes to
better reflect the Commitments of the Banks. Agent may treat the payee of any
Note as the holder thereof until written notice of transfer has been filed with
it, signed by such payee and in form satisfactory to Agent.
11.3 Consultation with Counsel. Banks agree that Agent may consult with legal
counsel selected by Agent and shall not be liable for any action taken or
suffered in good faith by it in accordance with the advice of such counsel.
11.4 Documents. Agent shall not be under a duty to examine or pass upon the
validity, effectiveness, enforceability, genuineness or value of any of the Loan
Documents or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto or in
connection therewith, and Agent shall be entitled to assume that the same are
valid, effective, enforceable and genuine and what they purport to be.
11.5 Resignation or Removal of Agent. Subject to the appointment and acceptance
of a successor Agent as provided below, Agent may resign at any time by giving
written notice thereof to Banks and the Borrower, and Agent may be removed at
any time with or without cause by the affirmative vote of all Banks. If no
successor Agent has been so appointed by all Banks (and approved by the
Borrower) and has accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring
Agent's giving of notice of resignation or removal of the retiring Agent, then
the retiring Agent may, on behalf of Banks, appoint a successor Agent. Any
successor Agent must be approved by Borrower, which approval will not be
unreasonably withheld. Upon the acceptance of any appointment as Agent hereunder
by a successor Agent, such successor Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become
vested with all the rights and duties of the retiring Agent, and the retiring
Agent, shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder. After any
retiring Agent's resignation or removal hereunder as Agent, the provisions of
this Section 11 shall continue in effect for its benefit in respect to any
actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was acting as Agent. To be
eligible to be an Agent hereunder the party serving, or to serve, in such
capacity must own a Pro Rata Part of the Commitments equal to the level of
Commitment required to be held by any Bank pursuant to Section 12.1 hereof.
11.6 Responsibility of Agent. Agent agrees to act, subject to the express
conditions contained in this Section 11, in substantially the same manner that
it would act in dealing with a loan held for its own account. It is expressly
understood and agreed that the obligations of Agent under the Loan Documents are
only those expressly set forth in the Loan Documents as to each and that Agent,
shall be entitled to assume that no Default or Event of Default has occurred and
is continuing, unless Agent has actual knowledge of such fact or has received
notice from a Bank or the Borrower that such Bank or the Borrower considers that
a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and specifying
the nature thereof. Neither Agent nor any of its directors, officers, attorneys
or employees shall be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by them
under or in connection with the Loan Documents, except for its or their own
gross negligence or willful misconduct. Agent shall not incur liability under or
in respect of any of the Loan Documents by acting upon any notice, consent,
certificate, warranty or other paper or instrument believed by it to be genuine
or authentic or to be signed by the proper party or parties, or with respect to
anything which it may do or refrain from doing in the reasonable exercise of its
judgment, or which may seem to it to be necessary or desirable. With respect to
any matters not expressly provided for in the Loan Documents and any matters
which the Loan Documents place within the discretion of Agent, Agent shall not
be required to exercise any discretion or take any action, and it may request
instructions from Banks with respect to any such matter, in which case it shall
be required to act or to refrain from acting (and shall be fully protected and
free from liability to all Banks in so acting or refraining from acting) upon
the instructions of Majority Banks (including itself), provided, however, that
Agent shall not be required to take any action which exposes it to a risk of
personal liability that it considers unreasonable or which is contrary to the
Loan Documents or to applicable law. Upon receipt by Agent from Borrower of any
communication calling for action on the part of Banks or upon notice from
Borrower or any Bank of any Default or Event of Default, Agent shall promptly
notify each other Bank thereof.
Agent shall not be responsible to Banks for any of the Borrower's recitals,
statements, representations or warranties contained in any of the Loan
Documents, or in any certificate or other document referred to or provided for
in, or received by any Bank under, the Loan Documents, or for the value,
validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of or any of
the Loan Documents or for any failure by the Borrower to perform any of its
obligations hereunder or thereunder. Agent may employ agents and
attorneys-in-fact and shall not be answerable, except as to money or securities
received by it or its authorized agents, for the negligence or misconduct of any
such agents or attorneys-in-fact selected by it with reasonable care.
The relationship between Agent and each Bank is only that of agent and
principal and has no fiduciary aspects. Nothing in the Loan Documents or
elsewhere shall be construed to impose on Agent any duties or responsibilities
other than those for which express provision is therein made. In performing its
duties and functions hereunder, Agent does not assume and shall not be deemed to
have assumed, and hereby expressly disclaims, any obligation or responsibility
toward or any relationship of agency or trust with or for the Borrower or any of
its beneficiaries or other creditors. As to any matters not expressly provided
for by the Loan Documents, 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 Majority Banks, as set forth above, and such
instructions shall be binding upon all Banks and all holders of the Notes;
provided, however, that Agent shall not be required to take any action which is
contrary to the Loan Documents or applicable law.
Agent shall have the right to exercise or refrain from exercising, without
notice or liability to the Banks, any and all rights afforded to Agent by the
Loan Documents or which Agent may have as a matter of law; provided, however,
Agent shall not (subject to those provisions requiring the consent of all Banks
set forth below and elsewhere herein), without the consent of the Majority
Banks, take any other action with regard to amending the Loan Documents, waiving
any default under the Loan Documents or taking any other action with respect to
the Loan Documents. Provided further, however, that no amendment, waiver, or
other action shall be effected pursuant to the preceding clause without the
consent of all Banks which: (i) would reduce any fees hereunder, or the
principal of, or the interest on, any Bank's Note, (ii) would postpone any date
fixed for any payment of any fees hereunder, or any principal or interest of any
Bank's Note, (iii) would increase any Bank's obligations hereunder or would
materially alter Agent's obligations to any Bank hereunder, (iv) would release
Borrower or any Guarantor from its obligation to pay any Bank's Note, (v) would
release any of the Collateral, (vi) would change the definition of Majority
Banks, (vii) would amend, modify or change any provision of this Agreement
requiring the consent of all the Banks, (viii) would waive any of the conditions
precedent to the making of the Loan or (ix) would extend the Maturity Date or
(x) would amend this sentence or the previous sentence. Agent shall not have
liability to Banks for failure or delay in exercising any right or power
possessed by Agent pursuant to the Loan Documents or otherwise unless such
failure or delay is caused by the gross negligence of the Agent, in which case
only the Agent responsible for such gross negligence shall have liability
therefor to the Banks.
11.7 Independent Investigation. Each Bank severally represents and warrants to
Agent that it has made its own independent investigation and assessment of the
financial condition and affairs of the Borrower in connection with the making
and continuation of its participation hereunder and has not relied exclusively
on any information provided to such Bank by Agent in connection herewith, and
each Bank represents, warrants and undertakes to Agent that it shall continue to
make its own independent appraisal of the credit worthiness of the Borrower
while the Notes are outstanding or its commitments hereunder are in force. Agent
shall not be required to keep itself informed as to the performance or
observance by the Borrower of this Agreement or any other document referred to
or provided for herein or to inspect the properties or books of the Borrower.
Other than as provided in this Agreement, Agent shall not have any duty,
responsibility or liability to provide any Bank with any credit or other
information concerning the affairs, financial condition or business of the
Borrower which may come into the possession of Agent.
11.8 Indemnification. Banks agree to indemnify Agent, ratably according to their
respective Commitments on a Pro Rata basis, from and against any and all
liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits,
costs, expenses or disbursements of any proper and reasonable kind or nature
whatsoever which may be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against Agent in any
way relating to or arising out of the Loan Documents or any action taken or
omitted by Agent under the Loan Documents, provided that no Bank shall be liable
for any portion of such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties,
actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulting from
Agent's gross negligence or willful misconduct. Each Bank shall be entitled to
be reimbursed by the Agent for any amount such Bank paid to Agent under this
Section 11.8 to the extent the Agent has been reimbursed for such payments by
the Borrower or any other Person. The parties intend for the provisions of this
Section to apply to and protect the Agent from the consequences of any liability
including strict liability imposed or threatened to be imposed on Agent as well
as from the consequences of its own negligence, whether or not that negligence
is the sole, contributing or concurring cause of any such liability.
11.9 Benefit of Section 11. The agreements contained in this Section 11 are
solely for the benefit of Agent and the Banks and are not for the benefit of, or
to be relied upon by, the Borrower, any affiliate of the Borrower or any other
person.
11.10 Pro Rata Treatment. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, each
payment (including each prepayment) by the Borrower and collection by Banks
(including offsets) on account of the principal of and interest on the Notes and
fees provided for in this Agreement, payable by the Borrower shall be made Pro
Rata; provided, however, in the event that any Defaulting Bank shall have failed
to make an advance as contemplated under Section 2.__ hereof and Agent or
another Bank or Banks shall have made such advance, payment received by Agent
for the account of such Defaulting Bank or Banks shall not be distributed to
such Defaulting Bank or Banks until such advance or advances shall have been
repaid in full to the Bank or Banks who funded such advance or advances.
11.11 Assumption as to Payments. Except as specifically provided herein, unless
Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower prior to the date on which
any payment is due to Banks hereunder that the Borrower will not make such
payment in full, Agent may, but shall not be required to, assume that the
Borrower has made such payment in full to Agent on such date and Agent may, in
reliance upon such assumption, cause to be distributed to each Bank on such due
date an amount equal to the amount then due such Bank. If and to the extent the
Borrower shall not have so made such payment in full to Agent, each Bank shall
repay to Agent forthwith on demand such amount distributed to such Bank together
with interest thereon, for each day from the date such amount is distributed to
such Bank until the date such Bank repays such amount to Agent, at an interest
rate equal to the overnight federal funds rate.
11.12 Other Financings. Without limiting the rights to which any Bank otherwise
is or may become entitled, such Bank shall have no interest, by virtue of this
Agreement or the Loan Documents, in (a) any present or future loans from,
letters of credit issued by, or leasing or other financial transactions by, any
other Bank to, on behalf of, or with the Borrower (collectively referred to
herein as "Other Financings") other than the obligations hereunder; (b) any
present or future guarantees by or for the account of the Borrower which are not
contemplated by the Loan Documents; (c) any present or future property taken as
security for any such Other Financings; or (d) any property now or hereafter in
the possession or control of any other Bank which may be or become security for
the obligations of the Borrower arising under any loan document by reason of the
general description of indebtedness secured or property contained in any other
agreements, documents or instruments relating to any such Other Financings.
11.13 Interests of Banks. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to create
a partnership or joint venture between Banks for any purpose. Agent, Banks and
the Borrower recognize that the respective obligations of Banks under the
Commitment shall be several and not joint and that neither Agent nor any of
Banks shall be responsible or liable to perform any of the obligations of the
other under this Agreement. Each Bank is deemed to be the owner of an undivided
interest in and to all rights, titles, benefits and interests belonging and
accruing to Agent under the Security Instruments, including, without limitation,
liens and security interests in any collateral, fees and payments of principal
and interest by the Borrower under the Commitment on a Pro Rata basis. Each Bank
shall perform all duties and obligations of Banks under this Agreement in the
same proportion as its ownership interest in the Loans outstanding at the date
of determination thereof.
11.14 Investments. Whenever Agent in good faith determines that it is uncertain
about how to distribute to Banks any funds which it has received, or whenever
Agent in good faith determines that there is any dispute among the Banks about
how such funds should be distributed, Agent may choose to defer distribution of
the funds which are the subject of such uncertainty or dispute. If Agent in good
faith believes that the uncertainty or dispute will not be promptly resolved, or
if Agent is otherwise required to invest funds pending distribution to the
Banks, Agent may invest such funds pending distribution (at the risk of the
Borrower). All interest on any such investment shall be distributed upon the
distribution of such investment and in the same proportions and to the same
Persons as such investment. All monies received by Agent for distribution to the
Banks (other than to the Person who is Agent in its separate capacity as a Bank)
shall be held by the Agent pending such distribution solely as Agent for such
Banks, and Agent shall have no equitable title to any portion thereof.
11.15 Inter-Creditor Agreement. BOK and FUB each have an existing security
interest in and to Borrower's rights to receive payments from members and/or to
receive any other payments or revenues of any nature whatsoever pursuant to the
terms of the legal contracts which are issued in states where such contracts are
not viewed or determined to be insurance products (the "Legal Contracts") by
virtue of that certain Security Agreement dated as of June 11, 2002 (the "2002
Security Agreement") by and between BOK and Borrower executed in connection with
that certain Loan Agreement of even date therewith between the same parties and
by virtue of that certain UCC-1 financing statement filed in Oklahoma County,
Oklahoma and assigned file no. 2001009443023 (the "2002 Security Interest").
FUB's interest is derivative of BOK's via a participation agreement.
BOK and FUB, as secured parties under the 2002 Security Agreement, do
hereby subordinate said 2002 Security Interest to the Banks, all as if the Banks
had been named as the Secured Party in the 2002 Security Agreement described
above. Provided, however, such subordination expressly does not extend to any
collateral described in the 2002 Security Agreement other than the Legal
Contracts and provided further that none of Borrower's interests in its
Subsidiaries are covered by the 2002 Security Agreement.
The Banks shall have all of the rights and privileges of the original
secured party (BOK and FUB) as set forth in the 2002 Security Agreement
described above.
The parties acknowledge and agree that the lien of the Banks created the
Security Agreement and perfected by the filing of the financing statements in
conjunction herewith (the "2003 Security Interest") are and shall constitute the
first, prior and superior lien on and against the Collateral, and the 2002
Security Interest is and shall be subject to and inferior in priority to the
2003 Security Interest.
BOK and FUB agree that the obligations secured by the 2002 Security
Agreement and 2002 Security Interest shall be and hereby are inferior and junior
to the obligations secured by 2003 Security Interest, unless otherwise agreed to
in writing by the Banks, and in the event of a default and after the expiration
of any applicable cure periods pursuant to the obligations secured by the 2003
Security Interest, BOK and FUB shall be entitled to no payments from the
proceeds from the Collateral against the obligations secured by the 2002
Security Interest until the full cash payment of any and all obligations secured
by the 2003 Security Interest (including all interest after the date of filing
of a Petition by or against Borrower or any Guarantor under any bankruptcy act).
BOK and FUB further agree that they will not exercise any remedies against
the Legal Contracts until the full cash payment of any and all obligations
secured by the 2003 Security Interest (including all interest after the date of
filing a petition by or against Borrower or any Guarantor under any bankruptcy
act.
12. GENERAL CONDITIONS.
The following conditions shall be applicable throughout the term of this
Agreement: 12.1 Assignments and Participations.
12.1.1 Each Bank shall have the right to sell, assign or transfer all or any
part of its Note, its Commitment and its rights and obligations hereunder to one
or more Affiliates, Banks, financial institutions, pension plans, insurance
companies, investment funds, or similar Persons who are Eligible Assignees or to
a Federal Reserve Bank; provided, that in connection with each sale, assignment
or transfer (other than to an Affiliate, a Bank or a Federal Reserve Bank), the
applicable Bank will consider, prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default,
the opinion and recommendation of Borrower, which opinion and recommendation
shall in no way be binding upon such Bank, and each such sale, assignment, or
transfer (other than to an Affiliate, a Bank or a Federal Reserve Bank), shall
require the consent of Agent, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld,
and the assignee, transferee or recipient shall have, to the extent of such
sale, assignment, or transfer, the same rights, benefits and obligations as it
would if it were such Bank and a holder of such Note, Commitments and rights and
obligations, including, without limitation, the right to vote on decisions
requiring consent or approval of all Banks or Majority Banks and the obligation
to fund its Commitments; provided, further, that (1) each such sale, assignment,
or transfer (other than to an Affiliate, a Bank or a Federal Reserve Bank) shall
be in an aggregate principal amount not less than $1,000,000, (2) each remaining
Bank shall at all times maintain Commitments then outstanding in an aggregate
principal amount at least equal to $1,000,000; (3) each such sale, assignment or
transfer shall be of a Pro Rata portion of such Bank's Commitment, (4) no Bank
may offer to sell its Note, Commitment, rights and obligations or interests
therein in violation of any securities laws; and (5) no such assignments (other
than to a Federal Reserve Bank) shall become effective until the assigning Bank
and its assignee delivers to Agent and Borrower an Assignment and Acceptance and
the Note or Notes subject to such assignment and other documents evidencing any
such assignment. An assignment fee in the amount of $3,500 for each such
assignment (other than to an Affiliate, a Bank or the Federal Reserve Bank) will
be payable to Agent by assignor or assignee. Within five (5) Business Days after
its receipt of copies of the Assignment and Acceptance and the other documents
relating thereto and the Note, the Borrower shall execute and deliver to Agent
(for delivery to the relevant assignee) a new Note evidencing such assignee's
assigned Commitment and if the assignor Bank has retained a portion of its
Commitments, a replacement Note in the principal amount of the Commitments
retained by the assignor (except as provided in the last sentence of this
paragraph (a) such Note to be in exchange for, but not in payment of, the Note
held by such Bank). On and after the effective date of an assignment hereunder,
the assignee shall for all purposes be a Bank, party to this Agreement and any
other Loan Document executed by the Banks and shall have all the rights and
obligations of a Bank under the Loan Documents, to the same extent as if it were
an original party thereto, and no further consent or action by Borrower, Banks
or the Agent shall be required to release the transferor Bank with respect to
its Commitments assigned to such assignee and the transferor Bank shall
henceforth be so released.
12.1.2 Each Bank shall have the right to grant participations in all or any part
of such Bank's Note and Commitments hereunder to one or more pension plans,
investment funds, insurance companies, financial institutions or other Persons,
provided, that:
(a) each Bank granting a participation shall retain the right to vote
hereunder, and no participant shall be entitled to vote hereunder on
decisions requiring consent or approval of Banks or Majority Banks (except
as set forth in (iii) below);
(b) in the event any Bank grants a participation hereunder, such
Bank's obligations under the Loan Documents shall remain unchanged, such
Bank shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the
performance of such obligations, such Bank shall remain the holder of any
such Note or Notes for all purposes under the Loan Documents, and Agent,
each Bank and Borrower shall be entitled to deal with the Bank granting a
participation in the same manner as if no participation had been granted;
and
(c) no participant shall ever have any right by reason of its
participation to exercise any of the rights of Banks hereunder, except that
any Bank may agree with any participant that such Bank will not, without
the consent of such participant (which consent may not be unreasonably
withheld) consent to any amendment or waiver requiring approval of all
Banks.
12.1.3 It is understood and agreed that any Bank may provide to assignees and
participants and prospective assignees and participants financial information
and reports and data concerning Borrower's properties and operations which was
provided to such Bank pursuant to this Agreement.
12.1.4 Upon the reasonable request of either Agent or Borrower, each Bank will
identify those to whom it has assigned or participated any part of its Notes and
Commitment, and provide the amounts so assigned or participated.
12.2 Cross-Default. A default by Borrower in this Agreement shall constitute a
default under the Notes and other Loan Documents, and any other instrument given
by Borrower to Bank pursuant to this Agreement. A default under the Notes or
other Loan Documents shall constitute an Event of Default by Borrower under the
terms of this Agreement and the Notes and Loan Documents.
12.3 Notices. All notices hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to
have been sufficiently given or served for all purposes when presented as set
forth below to any party hereto at the following address:
To Borrower: Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc.
321 East Main Street
Ada, Oklahoma 74821
Telecopier number: 580/436-7410
Attn: Steve Williamson,
Chief Financial Officer
To Banks: c/o BANK OF OKLAHOMA, N.A., Agent
201 Robert S. Kerr
P.O. Box 24128
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73124
Telecopier number: 405/272-2588
Attn: Laura Christofferson,
Senior Vice President
or at such other address of which it shall have notified the party giving such
notice in writing. Any notice, demand or communication under or in connection
with this Loan Agreement shall be deemed effective when received by the party to
whom addressed in the case of personal delivery, telefax, or by telex wire, or
if sent by mail shall be deemed effective three business days after deposited in
any post office of the United States Post Office Department, registered or
certified mail, postage fully prepaid, return receipt requested.
12.4 Amendment; Waiver. This Agreement may not be amended, modified, waived,
discharged or terminated in any way, except by an instrument in writing executed
by all parties hereto.
12.5 Governing Law. This Agreement, the Notes, the Loan Documents and all other
documents issued and executed hereunder shall be deemed to be a contract made
under the laws of the State of Oklahoma and shall be construed by and governed
in accordance with the laws of the State of Oklahoma.
12.6 Prohibition Against Assignment. Borrower shall not assign nor transfer
voluntarily or by operation of law, or otherwise dispose of this Agreement or
any rights hereunder, however the Banks shall have full right and power to
assign this Agreement as set forth in Section 12.1 above. An assignment or
transfer in violation of this provision shall be invalid, and an assignment or
transfer by operation of law shall be deemed to be an invalid transfer.
12.7 Indemnification. The Borrower agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the
Agent and Banks (or any participant in the Loan) and each of their affiliates
and their respective officers, directors, trustees, employees, agents, and
advisors (each, an "Indemnified Party") from and against any and all claims,
damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable
attorneys' fees, disbursements and other charges) that may be incurred by or
asserted or awarded against any Indemnified Party, in each case arising out of
or in connection with or by reason of (including in connection with any
investigation, litigation, or proceeding and regardless of whether such
Indemnified Party is a party thereto or preparation of defense in connection
therewith) the Loan Documents or any of the transactions contemplated herein or
the actual or proposed use of the proceeds of the Loan, except to the extent
such claim, damage, loss, liability, cost, or expense is found in a final,
non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted
solely from such Indemnified Party's bad faith, negligence or willful
misconduct, or failure to comply with any of its obligations under the Loan
Documents. In the case of an investigation, litigation or other proceeding to
which the indemnity in this Section 12.7 applies, such indemnity shall be
effective whether or not such investigation, litigation or proceeding is brought
by any Person. The Borrower agrees not to assert any claim against any
Indemnified Party on any theory of liability, for special, indirect,
consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or otherwise relating to the
Loan Documents, any of the transactions contemplated herein or the actual or
proposed use of the proceeds of the Loan.
12.8 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, the Notes, the Loan Documents and the
other instruments, statements or documents described herein constitute the
entire agreement between Borrower and Bank, with any and all prior agreements
and understandings being canceled and merged herein.
12.9 Severability. In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this
Agreement, the Notes or any other Loan Documents should be deemed invalid,
illegal or unenforceable in any respect in any jurisdiction, the validity,
legality and enforceability of such provision or provisions will not in any way
be affected or impaired thereby in any other jurisdiction and the validity,
legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and
therein will not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
12.10 Captions. The captions and headings of this loan agreement are for
convenience only and in no way define, limit or describe the scope or intent of
any provision of this Agreement.
12.11 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to
the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, legal
representatives, successors and assigns.
12.12 Contrary Provisions. The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall
govern and control any and all contrary provisions of the Loan Documents.
12.13 Counterpart. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterpart and
all such counterparts shall be construed together as the Agreement.
12.14 Waiver of Jury Trial. Borrower waives trial by jury in any action or
proceeding to which Borrower and Banks may be parties, arising out of, in
connection with or in any way pertaining to, this Agreement, the mortgage or any
of the other Loan Documents. It is agreed and understood that this waiver
constitutes a waiver of trial by jury of all claims against all parties to such
action or proceedings, including claims against parties who are not parties to
this note. This waiver is knowingly, willingly and voluntarily made by Borrower,
and Borrower hereby represents that no representations of fact or opinion have
been made by any individual to induce this waiver of trial by jury or to in any
way modify or nullify its effect. Borrower further represents and warrants that
it has been represented in the signing of this Agreement and in the making of
this waiver by independent legal counsel, or has had the opportunity to be
represented by independent legal counsel selected of its own free will, and that
it has had the opportunity to discuss this waiver with counsel.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this
Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
PRE-PAID LEGAL SERVICES, INC.
an Oklahoma corporation
/s/ Harland C. Stonecipher
-----------------------------
By: Harland C. Stonecipher
Title: Chairman and CEO
BANK OF OKLAHOMA, N.A.
/s/ Laura Christofferson
----------------------------
By: Laura Christofferson
Title: Senior Vice President
COMERICA BANK
/s/ Richard L. Rogers
-----------------------------
By: Richard L. Rogers
Title: Senior Vice President
FIRST UNITED BANK & TRUST,
a state banking corporation
/s/ John P. Martin
------------------------------
By: John P. Martin
Title: Senior Vice President
EXHIBIT A
PROMISSORY NOTE
$25,000,000 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, PRE-PAID LEGAL SERVICES, INC., an Oklahoma
corporation (the "Maker") promises to pay to the order of BANK OF OKLAHOMA,
N.A., a national banking association ("Bank") at the office of Bank of
Oklahoma, N.A. (the "Agent") in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, which is located
at 201 Robert S. Kerr Ave., or such other place as may be designated in
writing by the Agent, the principal sum of Twenty-five Million and 00/100
Dollars ($25,000,000.00), or so much thereof as shall be disbursed,
together with interest at the rate stated herein on such outstanding
principal amount, and on any past due interest payments, payable as
follows:
This Note is subject to the terms and conditions of that certain Loan
Agreement of even date herewith, between the undersigned, certain lenders
named therein, including, without limitation, the Bank and Bank of
Oklahoma, N.A., as Agent (as amended, the "Loan Agreement"), which terms
and conditions are hereby incorporated by reference herein and shall be
controlling over any provision of this Note to the contrary. Reference is
hereby made to the Loan Agreement for a statement of the calculation and
computation of the rate of interest charged on amounts outstanding under
this Note, for a statement of repayment and prepayment rights and
obligations of Maker, for a statement of the terms and conditions under
which the due date of this Note may be accelerated and for statements
regarding other matters affecting this Note (including without limitation
the obligations of the holder hereof to advance funds hereunder, exercise
of rights and remedies, payment of attorneys' fees, court costs and other
costs of collection and certain waivers by Maker and others now or
hereafter obligated for payment of any sums due hereunder). Upon the
occurrence of an Event of Default, as that term is defined in the Loan
Agreement, and after the expiration of any grace or cure period as set
forth in the Loan Agreement, the holder hereof (i) may declare forthwith to
be entirely and immediately due and payable the principal balance hereof
and the interest accrued hereon, and (ii) shall have all rights and
remedies of the Banks under the Loan Agreement and Loan Documents. This
Note may be prepaid in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Loan
Agreement. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall be defined
as set forth in the Loan Agreement.
This Note is one of the Notes, as such term is defined in the Loan
Agreement.
This Note is to be construed according to the laws of the State of
Oklahoma.
The undersigned agrees that if, and as often as, this Note is placed in the
hands of an attorney for collection or to defend or enforce any of the holder's
rights hereunder, the undersigned will pay to the holder hereof its reasonable
attorney's fees, together with all court costs and other expenses paid by such
holder.
All payments on this Note shall be made in legal tender of the United
States of America or other immediately available funds at the Agent's or other
holder's address as shown herein or otherwise indicated and any such payment
will not be deemed to have been made until it is received by the holder of this
Note in collected funds.
All agreements between the undersigned and the holder are expressly limited
so that in no event whatsoever, whether by reason of disbursement of the
proceeds hereof or otherwise shall the amount of interest or finance charge (as
defined by the laws of the State of Oklahoma) paid or agreed to be paid by the
undersigned to the holder hereof exceed the highest lawful contractual rate of
interest or the maximum finance charge permissible under the law which a court
of competent jurisdiction, by final non-appealable order, determines to be
applicable hereto. If fulfillment of any agreement between the undersigned and
the holder hereof, at the time the performance of such agreement becomes due,
involves exceeding such highest lawful contractual rate or such maximum
permissible finance charge, then the obligation to fulfill the same shall be
reduced so such obligation does not exceed such highest lawful contractual rate
or maximum permissible finance charge. If by any circumstance the holder shall
ever receive as interest or finance charge an amount which would exceed the
amount allowed by applicable law, the amount which may be deemed excessive shall
be deemed applied to the principal of the indebtedness evidenced hereby and not
to interest. All interest and finance charges paid or agreed to be paid to the
holder hereof shall be prorated, allocated and spread throughout the full period
of this Note. The terms and provisions of this paragraph shall control all other
terms and provisions contained herein and in any other documents executed in
connection herewith. If any provision of this Note, or the application thereof
to any party or circumstance is held invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of
this Note and the application of such provision to other parties or
circumstances shall not be affected thereby, provisions of this Note being
severable in any such instance.
The makers, endorsers, sureties, guarantors and all other persons who may
become liable for all or any part of this obligation severally waive presentment
for payment, protest and notice of nonpayment. Said parties consent to any
extension of time (whether one or more) of payment hereof, any renewal (whether
one or more) hereof, and any release of any such party liable for payment of
this note without notice to any such party and without discharging the said
party's liability hereunder.
The failure of the holder hereof to exercise any of the remedies or options
set forth in this Note or in any instrument securing payment hereof, upon the
occurrence of one or more of the Events of Default shall not constitute a waiver
of the right to exercise the same or any other remedy at any subsequent time in
respect to the same or any other Event of Default. Acceptance by the holder
hereof of any payment which is less than the total of all amounts due and
payable at the time of such payment shall not constitute a waiver of the right
to exercise any of the foregoing remedies or options at that time or at any
subsequent time, or nullify any prior exercise of any such remedy or option,
without the express consent of the holder hereof, except as and to the extent
otherwise provided by law.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this instrument effective
as of September __, 2003.
PRE-PAID LEGAL SERVICES, INC.,
an Oklahoma Corporation:
By:
------------------------------
Name: Harland C. Stonecipher
Title: Chairman and CEO
EXHIBIT B
FORM OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
_________ __, 200_
BANK OF OKLAHOMA, N.A., Agent
201 Robert S. Kerr Ave.
P.O. Box 24128 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73124
Attn: Laura Christofferson, Senior Vice President
Re: Loan Agreement dated as of September __, 2003, by and between Pre-Paid
Legal Services, Inc. and Bank of Oklahoma, N.A., Comerica Bank, and First
United Bank & Trust (the "Loan Agreement")
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Pursuant to the applicable requirements of the Loan Agreement, the undersigned,
as a Responsible Officer of Borrower, hereby certifies to you the following
information as true and correct as of the date hereof or for the period
indicated, as the case may be.
1. No Potential Default or Event of Default exists as of the date hereof or has
occurred since the date of our previous certification to you, if any.
2. The following Potential Defaults or Events of Default exist as of the date
hereof or have occurred since the date of our previous certification to you, if
any, and the actions set forth below are being taken to remedy such
circumstances:
3. The compliance of the Borrowers with the Debt Coverage Ratio, as of the close
of business on ____________________________________, is evidenced by the
following:
Section 8.1: Debt Coverage Ratio
Required ..... Actual
1.25:1.00 ..... 1.____:1.____
Section 8.2: Retention Rate (12 month average in place for greater than
18 months)
Required ..... Actual
70% ..... ___%
Section 8.3: Cancellation Rate (on contracts less than or equal to 12
months)
Required ..... Actual
45% __%
Section 8.4: Tangible Net Worth
Required ..... Actual
At least ($0.00).. ___:___
[after September 30 the TNW as of 9/30/03 plus 50% of NI]
4. No material adverse change in Borrower's ability to repay the Loan has
occurred since the date of the Financial Statements dated as of
______________________.
Each capitalized term used but not defined herein shall have the meaning
assigned to such term in the Loan Agreement.
PRE-PAID LEGAL SERVICES, INC.
an Oklahoma corporation
By: ________________________
Title: _______________________
EXHIBIT C
SOLVENCY CERTIFICATE
This Certificate is delivered pursuant to Section 4.1 of the Loan
Agreement, dated as of September __, 2003 (the "Loan Agreement"), among PRE-PAID
LEGAL SERVICES, INC., an Oklahoma corporation, (the "Borrower"), in favor of
BANK OF OKLAHOMA, N.A., a national banking association ("BOK"), COMERICA BANK
("Comerica"), FIRST UNITED BANK & TRUST, a state banking corporation ("FUB"),
and each of the financial institutions which may from time to time become a
party pursuant to the provisions of Section 12.1 of the Loan Agreement or any
successor or assignee thereof (hereinafter collectively referred to as "Banks",
and individually, "Bank") and BOK, as Agent for the Banks ("Agent"). All
capitalized terms used in this Certificate which are defined in the Loan
Agreement are used in this Certificate with the same meanings as provided in the
Loan Agreement.
To induce the Banks to make the Loans, the undersigned hereby certifies to
the Agent and the Banks as follows:
1. I am the duly qualified and acting Chief Financial Officer of Borrower,
and in such capacity I am familiar with the management of the financial affairs
and accounting practices of Borrower and its Subsidiaries and the preparation of
the financial statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries. I understand that
the delivery of these financial statements is a condition precedent to the
Banks' respective obligations to make Loan to the Borrower and that the Banks
will rely on the truth and accuracy of such financial statements in connection
with making such Loan to the Borrower.
2. I have reviewed the contents of this Certificate, and, to the extent I
have deemed it necessary or prudent, I have conferred with counsel for the
Borrower for the purpose of discussing the meaning of its contents. I have also
consulted with other officers, employees, representatives, advisers and agents
of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries with respect to providing this
certification. I have made such other investigations and inquiries as I have
deemed necessary or prudent.
3. Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries are insolvent. "Insolvent"
as used herein means that the sum of a Borrower's or a Subsidiaries' assets, at
their fair valuation and based on their present fair saleable value, is less
than the amount of its debts, including contingent liabilities. As used herein,
the term "debt" means any liability on a claim, and "claim" as used herein means
(i) the right to payment, whether or not such right is reduced to judgment or is
liquidated, unliquidated, fixed, contingent, matured, unmatured, disputed,
undisputed, legal, equitable, secured or unsecured, and (ii) the right to an
equitable remedy for breach of performance if such breach gives rise to a right
to payment, whether or not such right to an equitable remedy is reduced to
judgment or is fixed, contingent, matured, unmatured, disputed, undisputed,
secured or unsecured; provided, however, that a claim relating to pending or
threatened litigation against the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall not be
considered a debt for any amount in excess of the amount that Borrower has
reserved for such claim in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. In reaching the foregoing conclusion, I have also taken into
consideration the probable liabilities, contingent or otherwise, of each
Borrower and its Subsidiaries to their respective creditors after giving effect
to the transactions contemplated by the Loan Agreement.
4. After the incurrence of its obligations under the Loan Agreement and the
Loan Documents, Borrower will not have incurred debts beyond its ability to pay
such debts as they mature (taking into account the timing and amounts of cash to
be received by the Borrower), and the cash available to the Borrower, after
taking into account all other anticipated uses of such cash, is anticipated to
be sufficient to pay all such amounts on or in respect of the debts of the
Borrower when such amounts are required to be paid.
5. After the incurrence of its obligations under the Loan Agreement and
Loan Documents, the Borrower will have sufficient capital to conduct its present
or proposed business, and the property of the Borrower does not constitute
unreasonably small capital with which to conduct its present or proposed
business.
6. Borrower is not entering into the arrangements contemplated by the Loan
Agreement or Loan Documents, or intending to make any transfer or incur any
obligations thereunder, with the actual intent to hinder, delay or defraud any
of its present or future creditors.
I represent the foregoing information to be true and correct to my best
knowledge and belief and execute this Certificate, in my representative capacity
on behalf of the Borrower as of September __, 2003.
_____________, Chief Financial Officer of
EXHIBIT D
PLEDGE AGREEMENT
THIS PLEDGE AGREEMENT (this "Pledge Agreement"), dated as of September __,
2003, made by PRE-PAID LEGAL SERVICES, INC., an Oklahoma corporation, (the
"Pledgor" and/or, sometimes, "Borrower"), in favor of BANK OF OKLAHOMA, N.A., a
national banking association ("BOK"), COMERICA BANK ("Comerica"), FIRST UNITED
BANK & TRUST, a state banking corporation ("FUB"), and each of the financial
institutions which may from time to time become a party pursuant to the
provisions of Section 12.1 of the Loan Agreement described below or any
successor or assignee thereof (hereinafter collectively referred to as "Banks",
and individually, "Bank") and BOK, as Agent for the Banks ("Agent").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, Borrower, Agent and Banks are parties to that certain Loan
Agreement dated as of the date hereof (the "Agreement") whereby Borrower and
Banks have agreed to an extension of credit in the principal amount of Twenty
Five Million and No/100 Dollars ($25,000,000.00) from the Banks to the Borrower
consisting of a $25,000,000 term loan for the primary purpose of purchasing
Borrower's shares of stock in the open market (the "Loan"), as evidenced by the
promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $25,000,000 (the "Notes"); and
WHEREAS, as a condition precedent to the Agreement, the Pledgor is required
to execute and deliver this Pledge Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Pledgor has duly authorized the execution, delivery and
performance of this Pledge Agreement; and
WHEREAS, Pledgor owns 100% of the common stock or ownership units of each
of the entities described on Exhibit "B" attached hereto (the "Affiliates") and
have determined that it is in the best interest of the Pledgor to execute this
Pledge Agreement inasmuch as the Pledgor will derive substantial benefits from
the loan described;
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which
is hereby acknowledged, and in order to induce the Banks to enter into the
Agreement and make the Loan, the Pledgor agrees, for the benefit of the Banks,
as follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
1.1 Certain Terms. The following terms (whether or not underscored) when used in
this Pledge Agreement, including its preamble and recitals, shall have the
following meanings (such definitions to be equally applicable to the singular
and plural forms thereof):
"Affiliate" is defined in the fourth (4th) recital and are listed on
Exhibit "B" attached hereto.
"Agent" is defined in the preamble.
"Agreement" is defined in the first recital.
"Banks" is defined in the preamble.
"Borrower" is defined in the preamble and is the Pledgor.
"Collateral" is defined in Section 2.1.
"Distributions" means all cash dividends or distributions, in the case of
any Affiliate which is a limited liability company, declared and/or paid in
respect of the Pledged Securities.
"Event of Default" shall have the meaning set forth in the Agreement, and
shall specifically include any breach of Pledgor's representations, warranties,
covenants or other obligations, if any, under this Pledge Agreement.
"Loans" has the meaning set out in the Agreement.
"Loan Document" has the meaning set out in the Agreement.
"Majority Banks" has the meaning set out in the Agreement.
"Notes" has the meaning set out in the Agreement.
"Obligor" means the Borrower or any other Person (other than the Banks)
obligated under any Loan Document.
"Person" means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company,
or other company, firm, business trust, trust, trustee, association, government,
governmental agency or any other entity, whether acting in an individual,
fiduciary or other capacity.
"Pledge Agreement" is defined in the preamble.
"Pledged Securities" means all securities or other ownership interests
issued by each Affiliate and owned by Pledgor and all securities or other
ownership interests issued with respect to such securities or other ownership
interests and all additional securities or other ownership interests issued by
each Affiliate hereafter acquired by a Pledgor.
"Pledgor" is defined in the preamble.
"Secured Obligations" is defined in Section 2.2.
"Securities Act" is defined in Section 6.2(a).
"U.C.C." means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of
Oklahoma.
1.2 Agreement Definitions. Unless otherwise defined herein or the context
otherwise requires, terms used in this Pledge Agreement, including its preamble
and recitals, have the meanings provided in the Agreement.
1.3 U.C.C. Definitions. Unless otherwise defined herein, in the Agreement, or
the context otherwise requires, terms for which meanings are provided in the
U.C.C. are used in this Pledge Agreement, including its preamble and recitals,
are used as provided in the U.C.C.
ARTICLE 2
PLEDGE
2.1 Grant of Security Interest. Pledgor hereby pledges, hypothecates, assigns,
charges, mortgages, delivers, and transfers to the Agent for the benefit of the
Banks, and hereby grants to the Agent for the benefit of the Banks a continuing
security interest in, all of the following property (the "Collateral"):
2.1.1 all Pledged Securities identified in Exhibit "B" hereto, together with all
other securities of any Affiliate acquired by a Pledgor from time to time
hereafter; and
2.1.2 all instruments and general intangibles related to the Pledged Securities,
and all Distributions, monies, income, proceeds and benefits attributable or
accruing to the Pledged Securities, including but not limited to, all stock
rights, options, rights to subscribe, liquidating dividends or distributions,
cash, income, interest, principal, stock dividends, dividends paid in stock, new
securities or other property, and all other benefits to which a Pledgor may
hereafter become entitled to receive on account of, or in exchange for, the
Pledged Securities now owned or hereafter acquired; and
2.1.3 all proceeds of any of the foregoing.
2.2 Security for Obligations. This Pledge Agreement secures the payment in full
of all obligations of Borrower now or hereafter existing under the Agreement as
such obligations relate to the Loan, the Notes and each other Loan Document, and
all extensions, renewals, modifications and rearrangements thereof, whether for
principal, interest, costs, fees, expenses, or otherwise, and all obligations of
Pledgor now or hereafter existing under this Pledge Agreement and each other
Loan Document to which it is or may become a party (all such obligations being
the "Secured Obligations"). Pledgor acknowledges that the security interest
hereby granted shall secure all future advances relating to the Loan. Upon
payment in full of the Notes, Pledgor shall be released from it obligations
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and Agent shall return all Pledged
Securities.
2.3 Delivery of Collateral.
2.3.1 All certificates or instruments representing or evidencing any Collateral,
including all Pledged Securities, shall be delivered to and held by the Agent on
behalf of the Banks pursuant hereto, shall be in form suitable for transfer by
delivery, and shall be accompanied by all necessary endorsements or instruments
of transfer or assignment, duly executed in blank, with medallion signature
guaranteed. If, after the date hereof, Pledgor acquires any additional
certificates or instruments evidencing or representing the Collateral, all such
certificates or instruments shall likewise be delivered to Agent, for the
benefit of the Banks, similarly endorsed and guaranteed.
2.3.2 To the extent any of the Collateral constitutes "uncertificated
securities" (as defined in Section 8.102(a)(18) of the U.C.C.), the Borrower
shall acknowledge (in the form of Exhibit A) to the Banks the registration on
the books of Borrower of the pledge and security interest hereby created in the
manner required by Section 8.301(b) of the U.C.C. If, after the date hereof, a
Pledgor acquires any additional uncertificated securities covered by this
Agreement, the Pledgor shall provide the same acknowledgment with respect
thereto.
2.3.3 With respect to any Collateral that represents ownership interests (but is
not a "security" under the U.C.C.), Pledgor will nevertheless provide the same
type of acknowledgment as is required for uncertificated securities under
Section 2.3(b).
2.4 Financing Statements. To the extent that any of the Collateral is not a
"security," as defined in Section 8.103 of the U.C.C., the Pledgor hereby
authorizes Agent to prepare and file a UCC-1 Financing Statement with respect
thereto, for recording the Banks' lien, and Pledgor shall make appropriate
notations in the records of Pledgor that such Collateral is pledged hereunder.
If a Pledgor acquires any additional Collateral covered hereby which is not a
security, Pledgor will immediately notify Agent and Agent is further authorized
to file such financing statements as may be deemed necessary by Agent.
2.5 Distributions on Pledged Securities. In the event that any Distribution is
to be paid on any Pledged Security at a time when no Default has occurred and is
continuing, such Distribution may be paid directly to the Pledgor. If any such
Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing then any such
Distribution shall be paid directly to the Agent for the ratable benefit of the
Banks.
2.6 Continuing Security Interest. This Pledge Agreement shall create a
continuing security interest in the Collateral and shall:
2.6.1 remain in full force and effect until payment in full of all Secured
Obligations and the termination of the commitments of the Banks to make Loans to
the Borrower;
2.6.2 be binding upon the Pledgor and its successors, transferees and assigns;
and
2.6.3 inure to the benefit of the Banks and their successors, transferees, and
assigns.
Without limiting the foregoing clause (c), the Banks or any Bank may assign or
otherwise transfer (in whole or in part) its Note, the Agreement, or any Secured
Obligation to any other Person or entity, and such other Person shall thereupon
become vested with all the rights, benefits, and obligations in respect thereof
granted to the Banks under any Loan Document (including, but not limited to,
this Pledge Agreement) or otherwise. Upon the payment in full of all Secured
Obligations and the termination of the commitments of the Banks to make the Loan
to the Borrower, the security interest granted herein shall terminate and all
rights to the Collateral shall revert to the Pledgor. Upon any such termination,
the Banks and/or the Agent will, at the Pledgor's sole expense, deliver to the
Pledgor, without any representations, warranties or recourse of any kind
whatsoever, all certificates and instruments representing or evidencing all
Pledged Securities, together with all other Collateral held by the Banks
hereunder, and execute and deliver to the Pledgor such documents as the Pledgor
shall reasonably request to evidence such termination.
2.7 Security Interest Absolute. All rights of the Banks and the security
interests granted to the Banks hereunder, and all obligations of the Pledgor
hereunder, shall be absolute and unconditional, irrespective of:
2.7.1 any lack of validity or enforceability of the Agreement, the Notes or any
Note or any other Loan Document;
2.7.2 the failure of the Banks or any holder of any Note:
(a) to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or remedy
against the Borrower, any other Obligor or any other Person under the
provisions of the Agreement, any Note, any other Loan Document or
otherwise, or
(b) to exercise any right or remedy against any other guarantor of, or
collateral securing, any Secured Obligations;
2.7.3 any change in the time, manner or place of payment of, or in any other
term of, all or any of the Secured Obligations or any other extension,
compromise or renewal of any Secured Obligation;
2.7.4 any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination of any Secured
Obligation for any reason, including any claim of waiver, release, surrender,
alteration or compromise, and shall not be subject to (and Pledgor hereby waives
any right to or claim of) any defense or setoff, counterclaim, recoupment or
termination whatsoever by reason of the invalidity, illegality, nongenuineness,
irregularity, compromise, unenforceability of, or any other event or occurrence
affecting, any Secured Obligations;
2.7.5 any amendment to, rescission, waiver, or other modification of, or any
consent to departure from, any of the terms of the Agreement, any Note or any
other Loan Document;
2.7.6 any addition, exchange, release, surrender, or non-perfection of any
collateral (including the Collateral), or any amendment to or waiver or release
of or addition to or consent to departure from any guaranty, for any of the
Secured Obligations; or
2.7.7 any other circumstances which might otherwise constitute a defense
available to, or a legal or equitable discharge of, the Borrower, any other
Obligor, any surety or any guarantor.
ARTICLE 3
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
3.1 Organization, etc. The Pledgor is a corporation duly incorporated under the
laws of the state of Oklahoma; and the Pledgor is duly qualified and in good
standing as a corporation authorized to do business in each jurisdiction where,
because of the nature of its activities or properties, such qualification is
required and where the failure so to qualify would have a material adverse
effect on the financial condition, business, operations and prospects of the
Pledgor.
3.2 Due Authorization; Non-Contravention, etc. Pledgor has the full legal power,
right and capacity to enter into and perform this Pledge Agreement and the other
Loan Documents to which it is a party. The consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Pledge Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it
is a party are within the Pledgor's legal power, have received all necessary
governmental and other approvals, exemptions, authorizations, licenses and
permits (if any shall be required), and do not and will not contravene or
conflict with any provision of any law, rule, regulation, order, writ, judgment,
decree, determination or award presently in effect having applicability to the
Pledgor, and do not and will not result in the breach or termination of any
provision of, or constitute a default under, any indenture, mortgage, deed of
trust or other agreement or instrument to which the Pledgor is a party or by
which the Pledgor or its properties may be bound, including, without limitation,
any confidentiality agreement or restrictions or disclosure of information.
3.3 Validity. This Pledge Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which
Pledgor is a party have been duly executed and delivered and constitute the
legal, valid and binding obligation of Pledgor, enforceable against Pledgor in
accordance with their terms.
3.4 Ownership, No Liens, etc. The Pledgor is the legal and beneficial owner of,
and has good and marketable title to (and have full right and authority to
pledge and assign) the Collateral, free and clear of all liens, security
interests, options, or other charges or encumbrances, except any lien or
security interest granted pursuant hereto in favor of the Banks.
3.5 Valid Security Interest. The delivery of such Collateral to the Agent for
the ratable benefit of the Banks is effective to create a valid, perfected,
first priority security interest in such Collateral and all proceeds thereof,
securing the Secured Obligations. No filing or other action will be necessary to
perfect or protect such security interest, except as set out in Sections 2.3 and
2.4.
3.6 Pledged Securities. The Pledged Securities are duly registered in the
permanent ownership records of the Borrower, and such registration is maintained
in the principal office of such issuer. Such registration continues valid and
genuine and has not been altered. All Pledged Securities have been duly
authorized and validly issued and registered, are fully paid and non-assessable,
and were not issued in violation of the preemptive rights, if any, of any Person
or of any agreement by which Pledgor is bound. All documentary, stamp or other
taxes or fees owing in connection with the registration, issuance, transfer or
pledge of Collateral have been paid. No restrictions or conditions exist with
respect to the registration, transfer, voting or control of any Pledged
Securities. The Pledged Securities constitute 100% of the ownership interests of
the Affiliates. There are no outstanding rights, rights to subscribe, options,
warrants or convertible securities outstanding or any other rights outstanding
whereby any Person would be entitled to acquire member interests or units of any
Affiliate.
3.7 Authorization, Approval, etc. No authorization, approval, or other action
by, and no notice to or filing with, any governmental authority, regulatory body
or any other Person is required either:
3.7.1 for the pledge by Pledgor of any Collateral pursuant to this Pledge
Agreement or for the execution, delivery, and performance of this Pledge
Agreement by Pledgor, or
3.7.2 for the exercise by the Banks of the voting or other rights provided for
in this Pledge Agreement, or, except with respect to any Pledged Securities, as
may be required in connection with a disposition of such Pledged Securities by
laws affecting the offering and sale of securities generally, the remedies in
respect of the Collateral pursuant to this Pledge Agreement.
ARTICLE 4
COVENANTS
4.1 Protect Collateral; Further Assurances, etc. The Pledgor will not sell,
assign, transfer, pledge, or encumber in any other manner the Collateral (except
in favor of the Banks hereunder). Pledgor will warrant and defend the right and
title herein granted unto the Banks in and to the Collateral (and all right,
title, and interest represented by the Collateral) against the claims and
demands of all Persons. Pledgor agrees that at any time, and from time to time,
at the expense of the Pledgor, the Pledgor will promptly execute and deliver all
further instruments, and take all further action, that may be reasonably
necessary or desirable, or that the Banks may reasonably request, in order to
perfect and protect any security interest granted or purported to be granted
hereby or to enable the Banks to exercise and enforce its rights and remedies
hereunder with respect to any Collateral. Pledgor agrees that without the prior
written consent of the Majority Banks, in its sole and absolute discretion, it
will not make any amendments to the applicable governing instruments of the
Affiliates, or enter in any other agreements which, in the opinion of the Agent,
on behalf of the Banks, in its sole and absolute discretion, will reduce the
value of the Collateral.
4.2 Certificates, etc. Pledgor agrees that all Pledged Securities delivered by
the Pledgor pursuant to this Pledge Agreement will be accompanied by duly
executed undated blank stock powers, in substantially the form attached hereto
as Exhibit C, or other equivalent instruments of transfer acceptable to the
Banks, with medallion signature guarantee. Pledgor will, from time to time upon
the request of the Banks, promptly deliver to the Agent duly executed undated
blank stock powers, instruments, and similar documents, satisfactory in form and
substance to the Agent, medallion signature guaranteed, with respect to the
Collateral as the Agent may reasonably request and will, from time to time upon
the request of the Agent after the occurrence of any Event of Default and, with
respect to an Event of Default described in the Agreement (other than in respect
of a payment), which has not been remedied as provided therein, promptly
transfer any Pledged Securities constituting Collateral into the name of any
nominee designated by the Agent.
4.3 Continuous Pledge. Subject to Section 2.5, Pledgor will, at all times, keep
pledged to the Banks pursuant hereto all Pledged Securities and all other
Collateral, including all Distributions with respect thereto, and all other
Collateral and other securities, instruments, proceeds, and rights from time to
time received by or distributable to the Pledgor in respect of any Collateral.
4.4 Voting Rights; Distributions, etc. Pledgor agrees:
4.4.1 after any Event of Default shall have occurred and, if applicable, be
continuing, promptly upon the occurrence thereof and without any request
therefor by the Agent and/or the Banks, to deliver (properly endorsed where
required hereby or requested by the Agent) to the Agent for the ratable benefit
of the Banks all Distributions, monies, interest, principal, other cash
payments, and all proceeds of the Collateral, all of which shall be held by the
Agent for the ratable benefit of the Banks as additional Collateral for use in
accordance with Section 6.3; and
4.4.2 after any Event of Default shall have occurred and, if applicable, be
continuing and the Agent has notified the Pledgor of the Banks' intention to
exercise its voting power under this Section:
(a) the Banks, by and through the Agent, may exercise (to the exclusion of
the Pledgor) the voting power and all other incidental rights of
ownership with respect to any Pledged Securities constituting
Collateral and the Pledgor hereby grants the Banks an irrevocable
proxy, exercisable under such circumstances, to vote the Pledged
Securities; and
(b) promptly to deliver to the Agent for the ratable benefit of the Banks
such additional proxies and other documents as may be necessary to
allow the Banks to exercise such voting power.
All Distributions, monies, interest, principal, cash payments, and proceeds
which may at any time and from time to time be held by the Pledgor but which the
Pledgor is then obligated to deliver to the Agent, shall, until delivery to the
Agent, be held by the Pledgor separate and apart from its other property in
trust for the Banks. The Banks agree that unless an Event of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing and the Agent shall have given the notice referred to
in Section 4.4(b), the Pledgor shall have the exclusive voting power with
respect to any of the Pledged Securities constituting Collateral and the Banks,
by and through the Agent, shall, upon the written request of the Pledgor,
promptly deliver such proxies and other documents, if any, as shall be
reasonably requested by the Pledgor which are necessary to allow the Pledgor to
exercise voting power with respect to any of the Pledged Securities constituting
Collateral; provided, however, that no vote shall be cast, or consent, waiver,
or ratification given, or action taken by the Pledgor that would impair any
Collateral or be inconsistent with or violate any provision of the Credit
Agreement or any other Loan Document (including this Pledge Agreement).
4.5 Delivery of Collateral. All requisite formalities for the granting of a
security interest in the Pledged Securities required pursuant to the governing
instruments of any Borrower or any applicable law have been complied with on or
prior to the execution and delivery of this Pledge Agreement. All registrations,
consents, instruments and writings required have been obtained by Pledgors. All
Pledged Securities are duly registered in the permanent ownership records of the
applicable Borrower and clearly show the Banks' security interest with respect
thereto.
4.6 Status of Pledged Securities. The registration of the Pledged Securities on
the permanent ownership records of the Borrower shall at all times be valid and
genuine and shall not be altered. The Pledged Securities at all times shall be
duly authorized, validly registered, fully paid, and non-assessable.
4.7 Additional Undertakings. Pledgor will not, without the prior written consent
of the Majority Banks:
4.7.1 enter into any agreement amending, supplementing, or waiving any provision
of any Pledged Securities (including any operating agreement to which any such
Pledged Securities relate) or compromising or releasing or extending the time
for payment of any obligation of the maker thereof;
4.7.2 take or omit to take any action the taking or the omission of which would
result in any impairment or alteration of any obligation of the Borrower in
respect of any Pledged Securities constituting Collateral;
4.7.3 cause or permit any change to be made in its name, identity or corporate
structure, or any change to be made to a jurisdiction other than as represented
in (i) the location of any Collateral, (ii) the location of any records
concerning any Collateral or (iii) in the location of its chief executive office
or chief place of business, unless the Pledgor shall have notified the Agent of
such change at least thirty (30) days prior to the effective date of such
change, and shall have first taken all action required by the Majority Banks for
the purpose of further perfecting or protecting the security interest in favor
of the Banks in the Collateral. In any notice furnished pursuant to this
subsection, the Pledgor will expressly state that the notice is required by this
Pledge Agreement and contains facts that may require additional filings of
financing statements or other notices for the purposes of continuing perfection
of the Banks' security interest in the Collateral;
4.7.4 permit the issuance of (i) any additional securities of any Affiliate
(unless immediately upon issuance the same are pledged and delivered to Agent
for the ratable benefit of the Banks pursuant to the terms hereof to the extent
necessary to give the Banks a security interest after such issue in at least the
same percentage of any such Affiliate's outstanding interests or units as before
such issue), (ii) any securities convertible voluntarily by the holder thereof
or automatically upon the occurrence or non-occurrence of any event or condition
into, or exchangeable for, any such securities of any Affiliate or (iii) any
warrants, options, contracts or other commitments entitling any Person to
purchase or otherwise acquire any securities of any Affiliate; or
4.7.5 enter into any agreement creating, or otherwise permit to exist, any
restriction or condition upon the transfer, voting or control of any Pledged
Securities.
ARTICLE 5
THE AGENT
5.1 Agent Appointed Attorney-in-Fact. Pledgor hereby irrevocably appoints the
Agent the Pledgor's attorney-in-fact, with full authority in the place and stead
of the Pledgor and in the name of the Pledgor or otherwise, from time to time in
the Agent's discretion, to take any action and to execute any instrument which
the Banks or Majority Banks, as the case may be, may deem necessary or advisable
to accomplish the purposes of this Pledge Agreement, including without
limitation:
5.1.1 to ask, demand, collect, sue for, recover, compromise, receive and give
acquittance and receipts for moneys due and to become due under or in respect of
any of the Collateral;
5.1.2 to receive, endorse, and collect any drafts or other instruments,
documents and chattel paper, in connection with clause (a) above; and
5.1.3 to file any claims or take any action or institute any proceedings which
the Agent may deem necessary or desirable for the collection of any of the
Collateral or otherwise to enforce the rights of the Banks with respect to any
of the Collateral.
Pledgor hereby acknowledges, consents and agrees that the power of attorney
granted pursuant to this Section is irrevocable and coupled with an interest.
5.2 Agent May Perform. If Pledgor fails to perform any agreement contained
herein, the Agent may itself perform, or cause performance of, such agreement,
and the expenses of the Agent incurred in connection therewith shall be payable
by the Pledgor pursuant to Section 6.4.
5.3 Agent Has No Duty. The powers conferred on the Agent hereunder are solely to
protect the Banks' interest in the Collateral and shall not impose any duty on
it to exercise any such powers. Except for the reasonable care of any Collateral
in its possession and the accounting for moneys actually received by it
hereunder, neither the Agent nor the Banks shall have any duty as to any
Collateral or responsibility for (a) ascertaining or taking action with respect
to calls, conversions, exchanges, maturities, tenders or other matters relative
to any Collateral, whether or not the Agent or any Bank has or is deemed to have
knowledge of such matters, or (b) taking any necessary steps to preserve rights
against prior parties or any other rights pertaining to any Collateral.
5.4 Reasonable Care. The Agent is required to exercise reasonable care in the
custody and preservation of any of the Collateral in its possession; provided,
however, the Agent shall be deemed to have exercised reasonable care in the
custody and preservation of any of the Collateral, if it takes such action for
that purpose as the Pledgor reasonably requests in writing at times other than
upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, but
failure of the Agent to comply with any such request at any time shall not in
itself be deemed a failure to exercise reasonable care.
ARTICLE 6
REMEDIES
6.1 Certain Remedies. If any Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing:
6.1.1 The Agent may exercise in respect of the Collateral, in addition to other
rights and remedies provided for herein or otherwise available to them, all the
rights and remedies of a secured party on default under the U.C.C. (whether or
not the U.C.C. applies to the affected Collateral) and also may, without notice
except as specified below, sell the Collateral or any part thereof in one or
more parcels at public or private sale, at any of the Agent's offices or
elsewhere, for cash, on credit or for future delivery, and upon such other terms
as the Banks may deem commercially reasonable. Pledgor agrees that, to the
extent notice of sale shall be required by law, at least five (5) days' prior
notice to the Pledgor of the time and place of any public sale or the time after
which any private sale is to be made shall constitute reasonable notification.
The Agent shall not be obligated to make any sale of Collateral regardless of
notice of sale having been given. The Agent may adjourn any public or private
sale from time to time by announcement at the time and placed fixed therefor,
and such sale may, without further notice, be made at the time and place to
which it was so adjourned.
6.1.2 The Agent may
(a) transfer all or any part of the Collateral into the name of the Agent,
for the ratable benefit of the Banks, or its nominee, with or without
disclosing that such Collateral is subject to the lien and security
interest hereunder,
(b) notify the parties obligated on any of the Collateral to make payment
to the Agent for the ratable benefit of the Banks of any amount due or
to become due thereunder,
(c) enforce collection of any of the Collateral by suit or otherwise, and
surrender, release or exchange all or any part thereof, or compromise
or extend or renew for any period (whether or not longer than the
original period) any obligations of any nature of any party with
respect thereto,
(d) endorse any checks, drafts, or other writings in a Pledgor's name to
allow collection of the Collateral,
(e) take control of any proceeds of the Collateral, and
(f) execute (in the name, place and stead of the Pledgor) endorsements,
assignments, stock powers and other instruments of conveyance or
transfer with respect to all or any of the Collateral.
6.2 Compliance with Restrictions. Pledgor agrees that in any sale of any of the
Collateral whenever an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing,
the Banks are hereby authorized to comply with any limitation or restriction in
connection with such sale as it may be advised by counsel is necessary in order
to avoid any violation of applicable state or federal securities law or any
other applicable law (including compliance with such procedures as may restrict
the number of prospective bidders and purchasers, require that such prospective
bidders and purchasers have certain qualifications, and restrict such
prospective bidders and purchasers to persons who will represent and agree that
they are purchasing for their own account for investment and not with a view to
the distribution or resale of such Collateral), or in order to obtain any
required approval of the sale or of the purchaser by any governmental regulatory
authority or official, and the Pledgor further agrees that such compliance shall
not result in such sale being considered or deemed not to have been made in a
commercially reasonable manner, nor shall the Banks be liable nor accountable to
the Pledgor for any discount allowed by the reason of the fact that such
Collateral is sold in compliance with any such limitation or restriction.
6.3 Application of Proceeds. All cash proceeds received by the Agent for the
ratable benefit of the Banks or any Bank in respect of any sale of, collection
from, or other realization upon, all or any part of the Collateral may, in the
discretion of the Agent, be held by the Agent as additional collateral security
for, or then or at any time thereafter be applied in whole or in part by the
Agent against, all or any part of the Secured Obligations in such order as the
Majority Banks shall elect. Any surplus of such cash or cash proceeds held by
the Agent for the ratable benefit of the Banks and remaining after payment in
full of all the Secured Obligations, and the termination of all commitments by
the Banks to make Loans to the Borrower, shall be paid over to the Pledgor or to
whomsoever may be lawfully entitled to receive such surplus.
6.4 Indemnity and Expenses. PLEDGOR HEREBY INDEMNIFIES AND HOLDS HARMLESS EACH
OF THE BANKS AND THE AGENT FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, LOSSES, AND
LIABILITIES ARISING OUT OF OR RESULTING FROM THIS PLEDGE AGREEMENT (INCLUDING
ENFORCEMENT OF THIS PLEDGE AGREEMENT), EXCEPT CLAIMS, LOSSES, OR LIABILITIES
RESULTING FROM THE BANKS' AND/OR THE AGENT'S GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL
MISCONDUCT OR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS PLEDGE AGREEMENT OR THE AGREEMENT,
PROVIDED, THAT IT IS THE INTENTION OF THE PARTIES HERETO THAT THE INDEMNIFIED
PARTY BE INDEMNIFIED AGAINST ITS OWN ORDINARY NEGLIGENCE BUT EXCLUDING GROSS
NEGLIGENCE AND WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS PLEDGE
AGREEMENT OR THE AGREEMENT. UPON DEMAND, A PLEDGOR WILL PAY TO THE BANKS AND/OR
THE AGENT THE AMOUNT OF ANY AND ALL REASONABLE EXPENSES, INCLUDING THE
REASONABLE FEES AND DISBURSEMENTS OF ITS COUNSEL AND OF ANY EXPERTS AND AGENTS,
WHICH THE AGENT AND/OR THE BANKS MAY INCUR IN CONNECTION HEREWITH.
ARTICLE 7
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
7.1 Loan Document. This Pledge Agreement is a Loan Document executed pursuant to
the Agreement and shall (unless otherwise expressly indicated herein) be
construed, administered and applied in accordance with the terms and provisions
thereof. Unless otherwise defined herein or the context otherwise requires, the
capitalized terms used in this Pledge Agreement have the meanings provided in
the Agreement.
7.2 Amendments, etc. No amendment to or waiver of any provision of this Pledge
Agreement nor consent to any departure by a Pledgor herefrom shall in any event
be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Banks, and
then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and
for the specific purpose for which it is given.
7.3 Protection of Collateral. The Agent may from time to time, at its option,
perform any act which a Pledgor agrees hereunder to perform and which the
Pledgor shall fail to perform after being requested in writing so to perform (it
being understood that no such request need be given after the occurrence and
during the continuance of an Event of Default) and the Agent may from time to
time take any other action which the Agent reasonably deems necessary for the
maintenance, preservation or protection of any of the Collateral or of its
security interest therein.
7.4 Addresses for Notices. All notices and other communications provided for
hereunder shall be in writing and, if to a Pledgor, mailed or delivered by
courier or sent by facsimile to it at the address set forth below its signature
hereto, if to the Banks, mailed or delivered to the Agent, addressed to it at
the address of the Agent specified in the Agreement or, as to either party, at
such other address as shall be designated by such party in a written notice to
each other party complying as to delivery with the terms of this Section. All
such notices and other communications shall, when mailed, delivered or faxed,
respectively, be effective when received.
7.5 Captions. Section captions used in this Pledge Agreement are for convenience
of reference only, and shall not affect the construction of this Pledge
Agreement.
7.6 Severability. Wherever possible each provision of this Pledge Agreement
shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under
applicable law, but if any provision of this Pledge Agreement shall be
prohibited by or invalid under such law, such provision shall be ineffective to
the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder
of such provision or the remaining provisions of this Pledge Agreement.
7.7 Governing Law, Entire Agreement, etc. THIS PLEDGE AGREEMENT SHALL BE DEEMED
TO BE A CONTRACT MADE UNDER AND SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND
GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA,
EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT THE VALIDITY OR PERFECTION OF THE SECURITY INTEREST
HEREUNDER, OR REMEDIES HEREUNDER, IN RESPECT OF ANY PARTICULAR COLLATERAL ARE
GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF A JURISDICTION OTHER THAN THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA. THIS
PLEDGE AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR,
CONTEMPORANEOUS OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES.
7.8 Forum Selection and Consent to Jurisdiction. ANY LITIGATION BASED HEREON, OR
ARISING OUT OF, UNDER, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THIS PLEDGE AGREEMENT, OR ANY
COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING, STATEMENTS (WHETHER VERBAL OR WRITTEN) OR
ACTIONS OF THE AGENT AND/OR THE BANKS OR A PLEDGOR SHALL BE BROUGHT AND
MAINTAINED EXCLUSIVELY IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA OR IN THE UNITED
STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT FOR THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT ANY SUIT SEEKING ENFORCEMENT AGAINST ANY COLLATERAL OR
OTHER PROPERTY MAY BE BROUGHT, AT THE BANKS' OPTION, IN THE COURTS OF ANY
JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH COLLATERAL OR OTHER PROPERTY MAY BE FOUND. PLEDGOR
HEREBY EXPRESSLY AND IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF
THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE WESTERN
DISTRICT OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY SUCH LITIGATION AS SET
FORTH ABOVE AND IRREVOCABLY AGREES TO BE BOUND BY ANY FINAL JUDGMENT RENDERED
THEREBY IN CONNECTION WITH SUCH LITIGATION. PLEDGOR FURTHER IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS
TO THE SERVICE OF PROCESS BY REGISTERED MAIL, POSTAGE PREPAID, OR BY PERSONAL
SERVICE WITHIN OR WITHOUT THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA. PLEDGOR HEREBY EXPRESSLY AND
IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY OBJECTION WHICH
IT MAY HAVE OR HEREAFTER MAY HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF SUCH LITIGATION
BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT REFERRED TO ABOVE AND ANY CLAIM THAT ANY SUCH
LITIGATION HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM. TO THE EXTENT THAT A
PLEDGOR HAS OR HEREAFTER MAY ACQUIRE ANY IMMUNITY FROM JURISDICTION OF ANY COURT
OR FROM ANY LEGAL PROCESS (WHETHER THROUGH SERVICE OR NOTICE, ATTACHMENT PRIOR
TO JUDGMENT, ATTACHMENT IN AID OF EXECUTION OR OTHERWISE) WITH RESPECT TO ITSELF
OR ITS PROPERTY, THE PLEDGOR HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES SUCH IMMUNITY IN RESPECT
OF ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS PLEDGE AGREEMENT.
7.9 Waiver of Jury Trial. THE BANKS, AGENT AND PLEDGOR HEREBY KNOWINGLY,
VOLUNTARILY AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVE ANY RIGHTS THEY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY
IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION BASED HEREON, OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER, OR IN
CONNECTION WITH, THIS PLEDGE AGREEMENT, OR ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF
DEALING, STATEMENTS (WHETHER VERBAL OR WRITTEN) OR ACTIONS OF THE BANKS OR
PLEDGOR. PLEDGOR ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT IT HAS RECEIVED FULL AND
SUFFICIENT CONSIDERATION FOR THIS PROVISION (AND EACH OTHER PROVISION OF EACH
OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT TO WHICH IT IS A PARTY) AND THAT THIS PROVISION IS A
MATERIAL INDUCEMENT FOR THE BANKS ENTERING INTO THIS PLEDGE AGREEMENT AND EACH
SUCH OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT.
7.10 Use of Copies. Any original, photographic or other reproduction of this
Agreement may be used as a financing statement for all purposes.
7.11 Regulatory Compliance. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to
the contrary, the representations and warranties and covenants of the Pledgor
and the rights and remedies of the Banks and Agent are qualified and limited to
the extent that (i) the approval of a state insurance commissioner or similar
regulatory body ("Insurance Regulator") may be required for (i) the Banks or
Agent to vote, acquire or sell or otherwise exert or have any control over any
of the Pledged Securities of any Affiliate regulated by such Insurance
Regulator; or (ii) any action or notation of the Pledgor or the regulated
Affiliate with respect to or relating to such Pledged Securities. Banks and
Agent shall comply with any requirements to obtain such approvals before
exercising any rights and remedies for which such approvals are required.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Pledge Agreement to be
duly executed and delivered by their respective officers thereunto duly
authorized as of the day and year first above written.
PLEDGOR PRE-PAID LEGAL SERVICES, INC.,
an Oklahoma corporation
--------------------------------
By: Harland C. Stonecipher
Its: Title: Chairman and CEO
Address: 321 East Main Street
Ada, Oklahoma 74821
Telephone No.: 580/436-1234
Facsimile No.: 580/436-7410
BANKS: BANK OF OKLAHOMA, N.A.
-----------------------------
By: Laura Christofferson
Title: Senior Vice President
Address: Bank of Oklahoma Plaza
P.O. Box 24128
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73124
Attention: Ms. Laura Christofferson,
Senior Vice President
Telephone No.: (405) 272-2397
Facsimile No.: (405) 272-2327
COMERICA BANK
--------------------------------------
By: _________________________
Title: Senior Vice President
FIRST UNITED BANK & TRUST, a state banking corporation
--------------------------------------
By: _________________________
Title: ___________President
AGENT: BANK OF OKLAHOMA, N.A.
-----------------------------
By: Laura Christofferson
Title: Senior Vice President
Exhibit A to
Pledge Agreement
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The undersigned hereby agrees and consents to the terms and provisions of
Section 2.3(b) of the Pledge Agreement. The undersigned hereby acknowledges the
registration on its books of the pledge and security interest created by the
Pledge Agreement in the manner required by Section 8.301(1)(b) of the U.C.C. and
that undersigned will not permit any sale, transfer, pledge or other encumbrance
of the Pledged Securities without the prior written consent of the Banks.
By: _____________________________
Name: _____________________________
Title: _____________________________
Exhibit B to
Pledge Agreement
PLEDGED SECURITIES
-------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------
Issuer
-------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ---------------------- ------------------
Authorized Shares of Common % of Common
Shares of Stock Issued and Stock
Common Stock Outstanding
-------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ---------------------- ------------------
-------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ---------------------- ------------------
Pre-Paid Legal Casualty, Inc. 2,000,000 1,000,000 100%
-------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ---------------------- ------------------
-------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ---------------------- ------------------
American Legal Services, Inc. 5,000,000 283,450 100%
-------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ---------------------- ------------------
-------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ---------------------- ------------------
Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. of Florida 5,000 5 100%
-------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ---------------------- ------------------
-------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ---------------------- ------------------
Legal Service Plans of Virginia, Inc. 5,000 100 100%
-------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ---------------------- ------------------
-------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ---------------------- ------------------
Ada Travel Service, Inc. 100%
-------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ---------------------- ------------------
-------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ---------------------- ------------------
Pre-Paid Canadian Holdings, L.L.C. 0 0 100%
-------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ---------------------- ------------------
-------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ---------------------- ------------------
Exhibit C to
Pledge Agreement
STOCK POWER
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto
BANK OF OKLAHOMA, N.A. ______ shares of common stock in ___________________, an
______________ corporation, represented by the attached Certificate No. ___ and
does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint ________________ attorney to
transfer the said common stock on the books of with full power of substitution
in the premises.
DATED ____________________________
----------------------------------------,
[a _____________ corporation
By: ________________________________
Name: ________________________________
Title: ________________________________
IN PRESENCE OF:
-----------------------------------
EXHIBIT E
SECURITY AGREEMENT
THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT, dated as of September __, 2003, made by PRE-PAID
LEGAL SERVICES, INC., an Oklahoma corporation, (the "Pledgor" and, sometimes,
"Company"), in favor of BANK OF OKLAHOMA, N.A., a national banking association
("BOK"), COMERICA BANK ("Comerica"), FIRST UNITED BANK & TRUST, a state banking
corporation ("FUB"), and each of the financial institutions which may from time
to time become a party pursuant to the provisions of Section 12.1 of the Loan
Agreement described below or any successor or assignee thereof (hereinafter
collectively referred to as "Banks", and individually, "Bank") and BOK, as Agent
for the Banks ("Agent").
BACKGROUND: The Company, the Agent and the Banks have entered into a Loan
Agreement of even date herewith (said Agreement, as it may hereafter be amended
or otherwise modified from time to time, being the "Loan Agreement"). It is a
material condition precedent to the making of advances by the Banks under the
Loan Agreement that the Company make the pledge and grant the assignment and
security interest contemplated by this Agreement. In the ordinary course of its
business, the Borrower enters into legal service contracts with customers
whereby the customer pays periodic membership fees and the Borrower provides
certain specified legal services if and to the extent the customer needs such
services. In approximately sixteen (16) states, the Borrower's contracts are
regulated as insurance instruments and/or pursuant to special statutory
provisions relating to legal services programs. In other jurisdictions, there is
no such governmental regulation of the contracts. All of the Borrower's
contracts, which are not regulated, are referred to herein as the "Contracts".
THEREFORE, in order to induce the Banks to make advances under the Loan
Agreement, the Company agrees with the Banks as follows:
Section 1. Definitions. All capitalized terms used herein without
definitions shall have the respective meanings provided therefor in the Loan
Agreement. The term "State," as used herein, means the State of Oklahoma. All
terms defined in Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code of the State and used
herein shall have the same definitions herein as specified therein. The term
"Obligations," as used herein, means all of the indebtedness, obligations, and
liabilities of the Company to the Banks, individually or collectively, whether
direct or indirect, joint or several, absolute or contingent, due or to become
due, now existing or hereafter arising under or in respect of the Loan
Agreement, and any promissory notes or other instruments or agreements executed
and delivered pursuant thereto or in connection therewith or this Agreement, and
the term "Event of Default," as used herein, means the failure of the Company to
pay or perform any of the Obligations as and when due to be paid or performed
under the terms of the Loan Agreement, or the occurrence of any Default or Event
of Default, as those terms are defined in the Loan Agreement.
Section 2. Grant of Security Interest. The Company hereby grants to the
Agent for the benefit of the Banks, to secure the payment and performance in
full of all of the Obligations, a security interest in and so pledges and
assigns to the Agent for the benefit of the Banks all right, title and interest
of Borrower in and to the Contracts, whether now owned or hereafter acquired or
arising, and all proceeds and products thereof and all rights to receive
payments from members and/or to receive any other payments or revenues of any
nature whatsoever pursuant to the terms of the Contracts or otherwise associated
with the Contracts (all of the foregoing being hereinafter called the
"Collateral") and proceeds of the Collateral.
Section 3. Authorization to File Financing Statements. The Company hereby
irrevocably authorizes the Agent at any time and from time to time to file in
any Uniform Commercial Code jurisdiction any initial financing statements and
amendments thereto that describe the Collateral and contain any other
information required by Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code of the State
for the sufficiency or filing office acceptance of any financing statement or
amendment, including whether the Company is an organization, the type of
organization and any organization identification number issued to the Company.
The Company agrees to furnish any such information to the Agent promptly upon
request. The Company also ratifies its authorization for the Agent or any Bank
to have filed in any Uniform Commercial Code jurisdiction any like initial
financing statements or amendments thereto if filed prior to the date hereof.
Section 4. Representations and Warranties Concerning Company's Legal
Status. The Company has previously delivered to the Agent a certificate signed
by the Company and entitled "Perfection Certificate" (the "Perfection
Certificate"). The Company represents and warrants to the Banks as follows: (a)
the Company's exact legal name is that indicated on the Perfection Certificate
and on the signature page hereof, (b) the Company is an organization of the type
and organized in the jurisdiction set forth in the Perfection Certificate, (C)
the Perfection Certificate accurately sets forth the Company's organizational
identification number or accurately states that the Company has none, (d) the
Perfection Certificate accurately sets forth the Company's place of business or,
if more than one, its chief executive office as well as the Company's mailing
address if different, and (e) all other information set forth on the Perfection
Certificate pertaining to the Company is accurate and complete.
Section 5. Covenants Concerning Company's Legal Status. The Company
covenants with the Banks as follows: (a) without providing at least 30 days
prior written notice to the Agent, the Company will not change its name, its
place of business or, if more than one, chief executive office, or its mailing
address or organizational identification number if it has one, (b) if the
Company does not have an organizational identification number and later obtains
one, the Company shall forthwith notify the Agent of such organizational
identification number, and (c) the Company will not change its type of
organization, jurisdiction of organization, or other legal structure.
Section 6. Representations and Warranties Concerning Collateral, Etc. The
Company further represents and warrants to the Banks as follows: (a) the Company
is the owner of the Collateral, free from any adverse lien, security interest,
or other encumbrance, except for the security interest created by this
Agreement, (b) all lists and other supporting documentation furnished to Agent
and/or the Banks with respect to the Contracts is true and correct in all
material respects; and (c) all other information set forth on the Perfection
Certificate pertaining to the Collateral is accurate and complete.
Section 7. Covenants Concerning Collateral, Etc. The Company further
covenants with the Banks as follows: (a) except for the security interest herein
granted, the Company shall be the owner of the Collateral free from any lien,
security interest, or other encumbrance, and the Company shall defend the same
against all claims and demands of all persons at any time claiming the same or
any interests therein adverse to the Banks, (b) the Company shall not pledge,
mortgage, or create, or suffer to exist a security interest in the Collateral in
favor of any person other than the Banks and other than that certain security
interest created by virtue of that certain security agreement by and between BOK
and Borrower dated June 11, 2002, (c) the Company will fully perform all of its
obligations under the Contracts, (d) as provided in the Loan Agreement, the
Company will permit the Banks, or Agent, to inspect the books and records
associated with the Collateral at any reasonable time, wherever located, (e) the
Company will pay promptly when due all taxes, assessments, governmental charges,
and levies upon the Collateral or incurred in connection with the Contracts or
incurred in connection with this Agreement, (f) the Company will continue to
operate its business in compliance with all applicable provisions of the federal
Fair Labor Standards Act, as amended, and with all applicable provisions of
federal, state, and local statutes and ordinances, and (g) the Company will not
sell or otherwise dispose, or offer to sell or otherwise dispose, of the
Collateral or any interest therein.
7.1 Expenses Incurred by Agent. In its discretion, the Agent may
discharge taxes and other encumbrances at any time levied or placed on any
of the Collateral, and pay any necessary filing fees or other amounts
necessary to preserve the value associated with the Contracts. The Company
agrees to reimburse the Agent on demand for any and all expenditures so
made. The Agent shall have no obligation to the Company to make any such
expenditures, nor shall the making thereof relieve the Company of any
default.
7.2 Bank's Obligations and Duties. Anything herein to the contrary
notwithstanding, the Company shall remain liable under all Contracts and
shall perform all obligations to be observed or performed by the Company
thereunder. The Banks shall not have any obligation or liability under any
such contract or agreement by reason of or arising out of this Agreement or
the receipt by the Banks or any Bank or Agent of any payment relating to
any of the Collateral, nor shall the Banks or the Agent be obligated in any
manner to perform any of the obligations of the Company under or pursuant
to any such contract or agreement, to make inquiry as to the nature or
sufficiency of any payment received by the Banks or by the Agent for the
ratable benefit of the Banks in respect of the Collateral or as to the
sufficiency of any performance by any party under any such contract or
agreement, to present or file any claim, to take any action to enforce any
performance, or to collect the payment of any amounts which may have been
assigned to the Banks or to which the Banks may be entitled at any time or
times. The Banks' and/or Agent's sole duty with respect to the custody,
safe keeping, and physical preservation of the Collateral in its
possession, shall be to deal with such Collateral in the same manner as the
Agent or such Bank deals with similar property for its own account.
Section 8. Contracts and Deposits. The Banks, by and through the Agent, may
at any time following and during the continuance of an Event of Default, at the
option of requisite percentage of Banks required by the Agreement, transfer to
the Agent on behalf of the Banks the Collateral, receive any income thereon, and
hold such income as additional Collateral or apply it to the Obligations.
Whether or not any Obligations are due, the Banks may following and during the
continuance of an Event of Default demand, sue for, collect, or make any
settlement or compromise which it deems desirable with respect to the
Collateral. Regardless of the adequacy of Collateral or any other security for
the Obligations, any deposits or other sums at any time credited by or due from
the Banks to the Company may at any time be applied to or set off against any of
the Obligations.
Section 9. Control of Collateral Proceeds. If an Event of Default shall
have occurred and be continuing, the Company shall, at the request of the
Majority Banks, take any action requested by the Majority Banks required by the
Agreement to ensure that the Banks obtain the full and immediate control of the
Collateral. After the making of such a request or the giving of any such
notification, the Company shall hold any proceeds associated with the Contracts
as trustee for the Banks without commingling the same with other funds of the
Company and shall turn the same over to the Agent, for the ratable benefit of
the Banks, in the identical form received, together with any necessary
endorsements or assignments. The Agent shall apply the proceeds associated with
the Contracts to the Obligations, such proceeds to be immediately entered after
final payment in cash or other immediately available funds of the items giving
rise to them.
Section 10. Power of Attorney.
10.1 Appointment and Powers of Agent. The Company hereby irrevocably
constitutes and appoints the Agent and any officer or agent thereof, with
full power of substitution as its true and lawful attorneys-in-fact with
full irrevocable power and authority in the place and stead of the Company
or in the Agent's own name for the ratable benefit of the Banks, for the
purpose of carrying out the terms of this Agreement, to take any and all
appropriate action and to execute any and all documents and instruments
that may be necessary or desirable to accomplish the purposes of this
Agreement and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, hereby
gives said attorneys the power and right, on behalf of the Company, without
notice to or assent by the Company, to do the following:
(a) upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of
Default, to sell, transfer, pledge, make any agreement with respect
to, or otherwise deal with any of the Collateral in such manner as is
consistent with the Uniform Commercial Code of the State of Oklahoma
and as fully and completely as though the Banks were the absolute
owner thereof for all purposes, and to do at the Company's expense, at
any time, or from time to time, all acts and things which the
requisite percentage of Banks deem necessary to protect, preserve, or
realize upon the Collateral and the Banks' security interest therein,
in order to effect the intent of this Agreement, all as fully and
effectively as the Company might do; and
(b) to the extent that the Company's authorization given in
Section 3 is not sufficient, to file such financing statements with
respect hereto, with or without the Company's signature, or a
photocopy of this Agreement in substitution for a financing statement,
as the Agent may deem appropriate and to execute in the Company's name
such financing statements and amendments thereto and continuation
statements which may require the Company's signature.
10.2 Ratification by Company. To the extent permitted by law, the
Company hereby ratifies all that said attorneys shall lawfully do or cause
to be done by virtue hereof. This power of attorney is a power coupled with
an interest and shall be irrevocable.
10.3 No Duty on Agent. The powers conferred on the Agent hereunder are
solely to protect the interests of the Banks in the Collateral and shall
not impose any duty upon it to exercise any such powers. The Agent shall be
accountable only for the amounts that it actually receives as a result of
the exercise of such powers, and neither it nor any of its officers,
directors, employees or agents shall be responsible to the Company for any
act or failure to act, except for Agent's own gross negligence or willful
misconduct.
Section 11. Remedies. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing, the Majority Banks may, without notice to or demand upon the
Company, declare this Agreement to be in default, and the Banks shall thereafter
have in any jurisdiction in which enforcement hereof is sought, in addition to
all other rights and remedies, the rights and remedies of a secured party under
the Uniform Commercial Code of the State of Oklahoma. The Banks may in their
discretion require the Company to assemble all or any part of the Collateral at
such location or locations within the jurisdiction(s) of the Company's principal
office(s) or at such other locations as the Bank may reasonably designate.
Unless the Collateral is perishable or threatens to decline speedily in value or
is of a type customarily sold on a recognized market, the Agent shall give to
the Company at least five business days prior written notice of the time and
place of any public sale of Collateral or of the time after which any private
sale or any other intended disposition is to be made. The Company hereby
acknowledges that five business days prior written notice of such sale or sales
shall be reasonable notice. In addition, the Company waives any and all rights
that it may have to a judicial hearing in advance of the enforcement of any of
the Bank's rights hereunder, including, without limitation, their right
following an Event of Default to take immediate possession of the Collateral and
to exercise its rights with respect thereto.
Section 12. Standards for Exercising Remedies. To the extent that
applicable law imposes duties on the Agent or the Banks to exercise remedies in
a commercially reasonable manner, the Company acknowledges and agrees that it is
not commercially unreasonable for the Banks (a) to fail to incur expenses
reasonably deemed significant by the Agent or the Banks to prepare Collateral
for disposition or otherwise to complete raw material or work in process into
finished goods or other finished products for disposition, (b) to fail to obtain
third-party consents for access to Collateral to be disposed of, or to obtain
or, if not required by other law, to fail to obtain governmental or third-party
consents for the collection or disposition of Collateral to be collected or
disposed of, (c) to fail to exercise collection remedies against account debtors
or other persons obligated on Collateral or to remove liens or encumbrances on
or any adverse claims against Collateral, (d) to exercise collection remedies
against account debtors and other persons obligated on Collateral directly or
through the use of collection agencies and other collection specialists, (e) to
advertise dispositions of Collateral through publications or media of general
circulation, whether or not the Collateral is of a specialized nature, (f) to
contact other persons, whether or not in the same business as the Company, for
expressions of interest in acquiring all or any portion of the Collateral, (9)
to hire one or more professional auctioneers to assist in the disposition of
Collateral, whether or not the collateral is of a specialized nature, (h) to
dispose of Collateral by utilizing Internet sites that provide for the auction
of assets of the types included in the Collateral or that have the reasonable
capability of doing so, or that match buyers and sellers of assets, (i) to
dispose of assets in wholesale rather than retail markets, (j) to disclaim
disposition warranties, (k) to purchase insurance or credit enhancements to
insure the Banks against risks of loss, collection, or disposition of Collateral
or to provide to the Banks a guaranteed return from the collection or
disposition of Collateral, or (I) to the extent deemed appropriate by the Agent,
to obtain the services of other brokers, investment bankers, consultants, and
other professionals to assist the Banks in the collection or disposition of any
of the Collateral. The Company acknowledges that the purpose of this Section 12
is to provide nonexhaustive indications of what actions or omissions by the
Agent or the Banks would not be commercially unreasonable in the Banks' exercise
of remedies against the Collateral and that other actions or omissions by the
Banks shall not be deemed commercially unreasonable solely on account of not
being indicated in this Section 12. Without limitation upon the foregoing,
nothing contained in this Section 12 shall be construed to grant any rights to
the Company or to impose any duties on the Banks that would not have been
granted or imposed by this Agreement or by applicable law in the absence of this
Section 12.
Section 13. No Waiver by Banks, Etc. Neither the Agent nor the Banks shall
be deemed to have waived any of its rights upon or under the Obligations or the
Collateral unless such waiver shall be in writing and signed by the Banks. No
delay or omission on the part of the Agent or the Banks in exercising any right
shall operate as a waiver of such right or any other right. A waiver on any one
occasion shall not be construed as a bar to or waiver of any right on any future
occasion. All rights and remedies of the Agent and the Banks with respect to the
Obligations or the Collateral, whether evidenced hereby or by any other
instrument or papers, shall be cumulative and may be exercised singularly,
alternatively, successively, or concurrently at such time or at such times as
the Banks deems expedient.
Section 14. Marshalling. Neither the Agent nor the Banks shall be required
to marshal any present or future collateral security (including but not limited
to this Agreement and the Collateral) for, or other assurances of payment of,
the Obligations or any of them or to resort to such collateral security or other
assurances of payment in any particular order, and all of its rights hereunder
and in respect of such collateral security and other assurances of payment shall
be cumulative and in addition to all other rights, however existing or arising.
To the extent that it lawfully may, the Company hereby agrees that it will not
invoke any law relating to the marshalling of collateral which might cause delay
in or impede the enforcement of the Agent's or the Banks' rights under this
Agreement or under any other instrument creating or evidencing any of the
Obligations or under which any of the Obligations is outstanding or by which any
of the Obligations is secured or payment thereof is otherwise assured, and, to
the extent that it lawfully may, the Company hereby irrevocably waives the
benefits of all such laws.
Section 15. Proceeds of Dispositions; Expenses. The Company shall pay to
the Agent for the ratable benefit of the Banks on demand any and all expenses,
including reasonable attorneys' fees and disbursements, incurred or paid by the
Agent or the Banks in protecting, preserving, or enforcing the Banks' rights
under or in respect of any of the Obligations or any of the Collateral. After
deducting all of said expenses, the residue of any proceeds of collection or
sale of the Obligations or Collateral shall, to the extent actually received in
cash, be applied to the payment of the Obligations in such order or preference
as the Banks may determine or in such order or preference as is provided in the
Loan Agreement, proper allowance and provision being made for any Obligations
not then due. Upon the final payment and satisfaction in full of all of the
Obligations and after making any payments required by the Uniform Commercial
Code of the State, any excess shall be returned to the Company, and the Company
shall remain liable for any deficiency in the payment of the Obligations.
Section 16. Overdue Amounts. Until paid, all amounts due and payable by the
Company hereunder shall be a debt secured by the Collateral and shall bear,
whether before or after judgment, interest at the rate of interest for overdue
principal set forth in the Loan Agreement.
Section 17. Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction. This Agreement will be
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Oklahoma. The Company
agrees that any suit for the enforcement of this Agreement may be brought in the
courts of the State of Oklahoma or any federal court sitting therein and
consents to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of such court and to service of
process in any such suit being made upon the Company by mail at the address
specified in the Loan Agreement. The Company hereby waives any objection that it
may now or hereafter have to the venue of any such suit or any such court or
that such suit is brought in an inconvenient court.
Section 18. Waiver of Jury Trial. THE COMPANY WAIVES ITS RIGHT TO A JURY
TRIAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY ACTION OR CLAIM ARISING OUT OF ANY DISPUTE IN
CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT, ANY RIGHTS OR OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER, OR THE
PERFORMANCE OF ANY SUCH RIGHTS OR OBLIGATIONS. Except as prohibited by law, the
Company waives any right which it may have to claim or recover in any litigation
referred to in the preceding sentence any special, exemplary, punitive, or
consequential damages or any damages other than, or in addition to, actual
damages.
Section 19. Miscellaneous. The headings of each section of this Agreement
are for convenience only and shall not define or limit the provisions thereof.
This Agreement and all rights and obligations hereunder shall be binding upon
the Company and its respective successors and assigns, and shall inure to the
benefit of the Banks and their successors and assigns. If any term of this
Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the validity
of all other terms hereof shall in no way be affected thereby, and this
Agreement shall be construed and be enforceable as if such invalid, illegal, or
unenforceable term had not been included herein.
DATED as of the date shown above.
DEBTOR: PRE-PAID LEGAL SERVICES, INC.,
an Oklahoma corporation
------------------------------------------
By: Harland C. Stonecipher
Title: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
BANKS BANK OF OKLAHOMA, N.A.,
a national banking association
------------------------------------------
By: Laura Christofferson
Title: Senior Vice President
COMERICA BANK
------------------------------------------
By: _________________________
Title: Senior Vice President
FIRST UNITED BANK & TRUST,
a state banking corporation
--------------------------------------
By: _________________________
Title: ___________President
AGENT: BANK OF OKLAHOMA, N.A.,
a national banking association
------------------------------------------
By: Laura Christofferson
Title: Senior Vice President
EXHIBIT F
GUARANTY AGREEMENT
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, and in consideration of BANK OF OKLAHOMA, N.A., a
national banking association ("BOK"), COMERICA BANK ("Comerica"), FIRST UNITED
BANK & TRUST, a state banking corporation ("FUB"), and each of the financial
institutions which may from time to time become a party pursuant to the
provisions of Section 12.1 of the Loan Agreement described below or any
successor or assignee thereof (hereinafter collectively referred to as "Banks",
and individually, "Bank") and BOK, as Agent ("Agent") advance of funds to
PRE-PAID LEGAL SERVICES, INC., an Oklahoma corporation ("Debtor"), which owns
100% of the stock of ________________________, an Oklahoma corporation (referred
to herein as "Guarantor") hereby guarantees absolutely and unconditionally the
full and prompt payment when due, whether at maturity, by acceleration or
otherwise, and at any and all times thereafter, of: (i) those certain Notes
executed by Debtor in favor of the Banks in the aggregate principal amount of
$25,000,000 dated September __, 2003, plus (ii) all accrued and unpaid interest
thereon and all costs and expenses, including, but not limited to attorneys'
fees, court costs and other legal expenses, paid or incurred by Banks in
collecting or endeavoring to collect such indebtedness or any party thereof and
in enforcing this guaranty; plus (iii) all other obligations set forth in or
described in that certain Loan Agreement of even date herewith between Debtor
and Banks (all such indebtedness, liabilities and obligations including the debt
evidenced by any promissory note, together with all extensions, renewals,
replacements, rearrangements, changes in form and modifications thereof, being
hereinafter collectively called the "Indebtedness"). Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, Guarantor's liability hereunder shall extend to and
include all post-petition interest, expenses, and other duties and liabilities
of Debtor described above which would be owed by Debtor but for the fact that
they are unenforceable or not allowable due to the existence of a bankruptcy,
reorganization, or similar proceeding involving Debtor.
1. Amount. Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, the
liability of the Guarantor hereunder shall be unlimited.
2. Statement of Consideration. Guarantor stipulates that Guarantor will
receive substantial and valuable consideration and benefits from the extension
of credit by the Banks to Debtor and that it is in the Guarantor's best interest
to enter into this guaranty.
3. Banks' Remedies. In the event of (i) an Event of Default as that term is
defined in that certain Loan Agreement between Debtor and Banks dated as of the
date hereof (the "Loan Agreement"), or (ii) a breach of any of the covenants or
agreements of Guarantor contained herein, all Indebtedness shall, for the
purposes of this Guaranty Agreement, be deemed, at the election of the Majority
Banks (as such term is defined in the Agreement), to be immediately due and
payable.
4. Continuing Nature of Guaranty. Guarantor further agrees that this
guaranty shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if
at any time payment, or any part thereof, of the Indebtedness to Banks is
rescinded or must otherwise be returned by Banks, or any Bank, upon the
insolvency, bankruptcy and reorganization of the Debtor or otherwise, all as
though such payment to Banks had not been made.
5. Guarantor's Authorization to Banks. The Banks may at any time and from
time to time without notice to Guarantor, take any or all of the following
actions without affecting or impairing the liability of Guarantor on this
guaranty: (i) renew, extend, restructure, modify, rearrange or change the form
of the Indebtedness (including, but not limited to, a decrease in the rate of
interest due on the Indebtedness) or the time of payment of all or any portion
of the Indebtedness, (ii) sell, exchange, accept, substitute, or realize upon
any security or collateral for the Indebtedness, (iii) accept other guarantors
or endorsers, and (iv) release, compromise or settle with any person primarily
or secondarily liable on the Indebtedness, following a reasonable determination
that such person is unable to satisfy his, her, or its liability on the
Indebtedness (including any maker, co-maker, endorser or guarantor). There shall
be no obligation on the part of the Banks, at any time, to seek or obtain a
deficiency judgment against Debtor. Guarantor expressly and voluntarily waives
and relinquishes all set offs, rights and remedies accorded by applicable law to
guarantors, including without limitation, any and all suretyship defenses and
offsets, set offs, remedies or defenses accorded guarantors by law. Nothing set
forth in this Guaranty Agreement shall be construed to prevent or diminish
Guarantor's right or ability to purchase the Note, which option is hereby
granted to Guarantor, at a price equal to all principal, interest and fees due
and owing pursuant to the Note (as such term is defined in the Loan Agreement)
upon Debtor's default and failure to cure, if any ability to cure is available,
and Banks' exercise of their rights against Guarantor pursuant to the terms
hereof.
6. Relinquishment of Right of Offset. If the Banks elect to foreclose any
lien in their favor, (i) the Banks are authorized to purchase all or any portion
of collateral covered by such lien, and (ii) the amount of the sale proceeds
received by Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Banks, to be applied against
the Indebtedness shall be the actual net proceeds received from a commercially
reasonable sale of any such collateral. For good and valuable consideration,
Guarantor hereby fully, voluntarily and expressly waives and relinquishes any
statutory, contractual or other right to set off or offset the fair market value
of any collateral or security for the Indebtedness against Guarantor's liability
hereunder, so long as any disposition thereof is accomplished in a commercially
reasonable manner.
7. Application of Payments of Indebtedness. Any and all payments upon the
Indebtedness made by the Debtor, or by Guarantor, or by any other person, and
the proceeds of any and all security for any of the Indebtedness may be applied
by Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Banks, upon such of the items of the
Indebtedness, and in such order, as Agent may determine.
8. Notice. It is also understood and reiterated that the Banks have no duty
to collect from any other guarantor or to proceed against the collateral
securing the Indebtedness prior to making demand upon Guarantor for payment of
the Indebtedness up to the amount set forth in paragraph 1 above.
9. Guarantor Waivers.
(a) Guarantor waives notice of acceptance hereof by the Agent, on
behalf of the Banks.
(b) Any payment or payments made by Guarantor hereunder
notwithstanding, the Guarantor will not assert or exercise any right of the
Banks or of such Guarantor against Debtor to recover the amount of any
payment made by such Guarantor to the Banks by way of subrogation,
reimbursement, contribution, indemnity or otherwise arising by contract or
operation of law, and Guarantor shall not have any right of recourse to or
any claim against assets or property of Debtor, whether or not the
obligations of Debtor have been satisfied, all of such rights being herein
expressly waived by Guarantor. The provisions of this paragraph shall
survive the termination of this Guaranty, and any satisfaction and
discharge of Debtor by virtue of any payment, court order or applicable
law.
(c) The provisions of Section 9(b) notwithstanding, Guarantor shall
have and be entitled to all rights of subrogation otherwise provided by
applicable law in respect of any payment Guarantor may make or be obligated
to make under this Guaranty, and to assert and enforce the same, in each
case on and after, but at no time prior to, the date (the "Subrogation
Trigger Date") which is 91 days after the date on which all obligations
under the underlying instruments shall have been paid or performed in full,
if and only if the existence of Guarantor's rights under this Section 9(c)
would not make Guarantor a creditor (as defined in the Bankruptcy Reform
Act of 1978, as amended, 11 U.S.C. Section 101 et seq., and the regulations
adopted and promulgated pursuant thereto) of Debtor in any insolvency
bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceeding commenced on or prior to
the Subrogation Trigger Date.
10. Guarantor's Representation and Warranties. This guaranty shall bind the
heirs, successors and assigns of Guarantor and inure the benefit of Banks and
their successors and assigns. This guaranty is deemed executed and delivered in
the City of Oklahoma City, State of Oklahoma and shall be governed by and was
contracted for in the city set forth above, and this guaranty is hereby deemed
to have been given when received and accepted by the Agent, for the benefit of
the Banks, in such city. Guarantor hereby waives all objections to venue and
consents and submits to the jurisdiction of any state or federal court sitting
in such city or the county in which such city is located, or in any state or
county in which real property security any promissory note executed by Debtor is
located in connection with any action instituted by the Banks by reason of or
arising out of the execution, delivery or performance of any promissory note
executed by Debtor or the collection of any of the Indebtedness or this
guaranty. Wherever possible each provision of this guaranty shall be interpreted
in such a manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any
provision of this guaranty shall be prohibited by or invalid under such law,
such provision shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or
invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the
remaining provisions of this guaranty. If Guarantor is a corporation, this
guaranty has been duly authorized to be executed, delivered and performed by the
undersigned corporate officers pursuant to all necessary corporate action of the
board of directors of the Guarantor.
11. Waivers and Settlements. All rights of the Banks are cumulative and not
alternative to other rights and may be selectively and successively enforced by
the Agent, on behalf of the Banks, as it may elect or determine in the sole
discretion of the Banks and such action(s) shall not be deemed a waiver or
relinquishment of any other right or remedy held by the Banks. Subject to the
requirements of Section 5 of this guaranty, the Banks may settle with any one or
more parties for such sum or sums as it may see fit and release any of such
other parties from all further liability to the Banks for such Indebtedness
without impairing the right of the Banks to demand and collect the balance of
such Indebtedness from others not so expressly released.
12. Further Representations. Guarantor expressly represents and warrants to
the Banks that at the time of the execution and delivery hereof to the Agent
nothing exists to impair the effectiveness and the immediate taking effect of
this guaranty as the sole and only agreement between Guarantor and the Banks
with respect to guaranteeing payment of the Indebtedness.
13. Entire Agreement. THE WHOLE OF THIS GUARANTY IS FULLY SET FORTH HEREIN
AND CONSTITUTES THE ENTIRE AGREEMENT OF THIS GUARANTOR AND BANKS WITH RESPECT TO
THIS GUARANTY, ALL DISCUSSIONS AND NEGOTIATIONS ARE MERGED INTO THIS AGREEMENT.
NEITHER BANKS, NOR ANY BANK, HAVE MADE ANY ORAL AGREEMENTS, PROMISES, OR "SIDE
DEALS" WITH GUARANTOR. This guaranty may only be modified by a written agreement
by Banks and Guarantor. No officer, agent or employee of any Bank has authority
to modify this guaranty orally or to waive the provisions of this paragraph.
14. Successors and Assigns. This guaranty shall inure to the benefit of the
Banks' successors and assigns and shall be binding upon the respective personal
representatives, heirs, successors and assigns of Guarantor and the Banks. This
guaranty is effective immediately upon execution. Guarantor hereby waives and
irrevocably releases any claim that the delivery or effectiveness of this
guaranty is conditional in any manner whatsoever.
15. Headings. The headings of the sections of this Guaranty Agreement are
inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute a part
hereof.
16. Limitation On Obligations.
(a) The provisions of this Guaranty are severable, and in any action or
proceeding involving any state corporate law, or any state, federal or foreign
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other law affecting the rights of
creditors generally, if the obligations of any Guarantor under this Guaranty
would otherwise be held or determined to be avoidable, invalid or unenforceable
on account of the amount of such Guarantor's liability under this Guaranty,
then, notwithstanding any other provision of this Guaranty to the contrary, the
amount of such liability shall, without any further action by such Guarantor or
the Banks, be automatically limited and reduced to the highest amount that is
valid and enforceable as determined in such action or proceeding (such highest
amount determined hereunder being the relevant Guarantor's "Maximum Liability").
This Section 16(a) with respect to the Maximum Liability of any Guarantor is
intended solely to preserve the rights of the Banks to the maximum extent not
subject to avoidance under applicable law, and neither any Guarantor nor any
other person or entity shall have any right or claim under this Section 16(a)
with respect to the Maximum Liability, except to the extent necessary so that
the obligations of any Guarantor hereunder shall not be rendered voidable under
applicable law.
(b) The Guarantor agrees that the Indebtedness may at any time and from
time to time exceed the Maximum Liability of Guarantor, and may exceed the
aggregate Maximum Liability of any other guarantors, without impairing this
Guaranty or affecting the rights and remedies of the Banks. Nothing in this
Section 16(b) shall be construed to increase any Guarantor's obligations
hereunder beyond its Maximum Liability.
17. Date. This guaranty is made and entered into effective as of September
__, 2003.
GUARANTOR SIGNATURE:
----------------------------------,
an Oklahoma corporation
-----------------------------------
By: ____________________
Title: _______________________
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION
I, Harland C. Stonecipher, Chief Executive Officer, certify that:
(1) I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Pre-Paid Legal
Services, Inc.;
(2) Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by
this quarterly report;
(3) Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this
quarterly report;
(4) The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-159e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such
disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our
supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the
registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to
us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in
which this quarterly report is being prepared;
(b) Omitted pursuant to Exchange Act Release 34-47986
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls
and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end
of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal
control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's
most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in
the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is
reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal
control over financial reporting; and
(5) The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on
our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to
the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of
directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or
operation of internal control over financial reporting which are
reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to
record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal
control over financial reporting.
Date: October 27, 2003 /s/ Harland C. Stonecipher
---------------------------------------
Harland C. Stonecipher
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION
I, Steve Williamson, Chief Financial Officer, certify that:
(1) I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Pre-Paid Legal
Services, Inc.;
(2) Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by
this quarterly report;
(3) Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this
quarterly report;
(4) The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that
material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those
entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly
report is being prepared;
(b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls
and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of
this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
(c) Presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our
evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
(5) The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on
our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit
committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the
equivalent function):
(a) All significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal
controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to
record, process, summarize and report financial data and have
identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in
internal controls; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal
controls; and
(6) The registrant's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this
quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal
controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal
controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including
any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material
weaknesses.
Date: October 27, 2003 /s/ Steve Williamson
---------------------------------
Steve Williamson
Chief Financial Officer
Exhibit 32.1
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. ss. 1350, the undersigned officer of Pre-Paid Legal
Services, Inc. (the "Company"), hereby certifies that the Company's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003 (the "Report")
fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable,
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in the
Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and
results of operations of the Company.
Date: October 27, 2003 /s/ Harland C. Stonecipher
-------------------------------------
Harland C. Stonecipher
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 32.2
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. ss. 1350, the undersigned officer of Pre-Paid Legal
Services, Inc. (the "Company"), hereby certifies that the Company's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003 (the "Report")
fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable,
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in the
Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and
results of operations of the Company.
Date: October 27, 2003 /s/ Steve Williamson
-------------------------------------
Steve Williamson
Chief Financial Officer