Form 6342 (5-2021) FIFTH AMENDMENT TO AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT This Fifth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (“Amendment”) is made and entered into effective the 27th day of September, 2023, by and between Dakota Ethanol,...
Form 6342 (5-2021) FIFTH AMENDMENT TO AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT This Fifth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (“Amendment”) is made and entered into effective the 27th day of September, 2023, by and between Dakota Ethanol, L.L.C., a South Dakota limited liability company (“Borrower”) and Farm Credit Services of America, PCA and Farm Credit Services of America, FLCA, (each and collectively “Lender”) to amend and modify the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated February 2, 2018, (hereinafter referred to as the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement and underlying Loan Documents are modified only to the extent necessary to give effect to the terms of this Amendment, and the remaining terms of said Loan Documents, not otherwise inconsistent herewith, are ratified by the parties. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the respective meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement. In consideration of the mutual agreements, provisions and covenants herein contained, and furthermore to induce Lender to consider financial accommodations for the Borrower under the terms and provisions of the Credit Agreement, the parties hereby agree as follows: 1. Section 6.15 Borrowing Base is hereby removed from the Credit Agreement but reserved for future use. 2. Schedule 7.8 is hereby replaced by the attached Schedule 7.8. 3. The following sections are hereby amended to read as follows: Section 2.1.1 Loan Facility A (304761-069993-214088). ▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees to advance sums to Borrower up to the aggregate amount of $20,000,000.00 (Maximum Principal Balance) until November 1, 2025 (Final Advancement Date). Each Advance made will reduce the funds available for future advances by the amount of the Advance. Repayments of principal will be available for subsequent Advances. The commitment under said Loan will be used by Borrower for financing the operating needs of the company and ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees not to request or use such proceeds for any other purpose. To the extent Lender must make Protective Advances that would cause Loan Facility A to exceed the Maximum Principal Balance, the Maximum Principal Balance shall be deemed increased in order to include any and all Protective Advances. Any Protective Advances shall be due and payable upon demand and shall draw interest at the Default Rate. (a) Interest. Borrower hereby promises to pay interest on the principal indebtedness outstanding from time to time on each Advance from and including the date of such Advance and otherwise in accordance with statements issued by Lender. Interest shall be payable on the following dates, provided that interest accruing at the Default Rate, if applicable, shall be payable on demand. Interest shall be payable on the 1st day of each month continuing on October 1, 2023 at the following rate. Interest Rate. Interest shall accrue from the date of each Advance at a variable rate per annum equivalent to the CME 1- Month Term SOFR Reference Rate plus 3.0%. The interest rate shall be adjusted higher or lower on the 15th day of every month thereafter to reflect any change in the CME 1-Month Term SOFR Reference Rate for the prior month, and this higher or lower rate will thereafter apply to the outstanding principal indebtedness and remain in effect until a different rate of interest is established. The amount of any subsequent payments will be increased or decreased accordingly to reflect the different rate of interest without in any manner changing the due date of the payments. There is no limitation on the amount of the change in the interest rate. CME 1-Month Term SOFR Reference Rate is determined on the last day of each month by referencing an 'Index' known as the 1-Month CME Term SOFR (Secured Overnight Financing Rate) Reference Rate. The Index is currently published by the CME Group at ▇▇▇▇▇://▇▇▇.▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇/▇▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇/▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇/▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇▇. In the event an Index or reference rate is used to calculate the applicable interest rate, then, in no event shall the Index or reference rate used to determine the applicable interest rate be less than zero percent (0.00%), regardless of the actual published Index or reference rate. If such Index or reference rate is no longer available for any reason, is no longer posted through electronic transmission or through a source providing such information, or the Lender determines that the Index is unreliable or no longer adequately covers Lender's costs of making loans using this index, Lender will select a replacement index in its sole discretion which Index may be based upon comparable information and may include interest rate spread and adjustment thereto or other price adjustments to compensate Lender for costs incurred in making or maintaining the loan. (b) Principal. Borrower hereby promises to pay principal, plus all accrued interest and any unpaid fees, costs or expenses in full on November 1, 2025 ('Maturity Date'). DocuSign Envelope ID: D983D547-E1C3-4803-B903-19C59615552F THIS IS A COPY This is a copy view of the Authoritative Copy held by the designated custodian COPY VIEW
Form 6342 (5-2021) (c) Facility Fees. Non-Use Fee. In connection with Loan Facility A, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees to pay ▇▇▇▇▇▇ an additional fee when the outstanding principal balance is less than the Maximum Principal Balance. This fee will be equal to 0.25% per annum, based upon a 360 day year, calculated on the difference between the Maximum Principal Balance and the daily outstanding principal balance. The fee shall be calculated, due and payable quarterly in arrears, continuing October 1, 2023. Section 2.1.2 Loan Facility B (304761-073489-225482). ▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees to advance sums to Borrower up to the aggregate amount of $60,000,000.00 (Subject to Reducing Commitment terms set forth in 2.1.2 (a)) (Maximum Principal Balance) until November 1, 2030 (Final Advancement Date). Each Advance made will reduce the funds available for future advances by the amount of the Advance. Repayments of principal will be available for subsequent Advances. The commitment under said Loan will be used by Borrower to finance capital expenditures related to plant expansion of the “as will be built” 90-million gallon per year ethanol plant located near Wentworth, SD to fund investments and to provide working capital. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees not to request or use such proceeds for any other purpose. To the extent Lender must make Protective Advances that would cause Loan Facility B to exceed the Maximum Principal Balance, the Maximum Principal Balance shall be deemed increased in order to include any and all Protective Advances. Any Protective Advances shall be due and payable upon demand and shall draw interest at the Default Rate. (a) Reducing Commitment. The Maximum Principal Balance shall continue to be reduced by $2,500,000.00 on the 1st day of each January and July through and including July 1, 2027, at which time the balance available for subsequent advances shall be $40,000,000.00. The obligation to advance funds may be terminated in Agent’s sole discretion prior to the Final Advancement Date if intervening liens have been filed on any Collateral since the Closing Date. If the outstanding principal balance is at or below the Maximum Principal Balance (taking into consideration any reductions in commitment)(“Applicable Maximum Balance”) up to and including the Final Advancement Date, Borrower will be billed interest only; if the outstanding principal balance exceeds the Applicable Maximum Principal Balance, Borrower will make principal payments in such amount as necessary to reduce principal to the Applicable Maximum Principal Balance available at that time. (b) Interest. Borrower hereby promises to pay interest on the principal indebtedness outstanding from time to time on each Advance from and including the date of such Advance and otherwise in accordance with statements issued by Lender. Interest shall be payable on the following dates, provided that interest accruing at the Default Rate, if applicable, shall be payable on demand. Interest shall be payable on the 1st day of each Quarter continuing on October 1, 2023 at the following rate. Interest Rate. Interest shall accrue from the date of each Advance at a variable rate per annum equivalent to the CME 1- Month Term SOFR Reference Rate plus 3.25%. The interest rate shall be adjusted higher or lower on the 15th day of every month thereafter to reflect any change in the CME 1-Month Term SOFR Reference Rate for the prior month, and this higher or lower rate will thereafter apply to the outstanding principal indebtedness and remain in effect until a different rate of interest is established. The amount of any subsequent payments will be increased or decreased accordingly to reflect the different rate of interest without in any manner changing the due date of the payments. There is no limitation on the amount of the change in the interest rate. CME 1-Month Term SOFR Reference Rate is determined on the last day of each month by referencing an 'Index' known as the 1-Month CME Term SOFR (Secured Overnight Financing Rate) Reference Rate. The Index is currently published by the CME Group at ▇▇▇▇▇://▇▇▇.▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇/▇▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇/▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇/▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇▇. In the event an Index or reference rate is used to calculate the applicable interest rate, then, in no event shall the Index or reference rate used to determine the applicable interest rate be less than zero percent (0.00%), regardless of the actual published Index or reference rate. If such Index or reference rate is no longer available for any reason, is no longer posted through electronic transmission or through a source providing such information, or the Lender determines that the Index is unreliable or no longer adequately covers Lender's costs of making loans using this index, Lender will select a replacement index in its sole discretion which Index may be based upon comparable information and may include interest rate spread and adjustment thereto or other price adjustments to compensate Lender for costs incurred in making or maintaining the loan. (c) Principal. Borrower hereby promises to pay principal, plus all accrued interest and any unpaid fees, costs or expenses in full on November 1, 2030 ('Maturity Date'). (d) Minimum Balance. If, at any time, the outstanding balance on Loan Facility B is less than $1,000.00 all commitments by Lender to make any additional Advances under all loan facilities in this Agreement shall be terminated DocuSign Envelope ID: D983D547-E1C3-4803-B903-19C59615552F THIS IS A COPY This is a copy view of the Authoritative Copy held by the designated custodian OPY VIEW
Form 6342 (5-2021) without further notice and any Advances thereafter shall only be made at ▇▇▇▇▇▇’s sole discretion and subject to such conditions as Lender may require. (e) Facility Fees. Non-Use Fee. In connection with Loan Facility B, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees to pay ▇▇▇▇▇▇ an additional fee when the outstanding principal balance is less than the Maximum Principal Balance available. This fee will be equal to 0.50% per annum, based upon a 360 day year, calculated on the difference between the Maximum Principal Balance and the daily outstanding principal balance. The fee shall be calculated, due and payable quarterly in arrears, continuing October 1, 2023. Administrative Fee. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees to pay Lender an annual, non-refundable, non-prorated administrative fee in the amount of $2,500.00 in connection with Loan Facility B, due February 1, 2024 and each year thereafter. Section 6.12.1 Working Capital. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees to maintain minimum Working Capital of not less than $15,000,000.00 measured monthly. “Working Capital” shall be defined as current assets minus current liabilities. For purposes of determining the current assets, any amount unadvanced on Loan Facility B up to a maximum of $20,000,000.00 may be included as a current asset. Section 6.12.2 Debt Service Coverage Ratio. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees to maintain a Debt Service Coverage Ratio of not less than 1.25:1.00, measured at fiscal year end, beginning in 2023. Debt Service Coverage Ratio shall be defined as (net income plus depreciation plus amortization minus gain (loss) on sale of fixed assets) divided by $5,000,000.00. Section 6.12.3 Local Net Worth. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees to maintain minimum Local Net Worth of not less than $30,000,000.00 measured monthly. “Local Net Worth” is defined as total assets minus total liabilities minus investments. Section 7.13 Distribution and Withdrawals. Borrower will not distribute any profits, make any loans, declare or pay any dividends, distribute earnings, allow any draws, or make other distribution to its shareholders or equity holders of Borrower or apply any assets to the redemption, retirement, purchase or other acquisition of any such equity interests without the consent of Lender; however if no Event of Default or Potential Default shall exist, Borrower may pay dividends and distributions so long as Borrower has Working Capital above $20,000,000.00 post distribution. The planned distribution to Lake Area Corn Processors, LLC for additional investment in Guardian ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will be allowed for up to $53,000,000.00. Borrower hereby represents and warrants to the Lender that, after giving effect to this Amendment, (i) no Default or Event of Default exists under the Credit Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents and (ii) the representations and warranties set forth in the Credit Agreement are true and correct in all material respects as of the date hereof (except for those which expressly relate to an earlier date). Borrower hereby ratifies the Credit Agreement as amended and acknowledges and reaffirms (i) that it is bound by all terms of the Credit Agreement applicable to it and (ii) that it is responsible for the observance and full performance of its respective obligations. Borrower hereby certifies that the person(s) executing this Amendment on behalf of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ is/are duly authorized to execute such document on behalf of Borrower and that there have been no changes in the name, ownership, control, organizational documents, or legal status of the Borrower since the last application, loan, or loan servicing action; that all resolutions, powers and authorities remain in full force and effect, and that the information provided by Borrower is and remains true and correct. This Amendment may be executed by the parties hereto in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which shall constitute one and the same agreement. Delivery of executed counterparts of this Amendment by telecopy shall be effective as an original and shall constitute a representation that an original shall be delivered. THIS AMENDMENT SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE A CONTRACT MADE UNDER AND GOVERNED BY THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEBRASKA. A CREDIT AGREEMENT MUST BE IN WRITING TO BE ENFORCEABLE UNDER NEBRASKA LAW. TO PROTECT YOU AND US FROM ANY MISUNDERSTANDINGS OR DISAPPOINTMENTS, ANY CONTRACT, PROMISE, UNDERTAKING OR OFFER TO FOREBEAR REPAYMENT OF MONEY OR TO MAKE ANY OTHER FINANCIAL ACCOMMODATION IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AMENDMENT MUST BE IN WRITING TO BE EFFECTIVE. DocuSign Envelope ID: D983D547-E1C3-4803-B903-19C59615552F THIS IS A COPY This is a copy view of the Authoritative Copy held by the designated custodian COPY VIE
Form 6342 (5-2021) This Amendment shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have set their hand effective the day and year first above written. BORROWER: Dakota Ethanol, L.L.C., a South Dakota limited liability company By__________________________________________ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, Chief Executive Officer Address for Notice: PO Box 100, Wentworth, SD 57075 LENDER: Farm Credit Services of America, FLCA and Farm Credit Services of America, PCA By: ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, VP Agribusiness Lender Address for Notice: ▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ DocuSign Envelope ID: D983D547-E1C3-4803-B903-19C59615552F THIS IS A COPY This is a copy view of the Authoritative Copy held by the designated custodian COPY VIEW
Form 6342 (5-2021) Schedule 7.8 Permitted Indebtedness 1. Term debt to creditors not to exceed $2,000,000.00 in the aggregate, without prior Lender approval. 2. Operating and capital leases with annual payments not to exceed $500,000.00 in the aggregate with additional allowances for railcar leases. DocuSign Envelope ID: D983D547-E1C3-4803-B903-19C59615552F THIS IS A COPY This is a copy view of the Authoritative Copy held by the designated custodian COPY VIEW