Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc S-3, filed Mar 6, 2024
Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. (EBMT)
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 6, 2024
Registration No. 333-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Form S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Delaware | 27-1449820 |
| (State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer |
| incorporation or organization) | Identification No.) |
1400 Prospect Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
(406) 442-3080
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
Laura F. Clark
President & CEO
1400 Prospect Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
(406) 442-3080
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of agent for service)
Copy to:
Lloyd H. Spencer, Esq.
Nixon Peabody LLP
799 9th Street N.W., Suite 500
Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 585-8000
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this registration statement.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. ☐
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. ☒
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.:
| Large accelerated filer ☐ | Accelerated filer ☐ |
| Non-accelerated filer ☒ | Smaller reporting company ☒ |
| Emerging growth company ☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☐
The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED March 6, 2024
PROSPECTUS
Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.
$75,000,000
Debt Securities
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Depositary Shares
Purchase Contracts
Warrants
Rights
Units
The securities listed above may be offered and sold up to an aggregate of $75,000,000 from time to time at prices and on terms to be determined at or prior to the time of the offering. We may offer and sell these securities to or through one or more underwriters, dealers and agents, or directly to purchasers, on a continuous or delayed basis. If we offer and sell these securities to or through underwriters, dealers or agents, their names and other applicable details will be included in a prospectus supplement.
This prospectus describes the general terms of the securities we may offer. The specific terms of any securities and the specific manner in which we will offer them will be included in a supplement to this prospectus relating to that offering.
We encourage you to carefully read this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement before you invest in our securities. We also encourage you to read the documents we have referred you to in the “Where You Can Find More Information” section of this prospectus for information on us and for our financial statements.
Our common stock, par value $0.01 per share, is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “EBMT.” As of March 5, 2024, the closing price of our common stock was $13.25 per share.
Investing in the offered securities involves risks. You should carefully consider all of the information set forth in this prospectus, including the risk factors set forth under “Risk Factors” on page 6 of this prospectus, as well as the risk factors and other information in any accompanying prospectus supplement and any documents we incorporate by reference into this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement, before deciding to invest in the offered securities. See “Incorporation of Certain Information By Reference.”
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The securities offered by this prospectus are not savings accounts, deposits or other obligations of any bank and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
The date of this prospectus is _____, 2024
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may offer and sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings up to a total offering price of $75,000,000. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we offer to sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. Any such prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read both the prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement together with the additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.” We may also prepare free writing prospectuses that describe particular securities. Any free writing prospectus should also be read in connection with this prospectus and with any prospectus supplement referred to therein. Any statement that we make in this prospectus will be modified or superseded by any inconsistent statement made by us in a prospectus supplement or any free writing prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and the information in the prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement.
You should not assume that the information in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement or any documents we incorporate by reference into this prospectus and any prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of those documents. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.
We have not authorized any dealer, salesman or other person to give you any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this prospectus and in the documents we incorporate into this prospectus. You should not rely on any information or representations that are not contained in this prospectus or in the documents we incorporate by reference.
This prospectus is not an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, the securities offered hereby in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make an offer or solicitation in that jurisdiction. Delivery of this prospectus at any time does not imply that the information contained herein is correct as of any time subsequent to the date hereof.
In this prospectus, all references to the “Company,” “Eagle,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains or incorporates by reference statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our or our industry’s actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “should,” “intend,” “expect,” “plan,” “budget,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “potential,” or “continue,” or the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology. You are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our or our industry’s actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements.
The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus are largely based on our expectations, which reflect estimates and assumptions made by our management. These estimates and assumptions reflect management’s best judgment based on currently known market conditions and other factors. Although we believe such estimates and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently uncertain and involve a number of risks and uncertainties beyond our control. In addition, management’s assumptions may prove to be inaccurate. We caution you that the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus are not guarantees of future performance, and we cannot assure any reader that such statements will be realized or the forward-looking statements or events will occur. Future results may differ materially from those anticipated or implied in forward looking statements due to factors described below and other factors that are unknown to us. If one or more of these factors materialize, or if any underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our future results, performance or achievements may vary materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the matters set forth below:
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changes in laws or government regulations or policies affecting financial institutions, including changes in regulatory fees and capital requirements; |
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the emergence or continuation of widespread health emergencies or pandemics, including the magnitude and duration of the ongoing novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, and its impacts on the economies and communities we serve, which may likely have an adverse impact on our credit portfolio, goodwill, stock price, borrowers and the economy as a whole both globally and domestically; |
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local, regional, national and international economic and market conditions and events and the impact they may have on us, our customers and our assets and liabilities; |
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competition among depository and other traditional and non-traditional financial service providers; |
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risks related to the concentration of our business in Montana, including risks associated with changes in the prices, values and sales volume of residential and commercial real estate in Montana; |
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inflation and changes in the interest rate environment that reduce our margins or reduce the fair value of financial instruments; |
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our ability to attract deposits and other sources of funding or liquidity; |
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the impact of adverse developments affecting the U.S. banking industry, including bank failures and liquidity concerns, which could cause continued or worsening economic and market volatility, and regulatory responses thereto; |
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the possibility that future credit losses may be higher than currently expected due to changes in economic assumptions, customer behavior, adverse developments with respect to U.S. or global economic conditions and other uncertainties, including the impact of supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures and labor shortages on economic conditions and our business; |
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an inability to access capital markets or maintain deposits or borrowing costs; |
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uncertainty regarding the content, timing and impact of regulatory capital and liquidity requirements; |
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the risks related to the transition and physical impacts of climate change; |
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our ability to achieve environmental, social and governance goals and commitments or the impact of any changes in the Company’s sustainability strategy or commitments generally; |
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changes or volatility in the securities markets that lead to impairment in the value of our investment securities and goodwill; |
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our ability to implement our growth strategy, including identifying and consummating suitable acquisitions, raising additional capital to finance such transactions, entering new markets, possible failures in realizing the anticipated benefits from such acquisitions and an inability of our personnel, systems and infrastructure to keep pace with such growth; |
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the effect of acquisitions we may make, if any, including, without limitation, the failure to achieve expected revenue growth and/or expense savings from such acquisitions; |
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risks related to the integration of any businesses we have acquired or expect to acquire, including exposure to potential asset quality and credit quality risks and unknown or contingent liabilities, the time and costs associated with integrating systems, technology platforms, procedures and personnel; |
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potential impairment on the goodwill we have recorded or may record in connection with business acquisitions; |
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political developments, uncertainties or instability; |
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our ability to enter new markets successfully and capitalize on growth opportunities; |
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the need to retain capital for strategic or regulatory reasons; |
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changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits; |
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our ability to continue to increase and manage our commercial and residential real estate, multi-family and commercial business loans; |
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the level of future deposit insurance premium assessments; |
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our ability to implement new technologies and maintain secure and reliable technology systems; |
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our ability to develop and maintain secure and reliable information technology systems, effectively defend ourselves against cyberattacks, or recover from breaches to our cybersecurity infrastructure; |
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the failure of assumptions underlying the establishment of allowance for possible loan losses and other estimates; |
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changes in the financial performance and/or condition of our borrowers and their ability to repay their loans when due; and |
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the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the regulatory agencies, as well as the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Financial Accounting Standards Board and other accounting standard setters. |
The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and other than as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and our corporate website at www.opportunitybank.com. The foregoing website addresses are provided as inactive textual references only. Information contained on our website is not part of this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement and is not incorporated by reference as part of this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement.
Descriptions in this prospectus of documents are intended to be summaries of the material, relevant portions of those documents, but may not be complete descriptions of those documents. For complete copies of those documents, please refer to the exhibits to the registration statement and other documents filed by us with the SEC.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” the information we have filed with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you without actually including the specific information in this prospectus by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus and later information that we file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. Therefore, before you decide to invest in a particular offering under this shelf registration, you should always check for reports we may have filed with the SEC after the date of this prospectus. We incorporate by reference into this prospectus (1) the documents listed below, (2) any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act following the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering covered by this prospectus and any prospectus supplement and (3) any filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and prior to the effectiveness of such registration statement, in each case other than information furnished to the SEC under Items 2.02 or 7.01 of Form 8-K and which is not deemed filed under the Exchange Act and is not incorporated in this prospectus:
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The description of our common stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2010. |
We will provide, without charge, to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this prospectus has been delivered, upon written or oral request of such person, a copy of any or all of the documents incorporated by reference herein (other than certain exhibits to such documents not specifically incorporated by reference). Requests for such copies should be directed to:
Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.
1400 Prospect Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
(406) 442-3080
Attention: Corporate Secretary
ABOUT EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC.
Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. is a registered bank holding company regulated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“FRB”) and is the parent company of Opportunity Bank of Montana (the “Bank”), formerly American Federal Savings Bank, a Montana state chartered, member commercial bank regulated by the FRB and the Montana Division of Banking and Financial Institutions.
The Company was incorporated under Delaware law in December 2009. The Bank was founded in 1922 as a Montana-chartered building and loan association and has conducted operations in Helena since that time. In 1975, the Bank adopted a federal thrift charter and in October 2014 converted to a Montana-chartered commercial bank. The Bank provides a variety of products and services, including checking, savings and money market accounts, certificates of deposit, ATMs, individual retirement accounts, cash management services to commercial banking customers and one-to four-family real estate, commercial real estate, real estate construction, agricultural, home equity, consumer, and commercial business loans. These products and services are delivered through a variety of channels including the Bank’s full-service branches, the Internet, and mobile applications. The Bank currently operates 29 full-service retail branches and has 46 automated teller machines located in our market areas. As of December 31, 2023, the Bank was the 4th largest commercial bank headquartered in Montana in terms of deposits, and the Company had total assets of $2.08 billion, total deposits of $1.64 billion and total shareholders’ equity of $169.27 million.
The Company is headquartered at 1400 Prospect Avenue, Helena, Montana, 59601. Investor information for the Company may be found at www.opportunitybank.com. The contents on or accessible through, our website are not incorporated into this prospectus.
An investment in our securities involves risks. We urge you to carefully consider all of the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and other information which may be incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement as provided under “Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference,” including our Annual Reports on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. This prospectus also contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Please read “Forward-Looking Statements.” Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including the risks described elsewhere in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement and in the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. If any of these risks occur, our business, financial condition or results of operation could be adversely affected. The trading price of our securities could decline due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the offered securities, for general corporate purposes unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement relating to a specific issue of securities. Our general corporate purposes may include, without limitation, financing acquisitions, capital expenditures, working capital, the repurchase and redemption of our securities, extending credit to, or funding investments in, our subsidiaries, repaying, reducing or refinancing indebtedness and other general corporate purposes.
The precise amounts and timing of our use of the net proceeds will depend upon market conditions, our subsidiaries’ funding requirements, the availability of other funds and other factors. Until we use the net proceeds from the sale of any of our securities for general corporate purposes, we expect to use the net proceeds to reduce our indebtedness or for temporary investments.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
We may issue senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities. Senior debt securities will be issued under an indenture, referred to as the “senior indenture,” between us and a senior indenture trustee to be named in the applicable prospectus supplement. Subordinated debt securities will be issued under a separate indenture, referred to as the “subordinated indenture,” between us and a subordinated indenture trustee to be named in the applicable prospectus supplement. The senior indenture and the subordinated indenture are sometimes collectively referred to in this prospectus as the “indentures.” The indentures will be subject to and governed by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. A copy of the form of each of these indentures is included as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
The following briefly describes the general terms and provisions of the debt securities which may be offered and the indentures governing them. The particular terms of the debt securities offered, and the extent, if any, to which these general provisions may apply to the debt securities so offered, will be described in a prospectus supplement relating to those securities. The following descriptions of the indentures are not complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the respective indentures.
General
The indentures will permit us to issue the debt securities from time to time, in one or more series. The indentures will not limit or otherwise restrict the amount of other indebtedness which we may incur or other securities which we or our subsidiaries may issue, including indebtedness which may rank senior to the debt securities. Nothing in the form of subordinated indenture prohibits the issuance of securities representing subordinated indebtedness that is senior or junior to the subordinated debt securities.
Unless we give you different information in the prospectus supplement, the senior debt securities will be unsubordinated obligations and will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. Payments on the subordinated debt securities will be subordinated to the prior payment in full of all of our senior debt, as described under “Description of Debt Securities—Subordination” and in the applicable prospectus supplement.
We may issue debt securities if the conditions contained in the applicable indenture are satisfied. These conditions include the establishment of the terms of the debt securities being issued in or pursuant to a supplemental indenture or resolutions adopted by our board of directors. Such terms may include:
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the title and series designation; |
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the aggregate principal amount and the limit, if any, on the aggregate principal amount or initial issue price of the debt securities which may be issued under the applicable indenture; |
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the principal amount payable, whether at maturity or upon earlier acceleration; |
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whether the principal amount payable will be determined with reference to an index, formula or other method which may be based on one or more currencies, currency units, composite currencies, commodities, equity indices or other indices; |
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whether the debt securities will be issued as original issue discount securities (as defined below); |
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the date or dates on which the principal of the debt securities is payable; |
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any fixed or variable interest rate or rates per annum or the method or formula for determining an interest rate; |
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the date from which any interest will accrue; |
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any interest payment dates; |
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whether the debt securities are senior or subordinated, and if subordinated, the terms of the subordination; |
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the price or prices at which the debt securities will be issued, which may be expressed as a percentage of the aggregate principal amount of those debt securities; |
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the stated maturity date; |
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whether the debt securities are to be issued in global form; |
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any sinking fund requirements; |
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any provisions for redemption, the redemption price and any remarketing arrangements; |
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the denominations of the securities or series of securities; |
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whether the debt securities are denominated or payable in United States dollars or a foreign currency or units of two or more foreign currencies; |
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any restrictions on the offer, sale and delivery of the debt securities; |
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the place or places where payments or deliveries on the debt securities will be made and may be presented for registration of transfer or exchange; |
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whether any of the debt securities will be subject to defeasance in advance of the date for redemption or the stated maturity date; |
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the terms, if any, upon which the debt securities are convertible into other securities of ours and the terms and conditions upon which any conversion will be effected, including the initial conversion price or rate, the conversion period and any other provisions in addition to or instead of those described in this prospectus; |
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a description of any documents or certificates that must be received prior to the issuance of any definitive securities; |
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whether and under what circumstances additional amounts will be paid to non-U.S. citizens in connection with any tax, assessment or governmental charge and whether securities may be redeemed in lieu of paying such additional fees; |
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the identity of each security registrar or paying agent (if other than trustee); |
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any provisions granting special rights to securities holders upon the occurrence of specified events; |
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any deletions from, modifications of, or additions to any default events or covenants set forth in the form of indenture; |
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the portion of the principal amount payable upon the declaration of acceleration of the maturity of any securities; and |
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any other terms of the debt securities which are not inconsistent with the provisions of the applicable indenture. |
The debt securities may be issued as “original issue discount securities” which bear no interest or interest at a rate which at the time of issuance is below market rates and which will be sold at a substantial discount below their principal amount. If the maturity of any original issue discount security is accelerated, the amount payable to the holder of the security will be determined by the applicable prospectus supplement, the terms of the security and the relevant indenture, but may be an amount less than the amount payable at the maturity of the principal of that original issue discount security. Special federal income tax and other considerations relating to original issue discount securities will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Under the indentures, the terms of the debt securities of any series may differ and we may, without the consent of the holders of the debt securities of any series, reopen a previous series of debt securities and issue additional debt securities of that series or establish additional terms of that series.
Please see the prospectus supplement and any related pricing supplement you have received or will receive for the terms of the specific debt securities we are offering.
You should be aware that special United States Federal income tax, accounting and other considerations may apply to the debt securities. The prospectus supplement relating to an issue of debt securities will describe these considerations.
Ranking of Debt Securities; Holding Company Structure
Senior Debt Securities. Payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on senior debt securities will rank on a parity with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt.
Subordinated Debt Securities. Payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on subordinated debt securities will be junior in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all of our senior debt, including senior debt securities. We will state in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to any subordinated debt securities the subordination terms of the securities as well as the aggregate amount of outstanding debt, as of the most recent practicable date, that by its terms would be senior to those subordinated debt securities. We will also state in that prospectus supplement limitations, if any, on the incurrence of senior or subordinated indebtedness or general obligations, including indebtedness ranking on an equal basis with the subordinated debt securities offered by such prospectus supplement.
Holding Company Structure. The debt securities will be our exclusive obligations. We are a holding company and substantially all of our consolidated assets are held by our subsidiaries. Accordingly, our cash flows and our ability to service our debt, including the debt securities, are dependent upon the results of operations of our subsidiaries and the distribution of funds by our subsidiaries to us. Various statutory and regulatory restrictions, however, limit directly or indirectly the amount of dividends our subsidiaries can pay, and also restrict certain subsidiaries from making investments in or loans to us.
Because we are a holding company, the debt securities will be effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities, including indebtedness, customer deposits, trade payables, guarantees and lease obligations, of our subsidiaries. Therefore, our rights and the rights of our creditors, including the holders of the debt securities, to participate in the assets of any subsidiary upon that subsidiary’s liquidation or reorganization will be subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary’s creditors and, if applicable, its depositors, except to the extent that we may ourselves be a creditor with recognized claims against the subsidiary, in which case our claims would still be effectively subordinate to any security interest in, or mortgages or other liens on, the assets of the subsidiary and would be subordinate to any indebtedness of the subsidiary senior to that which is held by us. If a receiver or conservator were appointed for the Bank, the Federal Deposit Insurance Act recognizes a priority in favor of the holders of withdrawable deposits (including the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation as subrogee or transferee) over general creditors. Claims for customer deposits would have a priority over any claims that we may ourselves have as a creditor of the Bank. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the applicable indenture will not limit the amount of indebtedness or other liabilities that we and our subsidiaries may incur.
Registration and Transfer
Holders may present debt securities in registered form for transfer or exchange for other debt securities of the same series at the offices of the applicable indenture trustee according to the terms of the applicable indenture and the debt securities.
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will be issued in fully registered form, and in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof.
No service charge will be required for any transfer or exchange of the debt securities but we generally may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with any transfer or exchange.
Payment and Place of Payment
We will pay or deliver principal and any premium and interest in the manner, at the places and subject to the restrictions set forth in the applicable indenture, the debt securities and the applicable prospectus supplement. However, at our option, we may pay any principal or interest by check to the registered holders of debt securities.
Global Securities
Each indenture provides that we may issue debt securities in global form. If any series of debt securities is issued in global form, the prospectus supplement will describe any circumstances under which beneficial owners of interests in any of those global debt securities may exchange their interests for debt securities of that series and of like tenor and principal amount in any authorized form and denomination. See “Description of Global Securities.”
Redemption and Repurchase
The debt securities of any series may be redeemable at our option, may be subject to mandatory redemption pursuant to a sinking fund or otherwise, or may be subject to repurchase by us at the option of the holders, in each case upon the terms, at the times and at the prices set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement and pricing supplement, if any.
Conversion or Exchange Rights
If debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for shares of our equity securities or other securities of ours, the terms and conditions of conversion or exchange will be stated in the applicable prospectus supplement. The terms will include, among others, the following:
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the conversion or exchange price; |
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the conversion or exchange period; |
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provisions regarding the convertibility or exchangeability of the debt securities, including who may convert or exchange; |
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events requiring adjustment to the conversion or exchange price; |
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provisions affecting conversion or exchange in the event of our redemption of the debt securities; and |
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any anti-dilution provisions, if applicable. |
Absence of Limitation on Indebtedness and Liens; Absence of Event Risk Protection
Unless otherwise stated in the prospectus supplement relating to a series of debt securities, the indentures will not limit the amount of indebtedness, guarantees or other liabilities that we and our subsidiaries may incur and will not prohibit us or our subsidiaries from creating or assuming liens on our properties, including the capital stock of our subsidiaries. Unless otherwise provided in the related prospectus supplement, the indentures will not require us to maintain any financial ratios or specified levels of net worth, revenues, income, cash flow or liquidity, and will not contain provisions which would give holders of the debt securities the right to require us to repurchase their debt securities in the event we undergo a takeover, recapitalization or similar restructuring or change in control.
Events of Default
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the following are events of default under the senior indenture with respect to the senior debt securities:
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default in the payment of any principal or premium or make-whole amount, if any, on the senior debt securities when due and payable at its maturity; |
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default in the payment of any interest or additional amounts on the senior debt securities when due and payable, and continuance of such default for 30 days; |
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default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment on the senior debt securities when due; |
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default in the performance or breach of any other obligation contained in the applicable indenture with respect to that series of senior debt securities (other than defaults or breaches otherwise specifically addressed), and continuance of such default or breach for 90 days after written notice of the default or breach; |
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specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and |
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any other event of default provided with respect to the senior debt securities of any series. |
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the following are events of default under the subordinated indenture with respect to the subordinated debt securities:
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specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and |
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any other event of default provided with respect to the subordinated debt securities of any series. |
If an event of default occurs because we experience specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, the principal amount of the debt securities will be automatically accelerated and become immediately due and payable, without any action by the trustee or any holder. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, if any other event of default occurs and is continuing for any series of debt securities, unless the principal amount of all debt securities of that particular series has already become due and payable, the indenture trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may declare all amounts, or any lesser amount provided for in the debt securities of that series, to be immediately due and payable.
At any time after the applicable indenture trustee or the holders have accelerated a series of debt securities, but before the applicable indenture trustee has obtained a judgment or decree for payment of money due, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt securities of that series may rescind and annul that acceleration and its consequences, provided that all payments and/or deliveries due, other than those due as a result of acceleration, have been made and all events of default have been remedied or waived.
The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may waive any default with respect to that series, except a default:
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• |
in the payment of any amounts due and payable or deliverable under the debt securities of that series; or |
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in an obligation contained in, or a provision of, an indenture which cannot be modified under the terms of that indenture without the consent of each holder of each series of debt securities affected. |
The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the applicable indenture trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the indenture trustee with respect to debt securities of that series, provided that any direction is not in conflict with any rule of law or the applicable indenture and the trustee may take other actions, other than those that might lead to personal liability, not inconsistent with the direction. Subject to the provisions of the applicable indenture relating to the duties of the indenture trustee, before proceeding to exercise any right or power under the indenture at the direction of the holders, the indenture trustee is entitled to receive from those holders security or indemnity satisfactory to the indenture trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities which it might incur in complying with any direction.
A holder of any debt security of any series will have the right to institute a proceeding with respect to the applicable indenture or for any remedy under the indenture, if:
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• |
that holder previously gives to the indenture trustee written notice of a continuing event of default with respect to debt securities of that series; |
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the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding securities of that series have made written request and offered the indenture trustee indemnity satisfactory to the indenture trustee to institute that proceeding as indenture trustee; |
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the indenture trustee fails to institute the proceeding within 60 days; and |
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the indenture trustee has not received from the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series a direction inconsistent with the request. |
However, the holder of any debt security has the right to receive payment of the principal of (and premium or make-whole amount, if any) and interest on, and any additional amounts in respect of, such debt security on the respective due dates (or, in the case of redemption, on the redemption date) and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment.
We are required to furnish to the indenture trustees annually a statement as to the performance of our obligations under the indentures and as to any default in that performance of which we are aware.
Modification and Waiver
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. and the applicable indenture trustee may amend and modify each indenture or debt securities under that indenture with the written consent of holders of at least a majority in principal amount of each series of all outstanding debt securities then outstanding under the indenture affected. However, without the consent of each holder of any debt security issued under the applicable indenture, we may not amend or modify that indenture to:
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change the stated maturity date of the principal of (or premium or make-whole amount, if any, on), or any installment of principal or interest on, any debt security issued under that indenture; |
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reduce the principal amount thereof, the rate or amount of interest thereon or any additional amounts payable in respect thereof, or any premium or make-whole amount payable upon the redemption of any debt security issued under that indenture, or change any obligation to pay additional amounts; |
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reduce the amount of principal of an original issue discount security or make-whole amount, if any, issued under that indenture payable upon acceleration of its maturity or provable in bankruptcy; |
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change the place or currency of payment of principal of, or any premium, any make-whole amount or additional amounts payable in respect of, or interest on, any debt security issued under that indenture; |
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impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment or delivery on or with respect to any debt security issued under that indenture; |
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reduce the percentage in principal amount of debt securities of any series issued under that indenture, the consent of whose holders is required to modify or amend the indenture or to waive compliance with certain provisions of the indenture, or reduce the requirements for quorum or voting; or |
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make any change that adversely affects the right to convert or exchange any security or decrease the conversion or exchange rate or increase the conversion or exchange price. |
The holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series issued under that indenture may, with respect to that series, waive past defaults under the indenture, except as described under “—Events of Default.”
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we and the applicable indenture trustee may also amend and modify each indenture without the consent of any holder for any of the following purposes:
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to evidence the succession of another person to Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.; |
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to add to our covenants for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of debt securities; |
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to add events of default for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of debt securities; |
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to change or eliminate any of the provisions of the applicable indenture in respect of any series of debt securities, so long as any such change or elimination will become effective only in respect of any series of securities when there is no outstanding security of that series which is entitled to the benefit of that provision; |
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to secure the debt securities of any series; |
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to establish the form or terms of debt securities of any series; |
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to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment by a successor indenture trustee; |
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to provide for conversion or exchange rights of the holders of the debt securities of any series to enable those holders to convert or exchange those securities into or for other securities; |
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to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision in the applicable indenture, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under that indenture, so long as the interests of holders of debt securities of any series are not adversely affected in any material respect by the actions taken to cure, correct or supplement a provision in that indenture; |
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to conform the text of the indenture or the debt securities to this description of debt securities or the description of debt securities in an applicable prospectus supplement; |
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• |
to close the indenture with respect to the authentication and delivery of additional series of securities or to qualify or maintain qualifications of the applicable indenture under the Trust Indenture Act; or |
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to supplement any of the provisions of an indenture as is necessary to permit or facilitate the defeasance or discharge of any series of securities under specified provisions of the indenture, provided that any such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the holders of securities of such series or any other series of securities under the indenture in any material respect. |
Voting
The indentures contain provisions for convening meetings of the holders of debt securities of a series. A meeting will be permitted to be called at any time by the applicable trustee, and also, upon request, by us or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series, in any such case upon notice given as provided in such indenture. Except for any consent that must be given by the holder of each debt security affected by the modifications and amendments of an indenture described above, any resolution presented at a meeting or adjourned meeting duly reconvened at which a quorum is present may be adopted by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series represented at such meeting.
Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, except as referred to above, any resolution relating to a request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action that may be made, given or taken by the holders of a specified percentage, which is less than a majority, of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series may be adopted at a meeting or adjourned meeting duly reconvened at which a quorum is present by the affirmative vote of such specified percentage.
Any resolution passed or decision taken at any properly held meeting of holders of debt securities of any series will be binding on all holders of such series. The quorum at any meeting called to adopt a resolution, and at any reconvened meeting, will be persons holding or representing a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series. However, if any action is to be taken relating to a consent or waiver which may be given by the holders of at least a specified percentage in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series, the persons holding such percentage will constitute a quorum.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, the indentures provide that if any action is to be taken at a meeting with respect to any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action that such indenture expressly provides may be made, given or taken by the holders of a specified percentage in principal amount of all outstanding debt securities affected by such action, or of the holders of such series and one or more additional series:
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there shall be no minimum quorum requirement for such meeting; and |
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the principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series that vote in favor of such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action shall be taken into account in determining whether such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action has been made, given or taken under such indenture. |
Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may consolidate or merge with or into any other person, and we may sell, lease or convey all or substantially all of our assets to any person, provided that (i) the resulting entity, if other than Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., is an entity organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America or any U.S. state or the District of Colombia and expressly assumes our obligations to: (1) pay or deliver the principal and any premium or make-whole amount, if any, and any interest on, the debt securities; and (2) perform and observe all of our other obligations under the indentures and supplemental indentures; and (ii) immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no event of default under the indenture shall have occurred and be continuing.
The indentures do not provide for any right of acceleration in the event of a consolidation, merger, sale of all or substantially all of the assets, recapitalization or change in our stock ownership. In addition, the indentures do not contain any provision which would protect the holders of debt securities against a sudden and dramatic decline in credit quality resulting from takeovers, recapitalizations or similar restructurings.
Defeasance
We may terminate or “defease” our obligations under the applicable indenture with respect to the debt securities of any series by taking the following steps:
(1) depositing irrevocably with the indenture trustee an amount, which through the payment of interest, principal or premium, if any, will provide an amount sufficient to pay the entire amount of the debt securities:
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in the case of debt securities denominated in U.S. dollars, of U.S. dollars or U.S. government obligations; |
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in the case of debt securities denominated in a foreign currency, of money in that foreign currency or foreign government obligations of the foreign government or governments issuing that foreign currency; or |
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a combination of money and U.S. government obligations or foreign government obligations, as applicable; |
(2) delivering to the indenture trustee:
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an opinion of independent counsel that the holders of the debt securities of that series will have no federal income tax consequences as a result of that deposit and termination; |
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an opinion of independent counsel that registration is not required under the Investment Company Act of 1940; |
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an opinion of counsel as to certain other matters; |
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officers’ certificates certifying as to compliance with the indenture and other matters; and |
(3) paying all other amounts due under the indenture.
Further, the defeasance cannot cause an event of default under the indenture or any other material agreement or instrument and no event of default under the indenture can exist at the time the defeasance occurs.
Subordination
The subordinated debt securities will be subordinated in right of payment to all “senior debt,” as defined in the subordinated indenture. In certain circumstances relating to our liquidation, dissolution, receivership, reorganization, insolvency or similar proceedings, the holders of all senior debt will first be entitled to receive payment in full before the holders of the subordinated debt securities will be entitled to receive any payment on the subordinated debt securities.
In addition, we may make no payment on the subordinated debt securities in the event:
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there is a default with respect to any senior debt which permits the holders of that senior debt to accelerate the maturity of the senior debt; and |
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the default is the subject of judicial proceedings or we receive notice of the default from an authorized person under the subordinated indenture. |
By reason of this subordination in favor of the holders of senior debt, in the event of an insolvency our creditors who are not holders of senior debt or the subordinated debt securities may recover less, proportionately, than holders of senior debt and may recover more, proportionately, than holders of the subordinated debt securities. Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement relating to the particular series of subordinated debt securities, “senior debt” is defined in the subordinated indenture as all indebtedness and obligations of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. as described below, whether any such indebtedness and obligations are outstanding as of the date of the subordinated indenture or created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed after such date:
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(i) |
all indebtedness and obligations of, or guaranteed or assumed by, Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. that are (a) for borrowed money, (b) evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments, or (c) deferred obligations for the payment of the purchase price of property or assets; |
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(ii) |
obligations of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. that are similar to those in clause (i) and arise from off-balance sheet guarantees and direct credit substitutes; |
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(iii) |
all obligations of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. associated with derivative products such as interest rate and foreign exchange contracts, commodity contracts and similar arrangements; and |
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(iv) |
all amendments, renewals, extensions, modifications and refundings of such indebtedness and obligations described in any of the preceding clauses (i), (ii) and (iii). |
“Senior debt” does not include (1) the subordinated debt securities and (2) other indebtedness of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. as is by its terms expressly stated (a) not to be senior in right of payment to, or (b) to rank pari passu with, or (c) to rank junior in right of payment to, the subordinated debt securities.
The subordinated indenture does not limit or prohibit the incurrence of additional senior debt, which may include indebtedness that is senior to the subordinated debt securities, but subordinate to our other obligations. Any prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of subordinated debt securities will set forth the aggregate amount of our indebtedness senior to the subordinated debt securities as of a recent practicable date.
The prospectus supplement may further describe the provisions, if any, which may apply to the subordination of the subordinated debt securities of a particular series.
Restrictive Covenants
The subordinated indenture does not contain any significant restrictive covenants. The prospectus supplement relating to a series of subordinated debt securities may describe certain restrictive covenants, if any, to which we may be bound under the subordinated indenture.
Governing Law
Unless indicated otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the indentures and the debt securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
The following is a description of our capital stock and a summary of the rights of our stockholders and provisions pertaining to indemnification of our directors and officers. You should also refer to our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and to Delaware law.
General
The Company has an authorized capitalization of 21,000,000 shares of capital stock, consisting of 20,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 1,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. As of March 4, 2024, we have a total of 351,002 shares of our common stock reserved and remaining to be issued for grants of options and restricted stock awards under our stock plans. As of March 4, 2024, there were 8,016,784 shares of common stock, and no shares of preferred stock outstanding. As of such date, there were 967 holders of record of common stock.
Common Stock
Subject to the prior or special rights of holders of shares of preferred stock:
Dividends. The holders of shares of common stock are entitled to any dividends that may be declared by our board of directors out of legally available funds;
Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the holders of shares of our common stock are entitled upon liquidation to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities and the satisfaction of the liquidation preferences of any outstanding shares of preferred stock;
Redemption. The holders of shares of our common stock are not subject to, or entitled to the benefits of, any redemption or sinking fund provision;
Conversion. No holder of common stock has the right to convert or exchange any such shares with or into any other shares of capital stock of the Company;
Preemptive Rights. No holder of common stock has preemptive rights; and
Voting. Each share of common stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote, in person or by proxy, on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders generally. Voting is non-cumulative. The outstanding shares of our common stock are fully paid and non-assessable. Except as specifically provided in the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) or in the Company’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws, the affirmative vote required for stockholder action shall be that of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting (as counted for purposes of determining the existence of a quorum at the meeting). Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast in the election.
Preferred Stock
The following description of the terms of the preferred stock sets forth the general terms and provisions of the preferred stock to which any prospectus supplement may relate. Other terms of any series of the preferred stock offered by any prospectus supplement will be described in that prospectus supplement. The description of the provisions of the preferred stock set forth below and in any applicable prospectus supplement does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the certificate of designations relating to each series of the preferred stock. The certificate of designations will be filed with the Commission and incorporated by reference in the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part at or prior to the time of the issuance of each new series of preferred stock.
The preferred stock may be issued from time to time by our board of directors as shares of one or more classes or series. Subject to the provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and limitations prescribed by law, our board of directors is expressly authorized to adopt resolutions to issue the shares, to fix the number of shares, to change the number of shares constituting any series and to provide for or change the voting powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, including dividend rights (including whether dividends are cumulative), dividend rates, terms of redemption (including sinking fund provisions), redemption prices, conversion rights and liquidation preferences of the shares constituting any class or series of the preferred stock, in each case without any action or vote by the holders of common stock.
The issuance of shares of preferred stock, or the issuance of rights to purchase shares of preferred stock, could be used to discourage an unsolicited acquisition proposal. For instance, the issuance of a series of preferred stock might impede a business combination by including class voting rights that would enable the holders to block such a transaction; or the issuance might facilitate a business combination by including voting rights that would provide a required percentage vote of the stockholders. In addition, under some circumstances, the issuance of preferred stock could adversely affect the voting power of the holders of the common stock. Although our board of directors is required to make any determination to issue preferred stock based on its judgment as to the best interests of our stockholders, the board of directors could act in a manner that would discourage an acquisition attempt or other transaction that some or a majority of the stockholders might believe to be in their best interests or in which stockholders might receive a premium for their stock over the then market price of the stock. The board of directors does not currently intend to seek stockholder approval prior to any issuance of currently authorized stock, unless otherwise required by law or the rules of any market on which our securities are traded.
The preferred stock shall have the dividend, liquidation, redemption and voting rights set forth in a prospectus supplement relating to the particular series of the preferred stock. Reference is made to the prospectus supplement relating to the particular series of the preferred stock offered by the prospectus supplement for specific terms, including:
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the designation and stated value per share of such preferred stock and the number of shares offered; |
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the amount of liquidation preference per share; |
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the initial public offering price at which the preferred stock will be issued; |
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the dividend rate or method of calculation, the dates on which dividends shall be payable, the form of dividend payment and the dates from which dividends shall begin to cumulate, if any; |
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any redemption or sinking fund provisions; |
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any conversion or exchange rights; and |
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any additional voting, dividend, liquidation, redemption, sinking fund and other rights, preferences, privileges, limitations and restrictions. |
The preferred stock will, when issued, be fully paid and nonassessable and new series of preferred stock will not have preemptive rights. The rights of the holders of each series of the preferred stock will be subordinate to the rights of our general creditors.
Certain Anti-Takeover Effects of Certain Provisions of the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws and the Delaware General Corporation Law
The following discussion is a general summary of the material provisions of Eagle’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and certain other regulatory provisions that may be deemed to have an “anti-takeover” effect. The following description of certain of these provisions is necessarily general and reference should be made in each case to the actual document or regulatory provision in question.
Eagle’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws
Eagle’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws contain a number of provisions relating to corporate governance and rights of stockholders that might discourage future takeover attempts. As a result, stockholders who might desire to participate in such transactions may not have an opportunity to do so. In addition, these provisions will also render the removal of the board of directors or management of Eagle more difficult.
Prohibition of Cumulative Voting. The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation prohibits cumulative voting for the election of directors.
Restrictions on Removing Directors from Office. The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that directors may be removed only for cause, and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the voting power of all of our then-outstanding common stock entitled to vote.
Authorized but Unissued Shares. Eagle has authorized but unissued shares of common and preferred stock. Eagle is authorized to issue preferred stock from time to time in one or more series subject to applicable provisions of law, and the board of directors is authorized to fix the designations, and relative preferences, limitations, voting rights, if any, including without limitation, offering rights of such shares (which could be multiple or as a separate class). In the event of a proposed merger, tender offer or other attempt to gain control of Eagle that the board of directors does not approve, it might be possible for the board of directors to authorize the issuance of a series of preferred stock with rights and preferences that would impede the completion of the transaction. An effect of the possible issuance of preferred stock therefore may be to deter a future attempt to gain control of Eagle. The board of directors has no present plan or understanding to issue any preferred stock.
Classified Board of Directors. Eagle’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides for a classified board to which approximately one-third of its board of directors is elected each year at its annual meeting of stockholders. Accordingly, Eagle’s directors serve three-year terms rather than one-year terms. The classification of Eagle’s board of directors has the effect of making it more difficult for stockholders to change the composition of its board of directors. At least two annual meetings of stockholders, instead of one, will generally be required to effect a change in a majority of Eagle’s board of directors. Such a delay may help ensure that its directors, if confronted by a stockholder attempting to force a proxy contest, a tender or exchange offer, or an extraordinary corporate transaction, would have sufficient time to review the proposal as well as any available alternatives to the proposal and to act in what they believe to be the best interests of Eagle’s stockholders. The classification provisions apply to every election of directors, however, regardless of whether a change in the composition of Eagle’s board of directors would be beneficial to Eagle and its stockholders and whether or not a majority of its stockholders believe that such a change would be desirable.
Amendments to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws. Amendments to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation must be approved by our board of directors and also by at least a majority of the outstanding shares of our voting stock; provided, however, that approval by at least 80% of the outstanding voting stock is generally required to amend the following provisions:
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(i) |
the applicability of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law; |
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(ii) |
the division of the board of directors into three classes; |
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(iii) |
the limitation on voting rights of persons who directly or indirectly beneficially own more than 10% of the outstanding shares of common stock; |
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(iv) |
the indemnification of current and former directors and officers by Eagle; |
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(v) |
the requirement of an 80% stockholder approval for business combination transactions with interested stockholders; |
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(vi) |
the prohibition of stockholder action by written consent and the ability to call special meetings; |
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(vii) |
the requirement that the holders of at least 80% of the outstanding shares of common stock must vote to remove directors, and can only remove directors for cause; |
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(viii) |
the limitation of liability of officers and directors to Eagle for money damages; and |
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(ix) |
the provision of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation requiring approval of at least 80% of the outstanding voting stock to amend the provisions of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provided in (i) through (viii) of this list. |
The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation also provides that certain bylaws may be amended by the affirmative vote of a majority of our directors or by the stockholders and that specified provisions in the Bylaws may only be amended by the stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least 80% of the total votes eligible to be voted at a duly constituted meeting of stockholders. Any amendment of this supermajority requirement for amendment of the Bylaws would also require the approval of 80% of the outstanding voting stock.
Stockholder Vote Required to Approve Business Combinations with Principal Shareholders. The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Eagle requires the approval of the holders of at least 80% of Eagle’s outstanding shares of voting stock to approve certain “Business Combinations,” as defined therein, and related transactions. Under Delaware law, absent this provision, Business Combinations, including mergers, consolidations and sales of all or substantially all of the assets of a corporation must, subject to certain exceptions, be approved by the vote of the holders of only a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of Eagle and any other affected class of stock. Under the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, at least 80% approval of stockholders is required in connection with any transaction involving an interested stockholder (as defined below) except (i) in cases where the proposed transaction has been approved in advance by a majority of those members of Eagle’s board of directors who are unaffiliated with the interested stockholder and were directors prior to the time when the interested stockholder became an interested stockholder or (ii) if the proposed transaction meets certain conditions set forth in the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which are designed to afford the stockholders a fair price in consideration for their shares in which case, if a stockholder vote is required, approval of only a majority of the outstanding shares of voting stock would be sufficient.
The term “interested stockholder” is defined to include any individual, corporation, partnership or other entity (other than Eagle or its subsidiary) which owns beneficially or controls, directly or indirectly, 15% or more of the outstanding shares of voting stock of Eagle. This provision of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation applies to any “Business Combination,” which is defined to include (i) any merger, consolidation or share exchange of Eagle or any of its subsidiaries with or into any interested stockholder or affiliate of an interested stockholder; (ii) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer, or other disposition to or with any interested stockholder or affiliate of assets of Eagle having an aggregate market value of 10% or more of either the aggregate market value of the total consolidated assets of Eagle or the aggregate market value of the outstanding stock of Eagle; (iii) the issuance or transfer to any interested stockholder or its affiliate by Eagle (or any subsidiary) of any securities of Eagle subject to certain exceptions; (iv) the adoption of any plan for the liquidation or dissolution of Eagle proposed by or on behalf of any interested stockholder or affiliate thereof; (v) any reclassification of securities, recapitalization, merger or consolidation of Eagle which has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of outstanding shares of common stock or any class of equity or convertible securities of Eagle owned directly or indirectly by an interested stockholder or affiliate thereof; (vi) any transaction involving Eagle or any subsidiary that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or securities convertible into stock of any class or series owned by the interested stockholder except for immaterial changes due to fractional share adjustments or as a result of stock repurchases not caused by the interested stockholder; and (vii) any receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through Eagle or any subsidiary.
Our board of directors believes that the provisions described above or below are prudent and will reduce our vulnerability to takeover attempts and certain other transactions that have not been negotiated with and approved by our board of directors. Our board of directors believes these provisions are in the best interests of Eagle and its stockholders. Our board of directors believes that it will be in the best position to determine the true value of Eagle and to negotiate more effectively for what may be in the best interests of its stockholders. Accordingly, our board of directors believes that it is in the best interests of Eagle and its stockholders to encourage potential acquirers to negotiate directly with the board of directors and that these provisions will encourage such negotiations and discourage hostile takeover attempts. It is also the view of our board of directors that these provisions should not discourage persons from proposing a merger or other transaction at a price reflective of the true value of Eagle and that is in the best interests of all stockholders.
Takeover attempts that have not been negotiated with and approved by our board of directors present the risk of a takeover on terms that may be less favorable than might otherwise be available. A transaction that is negotiated and approved by our board of directors, on the other hand, can be carefully planned and undertaken at an opportune time in order to obtain maximum value of Eagle for our stockholders, with due consideration given to matters such as the management and business of the acquiring corporation and maximum strategic development of Eagle’s assets.
Despite our belief as to the benefits to stockholders of these provisions of Eagle’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, these provisions may also have the effect of discouraging a future takeover attempt that would not be approved by our board of directors, but pursuant to which stockholders may receive a substantial premium for their shares over then current market prices. As a result, stockholders who might desire to participate in such a transaction may not have any opportunity to do so. Such provisions will also make it more difficult to remove our board of directors and management. Our board of directors, however, has concluded that the potential benefits outweigh the possible disadvantages.
Pursuant to applicable law and, if required, following the approval by stockholders, we may adopt additional anti-takeover provisions in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or other devices regarding the acquisition of our equity securities that would be permitted for a Delaware business corporation.
The cumulative effect of the restrictions on acquisition of Eagle contained in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and in Delaware law may be to discourage potential takeover attempts and perpetuate incumbent management, even though certain stockholders of Eagle may deem a potential acquisition to be in their best interests, or deem existing management not to be acting in their best interests.
Delaware Corporate Law
In addition, the state of Delaware has a statute designed to provide Delaware corporations, such as Eagle, with additional protection against hostile takeovers. The takeover statute, which is codified in Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law is intended to discourage certain takeover practices by impeding the ability of a hostile acquiror to engage in certain transactions with the target company.
In general Section 203 provides that a “Person” who owns 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of a Delaware corporation (referred to in Section 203 as an “Interested Shareholder”) may not consummate a merger or other business combination transaction with such corporation at any time during the three-year period following the date such “Person” became an Interested Shareholder. The term “business combination” is defined broadly to cover a wide range of corporate transactions including mergers, sales of assets, issuances of stock, transactions with subsidiaries and the receipt of disproportionate financial benefits.
The statute exempts the following transactions from the requirements of Section 203: (i) any business combination if, prior to the date a person became an Interested Shareholder, the board of directors approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the shareholder becoming an Interested Shareholder; (ii) any business combination involving a person who acquired at least 85% of the outstanding voting stock in the transaction in which he became an Interested Shareholder, with the number of shares outstanding calculated without regard to those shares owned by the corporation’s directors who are also officers and by certain employee stock plans; (iii) any business combination with an Interested Shareholder that is approved by the board of directors and by a two-thirds vote of the outstanding voting stock not owned by the Interested Shareholder; and (iv) certain business combinations that are proposed after the corporation had received other acquisition proposals and which are approved or not opposed by a majority of certain continuing members of the board of directors. A corporation may exempt itself from the requirements of the statute by adopting an amendment to its certificate of incorporation or bylaws electing not to be governed by Section 203. At the present time, the board of directors does not intend to propose any such amendment.
Federal Banking Law
Under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHC Act”), any person or company is required to obtain the approval of the FRB before acquiring control of Eagle, which, among other things, includes the acquisition of ownership of or control over 25% or more of any class of voting stock of Eagle or the power to exercise a “controlling influence” over Eagle. In the case of an acquiror that is a bank or bank holding company, the BHC Act requires approval of the FRB for the acquisition of ownership or control of any voting stock of Eagle, if the acquisition results in the bank or bank holding company controlling more than 5% of the outstanding shares of any class of Eagle’s voting securities. The Change in Bank Control Act prohibits a person, entity, or group of persons or entities acting in concert, from acquiring “control” of a bank holding company such as Eagle unless the FRB has been given prior notice and has not objected to the transaction. Under FRB regulations, the acquisition of 10% or more of a class of voting stock of Eagle would generally be deemed an acquisition of control of Eagle.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for the common stock is Computershare Investor Services.
DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
We may offer depositary shares, which will be evidenced by depositary receipts, representing fractional interests in shares of preferred stock of any series. In connection with the issuance of any depositary shares, we will enter into a deposit agreement with a depositary, which will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement. The following briefly summarizes the material provisions of the deposit agreement and of the depositary shares and depositary receipts, other than pricing and related terms disclosed for a particular issuance in an accompanying prospectus supplement. This description is not complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, all provisions of the applicable deposit agreement, depositary shares and depositary receipts. You should read the particular terms of any depositary shares and any depositary receipts that are offered and any deposit agreement relating to a particular series of preferred stock described in more detail in a prospectus supplement. The prospectus supplement will also state whether any of the generalized provisions summarized below do not apply to the depositary shares or depositary receipts being offered.
General
We may, at our option, elect to offer fractional shares of preferred stock, rather than full shares of preferred stock. In such event, we will issue receipts for depositary shares, each of which will represent a fraction of a share of a particular series of preferred stock.
The shares of any series of preferred stock represented by depositary shares will be deposited under a deposit agreement between us and the depositary we select. Each owner of a depositary share will be entitled to all the rights and preferences of the underlying preferred stock, including any dividend, voting, redemption, conversion and liquidation rights described in the particular prospectus supplement, in proportion to the applicable fraction of a share of preferred stock represented by such depositary share.
The depositary shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued pursuant to the deposit agreement. Depositary receipts will be distributed to those persons purchasing the fractional shares of preferred stock in accordance with the terms of the applicable prospectus supplement.
Dividends and Other Distributions
The preferred stock depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash distributions received in respect of the deposited preferred stock to the record holders of depositary shares relating to the preferred stock in proportion to the number of depositary shares owned by the holders.
In the case of a distribution other than in cash, the preferred stock depositary will distribute any property received by it other than cash to the record holders of depositary shares entitled to receive it. If the preferred stock depositary determines that it is not feasible to make such a distribution, it may, with our approval, sell the property and distribute the net proceeds from the sale to the holders of the depositary shares.
The amounts distributed in any such distribution, whether in cash or otherwise, will be reduced by any amount required to be withheld by us or the preferred stock depositary on account of taxes.
Redemption, Conversion and Exchange of Preferred Stock
If a series of preferred stock represented by depositary shares is to be redeemed, the depositary shares will be redeemed from the proceeds received by the preferred stock depositary resulting from the redemption, in whole or in part, of that series of preferred stock. The depositary shares will be redeemed by the preferred stock depositary at a price per depositary share equal to the applicable fraction of the redemption price per share payable in respect of the shares of preferred stock redeemed.
Whenever we redeem shares of preferred stock held by the preferred stock depositary, the preferred stock depositary will redeem as of the same date the number of depositary shares representing shares of preferred stock redeemed. If fewer than all the depositary shares are to be redeemed, the depositary shares to be redeemed will be selected by the preferred stock depositary by lot or ratably or by any other equitable method, in each case as we may determine.
If a series of preferred stock represented by depositary shares is to be converted or exchanged, the holder of depositary receipts representing the shares of preferred stock being converted or exchanged will have the right or obligation to convert or exchange the depositary shares evidenced by the depositary receipts.
After the redemption, conversion or exchange date, the depositary shares called for redemption, conversion or exchange will no longer be outstanding. When the depositary shares are no longer outstanding, all rights of the holders will end, except the right to receive money, securities or other property payable upon redemption, conversion or exchange.
Voting Deposited Preferred Stock
Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of any series of deposited preferred stock are entitled to vote, the preferred stock depositary will mail the information contained in the notice of meeting to the record holders of the depositary receipts evidencing the depositary shares relating to that series of preferred stock. Each record holder of the depositary receipts on the record date will be entitled to instruct the preferred stock depositary to vote the amount of the preferred stock represented by the holder’s depositary shares. The preferred stock depositary will try, if practical, to vote the amount of such series of preferred stock represented by such depositary shares in accordance with such instructions.
We will agree to take all reasonable actions that the preferred stock depositary determines are necessary to enable the preferred stock depositary to vote as instructed. The preferred stock depositary will abstain from voting shares of any series of preferred stock held by it for which it does not receive specific instructions from the holders of depositary shares representing those preferred shares.
Amendment and Termination of the Deposit Agreement
The form of depositary receipt evidencing the depositary shares and any provision of the deposit agreement may at any time be amended by agreement between us and the preferred stock depositary. However, any amendment that materially and adversely alters any existing right of the holders of depositary receipts will not be effective unless the amendment has been approved by the holders of depositary receipts representing at least a majority of the depositary shares then outstanding. Every holder of an outstanding depositary receipt at the time any such amendment becomes effective will be deemed, by continuing to hold the depositary receipt, to consent and agree to the amendment and to be bound by the deposit agreement, as amended.
We may direct the preferred stock depositary to terminate the deposit agreement at any time by mailing notice of termination to the record holders of the depositary receipts then outstanding at least 30 days prior to the date fixed for termination. Upon termination, the preferred stock depositary will deliver to each holder of depositary receipts, upon surrender of those receipts, such number of whole shares of the series of preferred stock represented by the depositary shares together with cash in lieu of any fractional shares, to the extent we have deposited cash for payment in lieu of fractional shares with the preferred stock depositary. In addition, the deposit agreement will automatically terminate if:
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all of the shares of the preferred stock deposited with the preferred stock depositary have been withdrawn, redeemed, converted or exchanged; or |
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there has been a final distribution in respect of the deposited preferred stock in connection with our liquidation, dissolution or winding up. |
Charges of Preferred Stock Depositary; Taxes and Other Governmental Charges
We will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising solely from the existence of the depositary arrangements. We also will pay charges of the preferred stock depositary in connection with the initial deposit of preferred stock and any redemption of preferred stock. Holders of depositary receipts will pay other transfer and other taxes and governmental charges and such other charges, including a fee for the withdrawal of shares of preferred stock upon surrender of depositary receipts, as are expressly provided in the deposit agreement to be for their accounts.
Prospective purchasers of depositary shares should be aware that special tax, accounting and other issues may be applicable to instruments such as depositary shares.
Resignation and Removal of Depositary
The preferred stock depositary may resign at any time by delivering to us notice of its intent to do so, and we may at any time remove the preferred stock depositary, any such resignation or removal to take effect upon the appointment of a successor preferred stock depositary meeting the requirements specified in the deposit agreement and its acceptance of such appointment.
Miscellaneous
The preferred stock depositary will forward all reports and communications from us that are delivered to the preferred stock depositary and that we are required to furnish to the holders of the deposited preferred stock.
Neither we nor the preferred stock depositary will be liable if we are or the preferred stock depositary is prevented or delayed by law or any circumstances beyond our or its control in performing our or its obligations under the deposit agreement. Our obligations and the obligations of the preferred stock depositary under the deposit agreement will be limited to performance in good faith of the duties under the deposit agreement and we and the preferred stock depositary will not be obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding in respect of any depositary shares, depositary receipts or shares of preferred stock unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished. We and the preferred stock depositary may rely upon written advice of counsel or accountants, or upon information provided by holders of depositary receipts or other persons believed to be competent and on documents believed to be genuine.
DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS
We may issue or sell purchase contracts, including purchase contracts issued as part of a unit with one or more other securities, for the purchase or sale of our debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares or other securities.
The price of our debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares or other securities, as applicable, may be fixed at the time the purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by reference to a specific formula contained in the purchase contracts. We may issue purchase contracts in such amounts and in as many distinct series as we wish.
The applicable prospectus supplement may contain, where applicable, the following information about the purchase contracts issued under it:
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whether the purchase contracts obligate the holder to purchase or sell, or both purchase and sell, our debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares or other securities, as applicable, and the nature and amount of each of those securities, or method of determining those amounts; |
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whether the purchase contracts are to be prepaid or not; |
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whether the purchase contracts are to be settled by delivery, or by reference or linkage to the value, performance or level of our common stock or preferred stock; |
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any acceleration, cancellation, termination or other provisions relating to the settlement of the purchase contracts; |
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United States federal income tax considerations relevant to the purchase contracts; and |
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whether the purchase contracts will be issued in fully registered or global form. |
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any purchase contracts. The preceding description and any description of purchase contracts in the applicable prospectus supplement does not purport to be complete and is subject to and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the purchase contract agreement and, if applicable, collateral arrangements and depositary arrangements relating to such purchase contracts.
We may issue warrants to purchase our debt securities, shares of our common stock or preferred stock, depositary shares or other securities or property. Warrants may be issued independently or together with any other securities and may be attached to, or separate from, such securities. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a warrant agent. In addition to this summary, you should refer to the warrant agreement, including the forms of warrant certificate representing the warrants, relating to the specific warrants being offered for the complete terms of the warrant agreement and the warrants. That warrant agreement, together with the terms of warrant certificate and warrants, will be filed with the SEC in connection with the offering of the specific warrants.
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any series of warrants in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered, including, where applicable, the following:
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the title of such warrants; |
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the aggregate number of such warrants; |
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the price or prices at which such warrants will be issued; |
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the currency or currencies, in which the price of such warrants will be payable; |
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the securities or other rights, including rights to receive payment in cash or securities based on the value, rate or price of one or more specified commodities, currencies, securities or indices, or any combination of the foregoing, purchasable upon exercise of such warrants; |
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the price at which and the currency or currencies in which the securities or other rights purchasable upon exercise of such warrants may be purchased; |
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the date on which the right to exercise such warrants shall commence and the date on which such right shall expire; |
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the minimum or maximum amount of such warrants which may be exercised at any one time; |
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the anti-dilution provisions of such warrants; |
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the redemption or call provisions of such warrants; |
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provisions regarding changes to or adjustments in the exercise price; |
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the designation and terms of the securities with which such warrants are issued and the number of such warrants issued with each such security; |
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the date on and after which such warrants and the related securities will be separately transferable; |
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information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any; |
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a discussion of any material United States federal income tax considerations; and |
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any other terms of such warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of such warrants. |
Until they exercise their warrants, holders of warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the securities purchasable upon exercise, and will not be entitled to:
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receive payments of principal of (or premium, if any, on) or interest, if any, on any debt securities purchasable upon exercise; |
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receive dividend payments, if any, with respect to any underlying securities; or |
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exercise the voting rights of any common stock or preferred stock purchasable upon exercise. |
This section describes the general terms of the rights to purchase common stock or other securities that we may offer using this prospectus. Further terms of the rights will be stated in the applicable prospectus supplement. The following description and any description of the rights in a prospectus supplement may not be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the terms of any agreement relating to the rights.
Rights may or may not be transferable. As part of any rights offering, we may enter into a standby underwriting or other arrangement under which the underwriters or any other person would purchase any securities that are not purchased in such rights offering. The prospectus supplement relating to any rights we offer will describe the specific terms of the offering and the rights, including as appropriate:
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the record date for determining security holders entitled to the rights distribution; |
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the number of rights issued and the number of shares of common stock or other securities that may be purchased upon exercise of the rights; |
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the exercise price of the rights; |
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the steps required to exercise the rights; |
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the date on which the rights will become effective and the date on which the rights will expire; |
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whether the rights will include oversubscription rights, so that the holder may purchase more securities if other holders do not purchase their full allotments; |
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whether we intend to sell the shares of common stock or other securities that are not purchased in the offering to an underwriter or other purchaser under a contractual standby commitment or other arrangement; and |
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our ability to withdraw or terminate the rights offering prior to the expiration date of the rights. |
Except as described in any applicable prospectus supplement, prior to the exercise of their rights, holders of rights will not have any of the rights of holders of the securities purchasable upon the exercise of the rights, and will not be entitled to, among other things, vote or receive dividend payments or other distributions on the securities purchasable upon exercise.
As specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may issue units consisting of one or more of the following: shares of common stock or preferred stock, warrants or any combination of such securities.
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe:
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the terms of the units and of any of our common shares, preferred shares or warrants comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances the securities comprising the units may be traded separately; |
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a description of the terms of any unit agreement governing the units; |
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a description of the provisions for the payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units; and |
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if applicable, a discussion of any material United States federal income tax considerations. |
DESCRIPTION OF GLOBAL SECURITIES
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may issue the securities in the form of one or more fully registered global securities that will be deposited with a depository or its nominee identified in the applicable prospectus supplement and registered in the name of that depository or its nominee. In those cases, one or more registered global securities will be issued in a denomination or aggregate denominations equal to the portion of the aggregate principal or face amount of the securities to be represented by registered global securities. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole for securities in definitive registered form, a registered global security may not be transferred except as a whole by and among the depository for the registered global security, the nominees of the depository or any successors of the depository or those nominees.
If not described below, any specific terms of the depository arrangement with respect to any securities to be represented by a registered global security will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to those securities. We anticipate that the following provisions will apply to all depository arrangements.
Ownership of beneficial interests in a registered global security will be limited to persons, called participants, that have accounts with the depository or persons that may hold interests through participants. Upon the issuance of a registered global security, the depository will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the participants’ accounts with the respective principal or face amounts of the securities beneficially owned by the participants. Any dealers, underwriters or agents participating in the distribution of the securities will designate the accounts to be credited.
Ownership of beneficial interests in a registered global security will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by the depository, with respect to interests of participants, and on the records of participants, with respect to interests of persons holding through participants. The laws of some states and other jurisdictions may require that some purchasers of securities take physical delivery of these securities in definitive form. These laws may impair your ability to own, transfer or pledge beneficial interests in registered global securities.
So long as the depository, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a registered global security, that depository or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the securities represented by the registered global security for all purposes. Except as described below, owners of beneficial interests in a registered global security will not be entitled to have the securities represented by the registered global security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the securities in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders of the securities. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a registered global security must rely on the procedures of the depository for that registered global security and, if that person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which the person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the applicable indenture, warrant agreement, unit agreement or deposit agreement. We understand that under existing industry practices, if we request any action of holders or if an owner of a beneficial interest in a registered global security desires to give or take any action that a holder is entitled to give or take, the depository for the registered global security would authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take that action, and the participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through them to give or take that action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners holding through them.
Payments of principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, debt securities, and any payments to holders with respect to other securities represented by a registered global security registered in the name of a depository or its nominee will be made to the depository or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of the registered global security. None of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., the trustees, the warrant agents, the unit agents or any preferred stock depositary, as applicable, will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or the payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the registered global security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to those beneficial ownership interests.
We expect that the depository for any of the securities represented by a registered global security, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium, interest or other distribution of underlying securities or other property to holders of that registered global security, will immediately credit participants’ accounts in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in that registered global security as shown on the records of the depository. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in a registered global security held through participants will be governed by standing customer instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name,” and will be the responsibility of those participants.
If the depository for any of these securities represented by a registered global security is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depository or ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, and a successor depository registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act is not appointed by us within 90 days, we will issue securities in definitive form in exchange for the registered global security that had been held by the depository. In addition, under the terms of the indenture for any debt securities, we may at any time and in our sole discretion decide not to have any of such securities represented by one or more registered global securities. We understand, however, that, under current industry practices, the depository would notify its participants of our request, but will only withdraw beneficial interests from a global security at the request of each participant. We would issue definitive certificates in exchange for any such interests withdrawn. Any securities issued in definitive form in exchange for a registered global security will be registered in the name or names that the depository gives to the applicable trustee, warrant agent, unit agent, preferred stock depositary or other relevant agent of ours or theirs. It is expected that the depository’s instructions will be based upon directions received by the depository from participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in the registered global security that had been held by the depository.
We may sell the applicable securities offered by this prospectus from time to time in one or more transactions, including without limitation:
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directly to one or more purchasers; |
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through agents; |
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to or through underwriters, brokers or dealers; or |
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through a combination of any of these methods |
A distribution of the securities offered by this prospectus may also be effected through the issuance of derivative securities, including without limitation, warrants, subscriptions, exchangeable securities, forward delivery contracts and the writing of options.
In addition, the manner in which we may sell some or all of the securities covered by this prospectus, include, without limitation, through:
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a block trade in which a broker-dealer will attempt to sell as agent, but may position or resell a portion of the block, as principal, in order to facilitate the transaction; |
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purchases by a broker-dealer, as principal, and resale by the broker-dealer for its account; |
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ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which a broker solicits purchasers; or |
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privately negotiated transactions. |
In addition, we may enter into derivative or hedging transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. In connection with such a transaction, the third parties may sell the applicable securities covered by and pursuant to this prospectus and an applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be. If so, the third party may use securities borrowed from us or others to settle such sales and may use securities received from us to close out any related short positions. We may also loan or pledge securities covered by this prospectus and an applicable prospectus supplement to third parties, who may sell the loaned securities or, in an event of default in the case of a pledge, sell the pledged securities pursuant to this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be.
A prospectus supplement with respect to each offering of securities will state the terms of the offering of the securities, including:
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the name or names of any underwriters or agents and the amounts of securities underwritten or purchased by each of them, if any; |
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the public offering price or purchase price of the securities and the net proceeds to be received by us from the sale; |
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any delayed delivery arrangements; |
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any underwriting discounts or agency fees and other items constituting underwriters’ or agents’ compensation; |
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any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; and |
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any securities exchange or markets on which the securities may be listed. |
The offer and sale of the securities described in this prospectus by us, the underwriters or the third parties described above may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions, including privately negotiated transactions, either:
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at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed; |
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at market prices prevailing at the time of sale; |
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at prices related to the prevailing market prices; or |
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at negotiated prices. |
General
Any public offering price and any discounts, commissions, concessions or other items constituting compensation allowed or reallowed or paid to underwriters, dealers, agents or remarketing firms may be changed from time to time. The underwriters, dealers, agents and remarketing firms that participate in the distribution of the offered securities may be “underwriters” as defined in the Securities Act. Any discounts or commissions they receive from us and any profits they receive on the resale of the offered securities may be treated as underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. We will identify any underwriters, agents or dealers and describe their commissions, fees or discounts in the applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be.
We and other persons participating in the sale or distribution of the securities will be subject to applicable provisions of the Securities Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder, including Regulation M. This regulation may limit the timing of purchases and sales of any of the securities by us or any other person. The anti-manipulation rules under the Securities Act may apply to sales of securities in the market and to the activities of us and our affiliates. Furthermore, Regulation M may restrict the ability of any person engaged in the distribution for a period of up to five business days before the distribution. These restrictions may affect the marketability of the securities and the ability of any person or entity to engage in market-making activities with respect to the securities. We are not restricted as to the price or prices at which it may sell the securities. Sales of such securities may have an adverse effect on the market price of the securities. Moreover, it is possible that a significant number of shares of common stock could be sold at the same time, which may have an adverse effect on the market price of the securities.
Underwriters and Agents
If underwriters are used in a sale, they will acquire the offered securities for their own account. The underwriters may resell the offered securities in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions. These sales may be made at a fixed public offering price or prices, which may be changed, at market prices prevailing at the time of the sale, at prices related to such prevailing market price or at negotiated prices. We may offer the securities to the public through an underwriting syndicate or through a single underwriter. The underwriters in any particular offering will be mentioned in the applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be.
Unless otherwise specified in connection with any particular offering of securities, the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the offered securities will be subject to certain conditions contained in an underwriting agreement that we will enter into with the underwriters at the time of the sale to them. The underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the securities of the series offered if any of the securities are purchased, unless otherwise specified in connection with any particular offering of securities. Any initial offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed, reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.
We may designate agents to sell the offered securities. Unless otherwise specified in connection with any particular offering of securities, the agents will agree to use their best efforts to solicit purchases for the period of their appointment. We may also sell the offered securities to one or more remarketing firms, acting as principals for their own accounts or as agents for us. These firms will remarket the offered securities upon purchasing them in accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to the terms of the offered securities. A prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be, will identify any remarketing firm and will describe the terms of its agreement, if any, with us and its compensation.
In connection with offerings made through underwriters or agents, we may enter into agreements with such underwriters or agents pursuant to which we receive our outstanding securities in consideration for the securities being offered to the public for cash. In connection with these arrangements, the underwriters or agents may also sell securities covered by this prospectus to hedge their positions in these outstanding securities, including in short sale transactions. If so, the underwriters or agents may use the securities received from us under these arrangements to close out any related open borrowings of securities.
Dealers
We may sell the offered securities to dealers as principals. We may negotiate and pay dealers’ commissions, discounts or concessions for their services. The dealer may then resell such securities to the public either at varying prices to be determined by the dealer or at a fixed offering price agreed to with us at the time of resale. Dealers engaged by us may allow other dealers to participate in resales.
Direct Sales
We may choose to sell the offered securities directly. In this case, no underwriters or agents would be involved.
Institutional Purchasers
We may authorize agents, dealers or underwriters to solicit certain institutional investors to purchase offered securities on a delayed delivery basis pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified future date. The applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be, will provide the details of any such arrangement, including the offering price and commissions payable on the solicitations.
We will enter into such delayed contracts only with institutional purchasers that we approve. These institutions may include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies and educational and charitable institutions.
Indemnification; Other Relationships
We may have agreements with agents, underwriters, dealers and remarketing firms to indemnify them against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Agents, underwriters, dealers and remarketing firms, and their affiliates, may engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us in the ordinary course of business. This includes commercial banking, treasury services and investment banking transactions.
Market-Making, Stabilization and Other Transactions
There is currently no market for any of the offered securities, other than our shares common stock which are listed on the Nasdaq Global Market. If the offered securities are traded after their initial issuance, they may trade at a discount from their initial offering price, depending upon prevailing interest rates, the market for similar securities and other factors. While it is possible that an underwriter could inform us that it intends to make a market in the offered securities, such underwriter would not be obligated to do so, and any such market-making could be discontinued at any time without notice. Therefore, no assurance can be given as to whether an active trading market will develop for the offered securities. We have no current plans for listing of the preference shares or warrants on any securities exchange or quotation system; any such listing with respect to any particular preference shares or warrants will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be.
In connection with any offering of shares of common stock, preference shares or securities that provide for the issuance of shares of our common stock upon conversion, exchange or exercise, as the case may be, the underwriters may purchase and sell shares of common or preference shares in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, syndicate covering transactions and stabilizing transactions. Short sales involve syndicate sales of shares of common stock in excess of the number of shares to be purchased by the underwriters in the offering, which creates a syndicate short position. “Covered” short sales are sales of shares made in an amount up to the number of shares represented by the underwriters’ over-allotment option. In determining the source of shares to close out the covered syndicate short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the over-allotment option. Transactions to close out the covered syndicate short involve either purchases of shares of common stock in the open market after the distribution has been completed or the exercise of the over-allotment option. The underwriters may also make “naked” short sales of shares in excess of the over-allotment option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares of common stock in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the shares in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of bids for or purchases of shares in the open market while the offering is in progress for the purpose of pegging, fixing, or maintaining the price of the securities.
In connection with any offering, the underwriters may also engage in penalty bids. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the securities originally sold by the syndicate member are purchased in a syndicate covering transaction to cover syndicate short positions. Stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids may cause the price of the securities to be higher than it would be in the absence of the transactions. The underwriters may, if they commence these transactions, discontinue them at any time.
Fees and Commissions
In compliance with the guidelines of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), the aggregate maximum discount, commission or agency fees or other items constituting underwriting compensation to be received by any FINRA member or independent broker-dealer will not exceed 8% of any offering pursuant to this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be; however, it is anticipated that the maximum commission or discount to be received in any particular offering of securities will be significantly less than this amount.
If more than 10% of the net proceeds of any offering of securities made under this prospectus will be received by FINRA members participating in the offering or affiliates or associated persons of such FINRA members, the offering will be conducted in accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(h).
The validity of the securities offered by this prospectus will be passed upon by Nixon Peabody LLP, Washington, D.C. Any underwriters will be advised about legal matters by their own counsel, which will be named in a prospectus supplement to the extent required by law.
The consolidated financial statements of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. (the "Company) and subsidiaries as of and for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 incorporated in this prospectus by reference from the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2023, have been audited by Moss Adams LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph related to the adoption of a new accounting standard), which is incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance upon the report of such firm given their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
The following table sets forth the estimated expenses (other than underwriting discounts and commissions) to be incurred by the Company in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities registered under this registration statement.
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SEC registration fee |
$ | 11,070 | ||
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Printing expenses |
$ | * | ||
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Legal fees and expenses |
$ | * | ||
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Accounting fees and expenses |
$ | * | ||
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Miscellaneous expenses |
$ | * | ||
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Total |
$ | * |
* These fees depend on the securities offered and the number of issuances and cannot be estimated at this time.
Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
The Registrant’s officers and directors are and will be indemnified against certain liabilities under Delaware law, the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, (“Certificate of Incorporation”), and the By-laws of the Registrant (“By-laws”). The Certificate of Incorporation requires the Company to indemnify its directors and officers in the manner and to the fullest extent permitted from time to time by the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”). The By-laws contain provisions which implement the indemnification provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation.
Article Tenth of the Registrant’s Certificate of Incorporation provides: “No Director or officer acting in the capacity of a Director or performing duties as Director shall be personally liable to the Corporation or any stockholder for monetary damages for a breach of fiduciary duty as a Director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders; (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the law; (iii) under Section 174 of Title 8 of the Delaware Code (relating to the Delaware Corporation Law); or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. If the Delaware General Corporation Law is amended to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of Directors, then the liability of a director of the Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, as so amended. Neither the amendment nor repeal of this Article, nor the adoption of any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation inconsistent with this Article, shall eliminate or reduce the effect of this Article in respect of any matter occurring, or any cause of action, suit or claim, that, but for this Article, would accrue or arise, prior to such amendment, repeal or adoption of an inconsistent provision.”
Article Seventh of the Registrant’s Bylaws provides: “The Corporation shall indemnify to the full extent authorized by law any Director or officer made or threatened to be made a party to an action, suit or proceeding, whether criminal, civil, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he, his testator or intestate is or was a Director or officer of the Corporation or is or was serving, at the request of the Corporation, as a Director or officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise. The Corporation may, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, indemnify to the full extent authorized by law any employee or agent made or threatened to be made a party to an action, suit or proceeding, whether criminal, civil, administrative or investigative by reason of the fact that he, his testator or intestate is or was an employee or agent of the Corporation or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as an employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise. Expenses incurred with respect to any claim, action or proceeding of the character, actual or threatened, described in Section 1 of this Article VII, may be advanced by the Corporation prior to the final disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by such person to repay the amount so advanced if and to the extent it shall ultimately be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that he was not entitled to indemnification under this Bylaw. The intention of this Bylaw is to provide indemnification with the broadest and most inclusive coverage permitted by law (a) at the time of the act or omission to be indemnified against, or (b) so permitted at the time of carrying out such indemnification, whichever of (a) or (b) may be broader or more inclusive and permitted by law to be applicable. If the indemnification permitted by law at this present time, or at any future time, shall be broader or more inclusive than the provisions of this Bylaw, then indemnification shall nevertheless extend to the broadest and most inclusive permitted by law at any time and this Bylaw shall be deemed to have been amended accordingly. If any provision or portion of this Article shall be found, in any action, suit or proceeding, to be invalid or ineffective, the validity and effect of the remaining parts shall not be affected.”
Item 16. Exhibits.
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Exhibit Number |
Description |
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**1.1 |
Form of Underwriting Agreement for any offering of securities |
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3.1 |
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3.2 |
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3.3 |
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4.1 |
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**4.2 |
Certificate of Designation, Rights and Preferences of the Preferred Stock |
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*4.3 |
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*4.4 |
||
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**4.5 |
Form of Deposit Agreement for Depository Shares |
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**4.6 |
Form of Purchase Contract |
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**4.7 |
Form of Warrant Agreement |
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**4.8 |
Form of Warrant Certificate |
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**4.9 |
Form of Unit Agreement |
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*5.1 |
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*23.1 |
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*23.2 |
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*24.1 |
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***25.1 |
Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of Trustee under the Senior Indenture |
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***25.2 |
Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of Trustee under the Subordinated Indenture |
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*107 |
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* Filed herewith |
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** To be filed, if necessary, subsequent to the effectiveness of this registration statement by an amendment to this registration statement or incorporated by reference pursuant to a Current Report on Form 8-K or other SEC filing in connection with an offering of securities. |
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*** To be incorporated by reference to a filing made in accordance with Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. |
Item 17. Undertakings.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement;
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;
Provided, however, that (A) paragraphs (1)(i) and (1)(ii) above do not apply if the registration statement is on Form S-8, and the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement; and (B) paragraphs (1)(i), (1)(ii) and (1)(iii) above do not apply if the registration statement is on Form S-3 or Form F-3, and the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or, as to a registration statement on Form S-3, Form SF-3 or Form F-3, is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.
Provided further, however, that paragraphs (1)(i) and (1)(ii) above do not apply if the registration statement is for an offering of asset-backed securities on Form SF-1 or Form SF-3, and the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment is provided pursuant to Item 1100(c) of Regulation AB.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser:
(i) Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and
(ii) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.
That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;
(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;
(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and
(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Act.
SIGNATURES AND POWER OF ATTORNEY
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Helena, State of Montana, on March 6, 2024.
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Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. |
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By: |
/s/ Laura F. Clark |
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Laura F. Clark |
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President and Chief Executive Officer |
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KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby severally constitutes and appoints Laura F. Clark and Miranda J. Spaulding and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to the Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them or their or his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
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Signature |
Title |
Date |
||||||
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/s/ Laura F. Clark |
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (principal executive officer) |
March 6, 2024 |
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| Laura F. Clark | ||||||||
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/s/ Miranda J. Spaulding |
Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer and principal accounting officer) |
March 6, 2024 |
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| Miranda J. Spaulding | ||||||||
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/s/ Rick F. Hays |
Chairman |
March 6, 2024 |
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| Rick F. Hays | ||||||||
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/s/ Thomas J. McCarvel |
Vice Chairman |
March 6, 2024 |
||||||
| Thomas J. McCarvel | ||||||||
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/s/ Peter J. Johnson |
Director |
March 6, 2024 |
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| Peter J. Johnson | ||||||||
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/s/ Kenneth M. Walsh |
Director |
March 6, 2024 |
||||||
| Kenneth M. Walsh | ||||||||
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/s/ Corey Jensen |
Director |
March 6, 2024 |
||||||
| Corey Jensen | ||||||||
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/s/ Maureen J. Rude |
Director |
March 6, 2024 |
||||||
| Maureen J. Rude | ||||||||
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/s/ Benjamin G. Ruddy |
Director |
March 6, 2024 |
||||||
| Benjamin G. Ruddy | ||||||||
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/s/ Shavon R. Cape |
Director |
March 6, 2024 |
||||||
| Shavon R. Cape | ||||||||
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/s/ Tanya S. Chemodurow |
Director |
March 6, 2024 |
||||||
| Tanya S. Chemodurow | ||||||||
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/s/ Cynthia A. Utterback |
Director |
March 6, 2024 |
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| Cynthia A. Utterback | ||||||||
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/s/ Samuel D. Waters |
Director |
March 6, 2024 |
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| Samuel D. Waters | ||||||||
Exhibit 4.3
EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC.
TO
as Trustee
INDENTURE
Dated as of , 20
SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page |
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ARTICLE ONE |
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DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION |
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SECTION 101. Definitions |
1 |
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SECTION 102. Compliance Certificates and Opinions |
9 |
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SECTION 103. Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee |
9 |
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SECTION 104. Acts of Holders |
10 |
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SECTION 105. Notices, etc. |
11 |
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SECTION 106. Notice to Holders; Waiver |
11 |
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SECTION 107. Effect of Headings and Table of Contents |
12 |
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SECTION 108. Successors and Assigns |
12 |
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SECTION 109. Separability Clause |
12 |
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SECTION 110. Benefits of Indenture |
12 |
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SECTION 111. No Personal Liability |
12 |
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SECTION 112. Governing Law |
12 |
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SECTION 113. Legal Holidays |
13 |
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ARTICLE TWO |
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SECURITIES FORMS |
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SECTION 201. Forms of Securities |
13 |
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SECTION 202. Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication |
13 |
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SECTION 203. Securities Issuable in Global Form |
14 |
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ARTICLE THREE |
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THE SECURITIES |
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SECTION 301. Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series |
15 |
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SECTION 302. Denominations |
18 |
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SECTION 303. Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating |
18 |
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SECTION 304. Temporary Securities |
20 |
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SECTION 305. Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange |
20 |
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SECTION 306. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities |
22 |
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SECTION 307. Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved |
23 |
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SECTION 308. Persons Deemed Owners |
25 |
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SECTION 309. Cancellation |
25 |
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SECTION 310. Computation of Interest |
26 |
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ARTICLE FOUR |
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SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE |
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SECTION 401. Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture |
26 |
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SECTION 402. Application of Trust Funds |
27 |
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ARTICLE FIVE |
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REMEDIES |
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SECTION 501. Events of Default |
27 |
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SECTION 502. Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment |
29 |
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SECTION 503. Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee |
30 |
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SECTION 504. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim |
30 |
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SECTION 505. Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities |
31 |
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SECTION 506. Application of Money Collected |
31 |
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SECTION 507. Limitation on Suits |
32 |
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SECTION 508. Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any, Interest and Additional Amounts |
33 |
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SECTION 509. Restoration of Rights and Remedies |
33 |
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SECTION 510. Rights and Remedies Cumulative |
33 |
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SECTION 511. Delay or Omission Not Waiver |
33 |
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SECTION 512. Control by Holders of Securities |
33 |
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SECTION 513. Waiver of Past Defaults |
34 |
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SECTION 514. Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws |
34 |
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SECTION 515. Undertaking for Costs |
34 |
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ARTICLE SIX |
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THE TRUSTEE |
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SECTION 601. Notice of Defaults |
35 |
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SECTION 602. Certain Rights of Trustee |
35 |
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SECTION 603. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities |
37 |
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SECTION 604. May Hold Securities |
37 |
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SECTION 605. Money Held in Trust |
37 |
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SECTION 606. Compensation and Reimbursement |
37 |
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SECTION 607. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility |
38 |
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SECTION 608. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor |
38 |
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SECTION 609. Acceptance of Appointment By Successor |
40 |
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SECTION 610. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business |
41 |
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SECTION 611. Appointment of Authenticating Agent |
41 |
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SECTION 612. Certain Duties and Responsibilities |
43 |
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SECTION 613. Conflicting Interests |
43 |
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ARTICLE SEVEN |
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HOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY |
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SECTION 701. Disclosure of Names and Addresses of Holders |
43 |
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SECTION 702. Reports by Trustee |
43 |
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SECTION 703. Reports by Company |
44 |
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SECTION 704. Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders |
44 |
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ARTICLE EIGHT |
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CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE, LEASE OR CONVEYANCE |
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SECTION 801. Consolidations and Mergers of Company and Sales, Leases and Conveyances Permitted Subject to Certain Conditions |
45 |
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SECTION 802. Rights and Duties of Successor Corporation |
45 |
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SECTION 803. Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel |
45 |
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ARTICLE NINE |
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SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES |
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SECTION 901. Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders |
46 |
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SECTION 902. Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders |
47 |
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SECTION 903. Execution of Supplemental Indentures |
48 |
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SECTION 904. Effect of Supplemental Indentures |
49 |
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SECTION 905. Conformity with Trust Indenture Act |
49 |
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SECTION 906. Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures |
49 |
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SECTION 907. Notice of Supplemental Indentures |
49 |
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ARTICLE TEN |
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COVENANTS |
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SECTION 1001. Payment of Principal, Premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any, Interest and Additional Amounts |
49 |
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SECTION 1002. Maintenance of Office or Agency |
50 |
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SECTION 1003. Money for Securities Payments to Be Held in Trust |
50 |
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SECTION 1004. Existence |
52 |
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SECTION 1005. Statement as to Compliance |
52 |
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SECTION 1006. Additional Amounts |
52 |
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SECTION 1007. Waiver of Certain Covenants |
53 |
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ARTICLE ELEVEN |
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REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES |
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SECTION 1101. Applicability of Article |
53 |
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SECTION 1102. Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee |
53 |
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SECTION 1103. Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed |
54 |
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SECTION 1104. Notice of Redemption |
54 |
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SECTION 1105. Deposit of Redemption Price |
56 |
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SECTION 1106. Securities Payable on Redemption Date |
56 |
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SECTION 1107. Securities Redeemed in Part |
56 |
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ARTICLE TWELVE |
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SINKING FUNDS |
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SECTION 1201. Applicability of Article |
57 |
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SECTION 1202. Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities |
57 |
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SECTION 1203. Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund |
57 |
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ARTICLE THIRTEEN |
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DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE |
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SECTION 1301. Applicability of Article; Company’s Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance |
58 |
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SECTION 1302. Defeasance and Discharge |
58 |
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SECTION 1303. Covenant Defeasance |
59 |
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SECTION 1304. Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance |
59 |
|
SECTION 1305. Deposited Money and Government Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions |
61 |
|
ARTICLE FOURTEEN |
|
|
MEETINGS OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES |
|
|
SECTION 1401. Purposes for Which Meetings May Be Called |
62 |
|
SECTION 1402. Call, Notice and Place of Meetings |
62 |
|
SECTION 1403. Persons Entitled to Vote at Meetings |
62 |
|
SECTION 1404. Quorum; Action |
62 |
|
SECTION 1405. Determination of Voting Rights; Conduct and Adjournment of Meetings |
64 |
|
SECTION 1406. Counting Votes and Recording Action of Meetings |
64 |
|
SECTION 1407. Evidence of Action Taken by Holders |
65 |
|
SECTION 1408. Proof of Execution of Instruments |
65 |
EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC.
Reconciliation and tie between Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “TIA”), and Indenture, dated as of , 20 :
|
Trust Indenture Act Section |
Indenture Section |
|
Section 310(a)(1) |
607 |
|
(a)(2) |
607 |
|
(b) |
608, 613 |
|
Section 312(a) |
704 |
|
(c) |
701 |
|
Section 313(a) |
702 |
|
Section 314(a) |
703 |
|
(a)(4) |
1010 |
|
(c)(1) |
102 |
|
(c)(2) |
102 |
|
(e) |
102 |
|
Section 315(b) |
601, 602 |
|
Section 316(a)(last sentence) |
101 (“Outstanding”) |
|
(a)(1)(A) |
502, 512 |
|
(a)(1)(B) |
513 |
|
(b) |
508 |
|
Section 317(a)(1) |
503 |
|
(a)(2) |
504 |
|
Section 318(a) |
112 |
|
(c) |
112 |
Note: This reconciliation and tie shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be a part of the Indenture.
Attention should also be directed to Section 318(c) of the TIA, which provides that the provisions of Sections 310 to and including 317 of the TIA are a part of and govern every qualified indenture, whether or not physically contained therein.
INDENTURE
INDENTURE, dated as of , 20 , between EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), having its principal office at 1400 Prospect Avenue, Helena, MT 59601, and , a , as Trustee hereunder (the “Trustee”), having its Corporate Trust Office at , , .
RECITALS OF THE COMPANY
The Company deems it necessary to issue from time to time for its lawful purposes senior debt securities (the “Securities”) evidencing its unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness, and has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance from time to time of the Securities, unlimited as to aggregate principal amount, to bear interest at the rates or formulas, to mature at such times and to have such other provisions as shall be fixed therefor as hereinafter provided.
All things necessary to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the Company, in accordance with its terms, have been done.
NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH:
For and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the Securities by the Holders thereof, it is mutually covenanted and agreed, for the equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders of the Securities, as follows:
ARTICLE ONE
DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION
SECTION 101. Definitions.
For all purposes of this Indenture, except as otherwise expressly provided or the context otherwise requires:
(1) the terms defined in this Article have the meanings assigned to them in this Article, and include the plural as well as the singular;
(2) all other terms used herein that are defined in the TIA, either directly or by reference therein, have the meanings assigned to them therein, and the terms “cash transaction” and “self-liquidating paper,” as used in TIA Section 311, shall have the meanings assigned to them in the rules of the Commission adopted under the TIA;
(3) all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States; and
(4) the words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision.
Certain terms, used principally in Article Three, Article Five, Article Six and Article Ten, are defined in those Articles. In addition, the following terms shall have the indicated respective meanings:
“Act” has the meaning specified in Section 104.
“Additional Amounts” means any additional amounts that are required by a Security, under circumstances specified therein, to be paid by the Company in respect of certain taxes imposed on certain Holders and that are owing to such Holders.
“Affiliate” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control” when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing.
“Authenticating Agent” means any authenticating agent appointed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 611.
“Authorized Newspaper” means a newspaper, printed in the English language or in an official language of the country of publication, customarily published on each Business Day, whether or not published on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays, and of general circulation in each place in connection with which the term is used or in the financial community of each such place. Whenever successive publications are required to be made in Authorized Newspapers, the successive publications may be made in the same or in different Authorized Newspapers in the same city meeting the foregoing requirements and in each case on any Business Day.
“Bankruptcy Law” has the meaning specified in Section 501.
“Board of Directors” means either (i) the Board of Directors of the Company, the executive committee or any other committee or director of that board duly authorized to act for it in respect hereof, or (ii) one or more duly authorized officers of the Company to whom the Board of Directors of the Company or a committee thereof has delegated the authority to act with respect to the matters contemplated by this Indenture.
“Board Resolution” means (i) a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors or a committee thereof, and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification, and delivered to the Trustee or (ii) a certificate signed by the authorized officer or officers of the Company to whom the Board of Directors of the Company or a committee thereof has delegated its authority (as described in the definition of Board of Directors), and in each case, delivered to the Trustee.
“Business Day,” when used with respect to any Place of Payment or any other particular location referred to in this Indenture or in the Securities, means, unless otherwise specified with respect to any Securities pursuant to Section 301, any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking institutions in that Place of Payment or particular location are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close.
“Clearstream” means Clearstream Banking, societe anonyme Luxembourg.
“Commission” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time to time constituted, created under the Exchange Act, or, if at any time after execution of this instrument such Commission is not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under the TIA, then the body performing such duties on such date.
“Company” means the Person named as the “Company” in the first paragraph of this Indenture until a successor corporation shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Company” shall mean such successor corporation.
“Company Request” and “Company Order” mean, respectively, a written request or order signed in the name of the Company by the President or a Vice President of the Company, and by the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company, and delivered to the Trustee.
“Conversion Event” means the cessation of use of (i) a Foreign Currency (other than as otherwise provided with respect to a Security pursuant to Section 301) as provided by the government of the country that issued such currency and for the settlement of transactions by a central bank or other public institutions of or within the international banking community, or (ii) the ECU, both within the European Monetary System and for the settlement of transactions by public in situations of or within the European Community, or (iii) any currency unit (or composite currency) for the purposes for which it was established.
“Corporate Trust Office” means the office of the Trustee at which, at any particular time, its corporate trust business in New York shall be principally administered, which office at the date hereof is located at .
“Corporation” includes corporations, associations, companies and business trusts.
“Custodian” has the meaning set forth in Section 501.
“Defaulted Interest” has the meaning specified in Section 307.
“Dollar” or “$” means a dollar or other equivalent unit in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time shall be legal tender for payment of public and private debts.
“DTC” means The Depository Trust Company.
“Euroclear” means Euroclear Bank or its successor as operator of the Euroclear System.
“Event of Default” has the meaning specified in Section 501.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the Commission.
“Foreign Currency” means any currency, currency unit or composite currency issued by the government of one or more countries other than the United States of America or by any recognized confederation or association of such governments.
“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles as used in the United States applied on a consistent basis as in effect from time to time; provided that solely for purposes of any calculation required by the financial covenants contained herein, “GAAP” shall mean generally accepted accounting principles as used in the United States on the date hereof, applied on a consistent basis.
“Government Obligations” means securities that are (i) direct obligations of the United States of America or the government that issued the Foreign Currency in which the Securities of a particular series are payable, for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged or (ii) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America or such government that issued the Foreign Currency in which the Securities of such series are payable, the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America or such other government, which, in either case, are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof, and shall also include a depository receipt issued by a bank or trust company as custodian with respect to any such Government Obligation or a specific payment of interest on or principal of any such Government Obligation held by such custodian for the account of the holder of a depository receipt, provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the Government Obligation or the specific payment of interest on or principal of the Government Obligation evidenced by such depository receipt.
“Holder” means the Person in whose name a Security is registered in the Security Register.
“Indenture” means this instrument as originally executed or as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof, and shall include the terms of particular series of Securities established as contemplated by Section 301; provided, however, that, if at any time more than one Person is acting as Trustee under this instrument, “Indenture” shall mean, with respect to any one or more series of Securities for which such Person is Trustee, this instrument as originally executed or as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof and shall include the terms of the or those particular series of Securities for which such Person is Trustee established as contemplated by Section 301, exclusive, however, of any provisions or terms that relate solely to other series of Securities for which such Person is not Trustee, regardless of when such terms or provisions were adopted, and exclusive of any provisions or terms adopted by means of one or more indentures supplemental hereto executed and delivered after such Person had become such Trustee but to which such Person, as such Trustee, was not a party.
“Indexed Security” means a Security the terms of which provide that the principal amount thereof payable at Stated Maturity may be more or less than the principal face amount thereof at original issuance.
“Interest” when used with respect to an Original Issue Discount Security that by its terms bears interest only after Maturity, shall mean interest payable after Maturity, and, when used with respect to a Security that provides for the payment of Additional Amounts pursuant to Section 1006, includes such Additional Amounts.
“Interest Payment Date” means, when used with respect to any Security, the Stated Maturity of an installment of interest on such Security.
“Make-Whole Amount” means the amount, if any, in addition to principal that is required by a Security, under the terms and conditions specified therein or as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, to be paid by the Company to the Holder thereof in connection with any optional redemption or accelerated payment of such Security.
“Maturity” means, when used with respect to any Security, the date on which the principal of such Security or an installment of principal becomes due and payable as therein or herein provided, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, notice of redemption, notice of option to elect repayment, repurchase or otherwise.
“Officers’ Certificate” means a certificate signed by the President or a Vice President and by the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, of the Company, and delivered to the Trustee.
“Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion of counsel, who may be an employee of or counsel for the Company or other counsel satisfactory to the Trustee.
“Original Issue Discount Security” means any Security that provides for an amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502.
“Outstanding,” when used with respect to Securities, means, as of the date of determination, all Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, except:
(i) Securities theretofore canceled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;
(ii) Securities, or portions thereof, for whose payment or redemption or repayment money in the necessary amount has been theretofore deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent (other than the Company) in trust or set aside and segregated in trust by the Company (if the Company shall act as its own Paying Agent) for the Holders of such Securities; provided that, if such Securities are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or other provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee has been made;
(iii) Securities, except solely to the extent provided in Sections 1302 or 1303, as applicable, with respect to which the Company has effected defeasance and/or covenant defeasance as provided in Article Thirteen;
(iv) Securities that have been paid pursuant to Section 306 or in exchange for or in lieu of which other Securities have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture, other than any such Securities in respect of which there shall have been presented to the Trustee proof satisfactory to the Trustee that such Securities are held by a bona fide purchaser in whose hands such Securities are valid obligations of the Company; and
(v) Securities converted or exchanged into other securities or property (including securities of other issuers, provided that such securities are registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act and such issuer is then eligible to use Form S-3 (or any successor form) for a primary offering of its securities) of the Company pursuant to or in accordance with this Indenture if the terms of such Securities provide for convertibility or exchange pursuant to Section 301; provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of the Outstanding Securities have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder or are present at a meeting of Holders for quorum purposes, and for the purpose of making the calculations required by TIA Section 313, (i) the principal amount of an Original Issue Discount Security that may be counted in making such determination or calculation and that shall be deemed to be Outstanding for such purpose shall be equal to the amount of principal thereof that would be (or shall have been declared to be) due and payable, at the time of such determination, upon a declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502, (ii) the principal amount of any Security denominated in a Foreign Currency that may be counted in making such determination or calculation and that shall be deemed Outstanding for such purpose shall be equal to the Dollar equivalent, determined pursuant to Section 301 as of the date such Security is originally issued by the Company, of the principal amount (or, in the case of an Original Issue Discount Security, the Dollar equivalent as of such date of original issuance of the amount determined as provided in clause (i) above) of such Security, (iii) the principal amount of any Indexed Security that may be counted in making such determination or calculation and that shall be deemed outstanding for such purpose shall be equal to the principal face amount of such Indexed Security at original issuance, unless otherwise provided with respect to such Indexed Security pursuant to Section 301, and (iv) Securities owned by the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in making such calculation or in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, only Securities that a Responsible Officer of the Trustee actually knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Securities so owned that have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee’s right so to act with respect to such Securities and that the pledgee is not the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor.
“Paying Agent” means any Person authorized by the Company to pay the principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) or interest on any Securities on behalf of the Company, or if no such Person is authorized, the Company.
“Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
“Place of Payment” means, when used with respect to the Securities of or within any series, the place or places where the principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) and interest on such Securities are payable as specified as contemplated by Sections 301 and 1002.
“Predecessor Security” of any particular Security means every previous Security evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such particular Security; and, for the purposes of this definition, any Security authenticated and delivered under Section 306 in exchange for or in lieu of a mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security.
“Redemption Date” means, when used with respect to any security to be redeemed in whole or in part, the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Indenture.
“Redemption Price” means, when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to this Indenture.
“Regular Record Date” for the installment of interest payable on any Interest Payment Date on the Securities of or within any series means the date specified for that purpose as contemplated by Section 301, whether or not a Business Day.
“Repayment Date” means, when used with respect to any Security to be repaid, the date fixed for such repayment by or pursuant to this Indenture.
“Repayment Price” means, when used with respect to any Security to be repaid or purchased, the price at which it is to be repaid pursuant to this Indenture.
“Responsible Officer” means any vice president, assistant vice president, assistant treasurer, assistant secretary or any other officer of the Trustee customarily performing functions similar to those performed by any of the above designated officers and having direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture, and also, with respect to a particular matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of such officer’s knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the Commission.
“Security” has the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture and, more particularly, means any Security or Securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture; provided, however, that if at any time there is more than one Person acting as Trustee under this Indenture, “Securities” with respect to the Indenture as to which such Person is Trustee shall have the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture and shall more particularly mean Securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, exclusive, however, of Securities of or within any series as to which such Person is not Trustee.
“Security Register” and “Security Registrar” have the respective meanings specified in Section 305.
“Significant Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary that is a “significant subsidiary” (within the meaning of Regulation S-X, promulgated under the Securities Act) of the Company.
“Special Record Date” for the payment of any Defaulted Interest on the Securities of or within any series means a date fixed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 307.
“Stated Maturity” means, when used with respect to any Security or any installment of principal thereof or interest thereon, the date specified in such Security as the fixed date on which the principal of such Security or such installment of principal or interest is due and payable.
“Subsidiary” means a corporation or a partnership or a limited liability company a majority of the outstanding Voting Stock or partnership or membership interests, as the case may be, of which is owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Company or by one or more of its other Subsidiaries.
“Trust Indenture Act” or “TIA” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended and as in force at the date as of which this Indenture was executed, except as provided in Section 905.
“Trustee” means the Person named as the “Trustee” in the first paragraph of this Indenture until a successor Trustee shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Trustee” shall mean or include each Person who is then a Trustee hereunder; provided, however, that if at any time there is more than one such Person, “Trustee” as used with respect to the Securities of or within any series shall mean only the Trustee with respect to the Securities of that series.
“United States” means, unless otherwise specified with respect to any Securities pursuant to Section 301, the United States of America (including the states and the District of Columbia), its territories, its possessions and other areas subject to its jurisdiction.
“United States person” means, unless otherwise specified with respect to any Securities pursuant to Section 301, an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States, a corporation, partnership or other entity created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state or the District of Columbia or an estate or trust the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source.
“Voting Stock” means stock having voting power for the election of directors, or trustees, as the case may be.
“Yield to Maturity” means the yield to maturity, computed at the time of issuance of a Security (or, if applicable, at the most recent predetermination of interest on such Security) and as set forth in such Security in accordance with generally accepted United States bond yield computation principles.
SECTION 102. Compliance Certificates and Opinions.
Upon any application or request by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under any provision of this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture (including covenants, compliance with which constitute conditions precedent) relating to the proposed action have been complied with and an Opinion of Counsel stating that in the opinion of such counsel all such conditions precedent, if any, have been complied with, except that in the case of any such application or request as to which the furnishing of such documents is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture relating to such particular application or request, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.
Every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (excluding certificates delivered pursuant to Section 1005) shall include:
(1) a statement that each individual signing such certificate or opinion has read such condition or covenant and the definitions herein relating thereto;
(2) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;
(3) a statement that, in the opinion of each such individual, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such condition or covenant has been complied with; and
(4) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such individual, such condition or covenant has been complied with.
SECTION 103. Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee.
In any case where several matters are required to be certified by, or covered by an opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that all such matters be certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such Person, or that they be so certified or covered by only one document, but one such Person may certify or give an opinion as to some matters and one or more other such Persons as to other matters, and any such Person may certify or give an opinion as to such matters in one or several documents.
Any certificate or opinion of an officer of the Company may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon an Opinion of Counsel, or a certificate or representations by counsel, unless such officer knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the opinion, certificate or representations with respect to the matters upon which his certificate or opinion is based are erroneous. Any such Opinion of Counsel or certificate or representations may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an officer or officers of the Company stating that the information as to such factual matters is in the possession of the Company, unless such counsel knows that the certificate or opinion or representations as to such matters are erroneous.
Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or other instruments under this Indenture, they may, but need not, be consolidated and form one instrument.
SECTION 104. Acts of Holders.
(a) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given or taken by Holders of the Outstanding Securities of all series or one or more series, as the case may be, may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by agents duly appointed in writing. Except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments or record or both are delivered to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Company. Such instrument or instruments and any such record (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the “Act” of the Holders signing such instrument or instruments or so voting at any such meeting. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent, or of the holding by any Person of a Security, shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and (subject to Section 612) conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Company and any agent of the Trustee or the Company, if made in the manner provided in this Section. The record of any meeting of Holders of Securities shall be proved in the manner provided in Section 1406.
(b) The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such execution or by a certificate of a notary public or other officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing such instrument or writing acknowledged to him the execution thereof. Where such execution is by a signer acting in a capacity other than his individual capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof of his authority. The fact and date of the execution of any such instrument or writing, or the authority of the Person executing the same, may also be proved in any other reasonable manner that the Trustee deems sufficient.
(c) The ownership of Securities shall be proved by the Security Register or by a certificate of the Security Registrar.
(d) If the Company shall solicit from the Holders of Securities any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, the Company may, at its option, in or pursuant to a Board Resolution, fix in advance a record date for the determination of Holders entitled to give such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, but the Company shall have no obligation to do so. Notwithstanding TIA Section 316(c), such record date shall be the record date specified in or pursuant to such Board Resolution, which shall be a date not earlier than the date 30 days prior to the first solicitation of Holders generally in connection therewith and not later than the date such solicitation is completed. If such a record date is fixed, such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act may be given before or after such record date, but only the Holders of record at the close of business on such record date shall be deemed to be Holders for the purposes of determining whether Holders of the requisite proportion of Outstanding Securities have authorized or agreed or consented to such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, and for that purpose the Outstanding Securities shall be computed as of such record date; provided that no such authorization, agreement or consent by the Holders on such record date shall be deemed effective unless it shall become effective pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture not later than eleven months after the record date.
(e) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act of the Holder of any Security shall bind every future Holder of the same Security and the Holder of every Security issued upon the registration of transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof in respect of anything done, omitted or suffered to be done by the Trustee, any Security Registrar, any Paying Agent, any Authenticating Agent or the Company in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such Security.
SECTION 105. Notices, etc.
Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or Act of Holders or other document provided or permitted by this Indenture to be made upon, given or furnished to or filed with,
(1) the Trustee by any Holder or by the Company shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if made, given, furnished or filed in writing to or with the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office, Attention: Corporate Trust Department, or
(2) the Company by the Trustee or by any Holder shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first class postage prepaid, to the Company addressed to it at the address of its principal office specified in the first paragraph of this Indenture or at any other address previously furnished in writing to the Trustee by the Company.
SECTION 106. Notice to Holders; Waiver.
Where this Indenture provides for notice of any event to Holders of Securities by the Company or the Trustee, such notice shall be sufficiently given (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each such Holder affected by such event, at his address as it appears in the Security Register (or in the case of global Securities, delivered to DTC electronically), not later than the latest date, and not earlier than the earliest date, prescribed for the giving of such notice. In any case where notice to Holders of Securities is given by mail or electronically as prescribed above, neither the failure to mail or send such notice, nor any defect in any notice so mailed or sent, to any particular Holder shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders of Securities. Any notice mailed or sent to a Holder in the manner herein prescribed shall be conclusively deemed to have been received by such Holder, whether or not such Holder actually receives such notice.
If by reason of the suspension of or irregularities in regular mail service or by reason of any other cause it shall be impracticable to give such notice by mail or electronically as prescribed above, then such notification to Holders of Securities as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient notification to such Holders for every purpose hereunder.
Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver required or permitted under this Indenture shall be in the English language, except that any published notice may be in an official language of the country of publication.
Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Holders shall be filed with the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.
SECTION 107. Effect of Headings and Table of Contents.
The Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.
SECTION 108. Successors and Assigns.
All covenants and agreements in this Indenture by the Company shall bind its successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.
SECTION 109. Separability Clause.
In case any provision in this Indenture or in any Security shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
SECTION 110. Benefits of Indenture.
Nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto, any Security Registrar, any Paying Agent, any Authenticating Agent and their successors hereunder and the Holders, any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture.
SECTION 111. No Personal Liability.
No recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement contained in this Indenture, in any Security, or because of any indebtedness evidenced thereby, shall be had against any promoter, as such, or against any past, present or future shareholder, officer or director, as such, of the Company or of any successor, either directly or through the Company or any successor, under any rule of law, statute or constitutional provision or by the enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding or otherwise, all such liability being expressly waived and released by the acceptance of the Securities by the Holders thereof and as part of the consideration for the issue of the Securities.
SECTION 112. Governing Law.
This Indenture and the Securities shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York. This Indenture is subject to the provisions of the TIA that are required to be part of this Indenture and shall, to the extent applicable, be governed by such provisions.
SECTION 113. Legal Holidays.
In any case where any Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date, Repayment Date, sinking fund payment date, Stated Maturity or Maturity of any Security or the last date on which a Holder has the right to convert or exchange a Security at a particular conversion or exchange price shall not be a Business Day at any Place of Payment, then (notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or any Security other than a provision in the Securities of any series that specifically states that such provision shall apply in lieu hereof), payment of interest or any Additional Amounts or principal (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) need not be made at such Place of Payment on such date, and such conversion or exchange need not be made at such Place of Payment on such date, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day at such Place of Payment with the same force and effect as if made on the Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date, Repayment Date or sinking fund payment date, or at the Stated Maturity or Maturity or on such last day for conversion or exchange, provided that no interest shall accrue on the amount so payable for the period from and after such Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date, Repayment Date, sinking fund payment date, Stated Maturity or Maturity or on such last day for conversion or exchange, as the case may be.
ARTICLE TWO
SECURITIES FORMS
SECTION 201. Forms of Securities.
The Securities of each series shall be in substantially the forms as shall be established in or pursuant to one or more indentures supplemental hereto or Board Resolutions, shall have such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture or any indenture supplemental hereto, and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification or designation and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as the Company may deem appropriate and as are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture, or as may be required to comply with any law or with any rule or regulation made pursuant thereto or with any rule or regulation of any stock exchange on which the Securities may be listed, or to conform to usage.
The definitive Securities shall be printed, lithographed or engraved or produced by any combination of these methods on a steel engraved border or steel engraved borders or may be produced in any other manner, all as determined by the officers of the Company executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities.
SECTION 202. Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication.
Subject to Section 611, the Trustee’s certificate of authentication shall be in substantially the following form:
This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein and referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
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, as Trustee |
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By |
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Authorized Officer |
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SECTION 203. Securities Issuable in Global Form.
If Securities of or within a series are issuable in global form, as specified as contemplated by Section 301, then, notwithstanding clause (8) of Section 301 and the provisions of Section 302, any such Security shall represent such of the Outstanding Securities of such series as shall be specified therein and may provide that it shall represent the aggregate amount of Outstanding Securities of such series from time to time endorsed thereon and that the aggregate amount of Outstanding Securities of such series represented thereby may from time to time be increased or decreased to reflect exchanges, maturities or redemptions. Any endorsement of a Security in global form to reflect the amount, or any increase or decrease in the amount, of Outstanding Securities represented thereby shall be made by the Trustee in such manner and upon written instruction given by such Person or Persons as shall be specified therein or in the Company Order to be delivered to the Trustee pursuant to Section 303 or 304. Subject to the provisions of Section 303 and, if applicable, Section 304, the Trustee shall deliver and redeliver any Security in permanent global form in the manner and upon written instructions given by the Person or Persons specified therein or in the applicable Company Order. If a Company Order pursuant to Section 303 or 304 has been, or simultaneously is, delivered, any instructions by the Company with respect to endorsement or delivery or redelivery of a Security in global form shall be in writing but need not comply with Section 102.
The provisions of the last sentence of Section 303 shall apply to any Security represented by a Security in global form if such Security was never issued and sold by the Company and the Company delivers to the Trustee the Security in global form together with written instructions (which need not comply with Section 102 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel) with regard to the reduction in the principal amount of Securities represented thereby, together with the written statement contemplated by the last sentence of Section 303.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 307, unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, payment of principal of and any premium or Make-Whole Amount and interest on any Security in permanent global form shall be made to the Person or Persons specified therein.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 308 and except as provided in the preceding paragraph, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company and the Trustee shall treat as the Holder of such principal amount of Outstanding Securities represented by a permanent global Security the Holder of such permanent global Security.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, so long as a series of Securities is a Global Security, the parties hereto will be bound at all times by the procedures of the applicable depositary with respect to such series.
ARTICLE THREE
THE SECURITIES
SECTION 301. Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series.
The aggregate principal amount of Securities that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.
The Securities may be issued in one or more series. There shall be established in or pursuant to one or more Board Resolutions, or indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the issuance of Securities of any series, any or all of the following, as applicable (each of which (except for the matters set forth in clauses (1), (2) and (15) below), if so provided, may be determined from time to time by the Company with respect to unissued Securities of or within the series when issued from time to time):
(1) the title of the Securities of or within the series (that shall distinguish the Securities of such series from all other series of Securities);
(2) any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of or within the series that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except for Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Securities of or within the series pursuant to Section 304, 305, 306, 906 or 1107);
(3) the date or dates, or the method by which such date or dates will be determined, on which the principal of the Securities of or within the series shall be payable and the amount of principal payable thereon;
(4) the rate or rates (that may be fixed or variable) at which the Securities of or within the series shall bear interest, if any, or the method by which such rate or rates shall be determined, the date or dates from which such interest shall accrue or the method by which such date or dates shall be determined, the Interest Payment Dates on which such interest will be payable and the Regular Record Date, if any, for the interest payable on any Security on any Interest Payment Date, or the method by which such date shall be determined, and the basis upon which interest shall be calculated if other than that of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months;
(5) the place or places, if any, other than or in addition to Helena, Montana, where the principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any), interest, if any, on, and Additional Amounts, if any, payable in respect of, Securities of or within the series shall be payable, any Securities of or within the series may be surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange or conversion and notices or demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of or within the series and this Indenture may be served;
(6) the period or periods within which, the price or prices (including the premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) at which, the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which and other terms and conditions upon which Securities of or within the series may be redeemed in whole or in part, at the option of the Company, if the Company is to have the option;
(7) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem, repay or purchase Securities of or within the series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provision or at the option of a Holder thereof, and the period or periods within which or the date or dates on which, the price or prices at which, the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which, and other terms and conditions upon which Securities of or within the series shall be redeemed, repaid or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;
(8) if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof, the denominations in which any Securities of or within the series shall be issuable;
(9) if other than the Trustee, the identity of each Security Registrar and/or Paying Agent;
(10) if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of Securities of or within the series that shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502 or, if applicable, the portion of the principal amount of Securities of or within the series that is convertible in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture, or the method by which such portion shall be determined;
(11) if other than Dollars, the Foreign Currency or Currencies in which payment of the principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) or interest or Additional Amounts, if any, on the Securities of or within the series shall be payable or in which the Securities of or within the series shall be denominated;
(12) whether the amount of payments of principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) or interest, if any, on the Securities of or within the series may be determined with reference to an index, formula or other method (which index, formula or method may be based, without limitation, on one or more currencies, currency units, composite currencies, commodities, equity indices or other indices), and the manner in which such amounts shall be determined;
(13) whether the principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) or interest or Additional Amounts, if any, on the Securities of or within the series are to be payable, at the election of the Company or a Holder thereof, in a currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies other than that in which such Securities are denominated or stated to be payable, the period or periods within which, and the terms and conditions upon which, such election may be made, and the time and manner of, and identity of the exchange rate agent with responsibility for, determining the exchange rate between the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which such Securities are denominated or stated to be payable and the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which such Securities are to be so payable;
(14) provisions, if any, granting special rights to the Holders of Securities of or within the series upon the occurrence of such events as may be specified;
(15) any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the Events of Default or covenants of the Company with respect to Securities of or within the series, whether or not such Events of Default or covenants are consistent with the Events of Default or covenants set forth herein;
(16) whether any Securities of or within the series are to be issuable initially in temporary global form and whether any Securities of or within the series are to be issuable in permanent global form and, if so, whether beneficial owners of interests in any such permanent global Security may exchange such interests for Securities of such series and of like tenor of any authorized form and denomination and the circumstances under which any such exchanges may occur, if other than in the manner provided in Section 305, and, if Securities of or within the series are to be issuable as a global Security, the identity of the depository for such series;
(17) the Person to whom any interest on any Security of the series shall be payable, if other than the Person in whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, and the extent to which, or the manner in which, any interest payable on a temporary global Security on an Interest Payment Date will be paid if other than in the manner provided in Section 304;
(18) the applicability, if any, of Sections 1302 and/or 1303 to the Securities of or within the series and any provisions in modification of, in addition to or in lieu of any of the provisions of Article Thirteen;
(19) if the Securities of such series are to be issuable in definitive form (whether upon original issue or upon exchange of a temporary Security of such series) only upon receipt of certain certificates or other documents or satisfaction of other conditions, then the form and/or terms of such certificates, documents or conditions;
(20) whether and under what circumstances the Company will pay Additional Amounts as contemplated by Section 1006 on the Securities of or within the series to any Holder who is not a United States person (including any modification to the definition of such term) in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge and, if so, whether the Company will have the option to redeem such Securities rather than pay such Additional Amounts (and the terms of any such option);
(21) the obligation, if any, of the Company to permit the Securities of such series to be converted into or exchanged for Common Stock of the Company or other securities or property of the Company and the terms and conditions upon which such conversion or exchange shall be effected (including, without limitation, the initial conversion price or rate, the conversion or exchange period, any adjustment of the applicable conversion or exchange price or rate and any requirements relative to the reservation of such shares for purposes of conversion or exchange);
(22) if convertible or exchangeable, any applicable limitations on the ownership or transferability of the securities or property into which such Securities are convertible or exchangeable; and
(23) any other terms of the series (which terms shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture except as permitted by Section 905).
All Securities of any one series shall be substantially identical except, in the case of Securities issued in global form, as to denomination and except as may otherwise be provided in or pursuant to such Board Resolution or in any indenture supplemental hereto. All Securities of any one series need not be issued at the same time and, unless otherwise provided, a series may be reopened, without the consent of the Holders, for issuances of additional Securities of such series.
If any of the terms of the Securities of any series are established by action taken pursuant to one or more Board Resolutions, a copy of an appropriate record of such action(s) shall be certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Company Order for authentication and delivery of such Securities.
SECTION 302. Denominations.
The Securities of each series shall be issuable only in registered form without coupons in such denominations as shall be specified as contemplated by Section 301. With respect to Securities of any series denominated in Dollars, in the absence of any such provisions with respect to the Securities of any series, the Securities of such series, other than Securities issued in global form (which may be of any denomination), shall be issuable in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof.
SECTION 303. Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating.
The Securities shall be executed on behalf of the Company by its President or a Vice President. The signature of any of these officers on the Securities may be manual or facsimile signatures of the present or any future such authorized officer and may be imprinted or otherwise reproduced on the Securities.
Securities bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of individuals who were at any time the proper officers of the Company shall bind the Company, notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such Securities or did not hold such offices at the date of such Securities.
At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Securities of any series executed by the Company to the Trustee for authentication, together with a Company Order for the authentication and delivery of such Securities, and the Trustee in accordance with the Company Order shall authenticate and deliver such Securities.
If all of the Securities of any series are not to be issued at one time and if the Board Resolution or supplemental indenture establishing such series shall so permit, such Company Order may set forth procedures acceptable to the Trustee for the issuance of such Securities and determining the terms of particular Securities of such series, such as interest rate or formula, maturity date, date of issuance and date from which interest shall accrue. In authenticating such Securities, and accepting the additional responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Securities, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 612 and TIA Section 315(a) through 315(d)) shall be fully protected in conclusively relying upon:
(i) an Opinion of Counsel complying with Section 102 and stating that:
(a) the form or forms of such Securities have been, or will have been upon compliance with such procedures as may be specified therein, established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;
(b) the terms of such Securities have been, or will have been upon compliance with such procedures as may be specified therein, established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture; and
(c) such Securities when completed pursuant to such procedures as may be specified therein, and executed and delivered by the Company to the Trustee for authentication in accordance with this Indenture, authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in accordance with this Indenture and issued by the Company in the manner and subject to any conditions specified in such Opinion of Counsel, will constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization and other similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and to general equitable principles and to such other matters as may be specified therein; and
(ii) an Officers’ Certificate complying with Section 102 and stating that all conditions precedent provided for in this Indenture relating to the issuance of such Securities have been, or will have been upon compliance with such procedures as may be specified therein, complied with and that, to the best of the knowledge of the signers of such certificate, no Event of Default with respect to such Securities shall have occurred and be continuing.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 301 and of the preceding paragraph, if all the Securities of any series are not to be issued at one time, it shall not be necessary to deliver a Company Order, an Opinion of Counsel or an Officers’ Certificate otherwise required pursuant to the preceding paragraph at the time of issuance of each Security of such series, but such order, opinion and certificate, with appropriate modifications to cover such future issuances, shall be delivered at or before the time of issuance of the first Security of such series.
The Trustee shall not be required to authenticate such Securities if the issue of such Securities pursuant to this Indenture will affect the Trustee’s own rights, duties, obligations or immunities under the Securities and this Indenture or otherwise in a manner that is not reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.
Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.
No Security shall be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose unless there appears on such Security a certificate of authentication substantially in the form provided for herein duly executed by the Trustee by manual signature of an authorized officer, and such certificate upon any Security shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Security has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder and is entitled to the benefits of this Indenture. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Security shall have been authenticated and delivered hereunder but never issued and sold by the Company, and the Company shall deliver such Security to the Trustee for cancellation as provided in Section 309 together with a written statement (which need not comply with Section 102 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel) stating that such Security has never been issued or sold by the Company, for all purposes of this Indenture such Security shall be deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder and shall never be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture.
SECTION 304. Temporary Securities.
Pending the preparation of definitive Securities of any series, the Company may execute, and upon Company Order the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, temporary Securities that are printed, lithographed, typewritten, mimeographed or otherwise produced, in any authorized denomination, substantially of the tenor of the definitive Securities in lieu of which they are issued, in registered form and with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as the officers of the Company executing such Securities may determine, as conclusively evidenced by their execution of such Securities. In the case of Securities of any series, such temporary Securities may be in global form.
If temporary Securities of any series are issued, the Company will cause definitive Securities of that series to be prepared without unreasonable delay. After the preparation of definitive Securities of such series, the temporary Securities of such series shall be exchangeable for definitive Securities of such series upon surrender of the temporary Securities of such series at the office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment for that series, without charge to the Holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary Securities of any series, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a like principal amount of definitive Securities of the same series of authorized denominations. Until so exchanged, the temporary Securities of any series shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Securities of such series.
SECTION 305. Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange.
The Company shall cause to be kept at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee or in any office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment a register for each series of Securities (the registers maintained in such office or in any such office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment being herein sometimes referred to collectively as the “Security Register”) in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it or the Security Registrar may prescribe, the Company shall provide for the registration of Securities and of transfers of Securities. The Security Register shall be in written form or any other form capable of being converted into written form within a reasonable time. The Trustee, at its Corporate Trust Office, is hereby initially appointed “Security Registrar” for the purpose of registering Securities and transfers of Securities on such Security Register as herein provided. In the event that the Trustee shall cease to be Security Registrar, it shall have the right to examine the Security Register at all reasonable times and to require that a copy of the Security Register in written form be delivered to it from time to time as reasonably requested. Subject to the provisions of this Section 305, upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Security of any series at any office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment for that series, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of a like aggregate principal amount, bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding, and containing identical terms and provisions.
Subject to the provisions of this Section 305, at the option of the Holder, Securities of any series may be exchanged for other Securities of the same series, of any authorized denomination or denominations and of a like aggregate principal amount, containing identical terms and provisions, upon surrender of the Securities to be exchanged at any such office or agency. Whenever any such Securities are so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the Securities that the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, any permanent global Security shall be exchangeable only as provided in this paragraph. If the depository for any permanent global Security is DTC, then, unless the terms of such global Security expressly permit such global Security to be exchanged in whole or in part for definitive Securities, a global Security may be transferred, in whole but not in part, only to a nominee of DTC, or by a nominee of DTC to DTC, or to a successor to DTC for such global Security selected or approved by the Company or to a nominee of such successor to DTC. If at any time DTC notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depository for the applicable global Security or Securities or if at any time DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act if so required by applicable law or regulation, the Company shall appoint a successor depository with respect to such global Security or Securities. If (x) a successor depository for such global Security or Securities is not appointed by the Company within 90 days after the Company receives such notice or becomes aware of such unwillingness, inability or ineligibility, (y) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the beneficial owners representing a majority in principal amount of the applicable series of Securities represented by such global Security or Securities advise DTC to cease acting as depository for such global Security or Securities or (z) the Company, in its sole discretion, determines at any time that all Outstanding Securities (but not less than all) of any series issued or issuable in the form of one or more global Securities shall no longer be represented by such global Security or Securities, then the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver definitive Securities of like series, rank, tenor and terms in definitive form in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of such global Security or Securities. If any beneficial owner of an interest in a permanent global Security is otherwise entitled to exchange such an interest for Securities of such series and of like tenor and principal amount of another authorized form and denomination, as specified as contemplated by Section 301 and provided that any applicable notice provided in the permanent global Security shall have been given, then without unnecessary delay but in any event not later than the earliest date on which such interest may be so exchanged, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver definitive Securities in aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of such beneficial owner’s interest in such permanent global Security. On or after the earliest date on which such interests may be so exchanged, such permanent global Security shall be surrendered for exchange by DTC or such other depository as shall be specified in the Company Order with respect thereto to the Trustee, as the Company’s agent for such purpose; provided, however, that no such exchanges may occur during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before any selection of Securities to be redeemed and ending on the relevant Redemption Date if the Security for which exchange is requested may be among those selected for redemption. If a Security is issued in exchange for any portion of a permanent global Security after the close of business at the office or agency where such exchange occurs on (i) any Regular Record Date and before the opening of business at such office or agency on the relevant Interest Payment Date, or (ii) any Special Record Date and before the opening of business at such office or agency on the related proposed date for payment of Defaulted Interest, interest or Defaulted Interest, as the case may be, will not be payable on such Interest Payment Date or proposed date for payment, as the case may be, in respect of such Security, but will be payable on such Interest Payment Date or proposed date for payment, as the case may be, only to the Person to whom interest in respect of such portion of such permanent global Security is payable in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture.
All Securities issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities shall be the valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Securities surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.
Every Security presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange or redemption shall (if so required by the Company or the Security Registrar) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Security Registrar, duly executed by the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing.
No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, other than exchanges pursuant to Section 304, 906 or 1107 not involving any transfer.
The Company or the Trustee, as applicable, shall not be required (i) to issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Security if such Security may be among those selected for redemption during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before selection of the Securities to be redeemed under Section 1103 and ending at the close of business on the day of the mailing of the relevant notice of redemption, or (ii) to register the transfer of or exchange any Security so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the portion thereof not to be redeemed, provided that such Security shall be simultaneously surrendered for redemption, or (iii) to issue or to register the transfer or exchange of any Security that has been surrendered for repayment, except the portion, if any, of such Security not to be so repaid.
SECTION 306. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities.
If any mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee or the Company, together with such security or indemnity as may be required by the Company or the Trustee to save each of them or any agent of either of them harmless, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a new Security of the same series and principal amount, containing identical terms and provisions and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.
If there shall be delivered to the Company and to the Trustee (i) evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Security, and (ii) such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them and any agent of either of them harmless, then, in the absence of actual notice to the Company or the Trustee that such Security has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Company shall execute and upon its request the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen Security, a new Security of the same series and principal amount, containing identical terms and provisions and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.
Notwithstanding the provisions of the previous two paragraphs, in case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security has become or is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion may, instead of issuing a new Security, pay such Security.
Upon the issuance of any new Security under this Section, the Company may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith.
Every new Security of any series issued pursuant to this Section in lieu of any destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall constitute an original additional contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Securities of that series duly issued hereunder.
The provisions of this Section are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities.
SECTION 307. Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved.
Except as otherwise specified with respect to a series of Securities in accordance with the provisions of Section 301, interest on any Security that is payable, and is punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the Person in whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest at the office or agency of the Company maintained for such purpose pursuant to Section 1002; provided, however, that each installment of interest on any Security may at the Company’s option be paid by (i) mailing a check for such interest, payable to or upon the written order of the Person entitled thereto pursuant to Section 308, to the address of such Person as it appears on the Security Register or (ii) transfer to an account maintained by the payee located inside the United States.
Unless otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 301, every permanent global Security will provide that interest, if any, payable on any Interest Payment Date will be paid to DTC, Euroclear and/or Clearstream, as the case may be, with respect to that portion of such permanent global Security held for its account by DTC, Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, for the purpose of permitting such party to credit the interest received by it in respect of such permanent global Security to the accounts of the beneficial owners thereof.
Except as otherwise specified with respect to a series of Securities in accordance with the provisions of Section 301, any interest on any Security of any series that is payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date (herein called “Defaulted Interest”) shall forthwith cease to be payable to the registered Holder thereof on the relevant Regular Record Date by virtue of having been such Holder, and such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Company, at its election in each case, as provided in clause (1) or (2) below:
(1) The Company may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Interest to the Persons in whose names the Securities of such series (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be fixed in the following manner. The Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each Security of such series and the date of the proposed payment (which shall not be less than 20 days after such notice is received by the Trustee), and at the same time the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money in the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which the Securities of such series are payable (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301 for the Securities of such series) equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit on or prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this clause provided. Thereupon the Trustee shall fix a special record date (herein called a “Special Record Date”) for the payment of such Defaulted Interest which shall be not more than 15 days and not less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed payment and not less than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company of such Special Record Date and, in the name and at the expense of the Company, shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor to be mailed, first-class postage prepaid (or to the extent permitted by applicable procedures or regulations, electronically delivered), to each Holder of Securities of such series at such Holder’s address as it appears in the Security Register not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date. Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor having been mailed as aforesaid, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Persons in whose names the Securities of such series (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on such Special Record Date and shall no longer be payable pursuant to the following clause (2).
(2) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on the Securities of any series in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which such Securities may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if, after written notice given by the Company to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this clause, such manner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee.
Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section and Section 305, each Security delivered under this Indenture upon registration of transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Security shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other Security.
Subject to the provisions of Section 1302 and except as otherwise specified with respect to a series of Securities in accordance with the provisions of Section 301, in the case of any Security that is converted or exchanged after any Regular Record Date and on or prior to the next succeeding Interest Payment Date (other than any Security, the principal of (or premium, if any, on) which shall become due and payable, whether at a Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption, or otherwise, prior to such Interest Payment Date), interest whose Stated Maturity is on such Interest Payment Date shall be payable on such Interest Payment Date notwithstanding such conversion or exchange, and such interest (whether or not punctually paid or duly provided for) shall be paid to the Person in whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on such Regular Record Date. Except as otherwise expressly provided in the immediately preceding sentence, in the case of any Security which is converted or exchanged, interest whose Stated Maturity is after the date of conversion or exchange of such Security shall not be payable.
SECTION 308. Persons Deemed Owners.
Prior to due presentment of a Security for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name such Security is registered as the owner of such Security for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any), and (subject to Sections 305 and 307) interest on, such Security and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
None of the Company, the Trustee, any Paying Agent or the Security Registrar will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests of a Security in global form or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any global Security, nothing herein shall prevent the Company, the Trustee, or any agent of the Company or the Trustee, from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by any depository, as a Holder, with respect to such global Security or impair, as between such depository and owners of beneficial interests in such global Security, the operation of customary practices governing the exercise of the rights of such depository (or its nominee) as Holder of such global Security.
SECTION 309. Cancellation.
All Securities surrendered for payment, redemption, repayment, registration of transfer or exchange or for credit against any sinking fund payment shall, if surrendered to any Person other than the Trustee, be delivered to the Trustee, and any such Securities and Securities surrendered directly to the Trustee for any such purpose shall be promptly canceled by it. The Company may at any time deliver to the Trustee for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated and delivered hereunder that the Company may have acquired in any manner whatsoever, and may deliver to the Trustee (or to any other Person for delivery to the Trustee) for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated hereunder that the Company has not issued and sold, and all Securities so delivered shall be promptly canceled by the Trustee. If the Company shall so acquire any of the Securities, however, such acquisition shall not operate as a redemption or satisfaction of the indebtedness represented by such Securities unless and until the same are surrendered to the Trustee for cancellation. No Securities shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Securities canceled as provided in this Section, except as expressly permitted by this Indenture. Cancelled Securities held by the Trustee shall be destroyed by the Trustee and, if required in writing by the Company, the Trustee shall deliver a certificate of such destruction to the Company, unless by a Company Order the Company directs their return to it.
SECTION 310. Computation of Interest.
Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to Securities of any series, interest on the Securities of each series shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.
ARTICLE FOUR
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
SECTION 401. Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.
This Indenture shall upon Company Request cease to be of further effect with respect to any series of Securities specified in such Company Request (except as to any surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of Securities of such series herein expressly provided for and any right to receive Additional Amounts, as provided in Section 1006), and the Trustee, upon receipt of a Company Order, and at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture as to such series when
(1) either
(A) all Securities of such series theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than (i) Securities of such series that have been destroyed, lost or stolen and that have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 306, and (ii) Securities of such series for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Company and thereafter repaid to the Company or discharged from such trust, as provided in Section 1003) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or
(B) all Securities of such series not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation
(i) have become due and payable, or
(ii) will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year, or
(iii) if redeemable at the option of the Company, are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company,
and the Company, in the case of (i), (ii) or (iii) above, has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for the purpose an amount in the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which the Securities of such series are payable, sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) and interest, and any Additional Amounts with respect thereto, to the date of such deposit (in the case of Securities that have become due and payable) or the Stated Maturity or Redemption Date, as the case may be;
(2) The Company has paid or caused to be paid all or other sums payable hereunder by the Company; and
(3) The Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture as to such series have been complied with.
Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the obligations of the Company to the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee under Section 606, the obligations of the Company to any Authenticating Agent under Section 611 and, if money shall have been deposited with and held by the Trustee pursuant to subclause (B) of clause (1) of this Section, the obligations of the Trustee under Section 402 and the last paragraph of Section 1003, shall survive.
In the event that there are Securities of two or more series outstanding hereunder, the Trustee shall be required to execute an instrument acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture only if requested to do so with respect to Securities of a particular series as to which it is Trustee and if the other conditions thereto are met.
SECTION 402. Application of Trust Funds.
Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003, all money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 401 shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the Securities and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the principal (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any), and any interest and Additional Amounts for whose payment such money has been deposited with or received by the Trustee, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
ARTICLE FIVE
REMEDIES
SECTION 501. Events of Default.
Subject to any modifications, additions or deletions relating to any series of Securities as contemplated pursuant to Section 301, “Event of Default,” wherever used herein with respect to any particular series of Securities, means any one of the following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether or not it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body):
(1) default in the payment of any interest upon or any Additional Amounts payable in respect of any Security of or within that series, when such interest or Additional Amounts become due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days; or
(2) default in the payment of the principal of (or premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any, on) any Security of that series when it becomes due and payable at its Maturity; or
(3) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when and as due by the terms of any Security of that series; or
(4) default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty of the Company in this Indenture with respect to any Security of that series (other than (i) a covenant or agreement included in this Indenture solely for the benefit of a series of Securities other than such series or (ii) a covenant or warranty a default in whose performance or whose breach is elsewhere in this Section specifically dealt with), and continuance of such default or breach for a period of 90 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” hereunder; or
(5) the Company pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law:
(A) commences a voluntary case,
(B) consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case,
(C) consents to the appointment of a Custodian of it or for all or substantially all of its property, or
(D) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or
(6) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:
(A) is for relief against the Company or any Significant Subsidiary in an involuntary case,
(B) appoints a Custodian of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary or for all or substantially all of either of its property, or
(C) orders the liquidation of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary, and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 90 days; or
(7) any other Event of Default provided with respect to Securities of that series.
As used in this Section 501, the term “Bankruptcy Law” means Title 11, U.S. Code or any similar Federal or state law for the relief of debtors and the term “Custodian” means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator or other similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.
SECTION 502. Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment.
If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default under clause (5) or (6) in Section 501) with respect to Securities of any series at the time Outstanding occurs and is continuing, then and in every such case the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of each such affected series (voting as a single class) may declare the principal (or, if any Securities are Original Issue Discount Securities or Indexed Securities, such portion of the principal as may be specified in the terms thereof) of, and the Make-Whole Amount, if any, on, all the Securities of that series to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by the Holders), and upon any such declaration such principal or specified portion thereof shall become immediately due and payable. If an Event of Default under clause (5) or (6) in Section 501 with respect to Securities of any series at the time Outstanding occurs, the principal amount of all the Securities of each such affected series (or, if any Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount Securities or Indexed Securities, such portion of the principal as may be specified in the terms thereof), and the Make-Whole Amount, if any, on, all the Securities of that series shall automatically, and without any declaration or other action on the part of the Trustee or any Holder, become immediately due and payable.
At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to Securities of any series has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee as hereinafter in this Article provided, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series, by written notice to the Company and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if:
(1) the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay in the currency, currency unit or composite currency in which the Securities of such series is payable (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301 for the Securities of such series):
(A) all overdue installments of interest on and any Additional Amounts payable in respect of all Outstanding Securities of that series;
(B) the principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any, on) any Outstanding Securities of that series which have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and interest thereon at the rate or rates borne by or provided for in such Securities;
(C) to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest upon overdue installments of interest and any Additional Amounts at the rate or rates borne by or provided for in such Securities; and
(D) all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee hereunder and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel; and
(2) all Events of Default with respect to Securities of that series, other than the nonpayment of the principal of (or premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) or interest on Securities of that series that have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in Section 513.
No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon.
SECTION 503. Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee.
The Company covenants that if:
(1) default is made in the payment of any installment of interest or Additional Amounts, if any, on any Security of any series when such interest or Additional Amount becomes due and payable and such default continues for a period of 30 days, or
(2) default is made in the payment of the principal of (or premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any, on) any Security of any series at its Maturity,
then the Company will, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to the Trustee, for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities of such series, the whole amount then due and payable on such Securities for principal (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) and interest and Additional Amounts, with interest upon any overdue principal (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) and, to the extent that payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable, upon any overdue installments of interest or Additional Amounts, if any, at the rate or rates borne by or provided for in such Securities, and, in addition thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel.
If the Company fails to pay such amounts forthwith upon such demand, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, may institute a judicial proceeding for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, and may prosecute such proceeding to judgment or final decree, and may enforce the same against the Company or any other obligor upon such Securities of such series and collect the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Company or any other obligor upon such Securities of such series, wherever situated.
If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most effectual to protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted herein, or to enforce any other proper remedy.
SECTION 504. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.
In case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial proceeding relative to the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or the property of the Company or of such other obligor or their creditors, the Trustee (irrespective of whether the principal of the Securities of any series shall then be due and payable as therein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Trustee shall have made any demand on the Company for the payment of overdue principal, premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any, or interest) shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:
(i) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount, or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the Securities of such series, of principal (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) and interest and Additional Amounts, if any, owing and unpaid in respect of the Securities and to file such other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel) and of the Holders allowed in such judicial proceeding, and
(ii) to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;
and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator (or other similar official) in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder of Securities of such series to make such payments to the Trustee, and in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee, their agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee or any predecessor Trustee under Section 606.
Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder of a Security any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Securities or the rights of any Holder thereof, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder of a Security in any such proceeding.
SECTION 505. Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities.
All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or any of the Securities may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the Securities or the production thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, and any such proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the Securities in respect of which such judgment has been recovered.
SECTION 506. Application of Money Collected.
Any money collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article shall be applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such money on account of principal (or premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) or interest and any
Additional Amounts, upon presentation of the Securities, as the case may be, and the notation thereon of the payment if only partially paid and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:
FIRST: To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee under Section 606,
SECOND: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid upon the Securities for principal (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) and interest and any Additional Amounts payable, in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the aggregate amounts due and payable on such Securities for principal (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any), interest and Additional Amounts, respectively, and
THIRD: To the payment of the remainder, if any, to the Company.
SECTION 507. Limitation on Suits.
No Holder of any Security of any series shall have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless:
(1) such Holder has previously given written notice to the Trustee of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of that series;
(2) the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as Trustee hereunder;
(3) such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request;
(4) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity has failed to institute any such proceeding; and
(5) no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the Trustee during such 60-day period by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series;
it being understood and intended that no one or more of such Holders shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other of such Holders, or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any other of such Holders or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all such Holders.
SECTION 508. Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any, Interest and Additional Amounts.
Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, the Holder of any Security shall have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive payment of the principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) and (subject to Sections 305 and 307) interest on, and any Additional Amounts in respect of, such Security on the respective due dates expressed in such Security (or, in the case of redemption, on the Redemption Date) and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, and such rights shall not be impaired without the consent of such Holder.
SECTION 509. Restoration of Rights and Remedies.
If the Trustee or any Holder of a Security has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or to such Holder, then and in every such case the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of Securities shall, subject to any determination in such proceeding, be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding has been instituted.
SECTION 510. Rights and Remedies Cumulative.
Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities in the last paragraph of Section 306, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders of Securities is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.
SECTION 511. Delay or Omission Not Waiver.
No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Security to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or any acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders of Securities, as the case may be.
SECTION 512. Control by Holders of Securities.
The Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series, provided that
(1) such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Indenture,
(2) the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee that is not inconsistent with such direction, and
(3) the Trustee need not take any action that might involve it in personal liability or be unduly prejudicial to the Holders of Securities of such series not joining therein (but the Trustee shall have no obligation as to the determination of such undue prejudice).
SECTION 513. Waiver of Past Defaults.
The Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series may on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities of such series consent to the waiver of any past default hereunder with respect to such series and its consequences, except a default
(1) in the payment of the principal of (or premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) or interest on or Additional Amounts payable in respect of any Security of such series, or
(2) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under Article Nine cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security of such series affected.
Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon.
SECTION 514. Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws.
The Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it will not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Company (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law, and covenants that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.
SECTION 515. Undertaking for Costs.
All parties to this Indenture agree, and each Holder of any Security by his acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court may in its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, against any party litigant in such suit having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; but the provisions of this Section shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Holder, or group of Holders, holding in the aggregate more than 10% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities, or to any suit instituted by any Holder for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of (or premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) or interest on or Additional Amounts payable with respect to any Security on or after the respective Stated Maturities expressed in such Security (or in the case of redemption, on or after the Redemption Date).
ARTICLE SIX
THE TRUSTEE
SECTION 601. Notice of Defaults.
Within 90 days after the occurrence of any default hereunder with respect to the Securities of any series, the Trustee shall transmit in the manner and to the extent provided in TIA Section 313(c), notice of such default hereunder actually known to a Responsible Officer of the Trustee, unless such default shall have been cured or waived; provided, however, that, except in the case of a default in the payment of the principal of (or premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) or interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to any Security of such series, or in the payment of any sinking fund installment with respect to the Securities of such series, the Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if and so long as Responsible Officers of the Trustee in good faith determine that the withholding of such notice is in the interests of the Holders of the Securities of such series; and provided further that in the case of any default or breach of the character specified in Section 501(4) with respect to the Securities of such series, no such notice to Holders shall be given until at least 60 days after the occurrence thereof. For the purpose of this Section, the term “default” means any event that is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of such series.
SECTION 602. Certain Rights of Trustee.
Subject to the provisions of TIA Section 315(a) through 315(d):
(1) the Trustee shall perform only such duties as are expressly undertaken by it to perform under this Indenture and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee;
(2) the Trustee may conclusively rely and shall be fully protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;
(3) any request or direction of the Company mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Company Request or Company Order (other than delivery of any Security to the Trustee for authentication and delivery pursuant to Section 303 that shall be sufficiently evidenced as provided therein) and any resolution of the Board of Directors may be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution;
(4) whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Trustee (unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, rely upon an Officers’ Certificate;
(5) the Trustee may consult with counsel and as a condition to the taking, suffering or omission of any action hereunder may demand an Opinion of Counsel, and the advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon;
(6) the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders of Securities of any series pursuant to this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities that might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction;
(7) the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note or other paper or document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Company, personally or by agent or attorney;
(8) the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents, attorneys, custodians or nominees and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent, attorney, custodian or nominee appointed with due care by it hereunder;
(9) the Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it in good faith and reasonably believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture; provided, however, that the Trustee’s conduct does not constitute willful misconduct or gross negligence. The Trustee shall not be required to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it;
(10) in no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for special, indirect, or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, loss of profit) irrespective of whether the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action;
(11) the Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Securities and this Indenture;
(12) the rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and to each agent, custodian and other Person employed to act hereunder; and
(13) the Trustee may request that the Company deliver a certificate setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture.
SECTION 603. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities.
The recitals contained herein and in the Securities, except the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, shall be taken as the statements of the Company, and neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent assumes any responsibility for their correctness. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Securities, except that the Trustee represents that it is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Indenture, authenticate the Securities, and perform its obligations hereunder. Neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent shall be accountable for the use or application by the Company of Securities or the proceeds thereof.
SECTION 604. May Hold Securities.
The Trustee, any Paying Agent, Security Registrar, Authenticating Agent or any other agent of the Company, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and, subject to Section 613 and TIA Sections 310(b) and 311, may otherwise deal with the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, Paying Agent, Security Registrar, Authenticating Agent or such other agent.
SECTION 605. Money Held in Trust.
Money held by the Trustee in trust hereunder need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. The Trustee shall be under no liability for interest on, or investment of, any money received by it hereunder.
SECTION 606. Compensation and Reimbursement.
The Company agrees:
(1) to pay to the Trustee from time to time reasonable compensation for all services rendered by it hereunder, including extraordinary services rendered in connection with or during the continuation of a default hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust);
(2) to reimburse each of the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by it in accordance with any provision of this Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel), except to the extent any such expense, disbursement or advance may be attributable to its gross negligence or bad faith; and
(3) to indemnify each of the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee and each of their respective directors, officers, agents and employees for, and to hold each of them harmless against, any loss, damage, claim, liability or expense, including taxes (other than taxes based upon, measured by or determined by the income or gain of the Trustee), arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the trust or trusts or the performance of its duties hereunder, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder except to the extent any such loss, liability or expense may be attributable to its own gross negligence or bad faith.
As security for the performance of the obligations of the Company under this Section, the Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Securities upon all property and funds held or collected by the Trustee as such, except funds held in trust for the payment of principal of (or premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) or interest on particular Securities.
When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services in connection with an Event of Default described in Section 501(5) and (6), such expenses (including the fees and expenses of its counsel) and the compensation for such services are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any Bankruptcy Law.
The provisions of this Section shall survive the termination of this Indenture or the resignation or removal of the Trustee.
SECTION 607. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility.
There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder that shall be eligible to act as Trustee under TIA Section 310(a)(1) and shall have a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 or is a subsidiary of a corporation that shall be a Person that has a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 and that unconditionally guarantees the obligations of the Trustee hereunder. If such Trustee or Person publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or the requirements of Federal, State, Territorial or District of Columbia supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such Trustee or Person shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article.
SECTION 608. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor.
(a) No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a successor Trustee pursuant to this Article shall become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 609.
(b) The Trustee may resign at any time with respect to the Securities of one or more series by giving written notice thereof to the Company. If an instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.
(c) The Trustee may be removed at any time with respect to the Securities of any series by Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series delivered to the Trustee and to the Company.
(d) If at any time:
(1) the Trustee shall fail to comply with the provisions of Section 613 or TIA Section 310(b) after written request therefor by the Company or by any Holder of a Security who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months, or
(2) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible under Section 607 and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Company or by any Holder of a Security who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months, or
(3) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent or a receiver of the Trustee or of its property shall be appointed or any public officer shall take charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation, then, in any such case, (i) the Company by or pursuant to a Board Resolution may remove the Trustee and appoint a successor Trustee with respect to all Securities, or (ii) subject to TIA Section 315(e), any Holder of a Security who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee with respect to all Securities and the appointment of a successor Trustee or Trustees.
(e) If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of Trustee for any cause with respect to the Securities of one or more series, the Company, by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee or Trustees with respect to the Securities of that or those series (it being understood that any such successor Trustee may be appointed with respect to the Securities of one or more or all of such series and that at any time there shall be only one Trustee with respect to the Securities of any particular series). If, within one year after such resignation, removal or incapability, or the occurrence of such vacancy, a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall be appointed by Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series delivered to the Company and the retiring Trustee, the successor Trustee so appointed shall, forthwith upon its acceptance of such appointment, become the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series and to that extent supersede the successor Trustee appointed by the Company. If no successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall have been so appointed by the Company or the Holders of Securities and accepted appointment in the manner hereinafter provided, any Holder of a Security who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security of such series for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to Securities of such series.
(f) The Company shall give notice of each resignation and each removal of the Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series and each appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series in the manner provided for notices to the Holders of Securities in Section 106. Each notice shall include the name of the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series and the address of its Corporate Trust Office.
SECTION 609. Acceptance of Appointment By Successor.
(a) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to all Securities, every such successor Trustee shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Company and to the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee; but, on request of the Company or the successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all the rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee, and shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder, subject nevertheless to its claim, if any, provided for in Section 606.
(b) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more (but not all) series, the Company, the retiring Trustee and each successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series shall execute and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto, pursuant to Article Nine hereof, wherein each successor Trustee shall accept such appointment and that (1) shall contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, each successor Trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates, (2) if the retiring Trustee is not retiring with respect to all Securities, shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series as to which the retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in the retiring Trustee, and (3) shall add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being understood that nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture shall constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same trust and that each such Trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart from any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such Trustee; and upon the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein and each such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates; but, on request of the Company or any successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates.
(c) Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the Company shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor Trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section, as the case may be.
(d) No successor Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance such successor Trustee shall be qualified and eligible under this Article.
(e) All monies due and owing to the Trustee shall be paid before the Successor Trustee takes over.
SECTION 610. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business.
Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to all or substantially all of the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided such corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto. In case any Securities shall have been authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such authentication and deliver the Securities so authenticated with the same effect as if such successor Trustee had itself authenticated such Securities. In case any Securities shall not have been authenticated by such predecessor Trustee, any such successor Trustee may authenticate and deliver such Securities, in either its own name or that of its predecessor Trustee, with the full force and effect that this Indenture provides for the certificate of authentication of the Trustee.
SECTION 611. Appointment of Authenticating Agent.
At any time when any of the Securities remain Outstanding, the Trustee may appoint an Authenticating Agent or Agents with respect to one or more series of Securities that shall be authorized to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of such series issued upon exchange, registration of transfer or partial redemption or repayment thereof or pursuant to Section 306, and Securities so authenticated shall be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture and shall be valid and obligatory for all purposes as if authenticated by the Trustee hereunder. Any such appointment shall be evidenced by an instrument in writing signed by a Responsible Officer of the Trustee, a copy of which instrument shall be promptly furnished to the Company. Wherever reference is made in this Indenture to the authentication and delivery of Securities by the Trustee or the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, such reference shall be deemed to include authentication and delivery on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent and a certificate of authentication executed on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent. Each Authenticating Agent shall be reasonably acceptable to the Company and, except as may otherwise be provided pursuant to Section 301, shall at all times be a bank or trust company or corporation organized and doing business and in good standing under the laws of the United States of America or of any State or the District of Columbia, authorized under such laws to act as Authenticating Agent, having a combined capital and surplus of not less than $25,000,000 and subject to supervision or examination by Federal or State authorities. If such Authenticating Agent publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or the requirements of the aforesaid supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such Authenticating Agent shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. In case at any time an Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, such Authenticating Agent shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in this Section.
Any corporation into which an Authenticating Agent may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which such Authenticating Agent shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to the corporate agency or corporate trust business of an Authenticating Agent, shall continue to be an Authenticating Agent, provided such corporation shall be otherwise eligible under this Section, without the execution or filing of any paper or further act on the part of the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent.
An Authenticating Agent for any series of Securities may at any time resign by giving written notice of resignation to the Trustee for such series and to the Company. The Trustee for any series of Securities may at any time terminate the agency of an Authenticating Agent by giving written notice of termination to such Authenticating Agent and to the Company. Upon receiving such a notice of resignation or upon such a termination, or in case at any time such Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, the Trustee for such series may appoint a successor Authenticating Agent that shall be acceptable to the Company and shall give notice of such appointment to all Holders of Securities of or within the series with respect to which such Authenticating Agent will serve in the manner set forth in Section 106. Any successor Authenticating Agent upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder shall become vested with all the rights, powers and duties of its predecessor hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as an Authenticating Agent herein. No successor Authenticating Agent shall be appointed unless eligible under the provisions of this Section.
The Company agrees to pay to each Authenticating Agent from time to time reasonable compensation including reimbursement of its reasonable expenses for its services under this Section.
If an appointment with respect to one or more series is made pursuant to this Section, the Securities of such series may have endorsed thereon, in addition to or in lieu of the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, an alternate certificate of authentication substantially in the following form:
This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein and referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
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, as Trustee |
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By |
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as Authenticating Agent |
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Authorized Officer |
SECTION 612. Certain Duties and Responsibilities.
No provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it. Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Section.
SECTION 613. Conflicting Interests.
If the Trustee has or shall acquire a conflicting interest within the meaning of the TIA, the Trustee shall either eliminate such interest or resign, to the extent and in the manner provided by, and subject to the provisions of, the TIA and this Indenture. To the extent permitted by such Act, the Trustee shall not be deemed to have a conflicting interest by virtue of being a trustee under this Indenture with respect to Securities of more than one series. In case an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the Trustee shall exercise such of its rights and powers under the applicable Indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his own affairs.
ARTICLE SEVEN
HOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY
SECTION 701. Disclosure of Names and Addresses of Holders.
Every Holder of Securities, by receiving and holding the same, agrees with the Company and the Trustee that neither the Company nor the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent nor any Paying Agent nor any Security Registrar nor any director, officer, agent or employee of any of them shall be held accountable by reason of the disclosure of any information as to the names and addresses of the Holders of Securities in accordance with TIA Section 312, regardless of the source from which such information was derived, and that the Trustee shall not be held accountable by reason of mailing any material pursuant to a request made under TIA Section 312(b).
SECTION 702. Reports by Trustee.
Within 60 days after March 15 of each year commencing with the first March 15 after the first issuance of Securities pursuant to this Indenture, the Trustee shall transmit by mail to all Holders of Securities as provided in TIA Section 313(c) a brief report dated as of such March 15 if and to the extent required by TIA Section 313(a).
SECTION 703. Reports by Company.
The Company will:
(1) file with the Trustee, within 15 days after the Company is required to file the same with the Commission, copies of the annual reports and of the information, documents and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the Commission may from time to time by rules and regulations prescribe) that the Company may be required to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act; or, if the Company is not required to file information, documents or reports pursuant to either of such Sections, then it will file with the Trustee and the Commission, in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission, such of the supplementary and periodic information, documents and reports that may be required pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act in respect of a security listed and registered on a national securities exchange as may be prescribed from time to time in such rules and regulations;
(2) file with the Trustee and the Commission, in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission, such additional information, documents and reports with respect to compliance by the Company with the conditions and covenants of this Indenture as may be required from time to time by such rules and regulations; and
(3) transmit by mail (or to the extent permitted by applicable procedures or regulations, deliver electronically) to the Holders of Securities, within 30 days after the filing thereof with the Trustee, in the manner and to the extent provided in TIA Section 313(c), such summaries of any information, documents and reports required to be filed by the Company pursuant to paragraphs (1) or (2) of this Section as may be required by rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission.
The availability of the foregoing materials on the Commission’s website or on the Company’s website shall be deemed to satisfy the foregoing delivery obligations.
SECTION 704. Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders.
The Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee:
(a) with respect to each series of Securities, quarterly or semi-annually (as applicable), not later than 15 days after the Regular Record Date for interest for such series of Securities, a list, in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Holders of Securities of such series as of such Regular Record Date, or if there is no Regular Record Date for interest for such series of Securities, semi-annually, upon such dates as are set forth in the Board Resolution or indenture supplemental hereto authorizing such series, and
(b) at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, within 30 days after the receipt by the Company of any such request, a list of similar form and content as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such list is furnished, provided, however, that, so long as the Trustee is the Security Registrar, no such lists shall be required to be furnished.
ARTICLE EIGHT
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE, LEASE OR CONVEYANCE
SECTION 801. Consolidations and Mergers of Company and Sales, Leases and Conveyances Permitted Subject to Certain Conditions.
The Company may consolidate with, or sell, lease or convey all or substantially all of its assets to, or merge with or into any other Person, provided that in any such case, (i) either the Company shall be the continuing entity, or the successor (if other than the Company) entity shall be a Person organized and existing under the laws of the United States or a State thereof or the District of Columbia and such successor entity shall expressly assume the due and punctual payment of the principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) and any interest (including all Additional Amounts, if any, payable pursuant to Section 1006) on all of the Securities, according to their tenor, or as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301, and the due and punctual performance and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of this Indenture to be performed by the Company by supplemental indenture, complying with Article Nine hereof, satisfactory to the Trustee, executed and delivered to the Trustee by such Person and (ii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.
SECTION 802. Rights and Duties of Successor Corporation.
In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, lease or conveyance and upon any such assumption by the successor entity, such successor entity shall succeed to and be substituted for the Company, with the same effect as if it had been named herein as the party of the first part, and the predecessor entity, except in the event of a lease, shall be relieved of any further obligation under this Indenture and the Securities. Such successor entity thereupon may cause to be signed, and may issue either in its own name or in the name of the Company, any or all of the Securities issuable hereunder that theretofore shall not have been signed by the Company and delivered to the Trustee; and, upon the order of such successor entity, instead of the Company, and subject to all the terms, conditions and limitations in this Indenture prescribed, the Trustee shall authenticate and shall deliver any Securities that previously shall have been signed and delivered by the officers of the Company to the Trustee for authentication, and any Securities that such successor entity thereafter shall cause to be signed and delivered to the Trustee for that purpose. All the Securities so issued shall in all respects have the same legal rank and benefit under this Indenture as the Securities theretofore or thereafter issued in accordance with the terms of this Indenture as though all of such Securities had been issued at the date of the execution hereof.
In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, lease or conveyance, such changes in phraseology and form (but not in substance) may be made in the Securities thereafter to be issued as may be appropriate.
SECTION 803. Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel.
Any consolidation, merger, sale, lease or conveyance permitted under Section 801 is also subject to the condition that the Trustee receive an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that any such consolidation, merger, sale, lease or conveyance, and the assumption by any successor entity, complies with the provisions of this Article and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been complied with.
ARTICLE NINE
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
SECTION 901. Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders.
Without the consent of any Holders of Securities, the Company, when authorized by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, and the Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, for any of the following purposes:
(1) to evidence the succession of another Person to the Company and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Company herein and in the Securities contained; or
(2) to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Securities (and, if such covenants are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such covenants are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series) or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Company; or
(3) to add any additional Events of Default for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such Events of Default are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such Events of Default are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series); provided, however, that in respect of any such additional Events of Default such supplemental indenture may provide for a particular period of grace after default (which period may be shorter or longer than that allowed in the case of other defaults) or may provide for an immediate enforcement upon such default or may limit the remedies available to the Trustee upon such default or may limit the right of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of that or those series of Securities to which such additional Events of Default apply to waive such default; or
(4) to add to, change or eliminate any of the provisions of this Indenture in respect of any series of Securities, provided that any such addition, change or elimination shall (i) neither (A) apply to any Security of any series created prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture and entitled to the benefit of such provision, nor (B) modify the rights of the Holder of any such Security with respect to such provision; or (ii) become effective only when there is no Security Outstanding; or
(5) to secure the Securities; or
(6) to establish the form or terms of Securities of any series as permitted by Sections 201 and 301, including the provisions and procedures relating to Securities convertible into or exchangeable for other securities or property of the Company; or
(7) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series and to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee; or
(8) to provide for the right to convert or exchange any Security pursuant to Section 301, including providing for the conversion into or exchange for other securities of the Company, subject to Section 902(4); or
(9) to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision herein which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision herein, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Indenture that shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture or to make any other changes, provided that in each case, such provisions shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Securities of any series in any material respect as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors; or
(10) to conform the text of this Indenture or the Securities to the descriptions hereof or thereof contained in any registration statement of the Company to which this Indenture is filed as an exhibit and any applicable prospectus or prospectus supplement; or
(11) to close this Indenture with respect to the authentication and delivery of additional series of Securities or to qualify, or maintain qualification of, this Indenture under the TIA; or
(12) to supplement any of the provisions of this Indenture to such extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the defeasance and discharge of any series of Securities pursuant to Sections 401, 1302 and 1303; provided in each case that any such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Securities of such series or any other series of Securities in any material respect.
SECTION 902. Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders.
The Company and the Trustee may (i) amend or supplement this Indenture or the Securities without notice to any Holder of Securities but with the written consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of all series then outstanding or (ii) supplement this Indenture with regard to a series of Securities, amend or supplement a Supplemental Indenture relating to a series of Securities, or amend the Securities of a series, without notice to any Holder of Securities but with the written consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of that series then outstanding. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of all series then outstanding may waive compliance by the Company with any provision of this Indenture or the Securities without notice to any Holder of Securities. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of any series then outstanding may waive compliance with any provision of this Indenture, any Supplemental Indenture or the Securities of that series with regard to the Securities of that series without notice to any Holder of Securities. However, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby, no amendment, supplement or waiver may:
(1) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of (or premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any, on) or any installment of principal of or interest on, any Security; or reduce the principal amount thereof or the rate or amount of interest thereon or any Additional Amounts payable in respect thereof, or any premium or Make-Whole Amount payable upon the redemption thereof, or change any obligation of the Company to pay Additional Amounts pursuant to Section 1006 (except as contemplated by Section 801(i) and permitted by Section 901(1)), or reduce the amount of the principal of an Original Issue Discount Security or Make-Whole Amount, if any, that would be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502 or the amount thereof provable in bankruptcy pursuant to Section 504, or change any Place of Payment where, or the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which, the principal of any Security or any premium or Make-Whole Amount or any Additional Amounts payable in respect thereof or the interest thereon is payable, or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the Stated Maturity thereof (or, in the case of redemption or repayment at the option of the Holder, on or after the Redemption Date or the Repayment Date, as the case may be); or
(2) reduce the percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series, the consent of whose Holders is required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose Holders is required for any waiver with respect to such series (or compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture or certain defaults hereunder and their consequences) provided for in this Indenture, or reduce the requirements of Section 1404 for quorum or voting; or
(3) modify any of the provisions of this Section, Section 513 or Section 1007, except to increase the required percentage to effect such action or to provide that certain other provisions of this Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby; or
(4) make any change that adversely affects the right to convert or exchange any Security pursuant to Section 301 or decrease the conversion or exchange rate or increase the conversion or exchange price of any such Security.
It shall not be necessary for any Act of Holders under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such Act shall approve the substance thereof.
A supplemental indenture that changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of this Indenture that has expressly been included for the benefit of one or more particular series of Securities, or that modifies the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series with respect to such covenant or other provision, shall be deemed not to affect the rights under this Indenture of the Holders of Securities of any other series.
SECTION 903. Execution of Supplemental Indentures.
In executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any supplemental indenture permitted by this Article or the modification thereby of the trusts created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel and an Officers’ Certificate stating that the execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture and that all conditions precedent to the execution of such supplemental indenture have been complied with. The Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such supplemental indenture that affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.
SECTION 904. Effect of Supplemental Indentures.
Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article, this Indenture shall be modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental indenture shall form a part of this Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder of Securities theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder shall be bound thereby.
SECTION 905. Conformity with Trust Indenture Act.
Every supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article shall conform to the requirements of the TIA as then in effect.
SECTION 906. Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures.
Securities of any series authenticated and delivered after the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article may, and shall if required by the Trustee, bear a notation in form approved by the Trustee as to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Company shall so determine, new Securities of any series so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Trustee and the Company, to any such supplemental indenture may be prepared and executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in exchange for Outstanding Securities of such series.
SECTION 907. Notice of Supplemental Indentures.
Promptly after the execution by the Company and the Trustee of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of Section 902, the Company shall give notice thereof to the Holders of each Outstanding Security affected, in the manner provided for in Section 106, setting forth in general terms the substance of such supplemental indenture.
ARTICLE TEN
COVENANTS
SECTION 1001. Payment of Principal, Premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any, Interest and Additional Amounts.
The Company covenants and agrees for the benefit of the Holders of each series of Securities that it will duly and punctually pay the principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) and interest on and any Additional Amounts payable in respect of the Securities of that series in accordance with the terms of such series of Securities and this Indenture. Unless otherwise specified with respect to Securities of any series pursuant to Section 301, at the option of the Company, all payments of principal may be paid by check to the registered Holder of the Security or other person entitled thereto against surrender of such Security.
SECTION 1002. Maintenance of Office or Agency.
The Company shall maintain in each Place of Payment for any series of Securities an office or agency where Securities of that series may be presented or surrendered for payment or conversion, where Securities of that series may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange, and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of that series and this Indenture may be served. If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and the Company hereby appoints the same as its agent to receive such respective presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.
The Company may from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the Securities of one or more series may be presented or surrendered for any or all of such purposes, and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided, however, that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Company of its obligation to maintain an office or agency in accordance with the requirements set forth above for Securities of any series for such purposes. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency.
Unless otherwise specified with respect to any Securities pursuant to Section 301, if and so long as the Securities of any series (i) are denominated in a Foreign Currency or (ii) may be payable in a Foreign Currency, or so long as it is required under any other provision of the Indenture, then the Company will maintain with respect to each such series of Securities, or as so required, at least one exchange rate agent.
SECTION 1003. Money for Securities Payments to Be Held in Trust.
If the Company shall at any time act as its own Paying Agent with respect to any series of any Securities, it will, on or before each due date of the principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any), or interest on or Additional Amounts in respect of, any of the Securities of that series, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto a sum in the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which the Securities of such series are payable (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301 for the Securities of such series) sufficient to pay the principal (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) or interest or Additional Amounts so becoming due until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided, and will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act.
Whenever the Company shall have one or more Paying Agents for any series of Securities, it will, on or before each due date of the principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any), or interest on or Additional Amounts in respect of, any Securities of that series, deposit with a Paying Agent a sum (in the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies described in the preceding paragraph) sufficient to pay the principal (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) or interest or Additional Amounts, so becoming due, such sum to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such principal, premium, Make-Whole Amount or interest or Additional Amounts and (unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the Company will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act.
The Company will cause each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section, that such Paying Agent will:
(1) hold all sums held by it for the payment of principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) or interest on Securities or Additional Amounts in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided;
(2) give the Trustee written notice of any default by the Company (or any other obligor upon the Securities) in the making of any such payment of principal (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) or interest or Additional Amounts; and
(3) at any time during the continuance of any such default upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums so held in trust by such Paying Agent.
The Company may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or by Company Order direct any Paying Agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums held in trust by the Company or such Paying Agent, such sums to be held by the Trustee upon the same trusts as those upon which such sums were held by the Company or such Paying Agent; and, upon such payment by any Paying Agent to the Trustee, such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such sums.
Except as otherwise provided in the Securities of any series, any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) or interest on, or any Additional Amounts in respect of, any Security of any series and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any), interest or Additional Amounts has become due and payable shall be paid to the Company upon Company Request or (if then held by the Company) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Security shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for payment of such principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) or interest on, or any Additional Amounts in respect of, any Security, without interest thereon, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Company as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease; provided, however, that the Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, may at the expense of the Company cause to be published once, in an Authorized Newspaper, notice that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which shall not be less than 30 days from the date of such publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining will be repaid to the Company.
SECTION 1004. Existence.
Subject to Article Eight, the Company will do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect the existence, rights (charter and statutory) and franchises of the Company and its Subsidiaries; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to preserve any right or franchise if the Board of Directors shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries.
SECTION 1005. Statement as to Compliance.
The Company will deliver to the Trustee within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, a brief certificate from the principal executive officer, principal financial officer or principal accounting officer as to his or her knowledge of the Company’s compliance with all conditions and covenants under this Indenture and, in the event of any noncompliance, specifying such noncompliance and the nature and status thereof. For purposes of this Section 1005, such compliance shall be determined without regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice under this Indenture.
SECTION 1006. Additional Amounts.
If any Securities of a series provide for the payment of Additional Amounts, the Company will pay to the Holder of any Security of such series Additional Amounts as may be specified as contemplated by Section 301. Whenever in this Indenture there is mentioned, in any context except in the case of Section 502(1), the payment of the principal of or any premium, Make-Whole Amount or interest on, or in respect of, any Security of any series or the net proceeds received on the sale or exchange of any Security of any series, such mention shall be deemed to include mention of the payment of Additional Amounts provided by the terms of such series established pursuant to Section 301 to the extent that, in such context, Additional Amounts are, were or would be payable in respect thereof pursuant to such terms and express mention of the payment of Additional Amounts (if applicable) in any provisions hereof shall not be construed as excluding Additional Amounts in those provisions hereof where such express mention is not made.
Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, if the Securities of a series provide for the payment of Additional Amounts, at least 10 days prior to the first Interest Payment Date with respect to that series of Securities (or if the Securities of that series will not bear interest prior to Maturity, the first day on which a payment of principal and any premium is made), and at least 10 days prior to each date of payment of principal and any premium or Make-Whole Amount or interest if there has been any change with respect to the matters set forth in the below-mentioned Officers’ Certificate, the Company will furnish the Trustee and the Company’s principal Paying Agent or Paying Agents, if other than the Trustee, with an Officers’ Certificate instructing the Trustee and such Paying Agent or Paying Agents whether such payment of principal of and any premium or interest on the Securities of that series shall be made to Holders of Securities of that series who are not United States persons without withholding for or on account of any tax, assessment or other governmental charge described in the Securities of or within the series. If any such withholding shall be required, then such Officers’ Certificate shall specify by country the amount, if any, required to be withheld on such payments to such Holders of Securities of that series and the Company will pay to the Trustee or such Paying Agent the Additional Amounts, if any, required by the terms of such Securities. In the event that the Trustee or any Paying Agent, as the case may be, shall not so receive the above mentioned certificate, then the Trustee or such Paying Agent shall be entitled (i) to assume that no such withholding or deduction is required with respect to any payment of principal or interest with respect to any Securities of a series until it shall have received a certificate advising otherwise and (ii) to make all payments of principal and interest with respect to the Securities of a series without withholding or deductions until otherwise advised. The Company covenants to indemnify the Trustee and any Paying Agent and their respective officers, directors, employees and agents for, and to hold them harmless against, any loss, liability or expense (including but not limited to legal fees and expenses) reasonably incurred without gross negligence or bad faith on their part arising out of or in connection with actions taken or omitted by any of them in reliance on any Officers’ Certificate furnished pursuant to this Section or in reliance on the Company’s not furnishing such an Officers’ Certificate.
SECTION 1007. Waiver of Certain Covenants.
The Company may omit in any particular instance to comply with any term, provision or condition set forth in Section 1004, and with any other term, provision or condition with respect to the Securities of any series specified in accordance with Section 301 (except any such term, provision or condition that could not be amended without the consent of all Holders of Securities of such series pursuant to Section 902), if before or after the time for such compliance the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of all outstanding Securities of such series, by Act of such Holders, either waive such compliance in such instance or generally waive compliance with such covenant or condition, but no such waiver shall extend to or affect such covenant or condition except to the extent so expressly waived, and, until such waiver shall become effective, the obligations of the Company and the duties of the Trustee in respect of any such term, provision or condition shall remain in full force and effect.
ARTICLE ELEVEN
REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES
SECTION 1101. Applicability of Article.
Securities of any series that are redeemable before their Stated Maturity shall be redeemable in accordance with their terms and (except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities of any series) in accordance with this Article.
SECTION 1102. Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee.
The election of the Company to redeem any Securities shall be evidenced by or pursuant to a Board Resolution. In case of any redemption at the election of the Company of less than all of the Securities of any series, the Company shall, at least 45 days prior to the giving of the notice of redemption in Section 1104 (unless a shorter notice shall be satisfactory to the Trustee), notify the Trustee, in writing, of such Redemption Date, of the principal amount of Securities of such series to be redeemed and of the Redemption Price of such Securities and any accrued interest and Additional Amounts payable with respect thereto, if any, on the Redemption Date. In the case of any redemption of Securities prior to the expiration of any restriction on such redemption provided in the terms of such Securities or elsewhere in this Indenture, the Company shall furnish the Trustee with an Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel evidencing compliance with such restriction.
SECTION 1103. Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed.
If less than all the Securities of any series issued with the same terms are to be redeemed, the particular Securities to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee, from the Outstanding Securities of such series issued on such date with the same terms not previously called for redemption, by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate, subject to the rules and procedures of DTC, and that may provide for the selection for redemption of portions (equal to the minimum authorized denomination for Securities of that series or any integral multiple thereof) of the principal amount of Securities of such series of a denomination larger than the minimum authorized denomination for Securities of that series.
If any Security selected for partial redemption is converted in part before termination of the conversion or exchange right with respect to the portion of the Security so selected, the converted or exchanged portion of such Security shall be deemed (so far as may be) to be the portion selected for redemption. Securities that have been converted or exchanged during a selection of Securities to be redeemed shall be treated by the Trustee as Outstanding for the purpose of such selection. In any case where more than one Security is registered in the same name, the Trustee in its discretion may treat the aggregate principal amount so registered as if it were represented by one Security.
The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company and the Security Registrar (if other than itself) in writing of the Securities selected for redemption and, in the case of any Securities selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed.
For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Securities shall relate, in the case of any Security redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the principal amount of such Security that has been or is to be redeemed.
SECTION 1104. Notice of Redemption.
Notice of redemption shall be given in the manner provided in Section 106, not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date, unless a shorter period is specified by the terms of such series established pursuant to Section 301, to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed, but failure to give such notice in the manner herein provided to the Holder of any Security designated for redemption as a whole or in part, or any defect in the notice to any such Holder, shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other such Security or portion thereof.
Any notice that is mailed or otherwise given to the Holders of Securities in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or not the Holder receives the notice.
All notices of redemption shall state:
(1) the Redemption Date;
(2) the Redemption Price, accrued interest to the Redemption Date payable as provided in Section 1106, if any, and Additional Amounts, if any;
(3) if less than all Outstanding Securities of any series are to be redeemed, the identification (and, in the case of partial redemption, the principal amount) of the particular Security or Securities to be redeemed;
(4) in case any Security is to be redeemed in part only, that on and after the Redemption Date, upon surrender of such Security, the holder will receive, without a charge, a new Security or Securities of authorized denominations for the principal amount thereof remaining unredeemed;
(5) that on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price and accrued interest to the Redemption Date payable as provided in Section 1106, if any, will become due and payable upon each such Security, or the portion thereof, to be redeemed and, if applicable, that interest thereon shall cease to accrue on and after said date;
(6) the Place or Places of Payment where such Securities, if any, maturing after the Redemption Date, are to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest, if any, or for conversion or exchange;
(7) that the redemption is for a sinking fund, if such is the case;
(8) the CUSIP number of such Security, if any, provided that neither the Company nor the Trustee shall have any responsibility for any such CUSIP number;
(9) if applicable, that a Holder of Securities who desires to convert or exchange Securities to be redeemed must satisfy the requirements for conversion or exchange contained in such Securities, the then existing conversion or exchange price or rate and the date and time when the option to convert or exchange shall expire and the place or places where such Securities may be surrendered for conversion or exchange; and
(10) such other information as the Trustee reasonably deems appropriate.
Notice of redemption of Securities to be redeemed shall be given by the Company or, at the Company’s written request, by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company.
SECTION 1105. Deposit of Redemption Price.
On or prior to any Redemption Date, the Company shall deposit with the Trustee or with a Paying Agent (or, if the Company is acting as its own Paying Agent, which it may not do in the case of a sinking fund payment under Article Twelve, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 1003) an amount of money in the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which the Securities of such series are payable (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301 for the Securities of such series) sufficient to pay on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price of, and (except if the Redemption Date shall be an Interest Payment Date) accrued interest on, all the Securities or portions thereof that are to be redeemed on that date.
SECTION 1106. Securities Payable on Redemption Date.
Notice of redemption having been given as aforesaid, the Securities so to be redeemed shall, on the Redemption Date, become due and payable at the Redemption Price therein specified in the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which the Securities of such series are payable (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301 for the Securities of such series) (together with accrued interest and Additional Amounts payable with respect thereto, if any, on the Redemption Date), and from and after such date (unless the Company shall default in the payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest and Additional Amounts, if any) such Securities shall, if the same were interest-bearing, cease to bear interest. Upon surrender of any such Security for redemption in accordance with said notice maturing after the Redemption Date, such Security shall be paid by the Company at the Redemption Price, together with accrued interest and Additional Amounts payable with respect thereto, if any, on the Redemption Date; provided, that except as otherwise provided with respect to Securities convertible or exchangeable into other securities or property (including securities of other issuers, provided that such securities are registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act and such issuer is then eligible to use Form S-3 (or any successor form) for a primary offering of its securities) of the Company, installments of interest on Securities whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Redemption Date shall be payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, registered as such at the close of business on the relevant Record Dates according to their terms and the provisions of Section 307.
If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender thereof for redemption, the principal (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) shall, until paid, bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate borne by the Security.
SECTION 1107. Securities Redeemed in Part.
Any Security that is to be redeemed only in part (pursuant to the provisions of this Article or of Article Twelve) shall be surrendered at a Place of Payment therefor (with, if the Company or the Trustee so requires, due endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing) and the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Security without service charge a new Security or Securities of the same series, of any authorized denomination as requested by such Holder in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Security so surrendered.
ARTICLE TWELVE
SINKING FUNDS
SECTION 1201. Applicability of Article.
The provisions of this Article shall be applicable to any sinking fund for the retirement of Securities of a series except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities of such series.
The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of Securities of any series is herein referred to as a “mandatory sinking fund payment,” and any payment in excess of such minimum amount provided for by the terms of such Securities of any series is herein referred to as an “optional sinking fund payment.” If provided for by the terms of any Securities of any series, the cash amount of any mandatory sinking fund payment may be subject to reduction as provided in Section 1202. Each sinking fund payment shall be applied to the redemption of Securities of any series as provided for by the terms of Securities of such series.
SECTION 1202. Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities.
The Company may, in satisfaction of all or any part of any mandatory sinking fund payment with respect to the Securities of a series, (1) deliver Outstanding Securities of such series (other than any previously called for redemption) and (2) apply as a credit Securities of such series that have been redeemed either at the election of the Company pursuant to the terms of such Securities or through the application of permitted optional sinking fund payments pursuant to the terms of such Securities, as provided for by the terms of such Securities, or which have otherwise been acquired by the Company; provided that such Securities so delivered or applied as a credit have not been previously so credited. Such Securities shall be received and credited for such purpose by the Trustee at the applicable Redemption Price specified in such Securities for redemption through operation of the sinking fund and the amount of such mandatory sinking fund payment shall be reduced accordingly.
SECTION 1203. Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund.
Not less than 60 days prior to each sinking fund payment date for Securities of any series, the Company will deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate specifying the amount of the next ensuing mandatory sinking fund payment for that series pursuant to the terms of that series, the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by payment of cash in the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which the Securities of such series are payable (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301 for the Securities of such series) and the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by delivering and crediting Securities of that series pursuant to Section 1202, and the amount of optional sinking fund payments, if any, to be added in cash to the next ensuing mandatory sinking fund payment, and will also deliver to the Trustee any Securities to be so delivered and credited. If such Officers’ Certificate shall specify an optional amount to be added in cash to the next ensuing mandatory sinking fund payment, the Company shall thereupon be obligated to pay the amount therein specified. Not less than 30 days before each such sinking fund payment date the Trustee shall select the Securities to be redeemed upon such sinking fund payment date in the manner specified in Section 1103 and cause notice of the redemption thereof to be given in the name of and at the expense of the Company in the manner provided in Section 1104. Such notice having been duly given, the redemption of such Securities shall be made upon the terms and in the manner stated in Section 1106 and 1107.
ARTICLE THIRTEEN
DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
SECTION 1301. Applicability of Article; Company’s Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.
If, pursuant to Section 301, provision is made for either or both of (a) defeasance of the Securities of or within a series under Section 1302 or (b) covenant defeasance of the Securities of or within a series under Section 1303 to be applicable to the Securities of any series, then the provisions of such Section or Sections, as the case may be, together with the other provisions of this Article (with such modifications thereto as may be specified pursuant to Section 301 with respect to any Securities), shall be applicable to such Securities and the Company may at its option by Board Resolution at any time, with respect to such Securities, elect to defease such Outstanding Securities pursuant to Section 1302 (if applicable) or Section 1303 (if applicable) upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article.
SECTION 1302. Defeasance and Discharge.
Upon the Company’s exercise of the above option applicable to this Section with respect to any Securities of or within a series, the Company shall be deemed to have been discharged from its obligations with respect to such Outstanding Securities on the date the conditions set forth in Section 1304 are satisfied (hereinafter, “defeasance”). For this purpose, such defeasance means that the Company shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by such Outstanding Securities, which shall thereafter be deemed to be “Outstanding” only for the purposes of Section 1305 and the other Sections of this Indenture referred to in clauses (A) and (B) below, and to have satisfied all of its other obligations under such Securities and this Indenture insofar as such Securities are concerned (and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except for the following that shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder: (A) the rights of Holders of such Outstanding Securities to receive, solely from the trust fund described in Section 1304 and as more fully set forth in such Section, payments in respect of the principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) and interest, if any, on such Securities when such payments are due, (B) the Company’s obligations with respect to such Securities under Sections 305, 306, 1002 and 1003 and with respect to the payment of Additional Amounts, if any, on such Securities as contemplated by Section 1006, (C) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder including but not limited to Section 606 hereof and (D) this Article. Subject to compliance with this Article Thirteen, the Company may exercise its option under this Section notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option under Section 1303 with respect to such Securities.
SECTION 1303. Covenant Defeasance.
Upon the Company’s exercise of the above option applicable to this Section with respect to any Securities of or within a series, the Company shall be released from its obligations under Section 1004, and, if specified pursuant to Section 301, its obligations under any other covenant, with respect to such Outstanding Securities on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 1304 are satisfied (hereinafter, “covenant defeasance”), and such Securities shall thereafter be deemed to be not “Outstanding” for the purposes of any direction, waiver, consent or declaration or Act of Holders (and the consequences of any thereof) in connection with Section 1004, or such other covenant, but shall continue to be deemed “Outstanding” for all other purposes hereunder. For this purpose, such covenant defeasance means that, with respect to such Outstanding Securities, the Company may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in such Section or such other covenant, whether directly or indirectly, by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to such Section or such other covenant or by reason of reference in such Section or such other covenant to any other provision herein or in any other document and such omission to comply shall not constitute a default or an Event of Default under Section 501(4) or 501(7) or otherwise, as the case may be, but, except as specified above, the remainder of this Indenture and such Securities shall be unaffected thereby.
SECTION 1304. Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.
The following shall be the conditions to application of Section 1302 or Section 1303 to any Outstanding Securities of or within a series:
(a) The Company shall irrevocably have deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for the purpose of making the following payments, specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefit of the Holders of such Securities, (1) an amount in such currency, currencies or currency unit in which such Securities are then specified as payable at Stated Maturity, or (2) Government Obligations applicable to such Securities (determined on the basis of the currency, currencies or currency unit in which such Securities are then specified as payable at Stated Maturity) that through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide, not later than one day before the due date of any payment of principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) and interest and Additional Amounts, if any, on such Securities, money in an amount, or (3) a combination thereof in an amount, sufficient, without consideration of any reinvestment of such principal and interest, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge, and that shall be applied by the Trustee to pay and discharge, (i) the principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) and interest, if any, on such Outstanding Securities on the Stated Maturity of such principal or installment of principal or interest and (ii) any mandatory sinking fund payments or analogous payments applicable to such Outstanding Securities on the day on which such payments are due and payable in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and of such Securities; provided, that the Trustee shall have been irrevocably instructed to apply such money or the proceeds of such Government Obligations to said payments with respect to such Securities. Before such a deposit, the Company may give to the Trustee, in accordance with Section 1102 hereof, a notice of its election to redeem all or any portion of such Outstanding Securities at a future date in accordance with the terms of the Securities of such series and Article Eleven hereof, which notice shall be irrevocable. Such irrevocable redemption notice, if given, shall be given effect in applying the foregoing.
(b) Such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, this Indenture or any other material agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound (and shall not cause the Trustee to have a conflicting interest pursuant to Section 310(b) of the TIA with respect to any Security of the Company).
(c) No Event of Default or event that with notice or lapse of time or both would become an Event of Default with respect to such Securities shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit or, insofar as Sections 501(5) and 501(6) are concerned, at any time during the period ending on the 91st day after the date of such deposit (it being understood that this condition shall not be deemed satisfied until the expiration of such period).
(d) In the case of an election under Section 1302, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that (i) the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or (ii) since the date of execution of this Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable Federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the Holders of such Outstanding Securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such defeasance had not occurred.
(e) In the case of an election under Section 1303, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Holders of such Outstanding Securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such covenant defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such covenant defeasance had not occurred.
(f) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent to the defeasance under Section 1302 or the covenant defeasance under Section 1303 (as the case may be) have been complied with and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that either (i) as a result of a deposit pursuant to subsection (a) above and the related exercise of the Company’s option under Section 1302 or Section 1303 (as the case may be) registration is not required under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, by the Company, with respect to the trust funds representing such deposit or by the Trustee for such trust funds or (ii) all necessary registrations under said Act have been effected.
(g) After the 91st day following the deposit, the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally.
(h) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section, such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall be effected in compliance with any additional or substitute terms, conditions or limitations that may be imposed on the Company in connection therewith pursuant to Section 301.
SECTION 1305. Deposited Money and Government Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions.
Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003, all money and Government Obligations (or other property as may be provided pursuant to Section 301) (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee, collectively for purposes of this Section 1305, the “Trustee”) pursuant to Section 1304 in respect of any Outstanding Securities of any series shall be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such Securities and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders of such Securities of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) and interest and Additional Amounts, if any, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
Unless otherwise specified with respect to any Security pursuant to Section 301, if, after a deposit referred to in Section 1304(a) has been made, (a) the Holder of a Security in respect of which such deposit was made is entitled to, and does, elect pursuant to Section 301 or the terms of such Security to receive payment in a currency or currency unit other than that in which the deposit pursuant to Section 1304(a) has been made in respect of such Security, or (b) a Conversion Event occurs in respect of the currency or currency unit in which the deposit pursuant to Section 1304(a) has been made, the indebtedness represented by such Security shall be deemed to have been, and will be, fully discharged and satisfied through the payment of the principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any), and interest, if any, on such Security as the same becomes due and Additional Amounts, if any, out of the proceeds yielded by converting (from time to time as specified below in the case of any such election) the amount or other property deposited in respect of such Security into the currency or currency unit in which such Security becomes payable as a result of such election or Conversion Event based on the applicable market exchange rate for such currency or currency unit in effect on the second Business Day prior to each payment date, except, with respect to a Conversion Event, for such currency or currency unit in effect (as nearly as feasible) at the time of the Conversion Event.
The Company shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the Government Obligations deposited pursuant to Section 1304 or the principal and interest received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge that by law is for the account of the Holders of such Outstanding Securities.
Anything in this Article to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon Company Request any money or Government Obligations (or other property and any proceeds therefrom) held by it as provided in Section 1304 that, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, are in excess of the amount thereof that would then be required to be deposited to effect a defeasance or covenant defeasance, as applicable, in accordance with this Article.
ARTICLE FOURTEEN
MEETINGS OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
SECTION 1401. Purposes for Which Meetings May Be Called.
A meeting of Holders of Securities of any series may be called at any time and from time to time pursuant to this Article to make, give or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be made, given or taken by Holders of Securities of such series.
SECTION 1402. Call, Notice and Place of Meetings.
(a) The Trustee may at any time call a meeting of Holders of Securities of any series for any purpose specified in Section 1401, to be held at such time and at such place in Helena, Montana as the Trustee shall determine. Notice of every meeting of Holders of Securities of any series, setting forth the time and the place of such meeting and in general terms the action proposed to be taken at such meeting, shall be given, in the manner provided in Section 106, not less than 21 nor more than 180 days prior to the date fixed for the meeting.
(b) In case at any time the Company, pursuant to a Board Resolution, or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series shall have requested the Trustee to call a meeting of the Holders of Securities of such series for any purpose specified in Section 1401, by written request setting forth in reasonable detail the action proposed to be taken at the meeting, and the Trustee shall not have made the first publication of the notice of such meeting within 21 days after receipt of such request or shall not thereafter proceed to cause the meeting to be held as provided herein, then the Company or the Holders of Securities of such series in the amount above specified, as the case may be, may determine the time and the place in Helena, Montana for such meeting and may call such meeting for such purposes by giving notice thereof as provided in subsection (a) of this Section.
SECTION 1403. Persons Entitled to Vote at Meetings.
To be entitled to vote at any meeting of Holders of Securities of any series, a Person shall be (1) a Holder of one or more Outstanding Securities of such series, or (2) a Person appointed by an instrument in writing as proxy for a Holder or Holders of one or more Outstanding Securities of such series by such Holder or Holders. The only Persons who shall be entitled to be present or to speak at any meeting of Holders of Securities of any series shall be the Persons entitled to vote at such meeting and their counsel, any representatives of the Trustee and its counsel and any representatives of the Company and its counsel.
SECTION 1404. Quorum; Action.
The Persons entitled to vote a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of a series shall constitute a quorum for a meeting of Holders of Securities of such series; provided, however, that if any action is to be taken at such meeting with respect to a consent or waiver which this Indenture expressly provides may be given by the Holders of not less than a specified percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of a series, the Persons entitled to vote such specified percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series shall constitute a quorum. In the absence of a quorum within 30 minutes after the time appointed for any such meeting, the meeting shall, if convened at the request of Holders of Securities of such series, be dissolved. In any other case the meeting may be adjourned for a period of not less than 10 days as determined by the chairman of the meeting prior to the adjournment of such meeting. In the absence of a quorum at any such adjourned meeting, such adjourned meeting may be further adjourned for a period of not less than 10 days as determined by the chairman of the meeting prior to the adjournment of such adjourned meeting. Notice of the reconvening of any adjourned meeting shall be given as provided in Section 1402(a), except that such notice need be given only once not less than five (5) days prior to the date on which the meeting is scheduled to be reconvened. Notice of the reconvening of any adjourned meeting shall state expressly the percentage, as provided above, of the principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series which shall constitute a quorum. Except as limited by the proviso to Section 902, any resolution presented to a meeting or adjourned meeting duly reconvened at which a quorum is present as aforesaid may be adopted by the affirmative vote of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series represented at such meeting; provided, however, that, except as limited by the proviso to Section 902, any resolution with respect to any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action which this Indenture expressly provides may be made, given or taken by the Holders of a specified percentage, which is less than a majority, in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of a series may be adopted at a meeting or an adjourned meeting duly reconvened and at which a quorum is present as aforesaid by the affirmative vote of the Holders of such specified percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series.
Any resolution passed or decision taken at any meeting of Holders of Securities of any series duly held in accordance with this Section shall be binding on all the Holders of Securities of such series, whether or not present or represented at the meeting.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 1404, if any action is to be taken at a meeting of Holders of Securities of any series with respect to any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action that this Indenture expressly provides may be made, given or taken by the Holders of a specified percentage in principal amount of all Outstanding Securities affected thereby, or of the Holders of such series and one or more additional series:
(i) there shall be no minimum quorum requirement for such meeting; and
(ii) the principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series that vote in favor of such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action shall be taken into account in determining whether such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action has been made, given or taken under this Indenture.
SECTION 1405. Determination of Voting Rights; Conduct and Adjournment of Meetings.
(a) Notwithstanding any provisions of this Indenture, the Trustee may make such reasonable regulations as it may deem advisable for any meeting of Holders of Securities of a series in regard to proof of the holding of Securities of such series and of the appointment of proxies and in regard to the appointment and duties of inspectors of votes, the submission and examination of proxies, certificates and other evidence of the right to vote, and such other matters concerning the conduct of the meeting as it shall deem appropriate. Except as otherwise permitted or required by any such regulations, the holding of Securities shall be proved in the manner specified in Section 104 and the appointment of any proxy shall be proved in the manner specified in Section 104. Such regulations may provide that written instruments appointing proxies, regular on their face, may be presumed valid and genuine without the proof specified in Section 104 or other proof.
(b) The Trustee shall, by an instrument in writing, appoint a temporary chairman of the meeting, unless the meeting shall have been called by the Company or by Holders of Securities as provided in Section 1402(b), in which case the Company or the Holders of Securities of or within the series calling the meeting, as the case may be, shall in like manner appoint a temporary chairman. A permanent chairman and a permanent secretary of the meeting shall be elected by vote of the Persons entitled to vote a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series represented at the meeting.
(c) At any meeting each Holder of a Security of such series or proxy shall be entitled to one vote for each $1,000 principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series held or represented by him; provided, however, that no vote shall be cast or counted at any meeting in respect of any Security challenged as not Outstanding and ruled by the chairman of the meeting to be not Outstanding. The chairman of the meeting shall have no right to vote, except as a Holder of a Security of such series or proxy.
(d) Any meeting of Holders of Securities of any series duly called pursuant to Section 1402 at which a quorum is present may be adjourned from time to time by Persons entitled to vote a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series represented at the meeting, and the meeting may be held as so adjourned without further notice.
SECTION 1406. Counting Votes and Recording Action of Meetings.
The vote upon any resolution submitted to any meeting of Holders of Securities of any series shall be by written ballots on which shall be subscribed the signatures of the Holders of Securities of such series or of their representatives by proxy and the principal amounts and serial numbers of the Outstanding Securities of such series held or represented by them. The permanent chairman of the meeting shall appoint two inspectors of votes who shall count all votes cast at the meeting for or against any resolution and who shall make and file with the secretary of the meeting their verified written reports in duplicate of all votes cast at the meeting. A record, at least in duplicate, of the proceedings of each meeting of Holders of Securities of any series shall be prepared by the secretary of the meeting and there shall be attached to said record the original reports of the inspectors of votes on any vote by ballot taken thereat and affidavits by one or more persons having knowledge of the fact, setting forth a copy of the notice of the meeting and showing that said notice was given as provided in Section 1402 and, if applicable, Section 1404. Each copy shall be signed and verified by the affidavits of the permanent chairman and secretary of the meeting and one such copy shall be delivered to the Company and another to the Trustee to be preserved by the Trustee, the latter to have attached thereto the ballots voted at the meeting. Any record so signed and verified shall be conclusive evidence of the matters therein stated.
SECTION 1407. Evidence of Action Taken by Holders.
Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given or taken by a specified percentage in principal amount of the Holders of any or all series may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such specified percentage of Holders in person or by agent duly appointed in writing; and, except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered to the Trustee. Proof of execution of any instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and (subject to Article Six) conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Company, if made in the manner provided in this Article.
SECTION 1408. Proof of Execution of Instruments.
Subject to Article Six, the execution of any instrument by a Holder or his agent or proxy may be proved in accordance with such reasonable rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the Trustee or in such manner as shall be satisfactory to the Trustee.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed by their respective officers hereunto duly authorized, all as of the day and year first above written.
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EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC. |
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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, as Trustee |
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
[Signature Page to Indenture for Senior Debt Securities]
Exhibit 4.4
EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC.
TO
as Trustee
INDENTURE
Dated as of , 20
SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ARTICLE ONE |
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DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION |
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SECTION 101. Definitions |
1 | |
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SECTION 102. Compliance Certificates and Opinions |
9 | |
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SECTION 103. Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee |
10 | |
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SECTION 104. Acts of Holders |
10 | |
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SECTION 105. Notices, etc. |
11 | |
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SECTION 106. Notice to Holders; Waiver |
12 | |
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SECTION 107. Effect of Headings and Table of Contents |
12 | |
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SECTION 108. Successors and Assigns |
12 | |
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SECTION 109. Separability Clause |
12 | |
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SECTION 110. Benefits of Indenture |
13 | |
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SECTION 111. No Personal Liability |
13 | |
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SECTION 112. Governing Law |
13 | |
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SECTION 113. Legal Holidays |
13 | |
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ARTICLE TWO |
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SECURITIES FORMS |
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SECTION 201. Forms of Securities |
14 | |
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SECTION 202. Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication |
14 | |
| SECTION 203. Securities Issuable in Global Form | 14 | |
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ARTICLE THREE |
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THE SECURITIES |
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SECTION 301. Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series |
15 | |
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SECTION 302. Denominations |
18 | |
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SECTION 303. Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating |
19 | |
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SECTION 304. Temporary Securities |
20 | |
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SECTION 305. Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange |
21 | |
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SECTION 306. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities |
23 | |
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SECTION 307. Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved |
24 | |
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SECTION 308. Persons Deemed Owners |
25 | |
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SECTION 309. Cancellation |
26 | |
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SECTION 310. Computation of Interest |
26 | |
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ARTICLE FOUR |
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SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE |
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SECTION 401. Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture |
27 | |
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SECTION 402. Application of Trust Funds |
28 | |
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ARTICLE FIVE |
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REMEDIES |
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SECTION 501. Events of Default |
28 |
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SECTION 502. Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment |
29 |
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SECTION 503. Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee |
30 |
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SECTION 504. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim |
31 |
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SECTION 505. Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities |
31 |
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SECTION 506. Application of Money Collected |
32 |
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SECTION 507. Limitation on Suits |
32 |
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SECTION 508. Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any, Interest and Additional Amounts |
33 |
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SECTION 509. Restoration of Rights and Remedies |
33 |
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SECTION 510. Rights and Remedies Cumulative |
33 |
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SECTION 511. Delay or Omission Not Waiver |
33 |
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SECTION 512. Control by Holders of Securities |
34 |
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SECTION 513. Waiver of Past Defaults |
34 |
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SECTION 514. Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws |
34 |
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SECTION 515. Undertaking for Costs |
35 |
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ARTICLE SIX |
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THE TRUSTEE |
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SECTION 601. Notice of Defaults |
35 |
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SECTION 602. Certain Rights of Trustee |
35 |
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SECTION 603. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities |
37 |
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SECTION 604. May Hold Securities |
37 |
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SECTION 605. Money Held in Trust |
37 |
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SECTION 606. Compensation and Reimbursement |
37 |
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SECTION 607. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility |
38 |
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SECTION 608. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor |
39 |
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SECTION 609. Acceptance of Appointment By Successor |
40 |
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SECTION 610. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business |
41 |
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SECTION 611. Appointment of Authenticating Agent |
41 |
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SECTION 612. Certain Duties and Responsibilities |
43 |
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SECTION 613. Conflicting Interests |
43 |
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ARTICLE SEVEN |
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HOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY |
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SECTION 701. Disclosure of Names and Addresses of Holders |
43 |
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SECTION 702. Reports by Trustee |
44 |
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SECTION 703. Reports by Company |
44 |
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SECTION 704. Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders |
44 |
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ARTICLE EIGHT |
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CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE, LEASE OR CONVEYANCE |
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SECTION 801. Consolidations and Mergers of Company and Sales, Leases and Conveyances Permitted Subject to Certain Conditions |
45 |
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SECTION 802. Rights and Duties of Successor Corporation |
45 |
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SECTION 803. Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel |
46 |
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ARTICLE NINE |
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SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES |
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SECTION 901. Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders |
46 |
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SECTION 902. Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders |
47 |
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SECTION 903. Execution of Supplemental Indentures |
49 |
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SECTION 904. Effect of Supplemental Indentures |
49 |
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SECTION 905. Conformity with Trust Indenture Act |
49 |
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SECTION 906. Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures |
49 |
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SECTION 907. Notice of Supplemental Indentures |
49 |
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SECTION 908. Subordination Unimpaired |
49 |
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ARTICLE TEN |
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COVENANTS |
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SECTION 1001. Payment of Principal, Premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any, Interest and Additional Amounts |
50 |
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SECTION 1002. Maintenance of Office or Agency |
50 |
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SECTION 1003. Money for Securities Payments to Be Held in Trust |
50 |
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SECTION 1004. Existence |
52 |
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SECTION 1005. Statement as to Compliance |
52 |
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SECTION 1006. Additional Amounts |
52 |
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SECTION 1007. Waiver of Certain Covenants |
53 |
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ARTICLE ELEVEN |
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REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES |
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SECTION 1101. Applicability of Article |
54 |
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SECTION 1102. Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee |
54 |
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SECTION 1103. Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed |
54 |
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SECTION 1104. Notice of Redemption |
55 |
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SECTION 1105. Deposit of Redemption Price |
56 |
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SECTION 1106. Securities Payable on Redemption Date |
56 |
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SECTION 1107. Securities Redeemed in Part |
57 |
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ARTICLE TWELVE |
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SINKING FUNDS |
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SECTION 1201. Applicability of Article |
57 |
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SECTION 1202. Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities |
57 |
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SECTION 1203. Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund |
58 |
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ARTICLE THIRTEEN |
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DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE |
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SECTION 1301. Applicability of Article; Company’s Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance |
58 |
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SECTION 1302. Defeasance and Discharge |
58 |
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SECTION 1303. Covenant Defeasance |
59 |
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SECTION 1304. Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance |
59 |
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SECTION 1305. Deposited Money and Government Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions |
61 |
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ARTICLE FOURTEEN |
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MEETINGS OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES |
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SECTION 1401. Purposes for Which Meetings May Be Called |
62 |
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SECTION 1402. Call, Notice and Place of Meetings |
62 |
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SECTION 1403. Persons Entitled to Vote at Meetings |
63 |
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SECTION 1404. Quorum; Action |
63 |
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SECTION 1405. Determination of Voting Rights; Conduct and Adjournment of Meetings |
64 |
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SECTION 1406. Counting Votes and Recording Action of Meetings |
65 |
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SECTION 1407. Evidence of Action Taken by Holders |
65 |
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SECTION 1408. Proof of Execution of Instruments |
65 |
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ARTICLE FIFTEEN |
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SUBORDINATION |
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SECTION 1501. Agreement to Subordinate |
65 |
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SECTION 1502. Liquidation; Dissolution; Bankruptcy |
66 |
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SECTION 1503. Default on Senior Debt |
66 |
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SECTION 1504. Acceleration of Securities |
67 |
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SECTION 1505. When Distribution Must Be Paid Over |
67 |
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SECTION 1506. Notice by Company |
67 |
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SECTION 1507. Subrogation |
67 |
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SECTION 1508. Relative Rights |
67 |
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SECTION 1509. Subordination May Not Be Impaired By Company |
68 |
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SECTION 1510. Distribution or Notice to Representative |
68 |
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SECTION 1511. Rights of Trustee and Paying Agent |
68 |
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EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC.
Reconciliation and tie between Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “TIA”), and Indenture, dated as of , 20 :
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Trust Indenture Act Section |
Indenture Section |
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Section 310(a)(1) |
607 |
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(a)(2) |
607 |
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(b) |
608, 613 |
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Section 312(a) |
704 |
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(c) |
701 |
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Section 313(a) |
702 |
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Section 314(a) |
703 |
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(a)(4) |
1010 |
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(c)(1) |
102 |
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(c)(2) |
102 |
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(e) |
102 |
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Section 315(b) |
601, 602 |
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Section 316(a)(last sentence) |
101 (“Outstanding”) |
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(a)(1)(A) |
502, 512 |
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(a)(1)(B) |
513 |
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(b) |
508 |
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Section 317(a)(1) |
503 |
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(a)(2) |
504 |
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Section 318(a) |
112 |
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(c) |
112 |
Note: This reconciliation and tie shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be a part of the Indenture.
Attention should also be directed to Section 318(c) of the TIA, which provides that the provisions of Sections 310 to and including 317 of the TIA are a part of and govern every qualified indenture, whether or not physically contained therein.
INDENTURE
INDENTURE, dated as of , 20 , between EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), having its principal office at 1400 Prospect Avenue, Helena, MT 59601, and , a , as Trustee hereunder (the “Trustee”), having its Corporate Trust Office at , , .
RECITALS OF THE COMPANY
The Company deems it necessary to issue from time to time for its lawful purposes subordinated debt securities (the “Securities”) evidencing its unsecured and subordinated indebtedness, and has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance from time to time of the Securities, unlimited as to aggregate principal amount, to bear interest at the rates or formulas, to mature at such times and to have such other provisions as shall be fixed therefor as hereinafter provided.
All things necessary to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the Company, in accordance with its terms, have been done.
NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH:
For and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the Securities by the Holders thereof, it is mutually covenanted and agreed, for the equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders of the Securities, as follows:
ARTICLE ONE
DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION
SECTION 101. Definitions.
For all purposes of this Indenture, except as otherwise expressly provided or the context otherwise requires:
(1) the terms defined in this Article have the meanings assigned to them in this Article, and include the plural as well as the singular;
(2) all other terms used herein that are defined in the TIA, either directly or by reference therein, have the meanings assigned to them therein, and the terms “cash transaction” and “self-liquidating paper,” as used in TIA Section 311, shall have the meanings assigned to them in the rules of the Commission adopted under the TIA;
(3) all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States; and
(4) the words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision.
Certain terms, used principally in Article Three, Article Five, Article Six and Article Ten, are defined in those Articles. In addition, the following terms shall have the indicated respective meanings:
“Act” has the meaning specified in Section 104.
“Additional Amounts” means any additional amounts that are required by a Security, under circumstances specified therein, to be paid by the Company in respect of certain taxes imposed on certain Holders and that are owing to such Holders.
“Affiliate” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control” when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing.
“Authenticating Agent” means any authenticating agent appointed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 611.
“Authorized Newspaper” means a newspaper, printed in the English language or in an official language of the country of publication, customarily published on each Business Day, whether or not published on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays, and of general circulation in each place in connection with which the term is used or in the financial community of each such place. Whenever successive publications are required to be made in Authorized Newspapers, the successive publications may be made in the same or in different Authorized Newspapers in the same city meeting the foregoing requirements and in each case on any Business Day.
“Bankruptcy Law” has the meaning specified in Section 501.
“Board of Directors” means either (i) the Board of Directors of the Company, the executive committee or any other committee or director of that board duly authorized to act for it in respect hereof, or (ii) one or more duly authorized officers of the Company to whom the Board of Directors of the Company or a committee thereof has delegated the authority to act with respect to the matters contemplated by this Indenture.
“Board Resolution” means (i) a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors or a committee thereof, and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification, and delivered to the Trustee or (ii) a certificate signed by the authorized officer or officers of the Company to whom the Board of Directors of the Company or a committee thereof has delegated its authority (as described in the definition of Board of Directors), and in each case, delivered to the Trustee.
“Business Day,” when used with respect to any Place of Payment or any other particular location referred to in this Indenture or in the Securities, means, unless otherwise specified with respect to any Securities pursuant to Section 301, any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking institutions in that Place of Payment or particular location are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close.
“Clearstream” means Clearstream Banking, societe anonyme Luxembourg.
“Commission” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time to time constituted, created under the Exchange Act, or, if at any time after execution of this instrument such Commission is not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under the TIA, then the body performing such duties on such date.
“Company” means the Person named as the “Company” in the first paragraph of this Indenture until a successor corporation shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Company” shall mean such successor corporation.
“Company Request” and “Company Order” mean, respectively, a written request or order signed in the name of the Company by the President or a Vice President of the Company, and by the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company, and delivered to the Trustee.
“Conversion Event” means the cessation of use of (i) a Foreign Currency (other than as otherwise provided with respect to a Security pursuant to Section 301) as provided by the government of the country that issued such currency and for the settlement of transactions by a central bank or other public institutions of or within the international banking community, or (ii) the ECU, both within the European Monetary System and for the settlement of transactions by public in situations of or within the European Community, or (iii) any currency unit (or composite currency) for the purposes for which it was established.
“Corporate Trust Office” means the office of the Trustee at which, at any particular time, its corporate trust business in New York shall be principally administered, which office at the date hereof is located at .
“Corporation” includes corporations, associations, companies and business trusts.
“Custodian” has the meaning set forth in Section 501.
“Defaulted Interest” has the meaning specified in Section 307.
“Dollar” or “$” means a dollar or other equivalent unit in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time shall be legal tender for payment of public and private debts.
“DTC” means The Depository Trust Company.
“Euroclear” means Euroclear Bank or its successor as operator of the Euroclear System.
“Event of Default” has the meaning specified in Section 501.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the Commission.
“Foreign Currency” means any currency, currency unit or composite currency issued by the government of one or more countries other than the United States of America or by any recognized confederation or association of such governments.
“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles as used in the United States applied on a consistent basis as in effect from time to time; provided that solely for purposes of any calculation required by the financial covenants contained herein, “GAAP” shall mean generally accepted accounting principles as used in the United States on the date hereof, applied on a consistent basis.
“Government Obligations” means securities that are (i) direct obligations of the United States of America or the government that issued the Foreign Currency in which the Securities of a particular series are payable, for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged or (ii) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America or such government that issued the Foreign Currency in which the Securities of such series are payable, the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America or such other government, which, in either case, are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof, and shall also include a depository receipt issued by a bank or trust company as custodian with respect to any such Government Obligation or a specific payment of interest on or principal of any such Government Obligation held by such custodian for the account of the holder of a depository receipt, provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the Government Obligation or the specific payment of interest on or principal of the Government Obligation evidenced by such depository receipt.
“Holder” means the Person in whose name a Security is registered in the Security Register.
“Indenture” means this instrument as originally executed or as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof, and shall include the terms of particular series of Securities established as contemplated by Section 301; provided, however, that, if at any time more than one Person is acting as Trustee under this instrument, “Indenture” shall mean, with respect to any one or more series of Securities for which such Person is Trustee, this instrument as originally executed or as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof and shall include the terms of the or those particular series of Securities for which such Person is Trustee established as contemplated by Section 301, exclusive, however, of any provisions or terms that relate solely to other series of Securities for which such Person is not Trustee, regardless of when such terms or provisions were adopted, and exclusive of any provisions or terms adopted by means of one or more indentures supplemental hereto executed and delivered after such Person had become such Trustee but to which such Person, as such Trustee, was not a party.
“Indexed Security” means a Security the terms of which provide that the principal amount thereof payable at Stated Maturity may be more or less than the principal face amount thereof at original issuance.
“Interest” when used with respect to an Original Issue Discount Security that by its terms bears interest only after Maturity, shall mean interest payable after Maturity, and, when used with respect to a Security that provides for the payment of Additional Amounts pursuant to Section 1006, includes such Additional Amounts.
“Interest Payment Date” means, when used with respect to any Security, the Stated Maturity of an installment of interest on such Security.
“Make-Whole Amount” means the amount, if any, in addition to principal that is required by a Security, under the terms and conditions specified therein or as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, to be paid by the Company to the Holder thereof in connection with any optional redemption or accelerated payment of such Security.
“Maturity” means, when used with respect to any Security, the date on which the principal of such Security or an installment of principal becomes due and payable as therein or herein provided, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, notice of redemption, notice of option to elect repayment, repurchase or otherwise.
“Officers’ Certificate” means a certificate signed by the President or a Vice President and by the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, of the Company, and delivered to the Trustee.
“Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion of counsel, who may be an employee of or counsel for the Company or other counsel satisfactory to the Trustee.
“Original Issue Discount Security” means any Security that provides for an amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502.
“Outstanding,” when used with respect to Securities, means, as of the date of determination, all Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, except:
(i) Securities theretofore canceled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;
(ii) Securities, or portions thereof, for whose payment or redemption or repayment money in the necessary amount has been theretofore deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent (other than the Company) in trust or set aside and segregated in trust by the Company (if the Company shall act as its own Paying Agent) for the Holders of such Securities; provided that, if such Securities are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or other provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee has been made;
(iii) Securities, except solely to the extent provided in Sections 1302 or 1303, as applicable, with respect to which the Company has effected defeasance and/or covenant defeasance as provided in Article Thirteen;
(iv) Securities that have been paid pursuant to Section 306 or in exchange for or in lieu of which other Securities have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture, other than any such Securities in respect of which there shall have been presented to the Trustee proof satisfactory to the Trustee that such Securities are held by a bona fide purchaser in whose hands such Securities are valid obligations of the Company; and
(v) Securities converted or exchanged into other securities or property (including securities of other issuers, provided that such securities are registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act and such issuer is then eligible to use Form S-3 (or any successor form) for a primary offering of its securities) of the Company pursuant to or in accordance with this Indenture if the terms of such Securities provide for convertibility or exchange pursuant to Section 301; provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of the Outstanding Securities have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder or are present at a meeting of Holders for quorum purposes, and for the purpose of making the calculations required by TIA Section 313, (i) the principal amount of an Original Issue Discount Security that may be counted in making such determination or calculation and that shall be deemed to be Outstanding for such purpose shall be equal to the amount of principal thereof that would be (or shall have been declared to be) due and payable, at the time of such determination, upon a declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502, (ii) the principal amount of any Security denominated in a Foreign Currency that may be counted in making such determination or calculation and that shall be deemed Outstanding for such purpose shall be equal to the Dollar equivalent, determined pursuant to Section 301 as of the date such Security is originally issued by the Company, of the principal amount (or, in the case of an Original Issue Discount Security, the Dollar equivalent as of such date of original issuance of the amount determined as provided in clause (i) above) of such Security, (iii) the principal amount of any Indexed Security that may be counted in making such determination or calculation and that shall be deemed outstanding for such purpose shall be equal to the principal face amount of such Indexed Security at original issuance, unless otherwise provided with respect to such Indexed Security pursuant to Section 301, and (iv) Securities owned by the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in making such calculation or in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, only Securities that a Responsible Officer of the Trustee actually knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Securities so owned that have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee’s right so to act with respect to such Securities and that the pledgee is not the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor.
“Paying Agent” means any Person authorized by the Company to pay the principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) or interest on any Securities on behalf of the Company, or if no such Person is authorized, the Company.
“Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
“Place of Payment” means, when used with respect to the Securities of or within any series, the place or places where the principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) and interest on such Securities are payable as specified as contemplated by Sections 301 and 1002.
“Predecessor Security” of any particular Security means every previous Security evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such particular Security; and, for the purposes of this definition, any Security authenticated and delivered under Section 306 in exchange for or in lieu of a mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security.
“Redemption Date” means, when used with respect to any security to be redeemed in whole or in part, the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Indenture.
“Redemption Price” means, when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to this Indenture.
“Regular Record Date” for the installment of interest payable on any Interest Payment Date on the Securities of or within any series means the date specified for that purpose as contemplated by Section 301, whether or not a Business Day.
“Repayment Date” means, when used with respect to any Security to be repaid, the date fixed for such repayment by or pursuant to this Indenture.
“Repayment Price” means, when used with respect to any Security to be repaid or purchased, the price at which it is to be repaid pursuant to this Indenture.
“Representative” means the indenture trustee or other trustee, agent or representative for an issue of Senior Debt.
“Responsible Officer” means any vice president, assistant vice president, assistant treasurer, assistant secretary or any other officer of the Trustee customarily performing functions similar to those performed by any of the above designated officers and having direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture, and also, with respect to a particular matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of such officer’s knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the Commission.
“Security” has the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture and, more particularly, means any Security or Securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture; provided, however, that if at any time there is more than one Person acting as Trustee under this Indenture, “Securities” with respect to the Indenture as to which such Person is Trustee shall have the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture and shall more particularly mean Securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, exclusive, however, of Securities of or within any series as to which such Person is not Trustee.
“Security Register” and “Security Registrar” have the respective meanings specified in Section 305.
“Senior Debt” means (i) all indebtedness and obligations (other than the Securities) of, or guaranteed or assumed by, the Company that are for borrowed money, or are evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments, or are deferred obligations for the payment of the purchase price of property or assets, in each case, whether outstanding on the date of this Indenture or thereafter created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed, (ii) obligations of the Company that are similar to those in Clause (i) above and arise from off-balance sheet guarantees and direct credit substitutes, in each case, whether outstanding on the date of this Indenture or thereafter created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed, and (iii) all obligations of the Company associated with derivative products such as interest rate and foreign exchange contracts, commodity contracts and similar arrangements, in each case, whether outstanding on the date of this Indenture or thereafter created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed, and, in the case of each of Clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) above, all amendments, renewals, extensions, modifications and refundings of such indebtedness and obligations; provided that in each case Senior Debt shall not include the Securities and such other indebtedness of the Company as is by its terms expressly stated (A) not to be senior in right of payment to, or (B) to rank pari passu with, or (C) to rank junior in right of payment to, the Securities.
“Special Record Date” for the payment of any Defaulted Interest on the Securities of or within any series means a date fixed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 307.
“Stated Maturity” means, when used with respect to any Security or any installment of principal thereof or interest thereon, the date specified in such Security as the fixed date on which the principal of such Security or such installment of principal or interest is due and payable.
“Subsidiary” means a corporation or a partnership or a limited liability company a majority of the outstanding Voting Stock or partnership or membership interests, as the case may be, of which is owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Company or by one or more of its other Subsidiaries.
“Trust Indenture Act” or “TIA” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended and as in force at the date as of which this Indenture was executed, except as provided in Section 905.
“Trustee” means the Person named as the “Trustee” in the first paragraph of this Indenture until a successor Trustee shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Trustee” shall mean or include each Person who is then a Trustee hereunder; provided, however, that if at any time there is more than one such Person, “Trustee” as used with respect to the Securities of or within any series shall mean only the Trustee with respect to the Securities of that series.
“United States” means, unless otherwise specified with respect to any Securities pursuant to Section 301, the United States of America (including the states and the District of Columbia), its territories, its possessions and other areas subject to its jurisdiction.
“United States person” means, unless otherwise specified with respect to any Securities pursuant to Section 301, an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States, a corporation, partnership or other entity created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state or the District of Columbia or an estate or trust the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source.
“Voting Stock” means stock having voting power for the election of directors, or trustees, as the case may be.
“Yield to Maturity” means the yield to maturity, computed at the time of issuance of a Security (or, if applicable, at the most recent predetermination of interest on such Security) and as set forth in such Security in accordance with generally accepted United States bond yield computation principles.
SECTION 102. Compliance Certificates and Opinions.
Upon any application or request by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under any provision of this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture (including covenants, compliance with which constitute conditions precedent) relating to the proposed action have been complied with and an Opinion of Counsel stating that in the opinion of such counsel all such conditions precedent, if any, have been complied with, except that in the case of any such application or request as to which the furnishing of such documents is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture relating to such particular application or request, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.
Every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (excluding certificates delivered pursuant to Section 1005) shall include:
(1) a statement that each individual signing such certificate or opinion has read such condition or covenant and the definitions herein relating thereto;
(2) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;
(3) a statement that, in the opinion of each such individual, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such condition or covenant has been complied with; and
(4) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such individual, such condition or covenant has been complied with.
SECTION 103. Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee.
In any case where several matters are required to be certified by, or covered by an opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that all such matters be certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such Person, or that they be so certified or covered by only one document, but one such Person may certify or give an opinion as to some matters and one or more other such Persons as to other matters, and any such Person may certify or give an opinion as to such matters in one or several documents.
Any certificate or opinion of an officer of the Company may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon an Opinion of Counsel, or a certificate or representations by counsel, unless such officer knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the opinion, certificate or representations with respect to the matters upon which his certificate or opinion is based are erroneous. Any such Opinion of Counsel or certificate or representations may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an officer or officers of the Company stating that the information as to such factual matters is in the possession of the Company, unless such counsel knows that the certificate or opinion or representations as to such matters are erroneous.
Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or other instruments under this Indenture, they may, but need not, be consolidated and form one instrument.
SECTION 104. Acts of Holders.
(a) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given or taken by Holders of the Outstanding Securities of all series or one or more series, as the case may be, may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by agents duly appointed in writing. Except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments or record or both are delivered to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Company. Such instrument or instruments and any such record (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the “Act” of the Holders signing such instrument or instruments or so voting at any such meeting. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent, or of the holding by any Person of a Security, shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and (subject to Section 612) conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Company and any agent of the Trustee or the Company, if made in the manner provided in this Section. The record of any meeting of Holders of Securities shall be proved in the manner provided in Section 1406.
(b) The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such execution or by a certificate of a notary public or other officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing such instrument or writing acknowledged to him the execution thereof. Where such execution is by a signer acting in a capacity other than his individual capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof of his authority. The fact and date of the execution of any such instrument or writing, or the authority of the Person executing the same, may also be proved in any other reasonable manner that the Trustee deems sufficient.
(c) The ownership of Securities shall be proved by the Security Register or by a certificate of the Security Registrar.
(d) If the Company shall solicit from the Holders of Securities any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, the Company may, at its option, in or pursuant to a Board Resolution, fix in advance a record date for the determination of Holders entitled to give such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, but the Company shall have no obligation to do so. Notwithstanding TIA Section 316(c), such record date shall be the record date specified in or pursuant to such Board Resolution, which shall be a date not earlier than the date 30 days prior to the first solicitation of Holders generally in connection therewith and not later than the date such solicitation is completed. If such a record date is fixed, such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act may be given before or after such record date, but only the Holders of record at the close of business on such record date shall be deemed to be Holders for the purposes of determining whether Holders of the requisite proportion of Outstanding Securities have authorized or agreed or consented to such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, and for that purpose the Outstanding Securities shall be computed as of such record date; provided that no such authorization, agreement or consent by the Holders on such record date shall be deemed effective unless it shall become effective pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture not later than eleven months after the record date.
(e) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act of the Holder of any Security shall bind every future Holder of the same Security and the Holder of every Security issued upon the registration of transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof in respect of anything done, omitted or suffered to be done by the Trustee, any Security Registrar, any Paying Agent, any Authenticating Agent or the Company in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such Security.
SECTION 105. Notices, etc.
Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or Act of Holders or other document provided or permitted by this Indenture to be made upon, given or furnished to or filed with,
(1) the Trustee by any Holder or by the Company shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if made, given, furnished or filed in writing to or with the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office, Attention: Corporate Trust Department, or
(2) the Company by the Trustee or by any Holder shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first class postage prepaid, to the Company addressed to it at the address of its principal office specified in the first paragraph of this Indenture or at any other address previously furnished in writing to the Trustee by the Company.
SECTION 106. Notice to Holders; Waiver.
Where this Indenture provides for notice of any event to Holders of Securities by the Company or the Trustee, such notice shall be sufficiently given (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each such Holder affected by such event, at his address as it appears in the Security Register (or in the case of global Securities, delivered to DTC electronically), not later than the latest date, and not earlier than the earliest date, prescribed for the giving of such notice. In any case where notice to Holders of Securities is given by mail or electronically as prescribed above, neither the failure to mail or send such notice, nor any defect in any notice so mailed or sent, to any particular Holder shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders of Securities. Any notice mailed or sent to a Holder in the manner herein prescribed shall be conclusively deemed to have been received by such Holder, whether or not such Holder actually receives such notice.
If by reason of the suspension of or irregularities in regular mail service or by reason of any other cause it shall be impracticable to give such notice by mail or electronically as prescribed above, then such notification to Holders of Securities as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient notification to such Holders for every purpose hereunder.
Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver required or permitted under this Indenture shall be in the English language, except that any published notice may be in an official language of the country of publication.
Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Holders shall be filed with the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.
SECTION 107. Effect of Headings and Table of Contents.
The Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.
SECTION 108. Successors and Assigns.
All covenants and agreements in this Indenture by the Company shall bind its successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.
SECTION 109. Separability Clause.
In case any provision in this Indenture or in any Security shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
SECTION 110. Benefits of Indenture.
Nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto, any Security Registrar, any Paying Agent, any Authenticating Agent and their successors hereunder (and, with respect to Article Fifteen, the holders of Senior Debt) and the Holders, any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture.
SECTION 111. No Personal Liability.
No recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement contained in this Indenture, in any Security, or because of any indebtedness evidenced thereby, shall be had against any promoter, as such, or against any past, present or future shareholder, officer or director, as such, of the Company or of any successor, either directly or through the Company or any successor, under any rule of law, statute or constitutional provision or by the enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding or otherwise, all such liability being expressly waived and released by the acceptance of the Securities by the Holders thereof and as part of the consideration for the issue of the Securities.
SECTION 112. Governing Law.
This Indenture and the Securities shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York. This Indenture is subject to the provisions of the TIA that are required to be part of this Indenture and shall, to the extent applicable, be governed by such provisions.
SECTION 113. Legal Holidays.
In any case where any Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date, Repayment Date, sinking fund payment date, Stated Maturity or Maturity of any Security or the last date on which a Holder has the right to convert or exchange a Security at a particular conversion or exchange price shall not be a Business Day at any Place of Payment, then (notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or any Security other than a provision in the Securities of any series that specifically states that such provision shall apply in lieu hereof), payment of interest or any Additional Amounts or principal (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) need not be made at such Place of Payment on such date, and such conversion or exchange need not be made at such Place of Payment on such date, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day at such Place of Payment with the same force and effect as if made on the Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date, Repayment Date or sinking fund payment date, or at the Stated Maturity or Maturity or on such last day for conversion or exchange, provided that no interest shall accrue on the amount so payable for the period from and after such Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date, Repayment Date, sinking fund payment date, Stated Maturity or Maturity or on such last day for conversion or exchange, as the case may be.
ARTICLE TWO
SECURITIES FORMS
SECTION 201. Forms of Securities.
The Securities of each series shall be in substantially the forms as shall be established in or pursuant to one or more indentures supplemental hereto or Board Resolutions, shall have such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture or any indenture supplemental hereto, and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification or designation and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as the Company may deem appropriate and as are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture, or as may be required to comply with any law or with any rule or regulation made pursuant thereto or with any rule or regulation of any stock exchange on which the Securities may be listed, or to conform to usage.
The definitive Securities shall be printed, lithographed or engraved or produced by any combination of these methods on a steel engraved border or steel engraved borders or may be produced in any other manner, all as determined by the officers of the Company executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities.
SECTION 202. Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication.
Subject to Section 611, the Trustee’s certificate of authentication shall be in substantially the following form:
This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein and referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
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, as Trustee |
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By |
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Authorized Officer |
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SECTION 203. Securities Issuable in Global Form.
If Securities of or within a series are issuable in global form, as specified as contemplated by Section 301, then, notwithstanding clause (8) of Section 301 and the provisions of Section 302, any such Security shall represent such of the Outstanding Securities of such series as shall be specified therein and may provide that it shall represent the aggregate amount of Outstanding Securities of such series from time to time endorsed thereon and that the aggregate amount of Outstanding Securities of such series represented thereby may from time to time be increased or decreased to reflect exchanges, maturities or redemptions. Any endorsement of a Security in global form to reflect the amount, or any increase or decrease in the amount, of Outstanding Securities represented thereby shall be made by the Trustee in such manner and upon written instruction given by such Person or Persons as shall be specified therein or in the Company Order to be delivered to the Trustee pursuant to Section 303 or 304. Subject to the provisions of Section 303 and, if applicable, Section 304, the Trustee shall deliver and redeliver any Security in permanent global form in the manner and upon written instructions given by the Person or Persons specified therein or in the applicable Company Order. If a Company Order pursuant to Section 303 or 304 has been, or simultaneously is, delivered, any instructions by the Company with respect to endorsement or delivery or redelivery of a Security in global form shall be in writing but need not comply with Section 102.
The provisions of the last sentence of Section 303 shall apply to any Security represented by a Security in global form if such Security was never issued and sold by the Company and the Company delivers to the Trustee the Security in global form together with written instructions (which need not comply with Section 102 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel) with regard to the reduction in the principal amount of Securities represented thereby, together with the written statement contemplated by the last sentence of Section 303.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 307, unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, payment of principal of and any premium or Make-Whole Amount and interest on any Security in permanent global form shall be made to the Person or Persons specified therein.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 308 and except as provided in the preceding paragraph, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company and the Trustee shall treat as the Holder of such principal amount of Outstanding Securities represented by a permanent global Security the Holder of such permanent global Security.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, so long as a series of Securities is a Global Security, the parties hereto will be bound at all times by the procedures of the applicable depositary with respect to such series.
ARTICLE THREE
THE SECURITIES
SECTION 301. Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series.
The aggregate principal amount of Securities that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.
The Securities may be issued in one or more series. There shall be established in or pursuant to one or more Board Resolutions, or indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the issuance of Securities of any series, any or all of the following, as applicable (each of which (except for the matters set forth in clauses (1), (2) and (15) below), if so provided, may be determined from time to time by the Company with respect to unissued Securities of or within the series when issued from time to time):
(1) the title of the Securities of or within the series (that shall distinguish the Securities of such series from all other series of Securities);
(2) any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of or within the series that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except for Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Securities of or within the series pursuant to Section 304, 305, 306, 906 or 1107);
(3) the date or dates, or the method by which such date or dates will be determined, on which the principal of the Securities of or within the series shall be payable and the amount of principal payable thereon;
(4) the rate or rates (that may be fixed or variable) at which the Securities of or within the series shall bear interest, if any, or the method by which such rate or rates shall be determined, the date or dates from which such interest shall accrue or the method by which such date or dates shall be determined, the Interest Payment Dates on which such interest will be payable and the Regular Record Date, if any, for the interest payable on any Security on any Interest Payment Date, or the method by which such date shall be determined, and the basis upon which interest shall be calculated if other than that of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months;
(5) the place or places, if any, other than or in addition to Helena, Montana, where the principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any), interest, if any, on, and Additional Amounts, if any, payable in respect of, Securities of or within the series shall be payable, any Securities of or within the series may be surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange or conversion and notices or demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of or within the series and this Indenture may be served;
(6) the period or periods within which, the price or prices (including the premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) at which, the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which and other terms and conditions upon which Securities of or within the series may be redeemed in whole or in part, at the option of the Company, if the Company is to have the option;
(7) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem, repay or purchase Securities of or within the series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provision or at the option of a Holder thereof, and the period or periods within which or the date or dates on which, the price or prices at which, the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which, and other terms and conditions upon which Securities of or within the series shall be redeemed, repaid or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;
(8) if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof, the denominations in which any Securities of or within the series shall be issuable;
(9) if other than the Trustee, the identity of each Security Registrar and/or Paying Agent;
(10) if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of Securities of or within the series that shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502 or, if applicable, the portion of the principal amount of Securities of or within the series that is convertible in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture, or the method by which such portion shall be determined;
(11) if other than Dollars, the Foreign Currency or Currencies in which payment of the principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) or interest or Additional Amounts, if any, on the Securities of or within the series shall be payable or in which the Securities of or within the series shall be denominated;
(12) whether the amount of payments of principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) or interest, if any, on the Securities of or within the series may be determined with reference to an index, formula or other method (which index, formula or method may be based, without limitation, on one or more currencies, currency units, composite currencies, commodities, equity indices or other indices), and the manner in which such amounts shall be determined;
(13) whether the principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) or interest or Additional Amounts, if any, on the Securities of or within the series are to be payable, at the election of the Company or a Holder thereof, in a currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies other than that in which such Securities are denominated or stated to be payable, the period or periods within which, and the terms and conditions upon which, such election may be made, and the time and manner of, and identity of the exchange rate agent with responsibility for, determining the exchange rate between the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which such Securities are denominated or stated to be payable and the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which such Securities are to be so payable;
(14) provisions, if any, granting special rights to the Holders of Securities of or within the series upon the occurrence of such events as may be specified;
(15) any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the Events of Default or covenants of the Company with respect to Securities of or within the series, whether or not such Events of Default or covenants are consistent with the Events of Default or covenants set forth herein;
(16) whether any Securities of or within the series are to be issuable initially in temporary global form and whether any Securities of or within the series are to be issuable in permanent global form and, if so, whether beneficial owners of interests in any such permanent global Security may exchange such interests for Securities of such series and of like tenor of any authorized form and denomination and the circumstances under which any such exchanges may occur, if other than in the manner provided in Section 305, and, if Securities of or within the series are to be issuable as a global Security, the identity of the depository for such series;
(17) the Person to whom any interest on any Security of the series shall be payable, if other than the Person in whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, and the extent to which, or the manner in which, any interest payable on a temporary global Security on an Interest Payment Date will be paid if other than in the manner provided in Section 304;
(18) the applicability, if any, of Sections 1302 and/or 1303 to the Securities of or within the series and any provisions in modification of, in addition to or in lieu of any of the provisions of Article Thirteen;
(19) if the Securities of such series are to be issuable in definitive form (whether upon original issue or upon exchange of a temporary Security of such series) only upon receipt of certain certificates or other documents or satisfaction of other conditions, then the form and/or terms of such certificates, documents or conditions;
(20) whether and under what circumstances the Company will pay Additional Amounts as contemplated by Section 1006 on the Securities of or within the series to any Holder who is not a United States person (including any modification to the definition of such term) in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge and, if so, whether the Company will have the option to redeem such Securities rather than pay such Additional Amounts (and the terms of any such option);
(21) the obligation, if any, of the Company to permit the Securities of such series to be converted into or exchanged for Common Stock of the Company or other securities or property of the Company and the terms and conditions upon which such conversion or exchange shall be effected (including, without limitation, the initial conversion price or rate, the conversion or exchange period, any adjustment of the applicable conversion or exchange price or rate and any requirements relative to the reservation of such shares for purposes of conversion or exchange);
(22) if convertible or exchangeable, any applicable limitations on the ownership or transferability of the securities or property into which such Securities are convertible or exchangeable; and
(23) any other terms of the series (which terms shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture except as permitted by Section 905).
All Securities of any one series shall be substantially identical except, in the case of Securities issued in global form, as to denomination and except as may otherwise be provided in or pursuant to such Board Resolution or in any indenture supplemental hereto. All Securities of any one series need not be issued at the same time and, unless otherwise provided, a series may be reopened, without the consent of the Holders, for issuances of additional Securities of such series.
If any of the terms of the Securities of any series are established by action taken pursuant to one or more Board Resolutions, a copy of an appropriate record of such action(s) shall be certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Company Order for authentication and delivery of such Securities.
SECTION 302. Denominations.
The Securities of each series shall be issuable only in registered form without coupons in such denominations as shall be specified as contemplated by Section 301. With respect to Securities of any series denominated in Dollars, in the absence of any such provisions with respect to the Securities of any series, the Securities of such series, other than Securities issued in global form (which may be of any denomination), shall be issuable in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof.
SECTION 303. Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating.
The Securities shall be executed on behalf of the Company by its President or a Vice President. The signature of any of these officers on the Securities may be manual or facsimile signatures of the present or any future such authorized officer and may be imprinted or otherwise reproduced on the Securities.
Securities bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of individuals who were at any time the proper officers of the Company shall bind the Company, notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such Securities or did not hold such offices at the date of such Securities.
At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Securities of any series executed by the Company to the Trustee for authentication, together with a Company Order for the authentication and delivery of such Securities, and the Trustee in accordance with the Company Order shall authenticate and deliver such Securities.
If all of the Securities of any series are not to be issued at one time and if the Board Resolution or supplemental indenture establishing such series shall so permit, such Company Order may set forth procedures acceptable to the Trustee for the issuance of such Securities and determining the terms of particular Securities of such series, such as interest rate or formula, maturity date, date of issuance and date from which interest shall accrue. In authenticating such Securities, and accepting the additional responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Securities, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 612 and TIA Section 315(a) through 315(d)) shall be fully protected in conclusively relying upon:
(i) an Opinion of Counsel complying with Section 102 and stating that:
(a) the form or forms of such Securities have been, or will have been upon compliance with such procedures as may be specified therein, established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;
(b) the terms of such Securities have been, or will have been upon compliance with such procedures as may be specified therein, established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture; and
(c) such Securities when completed pursuant to such procedures as may be specified therein, and executed and delivered by the Company to the Trustee for authentication in accordance with this Indenture, authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in accordance with this Indenture and issued by the Company in the manner and subject to any conditions specified in such Opinion of Counsel, will constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization and other similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and to general equitable principles and to such other matters as may be specified therein; and
(ii) an Officers’ Certificate complying with Section 102 and stating that all conditions precedent provided for in this Indenture relating to the issuance of such Securities have been, or will have been upon compliance with such procedures as may be specified therein, complied with and that, to the best of the knowledge of the signers of such certificate, no Event of Default with respect to such Securities shall have occurred and be continuing.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 301 and of the preceding paragraph, if all the Securities of any series are not to be issued at one time, it shall not be necessary to deliver a Company Order, an Opinion of Counsel or an Officers’ Certificate otherwise required pursuant to the preceding paragraph at the time of issuance of each Security of such series, but such order, opinion and certificate, with appropriate modifications to cover such future issuances, shall be delivered at or before the time of issuance of the first Security of such series.
The Trustee shall not be required to authenticate such Securities if the issue of such Securities pursuant to this Indenture will affect the Trustee’s own rights, duties, obligations or immunities under the Securities and this Indenture or otherwise in a manner that is not reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.
Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.
No Security shall be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose unless there appears on such Security a certificate of authentication substantially in the form provided for herein duly executed by the Trustee by manual signature of an authorized officer, and such certificate upon any Security shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Security has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder and is entitled to the benefits of this Indenture. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Security shall have been authenticated and delivered hereunder but never issued and sold by the Company, and the Company shall deliver such Security to the Trustee for cancellation as provided in Section 309 together with a written statement (which need not comply with Section 102 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel) stating that such Security has never been issued or sold by the Company, for all purposes of this Indenture such Security shall be deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder and shall never be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture.
SECTION 304. Temporary Securities.
Pending the preparation of definitive Securities of any series, the Company may execute, and upon Company Order the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, temporary Securities that are printed, lithographed, typewritten, mimeographed or otherwise produced, in any authorized denomination, substantially of the tenor of the definitive Securities in lieu of which they are issued, in registered form and with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as the officers of the Company executing such Securities may determine, as conclusively evidenced by their execution of such Securities. In the case of Securities of any series, such temporary Securities may be in global form.
If temporary Securities of any series are issued, the Company will cause definitive Securities of that series to be prepared without unreasonable delay. After the preparation of definitive Securities of such series, the temporary Securities of such series shall be exchangeable for definitive Securities of such series upon surrender of the temporary Securities of such series at the office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment for that series, without charge to the Holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary Securities of any series, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a like principal amount of definitive Securities of the same series of authorized denominations. Until so exchanged, the temporary Securities of any series shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Securities of such series.
SECTION 305. Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange.
The Company shall cause to be kept at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee or in any office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment a register for each series of Securities (the registers maintained in such office or in any such office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment being herein sometimes referred to collectively as the “Security Register”) in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it or the Security Registrar may prescribe, the Company shall provide for the registration of Securities and of transfers of Securities. The Security Register shall be in written form or any other form capable of being converted into written form within a reasonable time. The Trustee, at its Corporate Trust Office, is hereby initially appointed “Security Registrar” for the purpose of registering Securities and transfers of Securities on such Security Register as herein provided. In the event that the Trustee shall cease to be Security Registrar, it shall have the right to examine the Security Register at all reasonable times and to require that a copy of the Security Register in written form be delivered to it from time to time as reasonably requested. Subject to the provisions of this Section 305, upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Security of any series at any office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment for that series, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of a like aggregate principal amount, bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding, and containing identical terms and provisions.
Subject to the provisions of this Section 305, at the option of the Holder, Securities of any series may be exchanged for other Securities of the same series, of any authorized denomination or denominations and of a like aggregate principal amount, containing identical terms and provisions, upon surrender of the Securities to be exchanged at any such office or agency. Whenever any such Securities are so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the Securities that the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, any permanent global Security shall be exchangeable only as provided in this paragraph. If the depository for any permanent global Security is DTC, then, unless the terms of such global Security expressly permit such global Security to be exchanged in whole or in part for definitive Securities, a global Security may be transferred, in whole but not in part, only to a nominee of DTC, or by a nominee of DTC to DTC, or to a successor to DTC for such global Security selected or approved by the Company or to a nominee of such successor to DTC. If at any time DTC notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depository for the applicable global Security or Securities or if at any time DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act if so required by applicable law or regulation, the Company shall appoint a successor depository with respect to such global Security or Securities. If (x) a successor depository for such global Security or Securities is not appointed by the Company within 90 days after the Company receives such notice or becomes aware of such unwillingness, inability or ineligibility, (y) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the beneficial owners representing a majority in principal amount of the applicable series of Securities represented by such global Security or Securities advise DTC to cease acting as depository for such global Security or Securities or (z) the Company, in its sole discretion, determines at any time that all Outstanding Securities (but not less than all) of any series issued or issuable in the form of one or more global Securities shall no longer be represented by such global Security or Securities, then the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver definitive Securities of like series, rank, tenor and terms in definitive form in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of such global Security or Securities. If any beneficial owner of an interest in a permanent global Security is otherwise entitled to exchange such an interest for Securities of such series and of like tenor and principal amount of another authorized form and denomination, as specified as contemplated by Section 301 and provided that any applicable notice provided in the permanent global Security shall have been given, then without unnecessary delay but in any event not later than the earliest date on which such interest may be so exchanged, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver definitive Securities in aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of such beneficial owner’s interest in such permanent global Security. On or after the earliest date on which such interests may be so exchanged, such permanent global Security shall be surrendered for exchange by DTC or such other depository as shall be specified in the Company Order with respect thereto to the Trustee, as the Company’s agent for such purpose; provided, however, that no such exchanges may occur during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before any selection of Securities to be redeemed and ending on the relevant Redemption Date if the Security for which exchange is requested may be among those selected for redemption. If a Security is issued in exchange for any portion of a permanent global Security after the close of business at the office or agency where such exchange occurs on (i) any Regular Record Date and before the opening of business at such office or agency on the relevant Interest Payment Date, or (ii) any Special Record Date and before the opening of business at such office or agency on the related proposed date for payment of Defaulted Interest, interest or Defaulted Interest, as the case may be, will not be payable on such Interest Payment Date or proposed date for payment, as the case may be, in respect of such Security, but will be payable on such Interest Payment Date or proposed date for payment, as the case may be, only to the Person to whom interest in respect of such portion of such permanent global Security is payable in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture.
All Securities issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities shall be the valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Securities surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.
Every Security presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange or redemption shall (if so required by the Company or the Security Registrar) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Security Registrar, duly executed by the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing.
No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, other than exchanges pursuant to Section 304, 906 or 1107 not involving any transfer.
The Company or the Trustee, as applicable, shall not be required (i) to issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Security if such Security may be among those selected for redemption during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before selection of the Securities to be redeemed under Section 1103 and ending at the close of business on the day of the mailing of the relevant notice of redemption, or (ii) to register the transfer of or exchange any Security so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the portion thereof not to be redeemed, provided that such Security shall be simultaneously surrendered for redemption, or (iii) to issue or to register the transfer or exchange of any Security that has been surrendered for repayment, except the portion, if any, of such Security not to be so repaid.
SECTION 306. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities.
If any mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee or the Company, together with such security or indemnity as may be required by the Company or the Trustee to save each of them or any agent of either of them harmless, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a new Security of the same series and principal amount, containing identical terms and provisions and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.
If there shall be delivered to the Company and to the Trustee (i) evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Security, and (ii) such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them and any agent of either of them harmless, then, in the absence of actual notice to the Company or the Trustee that such Security has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Company shall execute and upon its request the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen Security, a new Security of the same series and principal amount, containing identical terms and provisions and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.
Notwithstanding the provisions of the previous two paragraphs, in case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security has become or is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion may, instead of issuing a new Security, pay such Security.
Upon the issuance of any new Security under this Section, the Company may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith.
Every new Security of any series issued pursuant to this Section in lieu of any destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall constitute an original additional contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Securities of that series duly issued hereunder.
The provisions of this Section are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities.
SECTION 307. Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved.
Except as otherwise specified with respect to a series of Securities in accordance with the provisions of Section 301, interest on any Security that is payable, and is punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the Person in whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest at the office or agency of the Company maintained for such purpose pursuant to Section 1002; provided, however, that each installment of interest on any Security may at the Company’s option be paid by (i) mailing a check for such interest, payable to or upon the written order of the Person entitled thereto pursuant to Section 308, to the address of such Person as it appears on the Security Register or (ii) transfer to an account maintained by the payee located inside the United States.
Unless otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 301, every permanent global Security will provide that interest, if any, payable on any Interest Payment Date will be paid to DTC, Euroclear and/or Clearstream, as the case may be, with respect to that portion of such permanent global Security held for its account by DTC, Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, for the purpose of permitting such party to credit the interest received by it in respect of such permanent global Security to the accounts of the beneficial owners thereof.
Except as otherwise specified with respect to a series of Securities in accordance with the provisions of Section 301, any interest on any Security of any series that is payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date (herein called “Defaulted Interest”) shall forthwith cease to be payable to the registered Holder thereof on the relevant Regular Record Date by virtue of having been such Holder, and such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Company, at its election in each case, as provided in clause (1) or (2) below:
(1) The Company may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Interest to the Persons in whose names the Securities of such series (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be fixed in the following manner. The Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each Security of such series and the date of the proposed payment (which shall not be less than 20 days after such notice is received by the Trustee), and at the same time the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money in the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which the Securities of such series are payable (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301 for the Securities of such series) equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit on or prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this clause provided. Thereupon the Trustee shall fix a special record date (herein called a “Special Record Date”) for the payment of such Defaulted Interest which shall be not more than 15 days and not less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed payment and not less than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company of such Special Record Date and, in the name and at the expense of the Company, shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor to be mailed, first-class postage prepaid (or to the extent permitted by applicable procedures or regulations, electronically delivered), to each Holder of Securities of such series at such Holder’s address as it appears in the Security Register not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date. Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor having been mailed as aforesaid, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Persons in whose names the Securities of such series (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on such Special Record Date and shall no longer be payable pursuant to the following clause (2).
(2) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on the Securities of any series in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which such Securities may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if, after written notice given by the Company to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this clause, such manner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee.
Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section and Section 305, each Security delivered under this Indenture upon registration of transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Security shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other Security.
Subject to the provisions of Section 1302 and except as otherwise specified with respect to a series of Securities in accordance with the provisions of Section 301, in the case of any Security that is converted or exchanged after any Regular Record Date and on or prior to the next succeeding Interest Payment Date (other than any Security, the principal of (or premium, if any, on) which shall become due and payable, whether at a Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption, or otherwise, prior to such Interest Payment Date), interest whose Stated Maturity is on such Interest Payment Date shall be payable on such Interest Payment Date notwithstanding such conversion or exchange, and such interest (whether or not punctually paid or duly provided for) shall be paid to the Person in whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on such Regular Record Date. Except as otherwise expressly provided in the immediately preceding sentence, in the case of any Security which is converted or exchanged, interest whose Stated Maturity is after the date of conversion or exchange of such Security shall not be payable.
SECTION 308. Persons Deemed Owners.
Prior to due presentment of a Security for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name such Security is registered as the owner of such Security for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any), and (subject to Sections 305 and 307) interest on, such Security and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
None of the Company, the Trustee, any Paying Agent or the Security Registrar will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests of a Security in global form or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any global Security, nothing herein shall prevent the Company, the Trustee, or any agent of the Company or the Trustee, from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by any depository, as a Holder, with respect to such global Security or impair, as between such depository and owners of beneficial interests in such global Security, the operation of customary practices governing the exercise of the rights of such depository (or its nominee) as Holder of such global Security.
SECTION 309. Cancellation.
All Securities surrendered for payment, redemption, repayment, registration of transfer or exchange or for credit against any sinking fund payment shall, if surrendered to any Person other than the Trustee, be delivered to the Trustee, and any such Securities and Securities surrendered directly to the Trustee for any such purpose shall be promptly canceled by it. The Company may at any time deliver to the Trustee for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated and delivered hereunder that the Company may have acquired in any manner whatsoever, and may deliver to the Trustee (or to any other Person for delivery to the Trustee) for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated hereunder that the Company has not issued and sold, and all Securities so delivered shall be promptly canceled by the Trustee. If the Company shall so acquire any of the Securities, however, such acquisition shall not operate as a redemption or satisfaction of the indebtedness represented by such Securities unless and until the same are surrendered to the Trustee for cancellation. No Securities shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Securities canceled as provided in this Section, except as expressly permitted by this Indenture. Cancelled Securities held by the Trustee shall be destroyed by the Trustee and, if required in writing by the Company, the Trustee shall deliver a certificate of such destruction to the Company, unless by a Company Order the Company directs their return to it.
SECTION 310. Computation of Interest.
Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to Securities of any series, interest on the Securities of each series shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.
ARTICLE FOUR
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
SECTION 401. Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.
This Indenture shall upon Company Request cease to be of further effect with respect to any series of Securities specified in such Company Request (except as to any surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of Securities of such series herein expressly provided for and any right to receive Additional Amounts, as provided in Section 1006), and the Trustee, upon receipt of a Company Order, and at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture as to such series when
(1) either
(A) all Securities of such series theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than (i) Securities of such series that have been destroyed, lost or stolen and that have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 306, and (ii) Securities of such series for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Company and thereafter repaid to the Company or discharged from such trust, as provided in Section 1003) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or
(B) all Securities of such series not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation
(i) have become due and payable, or
(ii) will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year, or
(iii) if redeemable at the option of the Company, are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company,
and the Company, in the case of (i), (ii) or (iii) above, has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for the purpose an amount in the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which the Securities of such series are payable, sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) and interest, and any Additional Amounts with respect thereto, to the date of such deposit (in the case of Securities that have become due and payable) or the Stated Maturity or Redemption Date, as the case may be;
(2) The Company has paid or caused to be paid all or other sums payable hereunder by the Company; and
(3) The Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture as to such series have been complied with.
Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the obligations of the Company to the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee under Section 606, the obligations of the Company to any Authenticating Agent under Section 611 and, if money shall have been deposited with and held by the Trustee pursuant to subclause (B) of clause (1) of this Section, the obligations of the Trustee under Section 402 and the last paragraph of Section 1003, shall survive.
In the event that there are Securities of two or more series outstanding hereunder, the Trustee shall be required to execute an instrument acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture only if requested to do so with respect to Securities of a particular series as to which it is Trustee and if the other conditions thereto are met.
SECTION 402. Application of Trust Funds.
Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003, all money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 401 shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the Securities and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the principal (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any), and any interest and Additional Amounts for whose payment such money has been deposited with or received by the Trustee, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. Money deposited pursuant to Section 401 not in violation of this Indenture shall not be subject to claims of holders of Senior Debt under Article Fifteen.
ARTICLE FIVE
REMEDIES
SECTION 501. Events of Default.
Subject to any modifications, additions or deletions relating to any series of Securities as contemplated pursuant to Section 301, “Event of Default,” wherever used herein with respect to any particular series of Securities, means any one of the following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether or not it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body):
(1) the Company pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law:
(A) commences a voluntary case,
(B) consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case,
(C) consents to the appointment of a Custodian of it or for all or substantially all of its property, or
(D) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or
(2) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:
(A) is for relief against the Company in an involuntary case,
(B) appoints a Custodian of the Company or for all or substantially all of its property, or
(C) orders the liquidation of the Company, and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 90 days; or
(3) any other Event of Default provided with respect to Securities of that series.
As used in this Section 501, the term “Bankruptcy Law” means Title 11, U.S. Code or any similar Federal or state law for the relief of debtors and the term “Custodian” means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator or other similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.
SECTION 502. Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment.
If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default under clause (1) or (2) in Section 501) with respect to Securities of any series at the time Outstanding occurs and is continuing, then and in every such case the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of each such affected series (voting as a single class) may declare the principal (or, if any Securities are Original Issue Discount Securities or Indexed Securities, such portion of the principal as may be specified in the terms thereof) of, and the Make-Whole Amount, if any, on, all the Securities of that series to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by the Holders), and upon any such declaration such principal or specified portion thereof shall become immediately due and payable. If an Event of Default under clause (1) or (2) in Section 501 with respect to Securities of any series at the time Outstanding occurs, the principal amount of all the Securities of each such affected series (or, if any Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount Securities or Indexed Securities, such portion of the principal as may be specified in the terms thereof), and the Make-Whole Amount, if any, on, all the Securities of that series shall automatically, and without any declaration or other action on the part of the Trustee or any Holder, become immediately due and payable.
At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to Securities of any series has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee as hereinafter in this Article provided, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series, by written notice to the Company and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if:
(1) the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay in the currency, currency unit or composite currency in which the Securities of such series is payable (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301 for the Securities of such series):
(A) all overdue installments of interest on and any Additional Amounts payable in respect of all Outstanding Securities of that series;
(B) the principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any, on) any Outstanding Securities of that series which have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and interest thereon at the rate or rates borne by or provided for in such Securities;
(C) to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest upon overdue installments of interest and any Additional Amounts at the rate or rates borne by or provided for in such Securities; and
(D) all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee hereunder and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel; and
(2) all Events of Default with respect to Securities of that series, other than the nonpayment of the principal of (or premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) or interest on Securities of that series that have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in Section 513.
No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon.
SECTION 503. Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee.
The Company covenants that if:
(1) default is made in the payment of any installment of interest or Additional Amounts, if any, on any Security of any series when such interest or Additional Amount becomes due and payable and such default continues for a period of 30 days, or
(2) default is made in the payment of the principal of (or premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any, on) any Security of any series at its Maturity,
then the Company will, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to the Trustee, for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities of such series, the whole amount then due and payable on such Securities for principal (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) and interest and Additional Amounts, with interest upon any overdue principal (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) and, to the extent that payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable, upon any overdue installments of interest or Additional Amounts, if any, at the rate or rates borne by or provided for in such Securities, and, in addition thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel.
If the Company fails to pay such amounts forthwith upon such demand, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, may institute a judicial proceeding for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, and may prosecute such proceeding to judgment or final decree, and may enforce the same against the Company or any other obligor upon such Securities of such series and collect the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Company or any other obligor upon such Securities of such series, wherever situated.
If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most effectual to protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted herein, or to enforce any other proper remedy.
SECTION 504. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.
In case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial proceeding relative to the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or the property of the Company or of such other obligor or their creditors, the Trustee (irrespective of whether the principal of the Securities of any series shall then be due and payable as therein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Trustee shall have made any demand on the Company for the payment of overdue principal, premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any, or interest) shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:
(i) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount, or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the Securities of such series, of principal (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) and interest and Additional Amounts, if any, owing and unpaid in respect of the Securities and to file such other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel) and of the Holders allowed in such judicial proceeding, and
(ii) to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;
and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator (or other similar official) in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder of Securities of such series to make such payments to the Trustee, and in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee, their agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee or any predecessor Trustee under Section 606.
Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder of a Security any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Securities or the rights of any Holder thereof, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder of a Security in any such proceeding.
SECTION 505. Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities.
All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or any of the Securities may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the Securities or the production thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, and any such proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the Securities in respect of which such judgment has been recovered.
SECTION 506. Application of Money Collected.
Any money collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article shall be applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such money on account of principal (or premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) or interest and any Additional Amounts, upon presentation of the Securities, as the case may be, and the notation thereon of the payment if only partially paid and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:
FIRST: To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee under Section 606,
SECOND: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid upon the Securities for principal (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) and interest and any Additional Amounts payable, in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the aggregate amounts due and payable on such Securities for principal (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any), interest and Additional Amounts, respectively, and
THIRD: To the payment of the remainder, if any, to the Company.
SECTION 507. Limitation on Suits.
No Holder of any Security of any series shall have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless:
(1) such Holder has previously given written notice to the Trustee of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of that series;
(2) the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as Trustee hereunder;
(3) such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request;
(4) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity has failed to institute any such proceeding; and
(5) no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the Trustee during such 60-day period by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series; it being understood and intended that no one or more of such Holders shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other of such Holders, or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any other of such Holders or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all such Holders.
SECTION 508. Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any, Interest and Additional Amounts.
Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, the Holder of any Security shall have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive payment of the principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) and (subject to Sections 305 and 307) interest on, and any Additional Amounts in respect of, such Security on the respective due dates expressed in such Security (or, in the case of redemption, on the Redemption Date) and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, and such rights shall not be impaired without the consent of such Holder.
SECTION 509. Restoration of Rights and Remedies.
If the Trustee or any Holder of a Security has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or to such Holder, then and in every such case the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of Securities shall, subject to any determination in such proceeding, be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding has been instituted.
SECTION 510. Rights and Remedies Cumulative.
Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities in the last paragraph of Section 306, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders of Securities is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.
SECTION 511. Delay or Omission Not Waiver.
No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Security to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or any acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders of Securities, as the case may be.
SECTION 512. Control by Holders of Securities.
The Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series, provided that
(1) such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Indenture,
(2) the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee that is not inconsistent with such direction, and
(3) the Trustee need not take any action that might involve it in personal liability or be unduly prejudicial to the Holders of Securities of such series not joining therein (but the Trustee shall have no obligation as to the determination of such undue prejudice).
SECTION 513. Waiver of Past Defaults.
The Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series may on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities of such series consent to the waiver of any past default hereunder with respect to such series and its consequences, except a default
(1) in the payment of the principal of (or premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) or interest on or Additional Amounts payable in respect of any Security of such series, or
(2) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under Article Nine cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security of such series affected.
Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon.
SECTION 514. Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws.
The Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it will not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Company (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law, and covenants that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.
SECTION 515. Undertaking for Costs.
All parties to this Indenture agree, and each Holder of any Security by his acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court may in its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, against any party litigant in such suit having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; but the provisions of this Section shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Holder, or group of Holders, holding in the aggregate more than 10% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities, or to any suit instituted by any Holder for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of (or premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) or interest on or Additional Amounts payable with respect to any Security on or after the respective Stated Maturities expressed in such Security (or in the case of redemption, on or after the Redemption Date).
ARTICLE SIX
THE TRUSTEE
SECTION 601. Notice of Defaults.
Within 90 days after the occurrence of any default hereunder with respect to the Securities of any series, the Trustee shall transmit in the manner and to the extent provided in TIA Section 313(c), notice of such default hereunder actually known to a Responsible Officer of the Trustee, unless such default shall have been cured or waived; provided, however, that, except in the case of a default in the payment of the principal of (or premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) or interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to any Security of such series, or in the payment of any sinking fund installment with respect to the Securities of such series, the Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if and so long as Responsible Officers of the Trustee in good faith determine that the withholding of such notice is in the interests of the Holders of the Securities of such series; and provided further that in the case of any default or breach of the character specified in Section 501(4) with respect to the Securities of such series, no such notice to Holders shall be given until at least 60 days after the occurrence thereof. For the purpose of this Section, the term “default” means any event that is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of such series.
SECTION 602. Certain Rights of Trustee.
Subject to the provisions of TIA Section 315(a) through 315(d):
(1) the Trustee shall perform only such duties as are expressly undertaken by it to perform under this Indenture and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee;
(2) the Trustee may conclusively rely and shall be fully protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;
(3) any request or direction of the Company mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Company Request or Company Order (other than delivery of any Security to the Trustee for authentication and delivery pursuant to Section 303 that shall be sufficiently evidenced as provided therein) and any resolution of the Board of Directors may be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution;
(4) whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Trustee (unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, rely upon an Officers’ Certificate;
(5) the Trustee may consult with counsel and as a condition to the taking, suffering or omission of any action hereunder may demand an Opinion of Counsel, and the advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon;
(6) the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders of Securities of any series pursuant to this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities that might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction;
(7) the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note or other paper or document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Company, personally or by agent or attorney;
(8) the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents, attorneys, custodians or nominees and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent, attorney, custodian or nominee appointed with due care by it hereunder;
(9) the Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it in good faith and reasonably believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture; provided, however, that the Trustee’s conduct does not constitute willful misconduct or gross negligence. The Trustee shall not be required to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it;
(10) in no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for special, indirect, or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, loss of profit) irrespective of whether the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action;
(11) the Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Securities and this Indenture;
(12) the rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and to each agent, custodian and other Person employed to act hereunder; and
(13) the Trustee may request that the Company deliver a certificate setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture.
SECTION 603. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities.
The recitals contained herein and in the Securities, except the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, shall be taken as the statements of the Company, and neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent assumes any responsibility for their correctness. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Securities, except that the Trustee represents that it is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Indenture, authenticate the Securities and perform its obligations hereunder. Neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent shall be accountable for the use or application by the Company of Securities or the proceeds thereof.
SECTION 604. May Hold Securities.
The Trustee, any Paying Agent, Security Registrar, Authenticating Agent or any other agent of the Company, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and, subject to Section 613 and TIA Sections 310(b) and 311, may otherwise deal with the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, Paying Agent, Security Registrar, Authenticating Agent or such other agent.
SECTION 605. Money Held in Trust.
Money held by the Trustee in trust hereunder need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. The Trustee shall be under no liability for interest on, or investment of, any money received by it hereunder.
SECTION 606. Compensation and Reimbursement.
The Company agrees:
(1) to pay to the Trustee from time to time reasonable compensation for all services rendered by it hereunder, including extraordinary services rendered in connection with or during the continuation of a default hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust);
(2) to reimburse each of the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by it in accordance with any provision of this Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel), except to the extent any such expense, disbursement or advance may be attributable to its gross negligence or bad faith; and
(3) to indemnify each of the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee and each of their respective directors, officers, agents and employees for, and to hold each of them harmless against, any loss, damage, claim, liability or expense, including taxes (other than taxes based upon, measured by or determined by the income or gain of the Trustee), arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the trust or trusts or the performance of its duties hereunder, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder except to the extent any such loss, liability or expense may be attributable to its own gross negligence or bad faith.
As security for the performance of the obligations of the Company under this Section, the Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Securities upon all property and funds held or collected by the Trustee as such, except funds held in trust for the payment of principal of (or premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) or interest on particular Securities.
When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services in connection with an Event of Default described in Section 501(5) and (6), such expenses (including the fees and expenses of its counsel) and the compensation for such services are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any Bankruptcy Law.
The provisions of this Section shall survive the termination of this Indenture or the resignation or removal of the Trustee.
SECTION 607. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility.
There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder that shall be eligible to act as Trustee under TIA Section 310(a)(1) and shall have a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 or is a subsidiary of a corporation that shall be a Person that has a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 and that unconditionally guarantees the obligations of the Trustee hereunder. If such Trustee or Person publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or the requirements of Federal, State, Territorial or District of Columbia supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such Trustee or Person shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article.
SECTION 608. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor.
(a) No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a successor Trustee pursuant to this Article shall become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 609.
(b) The Trustee may resign at any time with respect to the Securities of one or more series by giving written notice thereof to the Company. If an instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.
(c) The Trustee may be removed at any time with respect to the Securities of any series by Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series delivered to the Trustee and to the Company.
(d) If at any time:
(1) the Trustee shall fail to comply with the provisions of Section 613 or TIA Section 310(b) after written request therefor by the Company or by any Holder of a Security who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months, or
(2) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible under Section 607 and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Company or by any Holder of a Security who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months, or
(3) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent or a receiver of the Trustee or of its property shall be appointed or any public officer shall take charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation, then, in any such case, (i) the Company by or pursuant to a Board Resolution may remove the Trustee and appoint a successor Trustee with respect to all Securities, or (ii) subject to TIA Section 315(e), any Holder of a Security who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee with respect to all Securities and the appointment of a successor Trustee or Trustees.
(e) If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of Trustee for any cause with respect to the Securities of one or more series, the Company, by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee or Trustees with respect to the Securities of that or those series (it being understood that any such successor Trustee may be appointed with respect to the Securities of one or more or all of such series and that at any time there shall be only one Trustee with respect to the Securities of any particular series). If, within one year after such resignation, removal or incapability, or the occurrence of such vacancy, a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall be appointed by Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series delivered to the Company and the retiring Trustee, the successor Trustee so appointed shall, forthwith upon its acceptance of such appointment, become the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series and to that extent supersede the successor Trustee appointed by the Company. If no successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall have been so appointed by the Company or the Holders of Securities and accepted appointment in the manner hereinafter provided, any Holder of a Security who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security of such series for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to Securities of such series.
(f) The Company shall give notice of each resignation and each removal of the Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series and each appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series in the manner provided for notices to the Holders of Securities in Section 106. Each notice shall include the name of the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series and the address of its Corporate Trust Office.
SECTION 609. Acceptance of Appointment By Successor.
(a) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to all Securities, every such successor Trustee shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Company and to the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee; but, on request of the Company or the successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all the rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee, and shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder, subject nevertheless to its claim, if any, provided for in Section 606.
(b) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more (but not all) series, the Company, the retiring Trustee and each successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series shall execute and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto, pursuant to Article Nine hereof, wherein each successor Trustee shall accept such appointment and that (1) shall contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, each successor Trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates, (2) if the retiring Trustee is not retiring with respect to all Securities, shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series as to which the retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in the retiring Trustee, and (3) shall add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being understood that nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture shall constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same trust and that each such Trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart from any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such Trustee; and upon the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein and each such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates; but, on request of the Company or any successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates.
(c) Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the Company shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor Trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section, as the case may be.
(d) No successor Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance such successor Trustee shall be qualified and eligible under this Article.
(e) All monies due and owing to the Trustee shall be paid before the Successor Trustee takes over.
SECTION 610. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business.
Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to all or substantially all of the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided such corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto. In case any Securities shall have been authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such authentication and deliver the Securities so authenticated with the same effect as if such successor Trustee had itself authenticated such Securities. In case any Securities shall not have been authenticated by such predecessor Trustee, any such successor Trustee may authenticate and deliver such Securities, in either its own name or that of its predecessor Trustee, with the full force and effect that this Indenture provides for the certificate of authentication of the Trustee.
SECTION 611. Appointment of Authenticating Agent.
At any time when any of the Securities remain Outstanding, the Trustee may appoint an Authenticating Agent or Agents with respect to one or more series of Securities that shall be authorized to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of such series issued upon exchange, registration of transfer or partial redemption or repayment thereof or pursuant to Section 306, and Securities so authenticated shall be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture and shall be valid and obligatory for all purposes as if authenticated by the Trustee hereunder. Any such appointment shall be evidenced by an instrument in writing signed by a Responsible Officer of the Trustee, a copy of which instrument shall be promptly furnished to the Company. Wherever reference is made in this Indenture to the authentication and delivery of Securities by the Trustee or the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, such reference shall be deemed to include authentication and delivery on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent and a certificate of authentication executed on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent. Each Authenticating Agent shall be reasonably acceptable to the Company and, except as may otherwise be provided pursuant to Section 301, shall at all times be a bank or trust company or corporation organized and doing business and in good standing under the laws of the United States of America or of any State or the District of Columbia, authorized under such laws to act as Authenticating Agent, having a combined capital and surplus of not less than $25,000,000 and subject to supervision or examination by Federal or State authorities. If such Authenticating Agent publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or the requirements of the aforesaid supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such Authenticating Agent shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. In case at any time an Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, such Authenticating Agent shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in this Section.
Any corporation into which an Authenticating Agent may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which such Authenticating Agent shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to the corporate agency or corporate trust business of an Authenticating Agent, shall continue to be an Authenticating Agent, provided such corporation shall be otherwise eligible under this Section, without the execution or filing of any paper or further act on the part of the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent.
An Authenticating Agent for any series of Securities may at any time resign by giving written notice of resignation to the Trustee for such series and to the Company. The Trustee for any series of Securities may at any time terminate the agency of an Authenticating Agent by giving written notice of termination to such Authenticating Agent and to the Company. Upon receiving such a notice of resignation or upon such a termination, or in case at any time such Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, the Trustee for such series may appoint a successor Authenticating Agent that shall be acceptable to the Company and shall give notice of such appointment to all Holders of Securities of or within the series with respect to which such Authenticating Agent will serve in the manner set forth in Section 106. Any successor Authenticating Agent upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder shall become vested with all the rights, powers and duties of its predecessor hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as an Authenticating Agent herein. No successor Authenticating Agent shall be appointed unless eligible under the provisions of this Section.
The Company agrees to pay to each Authenticating Agent from time to time reasonable compensation including reimbursement of its reasonable expenses for its services under this Section.
If an appointment with respect to one or more series is made pursuant to this Section, the Securities of such series may have endorsed thereon, in addition to or in lieu of the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, an alternate certificate of authentication substantially in the following form:
This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein and referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
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, as Trustee |
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By |
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as Authenticating Agent |
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By |
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Authorized Officer |
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SECTION 612. Certain Duties and Responsibilities.
No provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it. Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Section.
SECTION 613. Conflicting Interests.
If the Trustee has or shall acquire a conflicting interest within the meaning of the TIA, the Trustee shall either eliminate such interest or resign, to the extent and in the manner provided by, and subject to the provisions of, the TIA and this Indenture. To the extent permitted by such Act, the Trustee shall not be deemed to have a conflicting interest by virtue of being a trustee under this Indenture with respect to Securities of more than one series. In case an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the Trustee shall exercise such of its rights and powers under the applicable Indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his own affairs.
ARTICLE SEVEN
HOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY
SECTION 701. Disclosure of Names and Addresses of Holders.
Every Holder of Securities, by receiving and holding the same, agrees with the Company and the Trustee that neither the Company nor the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent nor any Paying Agent nor any Security Registrar nor any director, officer, agent or employee of any of them shall be held accountable by reason of the disclosure of any information as to the names and addresses of the Holders of Securities in accordance with TIA Section 312, regardless of the source from which such information was derived, and that the Trustee shall not be held accountable by reason of mailing any material pursuant to a request made under TIA Section 312(b).
SECTION 702. Reports by Trustee.
Within 60 days after March 15 of each year commencing with the first March 15 after the first issuance of Securities pursuant to this Indenture, the Trustee shall transmit by mail to all Holders of Securities as provided in TIA Section 313(c) a brief report dated as of such March 15 if and to the extent required by TIA Section 313(a).
SECTION 703. Reports by Company.
The Company will:
(1) file with the Trustee, within 15 days after the Company is required to file the same with the Commission, copies of the annual reports and of the information, documents and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the Commission may from time to time by rules and regulations prescribe) that the Company may be required to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act; or, if the Company is not required to file information, documents or reports pursuant to either of such Sections, then it will file with the Trustee and the Commission, in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission, such of the supplementary and periodic information, documents and reports that may be required pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act in respect of a security listed and registered on a national securities exchange as may be prescribed from time to time in such rules and regulations;
(2) file with the Trustee and the Commission, in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission, such additional information, documents and reports with respect to compliance by the Company with the conditions and covenants of this Indenture as may be required from time to time by such rules and regulations; and
(3) transmit by mail (or to the extent permitted by applicable procedures or regulations, deliver electronically) to the Holders of Securities, within 30 days after the filing thereof with the Trustee, in the manner and to the extent provided in TIA Section 313(c), such summaries of any information, documents and reports required to be filed by the Company pursuant to paragraphs (1) or (2) of this Section as may be required by rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission.
The availability of the foregoing materials on the Commission’s website or on the Company’s website shall be deemed to satisfy the foregoing delivery obligations.
SECTION 704. Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders.
The Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee:
(a) with respect to each series of Securities, quarterly or semi-annually (as applicable), not later than 15 days after the Regular Record Date for interest for such series of Securities, a list, in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Holders of Securities of such series as of such Regular Record Date, or if there is no Regular Record Date for interest for such series of Securities, semi-annually, upon such dates as are set forth in the Board Resolution or indenture supplemental hereto authorizing such series, and
(b) at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, within 30 days after the receipt by the Company of any such request, a list of similar form and content as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such list is furnished, provided, however, that, so long as the Trustee is the Security Registrar, no such lists shall be required to be furnished.
ARTICLE EIGHT
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE, LEASE OR CONVEYANCE
SECTION 801. Consolidations and Mergers of Company and Sales, Leases and Conveyances Permitted Subject to Certain Conditions.
The Company may consolidate with, or sell, lease or convey all or substantially all of its assets to, or merge with or into any other Person, provided that in any such case, (i) either the Company shall be the continuing entity, or the successor (if other than the Company) entity shall be a Person organized and existing under the laws of the United States or a State thereof or the District of Columbia and such successor entity shall expressly assume the due and punctual payment of the principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) and any interest (including all Additional Amounts, if any, payable pursuant to Section 1006) on all of the Securities, according to their tenor, or as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301, and the due and punctual performance and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of this Indenture to be performed by the Company by supplemental indenture, complying with Article Nine hereof, satisfactory to the Trustee, executed and delivered to the Trustee by such Person and (ii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.
SECTION 802. Rights and Duties of Successor Corporation.
In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, lease or conveyance and upon any such assumption by the successor entity, such successor entity shall succeed to and be substituted for the Company, with the same effect as if it had been named herein as the party of the first part, and the predecessor entity, except in the event of a lease, shall be relieved of any further obligation under this Indenture and the Securities. Such successor entity thereupon may cause to be signed, and may issue either in its own name or in the name of the Company, any or all of the Securities issuable hereunder that theretofore shall not have been signed by the Company and delivered to the Trustee; and, upon the order of such successor entity, instead of the Company, and subject to all the terms, conditions and limitations in this Indenture prescribed, the Trustee shall authenticate and shall deliver any Securities that previously shall have been signed and delivered by the officers of the Company to the Trustee for authentication, and any Securities that such successor entity thereafter shall cause to be signed and delivered to the Trustee for that purpose. All the Securities so issued shall in all respects have the same legal rank and benefit under this Indenture as the Securities theretofore or thereafter issued in accordance with the terms of this Indenture as though all of such Securities had been issued at the date of the execution hereof.
In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, lease or conveyance, such changes in phraseology and form (but not in substance) may be made in the Securities thereafter to be issued as may be appropriate.
SECTION 803. Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel.
Any consolidation, merger, sale, lease or conveyance permitted under Section 801 is also subject to the condition that the Trustee receive an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that any such consolidation, merger, sale, lease or conveyance, and the assumption by any successor entity, complies with the provisions of this Article and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been complied with.
ARTICLE NINE
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
SECTION 901. Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders.
Without the consent of any Holders of Securities, the Company, when authorized by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, and the Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, for any of the following purposes:
(1) to evidence the succession of another Person to the Company and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Company herein and in the Securities contained; or
(2) to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Securities (and, if such covenants are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such covenants are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series) or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Company; or
(3) to add any additional Events of Default for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such Events of Default are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such Events of Default are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series); provided, however, that in respect of any such additional Events of Default such supplemental indenture may provide for a particular period of grace after default (which period may be shorter or longer than that allowed in the case of other defaults) or may provide for an immediate enforcement upon such default or may limit the remedies available to the Trustee upon such default or may limit the right of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of that or those series of Securities to which such additional Events of Default apply to waive such default; or
(4) to add to, change or eliminate any of the provisions of this Indenture in respect of any series of Securities, provided that any such addition, change or elimination shall (i) neither (A) apply to any Security of any series created prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture and entitled to the benefit of such provision, nor (B) modify the rights of the Holder of any such Security with respect to such provision; or (ii) become effective only when there is no Security Outstanding; or
(5) to secure the Securities; or
(6) to establish the form or terms of Securities of any series as permitted by Sections 201 and 301, including the provisions and procedures relating to Securities convertible into or exchangeable for other securities or property of the Company; or
(7) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series and to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee; or
(8) to provide for the right to convert or exchange any Security pursuant to Section 301, including providing for the conversion into or exchange for other securities of the Company, subject to Section 902(4); or
(9) to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision herein which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision herein, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Indenture that shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture or to make any other changes, provided that in each case, such provisions shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Securities of any series in any material respect as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors; or
(10) to conform the text of this Indenture or the Securities to the descriptions hereof or thereof contained in any registration statement of the Company to which this Indenture is filed as an exhibit and any applicable prospectus or prospectus supplement; or
(11) to close this Indenture with respect to the authentication and delivery of additional series of Securities or to qualify, or maintain qualification of, this Indenture under the TIA; or
(12) to supplement any of the provisions of this Indenture to such extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the defeasance and discharge of any series of Securities pursuant to Sections 401, 1302 and 1303; provided in each case that any such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Securities of such series or any other series of Securities in any material respect.
SECTION 902. Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders.
The Company and the Trustee may (i) amend or supplement this Indenture or the Securities without notice to any Holder of Securities but with the written consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of all series then outstanding or (ii) supplement this Indenture with regard to a series of Securities, amend or supplement a Supplemental Indenture relating to a series of Securities, or amend the Securities of a series, without notice to any Holder of Securities but with the written consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of that series then outstanding. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of all series then outstanding may waive compliance by the Company with any provision of this Indenture or the Securities without notice to any Holder of Securities. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of any series then outstanding may waive compliance with any provision of this Indenture, any Supplemental Indenture or the Securities of that series with regard to the Securities of that series without notice to any Holder of Securities. However, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby, no amendment, supplement or waiver may:
(1) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of (or premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any, on) or any installment of principal of or interest on, any Security; or reduce the principal amount thereof or the rate or amount of interest thereon or any Additional Amounts payable in respect thereof, or any premium or Make-Whole Amount payable upon the redemption thereof, or change any obligation of the Company to pay Additional Amounts pursuant to Section 1006 (except as contemplated by Section 801(i) and permitted by Section 901(1)), or reduce the amount of the principal of an Original Issue Discount Security or Make-Whole Amount, if any, that would be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502 or the amount thereof provable in bankruptcy pursuant to Section 504, or change any Place of Payment where, or the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which, the principal of any Security or any premium or Make-Whole Amount or any Additional Amounts payable in respect thereof or the interest thereon is payable, or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the Stated Maturity thereof (or, in the case of redemption or repayment at the option of the Holder, on or after the Redemption Date or the Repayment Date, as the case may be); or
(2) reduce the percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series, the consent of whose Holders is required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose Holders is required for any waiver with respect to such series (or compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture or certain defaults hereunder and their consequences) provided for in this Indenture, or reduce the requirements of Section 1404 for quorum or voting; or
(3) modify any of the provisions of this Section, Section 513 or Section 1007, except to increase the required percentage to effect such action or to provide that certain other provisions of this Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby; or
(4) make any change that adversely affects the right to convert or exchange any Security pursuant to Section 301 or decrease the conversion or exchange rate or increase the conversion or exchange price of any such Security.
It shall not be necessary for any Act of Holders under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such Act shall approve the substance thereof.
A supplemental indenture that changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of this Indenture that has expressly been included for the benefit of one or more particular series of Securities, or that modifies the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series with respect to such covenant or other provision, shall be deemed not to affect the rights under this Indenture of the Holders of Securities of any other series.
SECTION 903. Execution of Supplemental Indentures.
In executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any supplemental indenture permitted by this Article or the modification thereby of the trusts created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel and an Officers’ Certificate stating that the execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture and that all conditions precedent to the execution of such supplemental indenture have been complied with. The Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such supplemental indenture that affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.
SECTION 904. Effect of Supplemental Indentures.
Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article, this Indenture shall be modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental indenture shall form a part of this Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder of Securities theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder shall be bound thereby.
SECTION 905. Conformity with Trust Indenture Act.
Every supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article shall conform to the requirements of the TIA as then in effect.
SECTION 906. Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures.
Securities of any series authenticated and delivered after the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article may, and shall if required by the Trustee, bear a notation in form approved by the Trustee as to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Company shall so determine, new Securities of any series so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Trustee and the Company, to any such supplemental indenture may be prepared and executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in exchange for Outstanding Securities of such series.
SECTION 907. Notice of Supplemental Indentures.
Promptly after the execution by the Company and the Trustee of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of Section 902, the Company shall give notice thereof to the Holders of each Outstanding Security affected, in the manner provided for in Section 106, setting forth in general terms the substance of such supplemental indenture.
SECTION 908. Subordination Unimpaired.
No provision in any supplemental indenture that affects the superior position of the holders of Senior Debt shall be effective against holders of Senior Debt.
ARTICLE TEN
COVENANTS
SECTION 1001. Payment of Principal, Premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any, Interest and Additional Amounts.
The Company covenants and agrees for the benefit of the Holders of each series of Securities that it will duly and punctually pay the principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) and interest on and any Additional Amounts payable in respect of the Securities of that series in accordance with the terms of such series of Securities and this Indenture. Unless otherwise specified with respect to Securities of any series pursuant to Section 301, at the option of the Company, all payments of principal may be paid by check to the registered Holder of the Security or other person entitled thereto against surrender of such Security.
SECTION 1002. Maintenance of Office or Agency.
The Company shall maintain in each Place of Payment for any series of Securities an office or agency where Securities of that series may be presented or surrendered for payment or conversion, where Securities of that series may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange, and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of that series and this Indenture may be served. If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and the Company hereby appoints the same as its agent to receive such respective presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.
The Company may from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the Securities of one or more series may be presented or surrendered for any or all of such purposes, and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided, however, that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Company of its obligation to maintain an office or agency in accordance with the requirements set forth above for Securities of any series for such purposes. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency.
Unless otherwise specified with respect to any Securities pursuant to Section 301, if and so long as the Securities of any series (i) are denominated in a Foreign Currency or (ii) may be payable in a Foreign Currency, or so long as it is required under any other provision of the Indenture, then the Company will maintain with respect to each such series of Securities, or as so required, at least one exchange rate agent.
SECTION 1003. Money for Securities Payments to Be Held in Trust.
If the Company shall at any time act as its own Paying Agent with respect to any series of any Securities, it will, on or before each due date of the principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any), or interest on or Additional Amounts in respect of, any of the Securities of that series, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto a sum in the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which the Securities of such series are payable (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301 for the Securities of such series) sufficient to pay the principal (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) or interest or Additional Amounts so becoming due until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided, and will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act.
Whenever the Company shall have one or more Paying Agents for any series of Securities, it will, on or before each due date of the principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any), or interest on or Additional Amounts in respect of, any Securities of that series, deposit with a Paying Agent a sum (in the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies described in the preceding paragraph) sufficient to pay the principal (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) or interest or Additional Amounts, so becoming due, such sum to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such principal, premium, Make-Whole Amount or interest or Additional Amounts and (unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the Company will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act.
The Company will cause each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section, that such Paying Agent will:
(1) hold all sums held by it for the payment of principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) or interest on Securities or Additional Amounts in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided;
(2) give the Trustee written notice of any default by the Company (or any other obligor upon the Securities) in the making of any such payment of principal (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) or interest or Additional Amounts; and
(3) at any time during the continuance of any such default upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums so held in trust by such Paying Agent.
The Company may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or by Company Order direct any Paying Agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums held in trust by the Company or such Paying Agent, such sums to be held by the Trustee upon the same trusts as those upon which such sums were held by the Company or such Paying Agent; and, upon such payment by any Paying Agent to the Trustee, such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such sums.
Except as otherwise provided in the Securities of any series, any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) or interest on, or any Additional Amounts in respect of, any Security of any series and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any), interest or Additional Amounts has become due and payable shall be paid to the Company upon Company Request or (if then held by the Company) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Security shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for payment of such principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) or interest on, or any Additional Amounts in respect of, any Security, without interest thereon, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Company as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease; provided, however, that the Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, may at the expense of the Company cause to be published once, in an Authorized Newspaper, notice that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which shall not be less than 30 days from the date of such publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining will be repaid to the Company.
SECTION 1004. Existence.
Subject to Article Eight, the Company will do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect the existence, rights (charter and statutory) and franchises of the Company and its Subsidiaries; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to preserve any right or franchise if the Board of Directors shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries.
SECTION 1005. Statement as to Compliance.
The Company will deliver to the Trustee within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, a brief certificate from the principal executive officer, principal financial officer or principal accounting officer as to his or her knowledge of the Company’s compliance with all conditions and covenants under this Indenture and, in the event of any noncompliance, specifying such noncompliance and the nature and status thereof. For purposes of this Section 1005, such compliance shall be determined without regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice under this Indenture.
SECTION 1006. Additional Amounts.
If any Securities of a series provide for the payment of Additional Amounts, the Company will pay to the Holder of any Security of such series Additional Amounts as may be specified as contemplated by Section 301. Whenever in this Indenture there is mentioned, in any context except in the case of Section 502(1), the payment of the principal of or any premium, Make-Whole Amount or interest on, or in respect of, any Security of any series or the net proceeds received on the sale or exchange of any Security of any series, such mention shall be deemed to include mention of the payment of Additional Amounts provided by the terms of such series established pursuant to Section 301 to the extent that, in such context, Additional Amounts are, were or would be payable in respect thereof pursuant to such terms and express mention of the payment of Additional Amounts (if applicable) in any provisions hereof shall not be construed as excluding Additional Amounts in those provisions hereof where such express mention is not made.
Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, if the Securities of a series provide for the payment of Additional Amounts, at least 10 days prior to the first Interest Payment Date with respect to that series of Securities (or if the Securities of that series will not bear interest prior to Maturity, the first day on which a payment of principal and any premium is made), and at least 10 days prior to each date of payment of principal and any premium or Make-Whole Amount or interest if there has been any change with respect to the matters set forth in the below-mentioned Officers’ Certificate, the Company will furnish the Trustee and the Company’s principal Paying Agent or Paying Agents, if other than the Trustee, with an Officers’ Certificate instructing the Trustee and such Paying Agent or Paying Agents whether such payment of principal of and any premium or interest on the Securities of that series shall be made to Holders of Securities of that series who are not United States persons without withholding for or on account of any tax, assessment or other governmental charge described in the Securities of or within the series. If any such withholding shall be required, then such Officers’ Certificate shall specify by country the amount, if any, required to be withheld on such payments to such Holders of Securities of that series and the Company will pay to the Trustee or such Paying Agent the Additional Amounts, if any, required by the terms of such Securities. In the event that the Trustee or any Paying Agent, as the case may be, shall not so receive the above mentioned certificate, then the Trustee or such Paying Agent shall be entitled (i) to assume that no such withholding or deduction is required with respect to any payment of principal or interest with respect to any Securities of a series until it shall have received a certificate advising otherwise and (ii) to make all payments of principal and interest with respect to the Securities of a series without withholding or deductions until otherwise advised. The Company covenants to indemnify the Trustee and any Paying Agent and their respective officers, directors, employees and agents for, and to hold them harmless against, any loss, liability or expense (including but not limited to legal fees and expenses) reasonably incurred without gross negligence or bad faith on their part arising out of or in connection with actions taken or omitted by any of them in reliance on any Officers’ Certificate furnished pursuant to this Section or in reliance on the Company’s not furnishing such an Officers’ Certificate.
SECTION 1007. Waiver of Certain Covenants.
The Company may omit in any particular instance to comply with any term, provision or condition set forth in Section 1004, and with any other term, provision or condition with respect to the Securities of any series specified in accordance with Section 301 (except any such term, provision or condition that could not be amended without the consent of all Holders of Securities of such series pursuant to Section 902), if before or after the time for such compliance the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of all outstanding Securities of such series, by Act of such Holders, either waive such compliance in such instance or generally waive compliance with such covenant or condition, but no such waiver shall extend to or affect such covenant or condition except to the extent so expressly waived, and, until such waiver shall become effective, the obligations of the Company and the duties of the Trustee in respect of any such term, provision or condition shall remain in full force and effect.
ARTICLE ELEVEN
REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES
SECTION 1101. Applicability of Article.
Securities of any series that are redeemable before their Stated Maturity shall be redeemable in accordance with their terms and (except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities of any series) in accordance with this Article.
SECTION 1102. Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee.
The election of the Company to redeem any Securities shall be evidenced by or pursuant to a Board Resolution. In case of any redemption at the election of the Company of less than all of the Securities of any series, the Company shall, at least 45 days prior to the giving of the notice of redemption in Section 1104 (unless a shorter notice shall be satisfactory to the Trustee), notify the Trustee, in writing, of such Redemption Date, of the principal amount of Securities of such series to be redeemed and of the Redemption Price of such Securities and any accrued interest and Additional Amounts payable with respect thereto, if any, on the Redemption Date. In the case of any redemption of Securities prior to the expiration of any restriction on such redemption provided in the terms of such Securities or elsewhere in this Indenture, the Company shall furnish the Trustee with an Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel evidencing compliance with such restriction.
SECTION 1103. Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed.
If less than all the Securities of any series issued with the same terms are to be redeemed, the particular Securities to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee, from the Outstanding Securities of such series issued on such date with the same terms not previously called for redemption, by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate, subject to the rules and procedures of DTC, and that may provide for the selection for redemption of portions (equal to the minimum authorized denomination for Securities of that series or any integral multiple thereof) of the principal amount of Securities of such series of a denomination larger than the minimum authorized denomination for Securities of that series.
If any Security selected for partial redemption is converted in part before termination of the conversion or exchange right with respect to the portion of the Security so selected, the converted or exchanged portion of such Security shall be deemed (so far as may be) to be the portion selected for redemption. Securities that have been converted or exchanged during a selection of Securities to be redeemed shall be treated by the Trustee as Outstanding for the purpose of such selection. In any case where more than one Security is registered in the same name, the Trustee in its discretion may treat the aggregate principal amount so registered as if it were represented by one Security.
The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company and the Security Registrar (if other than itself) in writing of the Securities selected for redemption and, in the case of any Securities selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed.
For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Securities shall relate, in the case of any Security redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the principal amount of such Security that has been or is to be redeemed.
SECTION 1104. Notice of Redemption.
Notice of redemption shall be given in the manner provided in Section 106, not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date, unless a shorter period is specified by the terms of such series established pursuant to Section 301, to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed, but failure to give such notice in the manner herein provided to the Holder of any Security designated for redemption as a whole or in part, or any defect in the notice to any such Holder, shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other such Security or portion thereof.
Any notice that is mailed or otherwise given to the Holders of Securities in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or not the Holder receives the notice.
All notices of redemption shall state:
(1) the Redemption Date;
(2) the Redemption Price, accrued interest to the Redemption Date payable as provided in Section 1106, if any, and Additional Amounts, if any;
(3) if less than all Outstanding Securities of any series are to be redeemed, the identification (and, in the case of partial redemption, the principal amount) of the particular Security or Securities to be redeemed;
(4) in case any Security is to be redeemed in part only, that on and after the Redemption Date, upon surrender of such Security, the holder will receive, without a charge, a new Security or Securities of authorized denominations for the principal amount thereof remaining unredeemed;
(5) that on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price and accrued interest to the Redemption Date payable as provided in Section 1106, if any, will become due and payable upon each such Security, or the portion thereof, to be redeemed and, if applicable, that interest thereon shall cease to accrue on and after said date;
(6) the Place or Places of Payment where such Securities, if any, maturing after the Redemption Date, are to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest, if any, or for conversion or exchange;
(7) that the redemption is for a sinking fund, if such is the case;
(8) the CUSIP number of such Security, if any, provided that neither the Company nor the Trustee shall have any responsibility for any such CUSIP number;
(9) if applicable, that a Holder of Securities who desires to convert or exchange Securities to be redeemed must satisfy the requirements for conversion or exchange contained in such Securities, the then existing conversion or exchange price or rate and the date and time when the option to convert or exchange shall expire and the place or places where such Securities may be surrendered for conversion or exchange; and
(10) such other information as the Trustee reasonably deems appropriate.
Notice of redemption of Securities to be redeemed shall be given by the Company or, at the Company’s written request, by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company.
SECTION 1105. Deposit of Redemption Price.
On or prior to any Redemption Date, the Company shall deposit with the Trustee or with a Paying Agent (or, if the Company is acting as its own Paying Agent, which it may not do in the case of a sinking fund payment under Article Twelve, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 1003) an amount of money in the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which the Securities of such series are payable (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301 for the Securities of such series) sufficient to pay on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price of, and (except if the Redemption Date shall be an Interest Payment Date) accrued interest on, all the Securities or portions thereof that are to be redeemed on that date.
SECTION 1106. Securities Payable on Redemption Date.
Notice of redemption having been given as aforesaid, the Securities so to be redeemed shall, on the Redemption Date, become due and payable at the Redemption Price therein specified in the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which the Securities of such series are payable (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301 for the Securities of such series) (together with accrued interest and Additional Amounts payable with respect thereto, if any, on the Redemption Date), and from and after such date (unless the Company shall default in the payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest and Additional Amounts, if any) such Securities shall, if the same were interest-bearing, cease to bear interest. Upon surrender of any such Security for redemption in accordance with said notice maturing after the Redemption Date, such Security shall be paid by the Company at the Redemption Price, together with accrued interest and Additional Amounts payable with respect thereto, if any, on the Redemption Date; provided, that except as otherwise provided with respect to Securities convertible or exchangeable into other securities or property (including securities of other issuers, provided that such securities are registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act and such issuer is then eligible to use Form S-3 (or any successor form) for a primary offering of its securities) of the Company, installments of interest on Securities whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Redemption Date shall be payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, registered as such at the close of business on the relevant Record Dates according to their terms and the provisions of Section 307.
If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender thereof for redemption, the principal (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) shall, until paid, bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate borne by the Security.
SECTION 1107. Securities Redeemed in Part.
Any Security that is to be redeemed only in part (pursuant to the provisions of this Article or of Article Twelve) shall be surrendered at a Place of Payment therefor (with, if the Company or the Trustee so requires, due endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing) and the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Security without service charge a new Security or Securities of the same series, of any authorized denomination as requested by such Holder in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Security so surrendered.
ARTICLE TWELVE
SINKING FUNDS
SECTION 1201. Applicability of Article.
The provisions of this Article shall be applicable to any sinking fund for the retirement of Securities of a series except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities of such series.
The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of Securities of any series is herein referred to as a “mandatory sinking fund payment,” and any payment in excess of such minimum amount provided for by the terms of such Securities of any series is herein referred to as an “optional sinking fund payment.” If provided for by the terms of any Securities of any series, the cash amount of any mandatory sinking fund payment may be subject to reduction as provided in Section 1202. Each sinking fund payment shall be applied to the redemption of Securities of any series as provided for by the terms of Securities of such series.
SECTION 1202. Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities.
The Company may, in satisfaction of all or any part of any mandatory sinking fund payment with respect to the Securities of a series, (1) deliver Outstanding Securities of such series (other than any previously called for redemption) and (2) apply as a credit Securities of such series that have been redeemed either at the election of the Company pursuant to the terms of such Securities or through the application of permitted optional sinking fund payments pursuant to the terms of such Securities, as provided for by the terms of such Securities, or which have otherwise been acquired by the Company; provided that such Securities so delivered or applied as a credit have not been previously so credited. Such Securities shall be received and credited for such purpose by the Trustee at the applicable Redemption Price specified in such Securities for redemption through operation of the sinking fund and the amount of such mandatory sinking fund payment shall be reduced accordingly.
SECTION 1203. Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund.
Not less than 60 days prior to each sinking fund payment date for Securities of any series, the Company will deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate specifying the amount of the next ensuing mandatory sinking fund payment for that series pursuant to the terms of that series, the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by payment of cash in the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which the Securities of such series are payable (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301 for the Securities of such series) and the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by delivering and crediting Securities of that series pursuant to Section 1202, and the amount of optional sinking fund payments, if any, to be added in cash to the next ensuing mandatory sinking fund payment, and will also deliver to the Trustee any Securities to be so delivered and credited. If such Officers’ Certificate shall specify an optional amount to be added in cash to the next ensuing mandatory sinking fund payment, the Company shall thereupon be obligated to pay the amount therein specified. Not less than 30 days before each such sinking fund payment date the Trustee shall select the Securities to be redeemed upon such sinking fund payment date in the manner specified in Section 1103 and cause notice of the redemption thereof to be given in the name of and at the expense of the Company in the manner provided in Section 1104. Such notice having been duly given, the redemption of such Securities shall be made upon the terms and in the manner stated in Section 1106 and 1107.
ARTICLE THIRTEEN
DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
SECTION 1301. Applicability of Article; Company’s Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.
If, pursuant to Section 301, provision is made for either or both of (a) defeasance of the Securities of or within a series under Section 1302 or (b) covenant defeasance of the Securities of or within a series under Section 1303 to be applicable to the Securities of any series, then the provisions of such Section or Sections, as the case may be, together with the other provisions of this Article (with such modifications thereto as may be specified pursuant to Section 301 with respect to any Securities), shall be applicable to such Securities and the Company may at its option by Board Resolution at any time, with respect to such Securities, elect to defease such Outstanding Securities pursuant to Section 1302 (if applicable) or Section 1303 (if applicable) upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article.
SECTION 1302. Defeasance and Discharge.
Upon the Company’s exercise of the above option applicable to this Section with respect to any Securities of or within a series, the Company shall be deemed to have been discharged from its obligations with respect to such Outstanding Securities on the date the conditions set forth in Section 1304 are satisfied (hereinafter, “defeasance”). For this purpose, such defeasance means that the Company shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by such Outstanding Securities, which shall thereafter be deemed to be “Outstanding” only for the purposes of Section 1305 and the other Sections of this Indenture referred to in clauses (A) and (B) below, and to have satisfied all of its other obligations under such Securities and this Indenture insofar as such Securities are concerned (and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except for the following that shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder: (A) the rights of Holders of such Outstanding Securities to receive, solely from the trust fund described in Section 1304 and as more fully set forth in such Section, payments in respect of the principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) and interest, if any, on such Securities when such payments are due, (B) the Company’s obligations with respect to such Securities under Sections 305, 306, 1002 and 1003 and with respect to the payment of Additional Amounts, if any, on such Securities as contemplated by Section 1006, (C) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder including but not limited to Section 606 hereof and (D) this Article. Subject to compliance with this Article Thirteen, the Company may exercise its option under this Section notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option under Section 1303 with respect to such Securities.
SECTION 1303. Covenant Defeasance.
Upon the Company’s exercise of the above option applicable to this Section with respect to any Securities of or within a series, the Company shall be released from its obligations under Section 1004, and, if specified pursuant to Section 301, its obligations under any other covenant, with respect to such Outstanding Securities on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 1304 are satisfied (hereinafter, “covenant defeasance”), and such Securities shall thereafter be deemed to be not “Outstanding” for the purposes of any direction, waiver, consent or declaration or Act of Holders (and the consequences of any thereof) in connection with Section 1004, or such other covenant, but shall continue to be deemed “Outstanding” for all other purposes hereunder. For this purpose, such covenant defeasance means that, with respect to such Outstanding Securities, the Company may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in such Section or such other covenant, whether directly or indirectly, by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to such Section or such other covenant or by reason of reference in such Section or such other covenant to any other provision herein or in any other document and such omission to comply shall not constitute a default or an Event of Default under Section 501(4) or 501(7) or otherwise, as the case may be, but, except as specified above, the remainder of this Indenture and such Securities shall be unaffected thereby.
SECTION 1304. Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.
The following shall be the conditions to application of Section 1302 or Section 1303 to any Outstanding Securities of or within a series:
(a) The Company shall irrevocably have deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for the purpose of making the following payments, specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefit of the Holders of such Securities, (1) an amount in such currency, currencies or currency unit in which such Securities are then specified as payable at Stated Maturity, or (2) Government Obligations applicable to such Securities (determined on the basis of the currency, currencies or currency unit in which such Securities are then specified as payable at Stated Maturity) that through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide, not later than one day before the due date of any payment of principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) and interest and Additional Amounts, if any, on such Securities, money in an amount, or (3) a combination thereof in an amount, sufficient, without consideration of any reinvestment of such principal and interest, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge, and that shall be applied by the Trustee to pay and discharge, (i) the principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) and interest, if any, on such Outstanding Securities on the Stated Maturity of such principal or installment of principal or interest and (ii) any mandatory sinking fund payments or analogous payments applicable to such Outstanding Securities on the day on which such payments are due and payable in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and of such Securities; provided, that the Trustee shall have been irrevocably instructed to apply such money or the proceeds of such Government Obligations to said payments with respect to such Securities. Before such a deposit, the Company may give to the Trustee, in accordance with Section 1102 hereof, a notice of its election to redeem all or any portion of such Outstanding Securities at a future date in accordance with the terms of the Securities of such series and Article Eleven hereof, which notice shall be irrevocable. Such irrevocable redemption notice, if given, shall be given effect in applying the foregoing.
(b) Such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, this Indenture or any other material agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound (and shall not cause the Trustee to have a conflicting interest pursuant to Section 310(b) of the TIA with respect to any Security of the Company).
(c) No Event of Default or event that with notice or lapse of time or both would become an Event of Default with respect to such Securities shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit or, insofar as Sections 501(5) and 501(6) are concerned, at any time during the period ending on the 91st day after the date of such deposit (it being understood that this condition shall not be deemed satisfied until the expiration of such period).
(d) In the case of an election under Section 1302, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that (i) the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or (ii) since the date of execution of this Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable Federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the Holders of such Outstanding Securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such defeasance had not occurred.
(e) In the case of an election under Section 1303, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Holders of such Outstanding Securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such covenant defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such covenant defeasance had not occurred.
(f) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent to the defeasance under Section 1302 or the covenant defeasance under Section 1303 (as the case may be) have been complied with and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that either (i) as a result of a deposit pursuant to subsection (a) above and the related exercise of the Company’s option under Section 1302 or Section 1303 (as the case may be) registration is not required under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, by the Company, with respect to the trust funds representing such deposit or by the Trustee for such trust funds or (ii) all necessary registrations under said Act have been effected.
(g) After the 91st day following the deposit, the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally.
(h) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section, such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall be effected in compliance with any additional or substitute terms, conditions or limitations that may be imposed on the Company in connection therewith pursuant to Section 301.
SECTION 1305. Deposited Money and Government Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions.
Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003, all money and Government Obligations (or other property as may be provided pursuant to Section 301) (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee, collectively for purposes of this Section 1305, the “Trustee”) pursuant to Section 1304 in respect of any Outstanding Securities of any series shall be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such Securities and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders of such Securities of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any) and interest and Additional Amounts, if any, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
Unless otherwise specified with respect to any Security pursuant to Section 301, if, after a deposit referred to in Section 1304(a) has been made, (a) the Holder of a Security in respect of which such deposit was made is entitled to, and does, elect pursuant to Section 301 or the terms of such Security to receive payment in a currency or currency unit other than that in which the deposit pursuant to Section 1304(a) has been made in respect of such Security, or (b) a Conversion Event occurs in respect of the currency or currency unit in which the deposit pursuant to Section 1304(a) has been made, the indebtedness represented by such Security shall be deemed to have been, and will be, fully discharged and satisfied through the payment of the principal of (and premium or Make-Whole Amount, if any), and interest, if any, on such Security as the same becomes due and Additional Amounts, if any, out of the proceeds yielded by converting (from time to time as specified below in the case of any such election) the amount or other property deposited in respect of such Security into the currency or currency unit in which such Security becomes payable as a result of such election or Conversion Event based on the applicable market exchange rate for such currency or currency unit in effect on the second Business Day prior to each payment date, except, with respect to a Conversion Event, for such currency or currency unit in effect (as nearly as feasible) at the time of the Conversion Event.
The Company shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the Government Obligations deposited pursuant to Section 1304 or the principal and interest received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge that by law is for the account of the Holders of such Outstanding Securities.
Anything in this Article to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon Company Request any money or Government Obligations (or other property and any proceeds therefrom) held by it as provided in Section 1304 that, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, are in excess of the amount thereof that would then be required to be deposited to effect a defeasance or covenant defeasance, as applicable, in accordance with this Article.
ARTICLE FOURTEEN
MEETINGS OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
SECTION 1401. Purposes for Which Meetings May Be Called.
A meeting of Holders of Securities of any series may be called at any time and from time to time pursuant to this Article to make, give or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be made, given or taken by Holders of Securities of such series.
SECTION 1402. Call, Notice and Place of Meetings.
(a) The Trustee may at any time call a meeting of Holders of Securities of any series for any purpose specified in Section 1401, to be held at such time and at such place in Helena, Montana as the Trustee shall determine. Notice of every meeting of Holders of Securities of any series, setting forth the time and the place of such meeting and in general terms the action proposed to be taken at such meeting, shall be given, in the manner provided in Section 106, not less than 21 nor more than 180 days prior to the date fixed for the meeting.
(b) In case at any time the Company, pursuant to a Board Resolution, or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series shall have requested the Trustee to call a meeting of the Holders of Securities of such series for any purpose specified in Section 1401, by written request setting forth in reasonable detail the action proposed to be taken at the meeting, and the Trustee shall not have made the first publication of the notice of such meeting within 21 days after receipt of such request or shall not thereafter proceed to cause the meeting to be held as provided herein, then the Company or the Holders of Securities of such series in the amount above specified, as the case may be, may determine the time and the place in Helena, Montana for such meeting and may call such meeting for such purposes by giving notice thereof as provided in subsection (a) of this Section.
SECTION 1403. Persons Entitled to Vote at Meetings.
To be entitled to vote at any meeting of Holders of Securities of any series, a Person shall be (1) a Holder of one or more Outstanding Securities of such series, or (2) a Person appointed by an instrument in writing as proxy for a Holder or Holders of one or more Outstanding Securities of such series by such Holder or Holders. The only Persons who shall be entitled to be present or to speak at any meeting of Holders of Securities of any series shall be the Persons entitled to vote at such meeting and their counsel, any representatives of the Trustee and its counsel and any representatives of the Company and its counsel.
SECTION 1404. Quorum; Action.
The Persons entitled to vote a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of a series shall constitute a quorum for a meeting of Holders of Securities of such series; provided, however, that if any action is to be taken at such meeting with respect to a consent or waiver which this Indenture expressly provides may be given by the Holders of not less than a specified percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of a series, the Persons entitled to vote such specified percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series shall constitute a quorum. In the absence of a quorum within 30 minutes after the time appointed for any such meeting, the meeting shall, if convened at the request of Holders of Securities of such series, be dissolved. In any other case the meeting may be adjourned for a period of not less than 10 days as determined by the chairman of the meeting prior to the adjournment of such meeting. In the absence of a quorum at any such adjourned meeting, such adjourned meeting may be further adjourned for a period of not less than 10 days as determined by the chairman of the meeting prior to the adjournment of such adjourned meeting. Notice of the reconvening of any adjourned meeting shall be given as provided in Section 1402(a), except that such notice need be given only once not less than five (5) days prior to the date on which the meeting is scheduled to be reconvened. Notice of the reconvening of any adjourned meeting shall state expressly the percentage, as provided above, of the principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series which shall constitute a quorum. Except as limited by the proviso to Section 902, any resolution presented to a meeting or adjourned meeting duly reconvened at which a quorum is present as aforesaid may be adopted by the affirmative vote of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series represented at such meeting; provided, however, that, except as limited by the proviso to Section 902, any resolution with respect to any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action which this Indenture expressly provides may be made, given or taken by the Holders of a specified percentage, which is less than a majority, in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of a series may be adopted at a meeting or an adjourned meeting duly reconvened and at which a quorum is present as aforesaid by the affirmative vote of the Holders of such specified percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series.
Any resolution passed or decision taken at any meeting of Holders of Securities of any series duly held in accordance with this Section shall be binding on all the Holders of Securities of such series, whether or not present or represented at the meeting.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 1404, if any action is to be taken at a meeting of Holders of Securities of any series with respect to any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action that this Indenture expressly provides may be made, given or taken by the Holders of a specified percentage in principal amount of all Outstanding Securities affected thereby, or of the Holders of such series and one or more additional series:
(i) there shall be no minimum quorum requirement for such meeting; and
(ii) the principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series that vote in favor of such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action shall be taken into account in determining whether such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action has been made, given or taken under this Indenture.
SECTION 1405. Determination of Voting Rights; Conduct and Adjournment of Meetings.
(a) Notwithstanding any provisions of this Indenture, the Trustee may make such reasonable regulations as it may deem advisable for any meeting of Holders of Securities of a series in regard to proof of the holding of Securities of such series and of the appointment of proxies and in regard to the appointment and duties of inspectors of votes, the submission and examination of proxies, certificates and other evidence of the right to vote, and such other matters concerning the conduct of the meeting as it shall deem appropriate. Except as otherwise permitted or required by any such regulations, the holding of Securities shall be proved in the manner specified in Section 104 and the appointment of any proxy shall be proved in the manner specified in Section 104. Such regulations may provide that written instruments appointing proxies, regular on their face, may be presumed valid and genuine without the proof specified in Section 104 or other proof.
(b) The Trustee shall, by an instrument in writing, appoint a temporary chairman of the meeting, unless the meeting shall have been called by the Company or by Holders of Securities as provided in Section 1402(b), in which case the Company or the Holders of Securities of or within the series calling the meeting, as the case may be, shall in like manner appoint a temporary chairman. A permanent chairman and a permanent secretary of the meeting shall be elected by vote of the Persons entitled to vote a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series represented at the meeting.
(c) At any meeting each Holder of a Security of such series or proxy shall be entitled to one vote for each $1,000 principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series held or represented by him; provided, however, that no vote shall be cast or counted at any meeting in respect of any Security challenged as not Outstanding and ruled by the chairman of the meeting to be not Outstanding. The chairman of the meeting shall have no right to vote, except as a Holder of a Security of such series or proxy.
(d) Any meeting of Holders of Securities of any series duly called pursuant to Section 1402 at which a quorum is present may be adjourned from time to time by Persons entitled to vote a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series represented at the meeting, and the meeting may be held as so adjourned without further notice.
SECTION 1406. Counting Votes and Recording Action of Meetings.
The vote upon any resolution submitted to any meeting of Holders of Securities of any series shall be by written ballots on which shall be subscribed the signatures of the Holders of Securities of such series or of their representatives by proxy and the principal amounts and serial numbers of the Outstanding Securities of such series held or represented by them. The permanent chairman of the meeting shall appoint two inspectors of votes who shall count all votes cast at the meeting for or against any resolution and who shall make and file with the secretary of the meeting their verified written reports in duplicate of all votes cast at the meeting. A record, at least in duplicate, of the proceedings of each meeting of Holders of Securities of any series shall be prepared by the secretary of the meeting and there shall be attached to said record the original reports of the inspectors of votes on any vote by ballot taken thereat and affidavits by one or more persons having knowledge of the fact, setting forth a copy of the notice of the meeting and showing that said notice was given as provided in Section 1402 and, if applicable, Section 1404. Each copy shall be signed and verified by the affidavits of the permanent chairman and secretary of the meeting and one such copy shall be delivered to the Company and another to the Trustee to be preserved by the Trustee, the latter to have attached thereto the ballots voted at the meeting. Any record so signed and verified shall be conclusive evidence of the matters therein stated.
SECTION 1407. Evidence of Action Taken by Holders.
Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given or taken by a specified percentage in principal amount of the Holders of any or all series may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such specified percentage of Holders in person or by agent duly appointed in writing; and, except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered to the Trustee. Proof of execution of any instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and (subject to Article Six) conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Company, if made in the manner provided in this Article.
SECTION 1408. Proof of Execution of Instruments.
Subject to Article Six, the execution of any instrument by a Holder or his agent or proxy may be proved in accordance with such reasonable rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the Trustee or in such manner as shall be satisfactory to the Trustee.
ARTICLE FIFTEEN
SUBORDINATION
SECTION 1501. Agreement to Subordinate.
Except as otherwise provided in a supplemental indenture or pursuant to Section 301, the Company agrees, and each Holder by accepting a Security agrees, that the indebtedness evidenced by the Securities is subordinated in right of payment, to the extent and in the manner provided in this Article, to the prior payment in full of all Senior Debt and that the subordination is for the benefit of the holders of Senior Debt.
SECTION 1502. Liquidation; Dissolution; Bankruptcy.
Upon any distribution to creditors of the Company in a liquidation or dissolution of the Company or in a bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, receivership or similar proceeding relating to the Company or its property:
(1) holders of Senior Debt shall be entitled to receive payment in full in cash of the principal of and interest (including interest accruing after the commencement of any such proceeding) to the date of payment on the Senior Debt before Holders shall be entitled to receive any payment of principal of or interest on the Securities;
(2) until the Senior Debt is paid in full in cash, any distribution to which Holders would be entitled but for this Article shall be made to holders of Senior Debt as their interests may appear, except that Holders may receive securities that are subordinated to Senior Debt to at least the same extent as the Securities; and
(3) the Trustee is entitled to conclusively rely upon an order or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction or a certificate of a bankruptcy trustee or other similar official for the purpose of ascertaining the persons entitled to participate in such distribution, the holders of Senior Debt and other Company debt, the amount thereof or payable thereon and all other pertinent facts relating to the Trustee’s obligations under this Article Fifteen.
SECTION 1503. Default on Senior Debt.
The Company may not pay principal of or interest on the Securities and may not acquire any Securities for cash or property other than capital stock of the Company if:
(1) a default on Senior Debt occurs and is continuing that permits holders of such Senior Debt to accelerate its maturity, and
(2) the default is the subject of judicial proceedings or the Company receives a notice of the default from a person who may give it pursuant to Section 1511. If the Company receives any such notice, a similar notice received within nine months thereafter relating to the same default on the same issue of Senior Debt shall not be effective for purposes of this Section.
The Company may resume payments on the Securities and may acquire them when:
(a) the default is cured or waived, or
(b) 120 days pass after the notice is given if the default is not the subject of judicial proceedings if this Article otherwise permits the payment or acquisition at that time.
SECTION 1504. Acceleration of Securities.
If payment of the Securities is accelerated because of an Event of Default, the Company shall promptly notify holders of Senior Debt of the acceleration. The Company may pay the Securities when 120 days pass after the acceleration occurs if this Article permits the payment at that time.
SECTION 1505. When Distribution Must Be Paid Over.
If a distribution is made to Holders that because of this Article should not have been made to them, the Holders who receive the distribution shall hold it in trust for holders of Senior Debt and pay it over to them as their interests may appear.
SECTION 1506. Notice by Company.
The Company shall promptly notify the Trustee, in writing, and any Paying Agent of any facts known to the Company that would cause a payment of principal of or interest on Securities to violate this Article.
SECTION 1507. Subrogation.
After all Senior Debt is paid in full and until the Securities are paid in full, Holders shall be subrogated to the rights of holders of Senior Debt to receive distributions applicable to Senior Debt to the extent that distributions otherwise payable to the Holders have been applied to the payment of Senior Debt. A distribution made under this Article to holders of Senior Debt which otherwise would have been made to Holders is not, as between the Company and Holders, a payment by the Company on Senior Debt.
SECTION 1508. Relative Rights.
This Article defines the relative rights of Holders and holders of Senior Debt. Nothing in this Indenture shall:
(1) impair, as between the Company and Holders, the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay principal of and interest on the Securities in accordance with their terms;
(2) affect the relative rights of Holders and creditors of the Company other than holders of Senior Debt; or
(3) prevent the Trustee or any Holder from exercising its available remedies upon an Event of Default, subject to the rights of holders of Senior Debt to receive distributions otherwise payable to Holders.
If the Company fails because of this Article to pay principal of or interest on a Security on the due date, the failure is still a default.
SECTION 1509. Subordination May Not Be Impaired By Company.
No right of any holder of Senior Debt to enforce the subordination of the indebtedness evidenced by the Securities shall be impaired by any act or failure to act by the Company or by its failure to comply with this Indenture.
SECTION 1510. Distribution or Notice to Representative.
Whenever a distribution is to be made or a notice given to holders of Senior Debt, the distribution may be made and the notice given to their Representative.
SECTION 1511. Rights of Trustee and Paying Agent.
The Trustee or any Paying Agent may continue to make payments on the Securities until a Responsible Officer receives written notice of facts that would cause a payment of principal of or interest on the Securities to violate this Article. Only the Company, a Representative or a holder of an issue of Senior Debt that has no Representative may give the written notice.
The Trustee has no duty to the holders of Senior Debt other than as created under this Indenture. The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may hold Senior Debt with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee.
The Company’s obligation to pay, and the Company’s payment of, the amounts required by Section 606 are excluded from the operation of this Article Fifteen.
This Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same Indenture.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed by their respective officers hereunto duly authorized, all as of the day and year first above written.
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EAGLE BANCORP MONTANA, INC. |
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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, as Trustee |
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
[Signature Page to Indenture for Subordinated Debt Securities]
Exhibit 5.1
799 9th Street N.W.
Suite 500
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 585-8000
Fax: (202) 585-8080
| March 6, 2024 |
Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.
1400 Prospect Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the registration statement on Form S-3 (the “Registration Statement”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) relating to the offer and sale by the Company from time to time pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), of the following securities of the Company: (i) debt securities which may be either senior (the “Senior Debt Securities”) or subordinated (the “Subordinated Debt Securities”) (collectively, the “Debt Securities”); (ii) shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share (the “Common Stock”); (iii) shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Preferred Stock”); (iv) depositary shares (the “Depositary Shares”) representing fractional interests in shares of a particular class or series of Preferred Stock which will be evidenced by depositary receipts (the “Depositary Receipts”); (v) purchase contracts for the purchase or sale of Debt Securities, Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares or other securities (the “Purchase Contracts”); (vi) warrants to purchase Debt Securities, Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares or other securities or property (the “Warrants”); (vii) rights entitling the holders thereof to purchase shares of Common Stock or other securities (the “Rights”); and (viii) units, to be comprised of two or more of the Securities, as defined below (“Units,” and together with the Debt Securities, Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares, Purchase Contracts, Warrants and Rights, the “Securities”), having an aggregate initial offering price not to exceed $75,000,000. In addition, the Preferred Stock may be convertible into, and the Warrants may be exercisable for, Common Stock or Preferred Stock, as the case may be, of the Company.
The Securities may be issued, sold or delivered from time to time as set forth in the Registration Statement, any amendment thereto, the prospectus forming a part of the Registration Statement (the “Prospectus”) and any supplements thereto. The Senior Debt Securities will be issued under an indenture (the “Senior Indenture”) between the Company and a financial institution to be determined, as trustee. The Subordinated Debt Securities will be issued under an indenture (the “Subordinated Indenture”) between the Company and a financial institution to be determined, as trustee. The Senior Indenture and the Subordinated Indenture are hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Indentures.”
Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.
| March 6, 2024 |
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The Preferred Stock will be issued in one or more series and the designations, relative powers, preferences, rights and qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such Preferred Stock will be set forth in one or more certificates of designation (each, a “Certificate of Designation”). The Depositary Shares and related Depositary Receipts will be issued pursuant to one or more Deposit Agreements (each, a “Deposit Agreement”) between the Company and a financial institution to be determined, as depositary (a “Depositary”). The Purchase Contracts will be issued pursuant to one or more purchase contract agreements (each, a “Purchase Contract Agreement”) to be entered into between the Company and a financial institution to be determined, as purchase contract agent (each, a “Purchase Contract Agent”). The Warrants will be issued in one or more series pursuant to one or more warrant agreements (each, a “Warrant Agreement”) to be entered into between the Company and a financial institution to be determined, as warrant agent (each, a “Warrant Agent”). The Rights will be issued pursuant to one or more rights agreements (each, a “Rights Agreement”) to be entered into between the Company and a financial institution to be determined, as rights agent (each “Rights Agent”). The Units will be issued pursuant to one or more unit agreements (each, a “Unit Agreement”) to be entered into between the Company and a financial institution to be determined, as unit agent (each “Unit Agent”). The Indentures, Deposit Agreements, Purchase Contract Agreements, Warrant Agreements, Rights Agreements and Unit Agreements are hereinafter referred to as the “Securities Agreements.”
In connection with the foregoing, we have examined the Registration Statement and the Prospectus. We also have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such corporate records, certificates and other documents and have made such investigations of law as we have deemed necessary or appropriate as a basis for the opinions expressed below.
As to questions of fact material to our opinions expressed herein, we have, when relevant facts were not independently established, relied upon certificates of, and information received from, the Company and/or representatives of the Company. We have made no independent investigation of the facts stated in such certificates or as to any information received from the Company and/or representatives of the Company and do not opine as to the accuracy of such factual matters. We also have relied, without investigation, upon certificates and other documents from, and conversations with, public officials.
In rendering the following opinions, we have assumed, without investigation, the authenticity of any document or other instrument submitted to us as an original, the conformity to the originals of any document or other instrument submitted to us as a copy, the genuineness of all signatures on such originals or copies, and the legal capacity of natural persons who executed any such document or instrument at the time of execution thereof.
Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.
| March 6, 2024 |
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We also have assumed that (i) any Securities issuable upon conversion, exchange or exercise of any Security being offered will, at the time of such offering or sale, have been duly authorized, created and, if appropriate, reserved for issuance upon such conversion, exchange or exercise, (ii) any Securities consisting of Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Warrants or Rights, including Common Stock or Preferred Stock issuable upon conversion, exchange or exercise of any Security being offered, will have been duly authorized and issued, and the certificates evidencing the same will have been duly executed and delivered, against receipt of the consideration approved by the Company which will be no less than the par value thereof, and the number of shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock to be offered and sold under the Registration Statement, together with the then issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock, as the case may be, and shares thereof reserved for issuance, will not exceed the number of shares authorized in the Company’s certificate of incorporation, (iii) the Registration Statement, and any post-effective amendments thereto, will be effective and comply with all applicable laws, (iv) one or more prospectus supplements will have been filed with the Commission describing the particular Securities offered thereby, and (v) no consent, approval, authorization or other action by, and no notice to or filing with, any governmental body or agency or any other third party is required for the execution, delivery or performance by the Company of any of the Securities Agreements to which it is a party or, if any such consent, approval, authorization, action, notice or filing is required, it has been or will be duly obtained, taken, given or made and is or will be in full force and effect.
We have further assumed, without investigation, that, when duly executed, authenticated and delivered by the parties thereto, each Securities Agreement will be the legal, valid and binding obligation of each party thereto, other than the Company, enforceable against each such party in accordance with its terms and that each Securities Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of New York.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, and the other qualifications and limitations contained herein, we are of the opinion that:
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1. |
With respect to the Debt Securities, assuming (a) the taking of all necessary corporate action by the board of directors of the Company or a duly authorized committee thereof (the “Board of Directors”) or duly authorized officers of the Company (such Board of Directors or authorized officers being referred to herein as the “Company Authorizing Party”) to authorize and approve the issuance and terms of any Debt Securities, and the terms of the offering thereof so as not to violate any applicable law or agreement or instrument then binding on the Company, (b) the respective indenture will have become qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and (c) the due execution, authentication, issuance and delivery of such Debt Securities, upon payment therefor in accordance with the applicable definitive underwriting, purchase or similar agreement, such Debt Securities will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms. |
Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.
| March 6, 2024 |
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2. |
With respect to the Common Stock, assuming (a) the taking of all necessary corporate action to authorize and approve the issuance of the Common Stock and the terms of the offering thereof so as not to violate any applicable law or agreement or instrument then binding on the Company and (b) due issuance and delivery of the Common Stock, upon payment therefor in accordance with the applicable definitive underwriting, purchase or similar agreement approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and otherwise in accordance with the provisions of such agreement, the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended by the Certificate of Amendment dated April 18, 2019 (the “Charter”), the Company’s Bylaws and the Delaware General Corporation Law, the Common Stock will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. |
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3. |
With respect to the Preferred Stock, assuming (a) the taking of all necessary corporate action to authorize and approve the issuance and terms of the Preferred Stock and the terms of the offering thereof so as not to violate any applicable law or agreement or instrument then binding on the Company (b) due filing of the applicable definitive Certificate of Designations with respect to such Preferred Stock and (c) due issuance and delivery of the Preferred Stock, upon payment therefor in accordance with the applicable definitive underwriting, purchase or similar agreement approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and otherwise in accordance with the provisions of such agreement, the Charter, the Bylaws and the Delaware General Corporation Law, the Preferred Stock will be validly issued fully paid and non-assessable. |
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With respect to the Depositary Shares, assuming (a) the taking of all necessary corporate action by the Board of Directors of the Company to authorize and approve the issuance and delivery to the Depositary of the Preferred Stock represented by the Depositary Shares, the issuance and terms of the Depositary Shares and the terms of the offering thereof so as not to violate any applicable law or agreement or instrument then binding on the Company and (b) the due execution, issuance and delivery of Depositary Receipts evidencing the Depositary Shares against deposit of the Preferred Stock in accordance with the applicable definitive Deposit Agreement, upon payment therefor in accordance with the applicable definitive underwriting, purchase or similar agreement approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and otherwise in accordance with the provisions of such agreement and such Deposit Agreement, the Depositary Shares will represent legal and valid interests in such Preferred Stock and the Depositary Receipts will constitute valid evidence of such interests in such Preferred Stock. |
Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.
| March 6, 2024 |
Page 5
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5. |
With respect to the Purchase Contracts, assuming (a) the taking of all necessary corporate action by the Board of Directors of the Company to authorize and approve the issuance and terms of any Purchase Contract and the terms of the offering thereof so as not to violate any applicable law, or agreement or instrument then binding on the Company and (b) the due execution, issuance and delivery of such Purchase Contracts, upon payment therefor in accordance with the applicable definitive underwriting, purchase or similar agreement approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and otherwise in accordance with the provisions of such agreement and the applicable definitive Purchase Contract Agreement, such Purchase Contracts will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms. |
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With respect to the Warrants, assuming (a) the taking of all necessary corporate action by the Board of Directors of the Company to authorize and approve the issuance and terms of any Warrants and the terms of the offering thereof so as not to violate any applicable law or agreement or instrument then binding on the Company and (b) the due execution, countersignature, issuance and delivery of such Warrants, upon payment therefor in accordance with the applicable definitive underwriting, purchase or similar agreement approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and otherwise in accordance with the provisions of such agreement and the applicable definitive Warrant Agreement, such Warrants will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms. |
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With respect to the Rights, assuming (a) the taking of all necessary corporate action by the Board of Directors of the Company to authorize and approve the issuance and terms of any Rights and the terms of the offering thereof so as not to violate any applicable law or agreement or instrument then binding on the Company and (b) the due execution, countersignature, issuance and delivery of such Rights, upon payment therefor in accordance with the applicable definitive underwriting, purchase or similar agreement approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and otherwise in accordance with the provisions of such agreement and the applicable definitive Rights Agreement, such Rights will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms. |
Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.
| March 6, 2024 |
Page 6
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8. |
With respect to the Units, assuming (a) the taking of all necessary corporate action by the Board of Directors of the Company to authorize and approve the issuance and delivery to the Unit Agent of the Securities that are the components of any Units, the issuance and terms of such Units and the terms of the offering thereof so as not to violate any applicable law or agreement or instrument then binding on the Company and (b) the due execution, authentication, issuance and delivery, as applicable, of such Units and the Securities that are the components of such Units, in each case upon payment therefor in accordance with the applicable definitive underwriting, purchase or similar agreement approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and otherwise in accordance with the provisions of such agreement, the applicable definitive Securities Agreements, the Charter, the Bylaws and the Delaware General Corporation Law, such Units will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms. |
Our opinions set forth in paragraphs 1 and 4 through 8 above are qualified to the extent that the enforceability of any of the Securities, Securities Agreements or other document or instrument may be limited by or subject to (a) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance, liquidation and other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and remedies (including, without limitation, the effect of statutory and other law regarding fraudulent conveyances, fraudulent transfers and preferential transfers), (b) the exercise of judicial discretion and the application of principles of equity, good faith, fair dealing, reasonableness, conscionability and materiality (regardless of whether the applicable agreements are considered in a proceeding in equity or at law), including, without limitation, the possible unavailability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedy, (c) an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and (d) public policy.
Members of our firm involved in the preparation of this opinion are licensed to practice law in the State of New York and we do not purport to be experts on, or to express any opinion herein concerning, the laws of any other jurisdiction other than the laws of the State of New York, the federal law of the United States of America and the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the use of our name as it appears under the caption “Legal Matters” in the Prospectus. In giving such consent, we do not admit that any member of this firm is an “expert” within the meaning of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.
This opinion is limited to the matters stated herein, and no opinion or belief is implied or may be inferred beyond the matters expressly stated herein. This opinion is based upon currently existing statutes, rules, regulations and judicial decisions, and we disclaim any obligation to advise you of any change in any of these sources of law or subsequent legal or factual developments which might affect any matters or opinions set forth herein.
Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.
| March 6, 2024 |
Page 7
| Very truly yours, | |
| /s/ Nixon Peabody LLP |
Exhibit 23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. and subsidiaries of our report dated March 6, 2024, relating to the consolidated financial statements of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the adoption of a new accounting standard), appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in such Registration Statement.
/s/ Moss Adams LLP
Everett, Washington
March 6, 2024