M/I Homes, Inc S-3ASR, filed Jun 6, 2022
M/I Homes, Inc. (MHO)
Table of Contents
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 6, 2022
Registration No. 333-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
M/I HOMES, INC.
Co-registrants are listed on the following page
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Ohio | 31-1210837 | |
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
4131 Worth Avenue, Suite 500
Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 418-8000
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
Susan E. Krohne, Esq.
M/I Homes, Inc.
4131 Worth Avenue, Suite 500
Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 418-8000
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
With a copy to:
Adam L. Miller, Esq.
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
52 East Gay Street
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 464-6400
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
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, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration 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” and “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. ☐
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CO-REGISTRANTS
The following direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of M/I Homes, Inc. may guarantee the debt securities of M/I Homes, Inc. registered hereunder and are co-registrants under this Registration Statement.
| Exact name of co-registrant as specified in its charter* |
State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization |
I.R.S. Employer Identification Number | ||
| MHO Holdings, LLC |
Florida | 75-3087795 | ||
| MHO, LLC |
Florida | 75-3087795 | ||
| M/I Homes First Indiana LLC |
Indiana | 31-1210837 | ||
| M/I Homes of Alabama, LLC |
Delaware | 82-2704421 | ||
| M/I Homes of Austin, LLC |
Ohio | 80-0739449 | ||
| M/I Homes of Central Ohio, LLC |
Ohio | 36-4530649 | ||
| M/I Homes of Charlotte, LLC |
Delaware | 73-1668983 | ||
| M/I Homes of Chicago, LLC |
Delaware | 41-2240732 | ||
| M/I Homes of Cincinnati, LLC |
Ohio | 37-1466139 | ||
| M/I Homes of DC, LLC |
Delaware | 73-1668967 | ||
| M/I Homes of Delaware, LLC |
Delaware | 32-0441087 | ||
| M/I Homes of DFW, LLC |
Delaware | 46-3294033 | ||
| M/I Homes of Florida, LLC |
Florida | 75-3087790 | ||
| M/I Homes of Houston, LLC |
Delaware | 80-0569230 | ||
| M/I Homes of Indiana, L.P. |
Indiana | 04-3661814 | ||
| M/I Homes of Michigan, LLC |
Delaware | 82-3654896 | ||
| M/I Homes of Minneapolis/St. Paul, LLC |
Delaware | 47-4772043 | ||
| M/I Homes of Nashville, LLC |
Delaware | 31-1210837 | ||
| M/I Homes of Orlando, LLC |
Florida | 75-3087793 | ||
| M/I Homes of Raleigh, LLC |
Delaware | 73-1668974 | ||
| M/I Homes of San Antonio, LLC |
Delaware | 80-0687761 | ||
| M/I Homes of Sarasota, LLC |
Delaware | 47-4842229 | ||
| M/l Homes of Tampa, LLC |
Florida | 75-3087792 | ||
| M/I Homes of West Palm Beach, LLC |
Florida | 75-3087794 | ||
| M/I Homes Second Indiana LLC |
Indiana | 31-1210837 | ||
| M/I Homes Service, LLC |
Ohio | 31-1626248 | ||
| Northeast Office Venture, Limited Liability Company |
Delaware | 31-1444839 | ||
| Prince Georges Utilities, LLC |
Maryland | 27-2403139 | ||
| The Fields at Perry Hall, L.L.C. |
Maryland | 52-2293749 | ||
| Wilson Farm, L.L.C. |
Maryland | 52-2009441 |
| * | The address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of each co-registrant’s principal executive offices are the same as those of M/I Homes, Inc. The name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of each co-registrant’s agent for service are the same as those of M/I Homes, Inc. The primary standard industrial classification code number of each co-registrant is 1531. |
Table of Contents
PROSPECTUS
M/I Homes, Inc.
Debt Securities
Guarantees of Debt Securities
Common Shares
Preferred Shares
Depositary Shares
Warrants
Rights
Stock Purchase Contracts
Units
We may offer from time to time, in one or more separate offerings, debt securities, common shares, preferred shares, depositary shares, warrants to purchase debt securities, common shares, preferred shares, depositary shares or units of two or more of those securities, rights to purchase debt securities, common shares, preferred shares or depositary shares, stock purchase contracts and units of one or more of those securities in amounts, at prices and on other terms to be determined at the time of offering. The debt securities may be either senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities. This prospectus also covers guarantees, if any, of our payment obligations under the debt securities, which may be given from time to time by one or more of our subsidiaries, on terms to be determined at the time of the offering.
This prospectus describes the general terms of the securities and the general manner in which the securities may be offered. Each time we offer securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will describe the specific terms of the securities offered and the specific manner in which we will offer the securities. This prospectus may not be used to consummate a sale of any securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement. The prospectus supplement or supplements may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement and the additional information described under “Where You Can Find More Information” carefully before you invest in any securities.
Our common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “MHO.” On June 3, 2022, the last reported sale price of our common shares was $46.75. Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will not list any of the securities on any securities exchange.
We may sell the securities directly to purchasers or to or through underwriters, dealers or agents. The applicable prospectus supplement will provide the names of any underwriters, dealers or agents, the specific terms of the plan of distribution, any over-allotment option and any applicable fees, discounts or commissions.
Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” on page 6 of this prospectus.
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 date of this prospectus is June 6, 2022.
Table of Contents
| 1 | ||||
| 2 | ||||
| 5 | ||||
| 6 | ||||
| 7 | ||||
| 8 | ||||
| 20 | ||||
| 24 | ||||
| 28 | ||||
| 30 | ||||
| 32 | ||||
| 33 | ||||
| 34 | ||||
| 37 | ||||
| 37 | ||||
| 37 | ||||
| 38 | ||||
Table of Contents
This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may, from time to time, offer and sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus, in one or more separate offerings.
This prospectus describes the general terms of the securities we may offer and the general manner in which we may offer the securities. Each time we offer securities under this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will describe the specific terms of the securities offered and the specific manner in which we will offer the securities. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in the applicable prospectus supplement. You should read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement and any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us, together with the information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation by Reference,” before deciding whether to invest in any of the securities offered.
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement and any free writing prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different or additional information. If anyone provides you with different, additional or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities, and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities, in any jurisdiction where it is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus or the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the cover of the applicable document, or that any information we have incorporated by reference herein or therein is accurate as of any date other than the date of the document incorporated by reference.
Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this prospectus to the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to M/I Homes, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
1
Table of Contents
This prospectus and the documents incorporated herein by reference may contain “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”), including, but not limited to, statements regarding our future business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations. Forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events. We use words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “envisions,” “targets,” “goals,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” variations of such words and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risk factors. Such risks and uncertainties will be described under the “Risk Factors” heading of any applicable prospectus supplement and under similar headings in our periodic reports filed with the SEC, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and include, among other factors:
| • | a deterioration in homebuilding industry conditions or in broader economic conditions could have adverse effects on our business and results of operations; |
| • | the homebuilding industry is cyclical and affected by changes in general economic, real estate and other business conditions that could adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows; |
| • | increased competition levels in the homebuilding and mortgage lending industries could result in a reduction in our new contracts and homes delivered, along with decreases in the average sales prices of homes delivered and/or decreased mortgage originations, which would have a negative impact on our results of operations; |
| • | a reduction in the availability of mortgage financing or a significant increase in mortgage interest rates or down payment requirements could adversely affect our business; |
| • | if land is not available at reasonable prices or terms, our homes sales revenue and results of operations could be negatively impacted and/or we could be required to scale back our operations in a given market; |
| • | our land investment exposes us to significant risks, including potential impairment charges, that could negatively impact our profits if the market value of our inventory declines; |
| • | supply shortages and risks related to the demand for labor and building materials could increase costs and delay deliveries; |
| • | tax law changes could make home ownership more expensive and/or less attractive; |
| • | we may not be able to offset the impact of inflation through price increases; |
| • | our limited geographic diversification could adversely affect us if the demand for new homes in our markets declines; |
| • | changes in energy prices may have an adverse effect on the economies in certain markets we operate in and our cost of building homes; |
| • | we may write-off intangible assets, such as goodwill; |
| • | mortgage investors could seek to have us buy back loans or compensate them for losses incurred on mortgages we have sold based on claims that we breached our limited representations or warranties; |
| • | homebuilding is subject to construction defect, product liability and warranty claims that can be significant and costly; |
| • | our subcontractors can expose us to warranty and other risks; |
2
Table of Contents
| • | the terms of our indebtedness may restrict our ability to operate and, if our financial performance declines, we may be unable to maintain compliance with the covenants in the documents governing our indebtedness; |
| • | our indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition, and we and our subsidiaries may incur additional indebtedness, which could increase the risks created by our indebtedness; |
| • | in the ordinary course of business, we are required to obtain performance bonds from surety companies, the unavailability of which could adversely affect our results of operations and/or cash flows; |
| • | the mortgage repurchase facility and the mortgage warehousing agreement of our financial services segment will expire in 2022 and 2023, respectively; |
| • | we have financial needs that we meet through the capital markets, including the debt and secondary mortgage markets, and disruptions in these markets could have an adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition and/or cash flows; |
| • | if our ability to resell mortgages to investors is impaired, we may be required to broker loans; |
| • | we can be injured by failures of persons who act on our behalf to comply with applicable regulations and guidelines; |
| • | we could be adversely affected by efforts to impose joint employer liability on us for labor law violations committed by our subcontractors; |
| • | we are subject to extensive government regulations, which could restrict our business and cause us to incur significant expense; |
| • | our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be adversely affected if pending or future legal claims against us are not resolved in our favor; |
| • | because of the seasonal nature of our business, our quarterly operating results can fluctuate; |
| • | damage to our corporate reputation or brand from negative publicity could adversely affect our business, financial results and/or stock price; |
| • | natural disasters and severe weather conditions could delay deliveries, increase costs and decrease demand for homes in affected areas; |
| • | information technology failures and data security breaches could harm our business; |
| • | we depend on the services of certain key employees, and the loss of their services could hurt our business; |
| • | our business could be materially and adversely disrupted by COVID-19 or another epidemic, pandemic or similar public health issue, or fear of such an event, and the measures that international, federal, state and local public health and governmental authorities implement to address it; and |
| • | the factors described from time to time in our filings with the SEC, including under the caption “Risk Factors” in Part 1, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 (the “2021 Form 10-K”). |
The factors identified in this section are not intended to represent a complete list of all the factors that could adversely affect our business, operating results, financial condition or cash flows. Other factors not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial to us may also have an adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition or cash flows, and the factors we have identified could affect us to a greater extent than we currently anticipate. Many of the important factors that will determine our future financial performance and financial condition are beyond our ability to control or predict. You are cautioned not to put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Except as required by applicable law or the rules and regulations of the SEC, we undertake no obligation to publicly update
3
Table of Contents
any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. However, any further disclosures made on related subjects in our subsequent filings and reports with the SEC should be consulted. This discussion is provided as permitted by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and all of our forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referenced in this section.
4
Table of Contents
M/I Homes, Inc. and its subsidiaries is one of the nation’s leading builders of single-family homes. The Company commenced homebuilding activities in 1976. Since that time, the Company has sold over 139,200 homes. We design, market, construct and sell single-family homes and attached townhomes to first-time, move-up, empty-nester, and luxury buyers. Our homes are marketed and sold primarily under the M/I Homes Brand.
The Company consists of two distinct operations: homebuilding and financial services. Our homebuilding operations are aggregated for reporting purposes into two reporting segments—the Northern and Southern regions. Our financial services operations support our homebuilding operations by providing mortgage loans and title services to the customers of our homebuilding operations and are reported as an independent segment.
Our homebuilding operations comprise the most significant portion of our business, representing 97% of consolidated revenue for the year ended December 31, 2021. Our financial services operations generate revenue from the origination, sale and servicing of mortgage loans and title services primarily for purchasers of our homes. Our financial services operations generate revenue primarily from originating and selling mortgages and collecting fees for title insurance and closing services. We offer mortgage banking services to our homebuyers through our 100%-owned subsidiary, M/I Financial, LLC (“M/I Financial”). We offer title services through subsidiaries that are 100%-owned by the Company.
Our homes are sold in the following geographic markets: Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio; Indianapolis, Indiana; Chicago, Illinois; Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota; Detroit, Michigan; Tampa, Orlando and Sarasota, Florida; Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina; Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas; and Nashville, Tennessee.
For additional information regarding our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, please see our 2021 Form 10-K and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2022, each of which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus.
M/I Homes, Inc. is an Ohio corporation incorporated, through predecessor entities, in 1973. Our executive offices are located at 4131 Worth Avenue, Suite 500, Columbus, Ohio 43219, and our telephone number is (614) 418-8000. Our website address is www.mihomes.com. Information on our website is not incorporated by reference in or otherwise a part of this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement.
5
Table of Contents
Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before you decide to invest in our securities, you should carefully consider and evaluate all of the information included and incorporated by reference in this prospectus, including the risk factors incorporated herein by reference from our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as updated by our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other filings with the SEC, as well as the risk factors set forth under the “Risk Factors” heading in any applicable prospectus supplement. It is possible that our business, financial condition, liquidity or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. In addition, see “Forward-Looking Statements” above for a description of certain risks and uncertainties associated with our business. The market or trading price of our securities could decline due to any of these risks and uncertainties, and you may lose all or a part of your investment.
6
Table of Contents
Unless otherwise stated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities offered hereunder for general corporate purposes. General corporate purposes may include the acquisition of land, land development, home construction, repayment of indebtedness, payment of dividends, repurchase of shares, mergers, acquisitions and other strategic investments.
7
Table of Contents
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
The following description sets forth certain general terms that may apply to the debt securities that we may offer from time to time in one or more series, and any related guarantees by certain of our direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries, under this prospectus. While the terms described below may apply to any debt securities and related guarantees that we may offer under this prospectus, the particular terms of any debt securities and related guarantees that we may offer will be described in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. Accordingly, the terms of any debt securities and related guarantees offered under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms described below.
We may issue debt securities as senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities. The indebtedness represented by the senior debt securities will rank equally with all of our other unsubordinated debt. The indebtedness represented by the subordinated debt securities will rank junior and be subordinate in right of payment to the prior payment in full of our senior debt, to the extent and in the manner set forth in the prospectus supplement for the securities. See “—Subordination” below. The debt securities may be guaranteed by certain of our direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries. See “—Guarantees” below.
We will issue the senior debt securities under a senior indenture, which we will enter into with a trustee to be named in the senior indenture, and we will issue the subordinated debt securities under a subordinated indenture, which we will enter into with a trustee to be named in the subordinated indenture. These indentures are sometimes collectively referred to as the “indentures” and individually referred to as an “indenture,” the “senior indenture” or the “subordinated indenture,” as applicable. The form of each indenture is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. The trustee under each indenture is referred to as the “indenture trustee.” The indentures are subject to and governed by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “Trust Indenture Act”), and may be supplemented or amended from time to time. Prior to issuing any senior debt securities, we will select an indenture trustee for the indenture relating to the issuance of senior debt securities, qualify such indenture trustee under the Trust Indenture Act and execute such indenture. The following description of the indentures does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the applicable indentures, including any supplemental indenture, which contain or will contain the full legal text of the matters described in this section.
General
We will be able to issue an unlimited amount of debt securities under each indenture in one or more series. We need not issue all debt securities of one series at the same time and, unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may reopen a previous series, without the consent of the holders of the debt securities of that series, for issuances of additional debt securities of that series.
Prior to the issuance of each series of debt securities, we will establish the terms of the series of debt securities being offered pursuant to a resolution of our board of directors or in one or more supplemental indentures. We will describe such terms in the applicable prospectus supplement, including the following:
| • | classification of the series as senior or subordinated debt securities and, if subordinated, the terms of the subordination of such series; |
| • | the title of, and the price at which we will sell, the debt securities; |
| • | the principal amount being offered and, if a series, the total amount authorized and the total amount outstanding; |
| • | any limit on the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities; |
| • | the date or dates on which principal will be payable or how to determine such dates; |
| • | the rate or rates at which the debt securities will bear interest or the method of determination of interest, the date from which interest will accrue, the dates on which interest will be payable, which we |
8
Table of Contents
| refer to as the “interest payment dates,” any record dates for the interest payable on the interest payment dates, and our right, if any, to defer or extend the payment of interest and the duration of any such deferral or extension; |
| • | the place of payment on the debt securities; |
| • | the place at which the debt securities may be surrendered for conversion or exchange; |
| • | any obligation or option we have to redeem, purchase or repay debt securities, or any option of the registered holder to require us to redeem or repurchase debt securities, and the terms and conditions upon which the debt securities will be redeemed, purchased or repaid; |
| • | the denominations in which the debt securities will be issuable (if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof); |
| • | the currency or currencies, including composite currencies or currency units, in which payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, or interest on, any of the debt securities will be payable if other than the currency of the United States of America; |
| • | the terms and conditions upon which the currency in which the debt securities are payable may change; |
| • | any index, formula or other method used to determine the amount of principal, premium, if any, or interest; |
| • | if other than the entire principal amount, the portion of the principal amount of the debt securities that will be payable if the maturity date of the debt securities is accelerated; |
| • | any event of default applicable to the debt securities; |
| • | any covenants included for the benefit of the holders of the debt securities; |
| • | provisions, if any, restricting the declaration of dividends or requiring the maintenance of any asset ratio or the creation or maintenance of reserves; |
| • | provisions relating to modification of the terms of the debt securities or the rights of holders of the debt securities; |
| • | provisions, if any, restricting the incurrence of additional debt or the issuance of additional securities; |
| • | whether the debt securities are to be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global debt securities and, if so, the identity of the depositary for the global debt securities; |
| • | whether the debt securities will be convertible into or exchangeable for our common shares or preferred shares and the terms of any such conversion or exchange; |
| • | restrictions, if any, on transfer, sale or other assignment of the debt securities; |
| • | provisions, if any, for a sinking fund or other analogous fund; |
| • | information describing any book-entry features of the debt securities; |
| • | whether the debt securities are to be offered at a price such that they will be deemed to be offered at an “original issue discount” as defined in Section 1273(a) of the Code; |
| • | whether the debt securities will be secured or unsecured, and the terms of any secured debt securities; |
| • | whether or not the debt securities will be guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries and, if so, the names of the initial guarantors; |
| • | the name of the indenture trustee, the nature of any material relationship between us or our affiliates and the indenture trustee, the percentage of debt securities of a series necessary to require the indenture trustee to take action, and what indemnification the indenture trustee may require before proceeding to take action; and |
9
Table of Contents
| • | any other terms, preferences, rights or limitations of, or restrictions on, the debt securities, including any terms that may be required by us or advisable under applicable laws or regulations or in connection with the marketing of the debt securities. |
The debt securities will be issuable only in registered form without coupons or in the form of one or more global securities, as described below under “Book-Entry, Delivery and Form.” Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, debt securities denominated in U.S. dollars will be issued only in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple of this amount. A prospectus supplement relating to any debt securities denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars will specify the authorized denominations.
Guarantees
Any series of debt securities issued under this prospectus may be guaranteed by certain of our direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries. If we issue a series of guaranteed debt securities, the guarantees will be set forth in a supplemental indenture relating to such series, and the applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms and conditions of the guarantees.
Unless otherwise stated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the following terms will apply to the guarantees provided with respect to any series of our debt securities. Each guarantor of a series of guaranteed debt securities will fully and unconditionally guarantee, on a joint and several basis, the due and punctual payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, the debt securities of such series and all other amounts due and payable under the applicable indenture, when and as such amounts become due and payable, all in accordance with the terms of such debt securities and the applicable indenture.
The obligations of each guarantor under its guarantee will be limited to the maximum amount as will, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such guarantor, result in the obligations of such guarantor under such guarantee not constituting a fraudulent conveyance or transfer under applicable law. However, there can be no assurance that, notwithstanding such limitation, a court would not determine that a guarantee constituted a fraudulent conveyance or transfer under applicable law. If that were to occur, the court could void the guarantor’s obligations under its guarantee, subordinate that guarantee to other debt and liabilities of the guarantor or take other action detrimental to holders of the debt securities of the applicable series, including directing the holders to return any payments received from the guarantor.
With respect to guarantees of any series of our senior debt securities, each such guarantee will be the unsecured senior obligation of the applicable guarantor, and will rank pari passu in right of payment with all unsecured debt of the guarantor that is not, by its terms, expressly subordinated in right of payment to the guarantee.
With respect to guarantees of a series of our subordinated debt securities, each such guarantee will be the unsecured subordinated obligation of the applicable guarantor, and will be subordinate and subject in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all senior indebtedness of the guarantor to the same extent and manner that payments with respect to the subordinated debt securities are subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all senior indebtedness of the issuer of such debt securities. See “—Subordination” below.
Any guarantor may be released as a guarantor, and its guarantee terminated:
| • | upon a sale or disposition of all or substantially all of its assets (whether by merger or otherwise), in accordance with the applicable indenture, to any person other than us; |
| • | if it merges with and into us, with us surviving the merger; or |
| • | if we exercise our legal defeasance option or covenant defeasance option with respect to such series of debt securities, or if the obligations under the applicable indenture are satisfied and discharged in accordance with the terms of the indenture. |
10
Table of Contents
Payment of Debt Securities
Unless otherwise stated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the following provisions will apply to the payment of the principal of, and the premium, if any, and interest on any series of debt securities issued by us. We will pay the principal of and premium, if any, on the debt securities at stated maturity, upon redemption or otherwise, upon presentation of the debt securities at the office of the indenture trustee, as our paying agent. Any other paying agent initially designated by us for the debt securities of a particular series will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement.
We will pay interest on the debt securities on each interest payment date to the person in whose name the debt securities are registered as of the close of business on the regular record date relating to the interest payment date.
However, if we default in paying interest on the debt securities, we will pay defaulted interest either by:
| • | proposing to the indenture trustee a payment date for the defaulted interest, after which the indenture trustee will choose a special record date for determining which registered holders are entitled to the payment (which must be between 10 and 15 days before the payment date we propose), and paying the defaulted interest on the specified payment date to the registered holders of the debt securities as of the close of business on the special record date; or |
| • | proposing to the indenture trustee any other lawful manner of payment that is consistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the debt securities are listed for trading, which may be approved by the indenture trustee upon its belief that our proposal is practicable. |
Transfers and Exchanges
Subject to the terms of the indentures and the limitations described in the applicable prospectus supplement, you may have your debt securities divided into debt securities of smaller denominations (of at least $1,000) or combined into debt securities of larger denominations, as long as the total principal amount is not changed. This is referred to as an “exchange.”
Subject to the terms of the indentures and the limitations described in the applicable prospectus supplement, debt securities may be presented for exchange or transfer at the office of the indenture trustee or any other agent designated by us to act as our agent for this purpose. The entity serving as our agent for such purpose (the “security registrar”) will also maintain the list of registered holders of such debt securities. In our discretion, we may change the place for registration of transfer of the debt securities and may remove and/or appoint one or more additional security registrars.
Unless otherwise stated in the applicable prospectus supplement, there will be no service charge for any transfer or exchange of the debt securities, but you may be required to pay a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with the transfer or exchange. We may block the transfer or exchange of (i) debt securities during a period of 15 days prior to giving any notice of redemption or (ii) any debt securities selected for redemption in whole or in part, except for the unredeemed portion of any debt securities being redeemed in part. All debt securities issued upon any transfer or exchange of debt securities will be valid obligations of us, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under the applicable indenture, as the debt securities surrendered upon such transfer or exchange.
Redemption
We will set forth the terms, if any, for redemption of the debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise stated in the applicable prospectus supplement, and except with respect to debt securities redeemable at the option of the registered holder, debt securities will be redeemable upon notice by
11
Table of Contents
mail between 15 and 60 days prior to the redemption date. If less than all of the debt securities of any series are to be redeemed, the indenture trustee will select the debt securities to be redeemed. In the absence of any provision for selection, the indenture trustee will choose a method of random selection it deems fair and appropriate.
Debt securities will cease to bear interest on the redemption date. We will pay the redemption price and any accrued interest once you surrender the debt securities for redemption. If only a portion of your debt securities is redeemed, the indenture trustee will deliver to you, without charge, new debt securities of the same series for the remaining portion.
Events of Default
Unless otherwise stated in the applicable prospectus supplement, an “event of default” occurs with respect to the debt securities of any series if:
| • | we do not pay any interest on any debt securities of the applicable series within 30 days of the due date and the time for payment has not been extended or deferred; |
| • | we do not pay the principal of or premium, if any, on any debt securities of the applicable series on the due date and the time for payment has not been extended or deferred; |
| • | we do not deposit any sinking fund payment when due by the terms of the applicable debt securities; |
| • | we remain in breach of a covenant or warranty (excluding covenants and warranties not applicable to the affected series) of the applicable indenture for 60 days after we receive a written notice of default stating we are in breach and requiring remedy of the breach (which notice must be sent by either the indenture trustee or the registered holders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of debt securities of the affected series); |
| • | we file for bankruptcy or other specified events in bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or reorganization occur; |
| • | we fail to convert or exchange any debt securities which are convertible into or exchangeable for our common shares or preferred shares when required by the terms of such securities; or |
| • | any other event of default specified in the applicable indenture or prospectus supplement occurs. |
No event of default with respect to a series of debt securities necessarily constitutes an event of default with respect to the debt securities of any other series issued under the indentures.
Remedies
Acceleration. If an event of default occurs and is continuing with respect to any series of debt securities, then either the indenture trustee or the registered holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may declare the principal amount of all of the debt securities of that series to be due and payable immediately. If an event of default relating to our bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or reorganization occurs with respect to any series of debt securities, the principal amount of all of the debt securities of that series will become automatically due and payable without any declaration or other action on the part of the indenture trustee or any registered holder.
Rescission of Acceleration. After the declaration of acceleration has been made and before the indenture trustee has obtained a judgment or decree for payment of the money due on any series of debt securities, the registered holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may rescind and annul the declaration of acceleration and its consequences if we pay or deposit with the indenture trustee a sum sufficient to pay:
| • | all overdue interest; |
12
Table of Contents
| • | the principal and premium, if any, which have become due other than by the declaration of acceleration and overdue interest on these amounts; |
| • | interest on overdue interest to the extent lawful; and |
| • | all amounts due to the indenture trustee under the indenture, |
and all events of default with respect to the affected series, other than the nonpayment of the principal which has become due solely by the declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in the applicable indenture.
For more information regarding the waiver of events of defaults, see “—Waiver of Default and of Compliance” below.
Control by Registered Holders; Limitations. Subject to the applicable indenture and applicable law, if an event of default with respect to the debt securities of any series occurs and is continuing, the registered holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series will have the right to:
| • | direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the indenture trustee; or |
| • | exercise any trust or power conferred on the indenture trustee with respect to the debt securities of the affected series. |
The indenture trustee may also take any other action it deems proper which is consistent with the direction of the registered holders. To exercise such right, the registered holders must offer the indenture trustee reasonable indemnity against costs, expense and liabilities incurred in connection therewith.
Limitation on Suits. Each indenture provides that no registered holder of the debt securities of any series will have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to the indenture for the appointment of a receiver or for any other remedy under the indenture, unless:
| • | that registered holder has previously given the indenture trustee written notice of a continuing event of default; |
| • | the registered holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series have made written requests to the indenture trustee to institute proceedings in respect of that event of default and have offered the indenture trustee reasonable indemnity against costs, expenses and liabilities incurred in complying with the request; and |
| • | for 60 days after receipt of the notice, the indenture trustee has failed to institute a proceeding and no direction inconsistent with the request has been given to the indenture trustee during the 60-day period by the registered holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt securities of that series. |
No registered holder will be entitled to institute any action if and to the extent that the action would disturb or prejudice the rights of other registered holders. However, each registered holder has an absolute and unconditional right to receive payment on the debt securities when due and to bring a suit to enforce that right.
Notice of Default
The indenture trustee is required, under each indenture, to give the registered holders of the debt securities notice of any default under the indenture to the extent required by the Trust Indenture Act, unless the default has been cured or waived, except that in the case of an event of default due to our failure to deposit any sinking fund payment when due, no notice shall be given to the registered holders until at least 60 days after the occurrence of
13
Table of Contents
the default. The Trust Indenture Act currently permits the indenture trustee to withhold notices of default (except for certain payment defaults) if the indenture trustee in good faith determines the withholding of the notice to be in the interests of the registered holders.
We will furnish the indenture trustee with an annual statement as to our compliance with the conditions and covenants in the indentures.
Waiver of Default and of Compliance
The registered holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any affected series may waive, on behalf of the registered holders of all debt securities of such series, any past default under the applicable indenture, except a default in the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, or a default with respect to compliance with certain provisions of the indenture that cannot be amended without the consent of each registered holder of the outstanding debt securities. Any such waiver will cure the default or event of default.
Certain Covenants
Except as otherwise described in the applicable prospectus supplement, with respect to each series of debt securities that we may offer, we will agree to, among other matters set forth in the applicable indenture:
| • | pay the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, the debt securities of that series in accordance with the terms of such securities and the applicable indenture; |
| • | deposit with one or more paying agents or, in the event that we act as paying agent, hold in trust a sum sufficient to pay the principal and premium, if any, and interest becoming due on the debt securities of such series and provide prompt notice to the indenture trustee of our action or failure to so act; |
| • | maintain an office or agency at which the debt securities of that series may be presented or surrendered for payment or registered for transfer, exchange or conversion, and provide prompt notice to the indenture trustee of any change in the location of such office or agency; |
| • | deliver to the indenture trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year ending after the first date on which any series of debt securities issued under the indenture is outstanding, an officers’ certificate stating, to such officers’ knowledge after due inquiry, whether we are in default under the indenture and, if we are in default, the nature and status of such default(s); |
| • | subject to certain restrictions on our merger, consolidation and transfer or lease of our assets, as described under “Limitations on Merger, Consolidation and Transfer or Lease of Assets” below, preserve and keep in full force and effect our existence, charter and statutory rights and franchises; except to the extent our board of directors determines that preservation thereof is no longer desirable for our business and that the loss thereof will not result in a material adverse effect to the holders of the debt securities; |
| • | cause all of our properties to be maintained and kept in good condition, repair and working order and supplied with all equipment necessary for the proper and advantageous conduct of our business, except to the extent we determine that the discontinuance of the operation or maintenance of our properties is desirable for our business and not disadvantageous in any material respect to the holders of the debt securities; and |
| • | timely pay or discharge all material taxes, assessments and governmental charges imposed on our income, profits or property and all lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies which, if unpaid, could result in a material lien upon our property, except to the extent that the same are contested by us in good faith. |
Any additional covenants for a particular series of debt securities will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
14
Table of Contents
Limitations on Merger, Consolidation and Transfer or Lease of Assets
Under the indentures, we have agreed not to consolidate with or merge into any other entity, or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of our properties and assets to any entity, or permit any entity to consolidate with or merge into us or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of such its properties and assets to us unless:
| • | the entity formed by the consolidation or into which we are merged, or the entity which acquires or leases all or substantially all of our property and assets, is an entity organized and existing under the laws of the United States or any state of the United States or the District of Columbia and expressly assumes, by supplemental indenture, the due and punctual payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, all the outstanding debt securities and the performance of all of our covenants under the applicable indenture; |
| • | immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no event of default, and no event which after notice or lapse of time or both would become an event of default, will have occurred and be continuing; and |
| • | all other conditions specified in the applicable indenture are met. |
Modification of Indentures
Without Registered Holder Consent. We and the applicable indenture trustee may, without the consent of any registered holders of the debt securities, enter into one or more supplemental indentures for any of the following purposes:
| • | to evidence the succession of another entity to us; |
| • | to add one or more covenants or other provisions for the benefit of the registered holders of all or any series of debt securities, or to surrender any right or power conferred upon us; |
| • | to add any additional events of default for all or any series of debt securities; |
| • | to provide for the issuance of bearer securities or to provide for the issuance of uncertificated debt securities and to make all appropriate changes for such purpose; |
| • | to add to or change or eliminate any provision of the indenture, provided that such addition, change or elimination (i) neither applies to any debt security of any series created prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture and entitled to the benefit of such provision nor modifies the rights of any registered holder of any such debt security with respect to such provision or (ii) becomes effective only when there is no debt security outstanding; |
| • | to secure the debt securities of any series; |
| • | to establish the form or terms of debt securities of any series as permitted by the indenture; |
| • | to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment of a separate or successor indenture trustee; |
| • | to provide holders with rights to convert their debt securities into our common shares or preferred shares; |
| • | to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency or to make any other changes that do not adversely affect the interests of the registered holders in any material respect; or |
| • | to add any subsidiary as a guarantor or to remove a guarantor in accordance with the terms of the applicable indenture. |
With Registered Holder Consent. We and the applicable indenture trustee may, with some exceptions, amend or modify the applicable indenture with the consent of the registered holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of all series affected by the applicable indenture, voting as one
15
Table of Contents
class. However, no amendment or modification may, without the consent of each registered holder of outstanding debt securities affected by such amendment or modification:
| • | change the stated maturity of the principal of, or premium, if any, and interest on, any debt securities (other than pursuant to the terms of the debt securities), or reduce the principal amount, premium, if any, or interest payable or change the currency in which any debt securities are payable, or impair the right of the registered holder to bring suit to enforce any payment; |
| • | reduce the percentage of registered holders whose consent is required for any supplemental indenture or for any waiver of compliance with certain provisions of the indenture or certain defaults under the indenture; |
| • | modify certain provisions of the indenture relating to supplemental indentures and waivers of certain covenants and past defaults; or |
| • | make any change that adversely affects the right to convert any convertible debt securities or decrease the conversion rate or increase the conversion price of any convertible debt securities. |
A supplemental indenture which changes or eliminates any provision of the applicable indenture expressly included solely for the benefit of registered holders of debt securities of one or more series will be deemed not to affect the rights under the indenture of the registered holders of debt securities of any other series.
Miscellaneous
The indentures provide that certain of the debt securities, including those for which payment or redemption money has been deposited or set aside in trust, will not be deemed to be “outstanding” in determining whether the registered holders of the requisite principal amount of the outstanding debt securities have given or taken any demand, direction, consent or other action under the applicable indenture as of any date, or are present at a meeting of registered holders for quorum purposes.
We will be entitled to set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the registered holders of outstanding debt securities of any series entitled to give or take any demand, direction, consent or other action under the indentures, in the manner and subject to the limitations provided in the indentures. In some circumstances, the indenture trustee also will be entitled to set a record date for action by registered holders. If a record date is set for any action to be taken by registered holders of particular debt securities, the action may be taken only by persons who are registered holders of the respective debt securities on the record date.
Satisfaction and Discharge of the Indentures
Upon our request, the indentures will cease to be of further effect (except for certain surviving rights of registration of transfer and exchange of the debt securities) and will be cancelled by the indenture trustee and any related guarantees will be discharged if all sums payable by us under the indenture have been paid in full and:
| • | all debt securities issued under the indenture have been cancelled or delivered to the indenture trustee for cancellation or otherwise have become due and payable, will become due and payable at their stated maturity within one year or are to be cancelled for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the indenture trustee; |
| • | we have deposited or caused to be deposited with the indenture trustee an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such debt securities not yet delivered to the indenture trustee for cancellation, for principal, any premium and interest through the date of deposit or to the stated maturity or redemption date, as applicable, which amount will be held in trust by the indenture trustee for the benefit of the holders of such debt securities; and |
| • | we deliver certain documents and instruments to the indenture trustee stating that we have complied with all conditions precedent to the satisfaction and discharge of the indenture. |
16
Table of Contents
Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance
The indentures provide, unless the terms of the particular series of debt securities state otherwise, that we may, upon satisfying several conditions, cause ourselves to be:
| • | discharged from our obligations (together with the obligations of our guarantors, if any), with some exceptions, with respect to any series of debt securities, which we refer to as “legal defeasance”; or |
| • | released from our obligations under specified covenants with respect to any series of debt securities, which we refer to as “covenant defeasance.” |
One of the conditions that we must satisfy in connection with any defeasance is the irrevocable deposit with the indenture trustee, in trust, of money or government obligations which, through the scheduled payment of principal and interest on those obligations, would provide sufficient funds to pay the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, those debt securities on the maturity dates of the payments or upon redemption. In addition, we must deliver to the indenture trustee an opinion of counsel confirming that there will be no federal income tax consequences to the holders of the debt securities as a result of the defeasance and an officers’ certificate confirming, if applicable, that the securities will not be delisted.
The indentures permit legal defeasance with respect to any series of debt securities even if a prior covenant defeasance has occurred with respect to such series of debt securities. Following a legal defeasance, payment of the debt securities that were defeased may not be accelerated because of an event of default. Following a covenant defeasance, payment of the debt securities may not be accelerated by reference to the specified covenants affected by the covenant defeasance. However, if acceleration were to occur by reason of another event of default, the realizable value at the acceleration date of the cash and government obligations in the defeasance trust could be less than the principal, premium, if any, and interest then due on the series of debt securities, since the required deposit in the defeasance trust would be based upon scheduled cash flows rather than market value, which would vary depending upon interest rates and other factors.
Resignation and Removal of an Indenture Trustee; Deemed Resignation
An indenture trustee, after being selected and duly qualified, may resign at any time by giving written notice to us. The indentures also provide that an indenture trustee may be removed by the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding debt securities of any series issued pursuant to the applicable indenture. No resignation or removal of an indenture trustee and no appointment of a successor indenture trustee will become effective until the acceptance of appointment by a successor indenture trustee in accordance with the requirements of the applicable indenture. Under certain circumstances, we may appoint a successor indenture trustee and, if the successor indenture trustee accepts such appointment, the indenture trustee will be deemed to have resigned.
Subordination
Unless otherwise stated in the applicable prospectus supplement, any series of subordinated debt securities issued under this prospectus will be subordinate and junior in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all of our existing and future senior indebtedness. However, our obligation to pay the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, the subordinated debt securities will not otherwise be affected.
If our assets are distributed upon our dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization, we must pay all of our senior indebtedness in full before we make any payment on account of the principal of, or premium, if any, and interest on, any subordinated debt securities. If, in connection with our dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization, any payment or distribution is received by the subordinated debt indenture trustee or by the holders of the subordinated debt securities before we have paid all of our senior indebtedness in full, such payment or distribution must be paid over or delivered to the holders of any unpaid senior indebtedness or
17
Table of Contents
applied to the repayment of the unpaid senior indebtedness. Due to this subordination feature of the subordinated debt securities, some or all of the holders of our senior indebtedness may recover more, ratably, than holders of subordinated debt securities upon our dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization. Any prospectus supplement relating to a series of subordinated debt securities issued under this prospectus will set forth the aggregate amount of senior indebtedness outstanding as of a recent date and will describe any limitation on the issuance of additional senior indebtedness or state that there is no such limitation.
If any of the subordinated debt securities are declared due and payable before their stated maturity, the holders of our senior indebtedness will be entitled to receive payment in full of their senior indebtedness before the holders of the subordinated debt securities will be entitled to receive any payment on account of the principal of, or premium, if any, and interest on, the subordinated debt securities.
In the event of a default by us in the payment of amounts due on any of our senior indebtedness, we may not make any payment on account of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, the subordinated debt securities until such default has been cured or waived.
Book-Entry, Delivery and Form
The debt securities issued hereunder may be issued in book-entry form and may be represented by one or more notes in registered global form that are deposited with or on behalf of a depositary. The specific terms of the depositary arrangement will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. We anticipate that the following provisions generally will apply to such depositary arrangement.
Unless otherwise stated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the global notes will be deposited with the indenture trustee as custodian for The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) and will be registered in the name of a nominee of DTC. DTC will maintain the global notes through its book-entry facilities. Purchases and sales of ownership interests in the debt securities will be accomplished by entries on the books of direct and indirect participants in DTC’s system.
Under the terms of the indentures, we and the indenture trustee may treat the persons in whose names any notes, including the global notes, are registered as the owners of such notes for the purpose of receiving payments and for all other purposes. Therefore, so long as DTC or its nominee is the registered owner of the global notes, DTC or its nominee will be considered the sole holder of outstanding notes under the indentures.
A global note may not be transferred except as a whole by DTC, its successors or their respective nominees. Interests of beneficial owners in the global note may be transferred or exchanged for definitive securities in accordance with the rules and procedures of DTC. In addition, a global note may be exchangeable for notes in definitive form if DTC notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as a depositary and we do not appoint a successor within 90 days, or if we, at our option, notify the indenture trustee in writing that we elect to cause the issuance of notes in definitive form under the applicable indenture. In each instance, upon surrender by DTC or its nominee of the global note, notes in definitive form will be issued to each person that DTC or its nominee identifies as being the beneficial owner of the related notes.
Except as otherwise stated in the applicable prospectus supplement, for so long as DTC or its nominee is the registered owner of a global note, owners of beneficial interests in the global note: (i) will not be entitled to have any of the individual debt securities of the series represented by the global note registered in their names; (ii) will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of any of those debt securities in definitive form; and (iii) will not be considered the owners or holders of those debt securities under the applicable indenture.
Payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, debt securities represented by a global note will be made to DTC or its nominee as the registered owner of the global note representing those debt securities. We expect that DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium, if any, and
18
Table of Contents
interest in respect of the global note representing those debt securities, will immediately credit participants’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of the global note for those debt securities as shown on the records of DTC or its nominee. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in the global note held through those participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is currently the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in “street name.” These payments will be the responsibility of the participants. Neither we nor the indenture trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial ownership interests of the global note for the debt securities or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to beneficial ownership interests.
19
Table of Contents
The following summary describes the material features of our capital stock. This summary is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (the “Articles”) and Amended and Restated Regulations (the “Regulations”), each of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
Authorized Capital Stock
Our authorized capital stock consists of 58,000,000 common shares, par value $.01 per share, and 2,000,000 preferred shares, par value $.01 per share. As of March 31, 2022, there were 30,137,141 common shares issued and outstanding, 1,848,358 common shares held by us in treasury and no preferred shares issued and outstanding.
Common Shares
Holders of our common shares are entitled to:
| • | one vote for each share held; |
| • | receive dividends when, as and if declared by our board of directors from funds legally available therefor, subject to the rights of holders of preferred shares, if any; and |
| • | share ratably in our net assets legally available to our shareholders in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, after provision for the distribution of preferential amounts to the holders of preferred shares, if any. |
Holders of our common shares have no preemptive, subscription, redemption, conversion, exchange or cumulative voting rights. The rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of our common shares are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights, preferences and privileges of holders of our preferred shares, including any preferred shares that we may designate and issue in the future.
The election of directors is determined by a plurality of the votes cast at a shareholder meeting at which a quorum is present. Pursuant to our majority voting policy, any nominee for director in an uncontested election who receives a greater number of votes “withheld” from his or her election than votes “for” his or her election is required to tender his or her resignation to our board of directors. The nominating and governance committee of our board of directors will consider each such resignation and recommend to the board of directors whether to accept or reject the resignation. The board of directors, taking into account such recommendation, will determine whether to accept or reject the resignation.
Except as otherwise provided by law or as set forth in “Anti-Takeover Effects of Articles, Regulations and the Ohio General Corporation Law” below, at any shareholder meeting at which a quorum is present all business which comes before such meeting will be determined by the vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power.
Our common shares are listed on NYSE under the trading symbol “MHO.” Our outstanding common shares are, and any common shares that we issue under this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement will be, when issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
Preferred Shares
Our Articles authorize our board of directors to issue, without any further vote or action by our shareholders, subject to certain limitations prescribed by law and the rules and regulations of NYSE, up to an aggregate of 2,000,000 preferred shares in one or more series on such terms as it may determine. Our board of directors is also
20
Table of Contents
authorized to determine and fix, with respect to any series of our preferred shares, the designation and authorized number of each series, dividend rights, voting rights, conversion and exchange rights with respect to other shares of our stock or other securities, redemption rights, rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up or any other distribution of our assets, sinking fund requirements, priority over or parity with any other shares of our stock, preemptive rights, restrictions on the issuance of shares and any other powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or special rights of such series and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, subject to applicable law. Absent a determination by our board of directors to establish different voting rights, holders of preferred shares will be entitled to one vote per share on matters to be voted upon by the holders of common shares and preferred shares voting together as a single class, except that the Ohio General Corporation Law entitles the holders of preferred shares to exercise a class vote on certain matters.
Our board of directors will fix the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights of each series of preferred shares that we sell under this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions of such series, in a certificate of amendment to our Articles relating to that series. We will file as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or incorporate by reference therein from another report that we file with the SEC, the form of any certificate of amendment to our Articles that describes the terms of the series of preferred shares that we are offering before the issuance of the related series of preferred shares. We will also describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms of the series of preferred shares being offered.
Our board of directors may authorize the issuance of preferred shares with voting, conversion or other rights that could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of our common shares. The issuance of preferred shares could have the effect of decreasing the market price of our common shares, decreasing the amount of earnings and assets available for distribution to holders of our common shares and creating restrictions upon the payment of dividends and other distributions to holders of our common shares. The issuance of preferred shares also could have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in control of us without further action by our shareholders. When we issue preferred shares under this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, such preferred shares will be fully paid and nonassessable.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for our common shares is Computershare Trust Company, N.A. The transfer agent for any series of preferred shares that we may offer under this prospectus will be named and described in the prospectus supplement for that series.
Anti-Takeover Effects of Articles, Regulations and the Ohio General Corporation Law
Certain provisions in our Articles and Regulations and the Ohio General Corporation Law could discourage potential takeover attempts and make attempts by shareholders to change management more difficult. These provisions could also adversely affect the market price of our securities.
Blank Check Preferred Shares. Our Articles authorize our board of directors to issue, without any further vote or action by our shareholders, subject to certain limitations prescribed by law and the rules and regulations of NYSE, up to an aggregate of 2,000,000 preferred shares in one or more classes or series. With respect to any classes or series, the board of directors may determine the designation and the number of shares, rights, preferences, privileges, qualifications and restrictions, including dividend rights, voting rights, conversion rights, redemption rights and liquidation preferences. Absent a determination by the board of directors to establish different voting rights, holders of preferred shares are entitled to one vote per share on matters to be voted upon by the holders of common shares and preferred shares voting together as a single class, except that the Ohio General Corporation Law entitles the holders of preferred shares to exercise a class vote on certain matters. Our board of directors may authorize the issuance of preferred shares with voting or conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of our common shares. The issuance of preferred
21
Table of Contents
shares could have the effect of decreasing the market price of our common shares. The issuance of preferred shares also could have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in control without further action by our shareholders.
Classified Board of Directors. Our board of directors is divided into three classes, with regular three-year staggered terms. This classification system increases the difficulty of replacing a majority of our directors and may tend to discourage a third-party from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to gain control of us. It also may maintain the incumbency of our board of directors. In addition, our Regulations provide that the number of directors in each class and the total number of directors may only be changed by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors or the holders of record of at least 75% of our voting power. Under the Ohio General Corporation Law, shareholders may not remove any directors on a classified board of directors, except for cause.
Limited Shareholder Action by Written Consent. Section 1701.54 of the Ohio General Corporation Law requires that an action by written consent of the shareholders in lieu of a meeting be unanimous, except that, pursuant to Section 1701.11, a corporation’s code of regulations may be amended by an action by written consent of holders of shares entitling them to exercise two-thirds of the voting power of the corporation or, if the corporation’s articles of incorporation or code of regulations otherwise provide, such greater or lesser amount, but not less than a majority. Our Regulations provide that they may be amended or repealed without a meeting by the written consent of a majority of our voting power; provided, however, that the affirmative vote of two-thirds of our voting power is required (whether at a meeting or without a meeting by an action by written consent) to amend or repeal certain provisions of our Regulations, as discussed below under “—Supermajority Voting Provisions.” This provision may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a tender offer or takeover attempt that a shareholder might consider to be in its best interest.
Calling of Special Meetings of Shareholders. Pursuant to our Regulations, special meetings of shareholders may be called only by our board of directors, the chairman of the board, the president or in the case of the president’s absence, death or disability, a vice president authorized to exercise the authority of the president or upon the written request of shareholders representing 50% of the shares issued and entitled to vote thereat.
Supermajority Voting Provisions. The affirmative vote of two-thirds of our voting power is required to amend or repeal our Regulations, or to adopt a new code of regulations, with respect to any of the following:
| • | the requirements for calling special meetings of shareholders; |
| • | the requirements for giving notice of annual or special meetings of shareholders; |
| • | the provisions regarding our number of directors and our staggered board of directors; |
| • | the provisions for filling vacancies or newly created directorships on our board of directors; |
| • | the procedures for nominating directors; |
| • | the provisions regarding conflicts of interest; |
| • | the requirement that directors can only be removed for cause; |
| • | the indemnification provisions; |
| • | our non-statutory Control Share Acquisition Act provisions; and |
| • | amendments to these supermajority provisions. |
In addition, the affirmative vote of 75% of our voting power is required to amend or repeal the provisions in our Regulations regarding changes in the number of directors. On all other proposed amendments to our Regulations, the required vote is a majority of our voting power.
22
Table of Contents
Under the Ohio General Corporation Law, in the case of most mergers, sales of all or substantially all the assets of a corporation and most amendments to a corporation’s articles of incorporation, the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the voting power of the corporation is required unless the corporation’s articles of incorporation provide for a lower amount not less than a majority. Our Articles do not change the default voting requirement provided by the Ohio General Corporation Law.
Shareholder Nominations. Our Regulations provide that shareholders seeking to nominate candidates for election as directors at an annual or special meeting of shareholders must provide timely notice to us in writing. To be timely, a shareholder’s notice must be received at our principal executive offices not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of the previous year’s annual meeting (or, if the date of the annual meeting is changed by more than 30 days from the anniversary date of the preceding year’s annual meeting, or in the case of a special meeting, within seven days after we mail the notice of the meeting or otherwise give notice of the meeting). Our Regulations also prescribe the proper written form for a shareholder’s notice. These provisions may preclude some shareholders from making nominations for directors at an annual or special meeting of shareholders.
Control Share Acquisition Act. Section 1701.831 of the Ohio General Corporation Law, known as the Control Share Acquisition Act, provides that certain notice and informational filings, and special shareholder meeting and voting procedures, must occur prior to any acquisition of shares of an “issuing public corporation” that would entitle the acquirer to exercise or direct the voting power of the “issuing public corporation” in the election of directors within any of the following ranges:
| • | one-fifth or more (but less than one-third) of such voting power; |
| • | one-third or more (but less than a majority) of such voting power; and |
| • | a majority or more of such voting power. |
An “issuing pubic corporation” is an Ohio corporation with 50 or more shareholders that has its principal place of business, principal executive offices or substantial assets within Ohio, and as to which no close corporation agreement exists. The Control Share Acquisition Act does not apply to a corporation if its articles of incorporation or code of regulations so provide. We have opted out of the application of the Control Share Acquisition Act. However, we have adopted a substantially similar provision in our Regulations with one significant exception. Under our Regulations, no shareholder meeting or vote is required if our board of directors has approved the proposed acquisition of voting power. In addition, our Regulations provide our board of directors with more flexibility than provided by the Control Share Acquisition Act in setting a date for the special meeting of shareholders to consider the proposed control share acquisition.
23
Table of Contents
DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
The following description of the depositary shares representing our preferred shares sets forth certain general terms that may apply to the depositary shares that we may offer under this prospectus. The specific terms of the depositary shares and the related deposit agreement and depositary receipts will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to those depositary shares. We will file forms of the applicable deposit agreement and the depositary receipts as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part or as exhibits to one or more reports that we file with the SEC that are incorporated by reference therein. The specific terms of the depositary shares and the related deposit agreement and depositary receipts as described in the applicable prospectus supplement will supplement and, if applicable, may modify or replace the general terms described in this prospectus.
General
We may, at our option, elect to offer fractional preferred shares, rather than full preferred shares. If we exercise this option, we will issue depositary receipts for depositary shares, each of which will represent a fractional interest of a share of a particular series of preferred shares, as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. We will deposit with a depositary (the “preferred stock depositary”) preferred shares of each series represented by depositary shares and enter into a deposit agreement with the preferred stock depositary and holders from time to time of the depositary receipts issued by the preferred stock depositary which evidence the depositary shares. Subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, each owner of a depositary receipt will be entitled, in proportion to the holder’s fractional interest in the preferred shares, to all the rights and preferences of the series of the preferred shares represented by the depositary shares (including dividend, voting, conversion, redemption and liquidation rights). The depositary shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued pursuant to the deposit agreement. Depositary receipts will be issued to those persons purchasing the fractional preferred shares in accordance with the terms of the deposit agreement as described in 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 preferred shares underlying the depositary shares to the record holders of depositary receipts in proportion to the number of the depositary receipts owned by the holders. The relevant record date for depositary shares will be the same date as the record date for the preferred shares.
In the event of a distribution other than in cash, the preferred stock depositary will distribute property received by it to the record holders of depositary receipts in proportion to the number of the depositary receipts owned by the holders. If the preferred stock depositary determines that it is not feasible to make such distribution, the preferred stock depositary may, with our approval, sell the property and distribute the net proceeds from the sale to the holders of depositary receipts.
If we offer to the holders of a series of preferred shares represented by the depositary shares any rights, preferences or privileges to subscribe for or purchase any securities, or any other rights, preferences or privileges, the preferred stock depositary will make such rights, preferences or privileges available to the record holders of depositary shares either by the issue of warrants representing such rights, preferences or privileges or by such other method as approved by the preferred stock depositary and us. If the preferred stock depositary determines that such action is not lawful or feasible or if it is instructed by a holder that such holder does not want to exercise such rights, preferences or privileges, it may (with our approval in any case when the preferred stock depositary has determined that it is not feasible to make such rights, preferences or privileges available) sell such rights, preferences or privileges and distribute the net proceeds from such sale to the holders of depositary shares entitled to such proceeds.
24
Table of Contents
Withdrawal
Preferred shares represented by depositary shares may be withdrawn from the depositary arrangement upon surrender of depositary receipts at the principal office of the preferred stock depositary and upon payment of the taxes, charges and fees provided for in the deposit agreement. Subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, the holder of depositary receipts will receive the appropriate number of preferred shares and any money or property represented by such depositary shares. Only whole preferred shares may be withdrawn; if a holder holds an amount of depositary shares in excess of whole preferred shares, the preferred stock depositary will deliver along with the withdrawn preferred shares a new depositary receipt evidencing the excess number of depositary shares. Except as described in the deposit agreement, holders of withdrawn preferred shares will not be entitled to redeposit such preferred shares or to receive depositary shares for such preferred shares.
Redemption
If we redeem preferred shares held by the preferred stock depositary, the preferred stock depositary will concurrently redeem the number of depositary shares representing the preferred shares so redeemed (provided that we have paid the applicable redemption price for the preferred shares to be redeemed plus an amount equal to any accrued and unpaid dividends to the date fixed for redemption). The redemption price per depositary share will be equal to the corresponding proportion of the redemption price payable with respect to the preferred shares. If fewer than all the outstanding depositary shares are to be redeemed, the depositary shares to be redeemed will be selected by lot or pro rata (as nearly as may be practicable without creating fractional depositary shares) or as otherwise determined by us.
Voting
Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of the preferred shares 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. Each record holder of the depositary receipts on the record date (which will be the same date as the record date for the preferred shares) will be entitled to instruct the preferred stock depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the amount of preferred shares represented by the holder’s depositary shares. The preferred stock depositary will vote the amount of preferred shares represented by the depositary shares in accordance with the holder’s instructions, and we will agree to take all reasonable action necessary to enable the preferred stock depositary to vote such shares. The preferred stock depositary will abstain from voting the amount of preferred shares represented by the depositary shares for which it does not receive specific instructions from the holders of depositary receipts evidencing the depositary shares.
Liquidation Preference
If we voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate, dissolve or wind up, the holders of depositary receipts will be entitled to the fraction of the liquidation preference accorded each preferred share represented by the depositary shares, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Upon any change in par value or liquidation preference, split-up, combination or any other reclassification of the series of preferred shares represented by the depositary shares, or upon any recapitalization, reorganization, merger or consolidation affecting us or to which we are a party, the preferred stock depositary may in its discretion, with our approval (not to be unreasonably withheld) and instructions, and in such manner as the preferred stock depositary may deem equitable, treat any securities which are received by the preferred stock depositary in exchange for or upon conversion or in respect of such preferred shares as new deposited securities received in exchange for or upon conversion or in respect of such preferred shares and may make such adjustments in the fraction of an interest represented by one depositary share in one such preferred share as may be necessary to fully reflect the effects of such change.
25
Table of Contents
With our approval, the preferred stock depositary may execute and deliver additional depositary receipts, or may call for the surrender of all outstanding depositary receipts to be exchanged for new depositary receipts specifically describing such new deposited securities.
Amendment and Termination
We may amend the form of depositary receipt and any provision of the deposit agreement at any time by agreement between us and the preferred stock depositary. However, any amendment that materially and adversely alters the rights of the holders of depositary receipts or that would be materially and adversely inconsistent with the rights granted to the holders of the related preferred shares will not be effective unless the holders of at least two-thirds of the depositary shares evidenced by the depositary receipts then outstanding approve the amendment. No amendment will impair the right, subject to the exceptions set forth in the deposit agreement, of any holder of depositary receipts to surrender any depositary receipt with instructions to deliver to the holder the related preferred shares and all money and other property, if any, represented by the depositary receipt, except in order to comply with law. Every holder of an outstanding depositary receipt at the time any such amendment becomes effective will be deemed, by continuing to hold the receipt, to consent and agree to the amendment and to be bound by the deposit agreement as amended.
We may terminate the deposit agreement upon not less than 30 days’ prior written notice to the preferred stock depositary if a majority of each series of preferred shares affected by the termination consents to the termination. Upon termination, the preferred stock depositary will deliver or make available to each holder of depositary receipts, upon surrender of the depositary receipts held by the holder, the number of whole and/or fractional preferred shares represented by the depositary shares evidenced by the depositary receipts together with any other property held by the preferred stock depositary with respect to the depositary receipt.
In addition, the deposit agreement will automatically terminate if:
| • | all outstanding depositary shares have been redeemed; |
| • | there has been a final distribution in respect of the related preferred shares in connection with our liquidation, dissolution or winding up and the distribution has been distributed to the holders of depositary receipts evidencing the depositary shares representing the preferred shares; or |
| • | each related preferred share has been converted into our common shares or other securities which are not represented by depositary shares. |
Charges of Preferred Stock Depositary
We will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising solely from the existence of the deposit agreement. In addition, we will pay the fees and charges of the preferred stock depositary in connection with the initial deposit of the preferred shares, the initial issuance of the depositary shares, any redemption of the preferred shares and all withdrawals of preferred shares by owners of depositary shares. All other transfer and other taxes and governmental charges will be at the expense of the holders of depositary receipts. Holders of depositary receipts will also pay the charges and expenses of the preferred stock depositary for any duties requested by the holders to be performed which are outside of those expressly provided for in the deposit agreement. If those charges, expenses and taxes have not been paid, the preferred stock depositary may refuse to transfer depositary shares or withdraw any preferred shares, withhold dividends and distributions and sell the preferred shares or other property represented by the depositary shares evidenced by the depositary receipts.
Resignation and Removal of Preferred Stock Depositary
The preferred stock depositary may resign at any time by delivering to us notice of its election to resign, and we may at any time remove the preferred stock depositary. Any such resignation or removal will take effect upon
26
Table of Contents
our appointment of a successor preferred stock depositary. We must appoint a successor preferred stock depositary within 60 days after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal, and any preferred stock depositary must be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the United States and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000.
Miscellaneous
The preferred stock depositary will forward to holders of depositary receipts any reports and communications that the preferred stock depositary receives from us relating to the preferred shares. In addition, the preferred stock depositary will make such reports and communications available for inspection by holders of depositary receipts at the principal office of the preferred stock depositary, and at such other places as it may from time to time deem advisable.
We will not be liable, nor will the preferred stock depositary be liable, if we are prevented from or delayed, by law or any circumstances beyond our control, in performing our obligations under the deposit agreement. Our obligations and the obligations of the preferred stock depositary under the deposit agreement will be limited to performing our duties in good faith and without negligence (only in the case of any action or inaction in the voting of preferred shares represented by the depositary shares), gross negligence or willful misconduct. We will not be obligated, nor will the preferred stock depositary be obligated, to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding in respect of any depositary receipts, depositary shares or preferred shares represented by depositary shares unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished. We may rely, and the preferred stock depositary may rely, on written advice of counsel or accountants, or information provided by holders of depositary receipts or other persons believed in good faith to be competent to give such information, and on documents reasonably believed to be genuine and signed or presented by a proper party.
27
Table of Contents
The following description of the warrants sets forth certain general terms that may apply to the warrants that we may offer under this prospectus. The specific terms of any series of warrants and the related warrant agreement (including the form of the warrant certificate) will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to those warrants. We will file the form of the applicable warrant agreement (including the form of the warrant certificate) as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part or as an exhibit to one or more reports that we file with the SEC that are incorporated by reference therein. The specific terms of any series of warrants and the related warrant agreement (including the form of the warrant certificate) as described in the applicable prospectus supplement will supplement and, if applicable, may modify or replace the general terms described in this prospectus.
We may issue warrants to purchase debt securities, common shares, preferred shares, depositary shares or units of two or more of those securities. We may issue warrants independently or together with any other securities we offer pursuant to a prospectus supplement, and the warrants may be attached to or separate from such securities. We will issue each series of warrants under a separate warrant agreement that we will enter into with a bank or trust company, as warrant agent.
We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms of the warrants being offered and the applicable warrant agreement (including the form of the warrant certificate), including the following:
| • | the title of the warrants; |
| • | the aggregate number of warrants to be issued and currently outstanding, if any; |
| • | the price or prices at which the warrants will be issued; |
| • | the designation, number or amount and other terms of the securities issuable upon exercise of the warrants and the procedures and conditions relating to the exercise of the warrants; |
| • | the designation and terms of any related securities with which the warrants will be issued, and the number of warrants that will be issued with each such security; |
| • | the date, if any, on and after which the warrants and the related securities will be separately transferable; |
| • | the price at which the securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants may be purchased, and any provision for changes to or adjustments in such price; |
| • | the date on which the right to exercise the warrants will commence, and the date on which the right will expire; |
| • | the minimum and maximum number of warrants which may be exercised at any time; |
| • | a discussion of material federal income tax considerations applicable to the exercise of the warrants; and |
| • | any other material terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the transferability, exchange, exercise or redemption of the warrants. |
Each warrant will entitle its holder to purchase the securities at the exercise price set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Holders may exercise warrants at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised warrants will be void.
Holders may exercise warrants as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Upon receipt of payment and the warrant certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the
28
Table of Contents
warrant agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, forward the securities purchased upon such exercise. If less than all of the warrants represented by the warrant certificate are exercised, we will issue a new warrant certificate for the remaining warrants.
Prior to the exercise of any warrants, holders of the warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the securities purchasable upon exercise, including:
| • | in the case of warrants for the purchase of debt securities, the right to receive payments of the principal of, or premium, if any, and interest on, the debt securities purchasable upon exercise, or to enforce covenants in the applicable indenture; or |
| • | in the case of warrants for the purchase of common shares, preferred shares or depositary shares, the right to vote or to receive any payments of dividends on the common shares, preferred shares or depositary shares purchasable upon exercise. |
29
Table of Contents
The following description of the rights sets forth certain general terms that may apply to the rights that we may offer under this prospectus. The specific terms of any rights and the related rights agreement (including the form of rights certificate) will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to those rights. We will file the form of the applicable rights agreement (including the form of rights certificate) as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part or as an exhibit to one or more reports that we file with the SEC that are incorporated by reference therein. The specific terms of any rights and the related rights agreement (including the form of rights certificate) as described in the applicable prospectus supplement will supplement and, if applicable, may modify or replace the general terms described in this prospectus.
We may issue rights to purchase debt securities, common shares, preferred shares or depositary shares that we may offer to our securityholders. The rights may be issued independently or together with any other securities we offer, and may or may not be transferable by the persons purchasing or receiving the rights. In connection with any rights offering, we may enter into a standby underwriting or other arrangement with one or more underwriters or other persons pursuant to which such underwriters or other persons may be required to purchase any offered securities remaining unsubscribed for after such rights offering. Each series of rights will be issued under a separate rights agreement which we will enter into with a bank or trust company, as rights agent, that we will name in the applicable prospectus supplement. The rights agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the certificates representing the rights and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders of rights certificates or beneficial owners of rights.
The prospectus supplement relating to any rights that we offer will include the specific terms relating to the offering, including, among other matters:
| • | the date of determining the securityholders entitled to the rights offering; |
| • | the price, if any, for the rights; |
| • | the aggregate number of rights to be issued and the designation, number or amount and other terms of the securities purchasable upon exercise of the rights; |
| • | the exercise price payable for the securities purchasable upon exercise of the rights, and any provisions for changes to or adjustments in the exercise price; |
| • | the date on which the holder’s ability to exercise the rights will commence and the date on which the rights will expire; |
| • | the extent to which the rights will be transferable; |
| • | the extent to which the rights may include an over-subscription privilege with respect to unsubscribed securities; |
| • | the material terms of any standby underwriting or purchase agreement entered into by us in connection with the rights offering; |
| • | a discussion of material federal income tax considerations applicable to the exercise of the rights; and |
| • | any other terms of the rights, including the terms, procedures, conditions and limitations relating to the distribution, exchange and exercise of the rights. |
Each right will entitle its holder to purchase the securities at the exercise price set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Rights may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, all unexercised rights will become void.
Holders may exercise rights as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Upon receipt of payment and the rights certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the rights agent or
30
Table of Contents
any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, forward the securities purchased upon such exercise. If less than all of the rights issued in any rights offering are exercised, we may offer any unsubscribed securities directly to persons other than our securityholders, to or through agents, underwriters or dealers or through a combination of such methods, including pursuant to standby arrangements, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
31
Table of Contents
DESCRIPTION OF STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS
The following description of stock purchase contracts sets forth certain general terms that may apply to the stock purchase contracts that we may offer under this prospectus. The specific terms of any stock purchase contracts will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the stock purchase contracts. We will file forms of the relevant documents as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part or as exhibits to one or more reports that we file with the SEC that are incorporated by reference therein. The specific terms of any stock purchase contracts as described in the applicable prospectus supplement will supplement and, if applicable, may modify or replace the general terms described in this prospectus.
We may issue stock purchase contracts representing contracts obligating holders to purchase from us, and obligating us to sell to the holders, a specified number of common shares, preferred shares or depositary shares at a future date or dates. The price per common share, preferred share or depositary share may be fixed at the time the stock purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by reference to a specific formula set forth in the stock purchase contracts.
32
Table of Contents
We may issue units consisting of one or more debt securities, guarantees of debt securities, common shares, preferred shares, depositary shares, warrants, rights, stock purchase contracts or any combination of such securities. The applicable prospectus supplement for any units will describe:
| • | the terms of the units and of the debt securities, guarantees of debt securities, common shares, preferred shares, depositary shares, warrants, rights, stock purchase contracts or any combination of such securities comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances the securities comprising the units may be traded separately; |
| • | the terms of any unit agreement governing the units; |
| • | a discussion of material federal income tax considerations applicable to the units; and |
| • | the provisions for the payment, settlement, transfer or exchange or the units. |
33
Table of Contents
We may sell the securities offered under this prospectus from time to time:
| • | to or through underwriters; |
| • | to or through dealers; |
| • | through agents; |
| • | directly to purchasers; |
| • | in “at the market offerings” within the meaning of Rule 415(a)(4) of the Securities Act, to or through a market maker or into an existing trading market, on an exchange, or otherwise; |
| • | through a dividend, distribution, rights offering, forward contracts or similar arrangements; |
| • | through a combination of any of these methods of sale; or |
| • | through any other methods described in the applicable prospectus supplement. |
The securities we distribute by any of these methods may be sold, in one or more transactions:
| • | at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed; |
| • | at market prices prevailing at the time of sale; |
| • | at prices related to prevailing market prices; or |
| • | at negotiated prices. |
Each time we offer securities under this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement will describe the specific plan of distribution and the terms of the offering of the securities, including:
| • | the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents; |
| • | the purchase price of the securities and the proceeds we will receive from the sale; |
| • | any over-allotment options under which underwriters may purchase additional securities from us; |
| • | any discounts, concessions, commissions, agency fees and other items constituting underwriters’, dealers’ or agents’ compensation; |
| • | any initial public offering price; |
| • | any delayed delivery arrangements; |
| • | any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; and |
| • | any securities exchange on which the securities may be listed. |
We may sell securities from time to time to one or more underwriters, who would purchase the securities as principal for resale to the public, either on a firm-commitment or best-efforts basis. If we sell securities to underwriters, we will execute an underwriting agreement with the underwriters at the time of sale, and we will name the underwriters in the applicable prospectus supplement. The obligations of the underwriters to purchase the securities will be subject to the conditions set forth in the applicable underwriting agreement. The underwriters may resell the securities from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions. The underwriters may sell the securities in order to facilitate transactions in any of our other securities (described in this prospectus or otherwise), including other public or private transactions and short sales. The underwriters may offer securities to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing underwriters or directly by one or more firms acting as underwriters. The underwriters may change from time to time any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers.
34
Table of Contents
In connection with sales to underwriters, the underwriters may be deemed to have received compensation from us in the form of underwriting discounts or commissions and may also receive commissions from purchasers of the securities for whom they may act as agents. Underwriters may resell the securities to or through dealers, and those dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions from purchasers for whom they may act as agents. The applicable prospectus supplement will include any required information about underwriting compensation we pay to underwriters, and any discounts, concessions or commissions underwriters allow to participating dealers, in connection with an offering of securities.
From time to time, we may sell securities to one or more dealers acting as principals. The dealers, who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act, may then resell those securities to the public. The applicable prospectus supplement will include the names of the dealers and the terms of the transaction.
We may solicit offers to purchase securities directly from the public from time to time. In this case, no underwriters or agents would be involved. We may also designate agents from time to time to solicit offers to purchase securities from the public on our behalf. Such agents may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act. The applicable prospectus supplement relating to any particular offering of securities will name any agents designated to solicit offers and will include information about any compensation we may pay the agents in connection with that offering. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, any agent will agree to use its reasonable best efforts to solicit purchases for the period of its appointment.
We may sell the securities directly to institutional investors or others. These persons may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act with respect to any sale of those securities. The terms of any such direct sales will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
We may make direct sales of the securities through subscription rights distributed to our existing securityholders on a pro rata basis, which may or may not be transferable. In any distribution of subscription rights, if all of the underlying securities are not subscribed for, we may then sell the unsubscribed securities directly to third parties or we may engage the services of one or more underwriters, dealers or agents, including standby underwriters, to sell the unsubscribed securities to third parties. The terms of any such sales or arrangements will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
We may authorize underwriters, dealers and agents to solicit from certain types of institutional investors offers to purchase securities under delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on future dates. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the material terms of these contracts, including any conditions to the purchasers’ obligations, and will include any required information about commissions we may pay for soliciting these contracts.
We may authorize one or more “remarketing firms” to sell securities pursuant to a remarketing arrangement upon the purchase of the securities. Remarketing firms will act as principals for their own accounts or as agents for us, and will offer or sell the securities in accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to the terms of the securities, or otherwise. The applicable prospectus supplement will identify any remarketing firm and describe the terms of its compensation and agreements, if any, with us. Remarketing firms may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act with respect to the securities they remarket.
Unless the applicable prospectus supplement states otherwise, the securities offered under this prospectus (other than our common shares) will be a new issue of securities with no established trading market. We may elect to list any series of offered securities on an exchange. Any underwriters that we use in the sale of offered securities may make a market in such securities, but may discontinue such market making at any time without notice. Therefore, we cannot assure you that the securities will have a liquid trading market.
35
Table of Contents
Any underwriters that we use in the sale of offered securities may engage in over-allotment, stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act. Over-allotment involves sales in excess of the offering size, which create a short position. Stabilizing transactions involve bids to purchase the underlying securities in the open market for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the securities. Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the securities, either through exercise of the over-allotment option or in the open market after the distribution has been completed, in order to cover short positions. 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 short positions. These activities 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.
Any underwriters, dealers or agents participating in the distribution of the offered securities may be deemed to be underwriters under the Securities Act, and any compensation and profits received by such persons upon sale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. Underwriters, dealers, agents and other persons may be entitled, under agreements that they may enter into with us, to indemnification by us against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution with respect to payments that such persons make with respect to these liabilities. Our underwriters, dealers and agents, or their affiliates, may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us in the ordinary course of business.
36
Table of Contents
The validity of the securities offered under this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP, Columbus, Ohio, unless the applicable prospectus supplement states otherwise.
The consolidated financial statements of M/I Homes, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2021 incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and the effectiveness of M/I Homes, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the SEC registering the securities that may be offered hereunder. As permitted by SEC rules, this prospectus does not contain all of the information we have included in the registration statement. A copy of the registration statement can be obtained at the address set forth below. You should read the registration statement for more information about our securities and us.
We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers, like us, who file electronically with the SEC. The address of the SEC’s website is www.sec.gov.
Our common shares are listed on NYSE, and similar information concerning us can also be inspected and copied at the offices of NYSE at 20 Broad Street, New York, NY 10005.
Our website address is www.mihomes.com. We make available, free of charge, on or through our website, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K that are filed with or furnished to the SEC, and amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such reports with, or furnish them to, the SEC. The contents of our website are not part of this prospectus, and the reference to our website does not constitute incorporation by reference in this prospectus of the information contained at that site.
37
Table of Contents
The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” information in this prospectus. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The following documents that we have filed with the SEC are incorporated by reference in, and considered a part of, this prospectus:
| • | our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021; |
| • | our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2022; |
| • | our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 12, 2022 and May 27, 2022; and |
| • | the description of our common shares, $.01 par value per share, contained in Exhibit 4.6 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 filed with the Commission on February 21, 2020, or contained in any subsequent report filed for the purpose of updating such description. |
We are also incorporating by reference in this prospectus all documents (other than current reports furnished under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K and exhibits filed on such form that are related to such items) that we file with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination or completion of any offering of securities under this prospectus and all applicable prospectus supplements, and all such filings made after the date of the initial registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and prior to the effectiveness of such registration statement.
We will provide to each person to whom this prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request and without charge, any of the above documents that are incorporated by reference in this prospectus (including any exhibits that are specifically incorporated by reference in such documents). Requests should be directed to:
M/I Homes, Inc.
4131 Worth Avenue, Suite 500
Columbus, Ohio 43219
Attention: Chief Legal Officer
(614) 418-8000
Any statement contained in this prospectus or in a document incorporated by reference in this prospectus will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in the applicable prospectus supplement or any other subsequently filed document that is deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.
38
Table of Contents
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
| Item 14. | Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution |
The following table sets forth the estimated (except for the SEC registration fee) fees and expenses payable by us in connection with the sale and distribution of the securities registered hereunder (excluding any underwriting discounts and commissions):
| SEC registration fee |
† | |||
| Printing and engraving expenses |
* | |||
| Legal fees and expenses |
* | |||
| Accounting fees and expenses |
* | |||
| Transfer agent fees and expenses |
* | |||
| Trustee fees and expenses |
* | |||
| Total |
* |
| † | In accordance with Rule 456(b) and Rule 457(r) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant is deferring payment of the registration fee for the securities registered under this registration statement, except $51,520.00 previously paid. |
| * | These fees and expenses are based on the number and type of issuances and the amount of securities offered, and, accordingly cannot be estimated at this time. The applicable prospectus supplement will set forth the estimated amount of fees and expenses payable in connection with any offering of securities. |
| Item 15. | Indemnification of Directors and Officers |
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the statutes referred to below, the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and the Amended and Restated Regulations of M/I Homes and the organizational documents of each of the co-registrants.
M/I Homes, Inc.
Under Section 1701.13(E) of the Ohio General Corporation Law (the “OGCL”), directors, officers, employees and agents of an Ohio corporation have an absolute right to indemnification for expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by them in any action, suit or proceeding brought against them to the extent they are successful, on the merits or otherwise, in defense of such action, suit or proceeding (including an action by or in the right of the corporation), or in defense of any claim, issue or matter asserted therein.
Section 1701.13(E) permits a corporation to indemnify its directors, officers, employees or agents or individuals who are or were serving at the request of the corporation as a director, trustee, officer, employee, member, manager or agent of another corporation or entity in circumstances where indemnification is not mandated by the statute if certain statutory standards are satisfied. Under Section 1701.13(E), a corporation may grant indemnification in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, investigative or administrative (other than an action brought by or in the right of the corporation), if the indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. Such indemnification is permitted against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) as well as judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the indemnitee in connection with the action, suit or proceeding.
A corporation may also provide indemnification pursuant to Section 1701.13(E) in an action brought by or in the right of the corporation for expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred in
II-1
Table of Contents
connection with the defense or settlement of any threatened, pending or completed action or suit if the officer, director, employee or agent acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation, except that a corporation is not authorized to indemnify a director, officer, employee or agent in any such action if such person is adjudged to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of such person’s duties to the corporation, unless and only to the extent that a court determines that, despite the adjudication of liability, but in view of all the circumstances, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification. In addition, Section 1701.13(E) does not authorize a corporation to indemnify a director in action brought by or in the right of the corporation in which the only liability asserted against the director is for approving unlawful loans, dividends or distributions under Section 1701.95 of the OGCL.
Section 1701.13(E) of the OGCL permits a corporation to pay expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by a director, officer, employee or agent as they are incurred, in advance of the final disposition of the action, suit or proceeding, as authorized by the corporation’s directors and upon receipt of an undertaking by such person to repay such amount if it is ultimately determined that such person is not entitled to indemnification.
Section 1701.13(E) of the OGCL states that the indemnification provided thereby is not exclusive of, and is in addition to, any other rights granted to persons seeking indemnification under a corporation’s articles or regulations, any agreement, a vote of the corporation’s shareholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise. In addition, Section 1701.13(E) of the OGCL grants express power to a corporation to purchase and maintain insurance or furnish similar protection, including trust funds, letters of credit and self-insurance, for director, officer, employee or agent liability, regardless of whether that individual is otherwise eligible for indemnification by the corporation.
M/I Homes’ Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (the “Articles”) provide that M/I Homes shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, indemnify each director and officer against any and all costs and expenses (including attorney fees, judgments, fines, penalties, amounts paid in settlement, and other disbursements) actually and reasonably incurred by or imposed upon such person in connection with any action, suit, investigation or proceeding (or any claim or other matter therein), whether civil, criminal, administrative or otherwise in nature, including any settlements or appeals thereof, with respect to which such person is named or otherwise becomes or is threatened to be made a party by reason of being or at any time having been a director or officer of M/I Homes, or by any reason of being or at any time having been, while such a director or officer, an employee or other agent of M/I Homes or, at the direction or request of M/I Homes, a director, trustee, officer, administrator, manager, employee, adviser or other agent of or fiduciary for any other corporation, partnership, trust, venture or other entity or enterprise (including any employee benefit plan). The Articles further provide that (i) M/I Homes shall indemnify any other person to the extent such person is entitled to indemnification under Ohio law by reason of being successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of an action to which such person is named a party by reason of being an employee or other agent of M/I Homes and (ii) M/I Homes may further indemnify any such person if it is determined by the board of directors of M/I Homes that indemnification is proper in the specific case. The Articles state that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Articles, no person shall be indemnified by M/I Homes to the extent it is determined by the board of directors of M/I Homes or by written opinion of legal counsel designated by the board of directors for such purpose that indemnification is contrary to applicable law.
Under M/I Homes’ Amended and Restated Regulations (the “Regulations”), M/I Homes shall indemnify any officer or director who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (including any derivative action), by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of M/I Homes, or is or was serving at the request of M/I Homes as a director, trustee, officer, employee, member, manager or agent of another corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees, filing fees, court reporters’ fees and transcript costs), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection
II-2
Table of Contents
with such action, suit or proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of M/I Homes. A person claiming such indemnification shall be presumed, in respect of any act or omission giving rise to such claim for indemnification, to have acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of M/I Homes. The Regulations state that any such indemnification, unless ordered by a court, shall be made only upon a determination that the director or officer has met the applicable standard of conduct, and such determination shall be made (i) by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of disinterested directors, (ii) in a written opinion by qualified independent legal counsel or (iii) by the shareholders.
The Regulations provide that, to the extent that an officer or director has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding, such person shall be promptly indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees, filing fees, court reporters’ fees and transcript costs) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith. The Regulations further provide that expenses (including attorneys’ fees, filing fees, court reporters’ fees and transcript costs) incurred in defending any action, suit or proceeding shall be paid by M/I Homes in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding to or on behalf of the officer or director promptly as such expenses are incurred by such person if (i) in respect of any claim (except one in which the only liability asserted against a director is for approving unlawful loans, dividends or distribution of assets under Section 1701.95 of the OGCL), M/I Homes receives an undertaking by or on behalf of the director, in which such person agrees to repay all such amounts if it is proved by clear and convincing evidence in a court of competent jurisdiction that such person’s action or failure to act involved an act or omission undertaken with deliberate intent to cause injury to M/I Homes or with reckless disregard for the best interests of M/I Homes, and such person agrees to cooperate reasonably with M/I Homes concerning the action, suit or proceeding, or (ii) M/I Homes receives an undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer in which such person agrees to repay all such amounts if it ultimately is determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified.
The Regulations state that the indemnification provided thereby is not exclusive of, and is in addition to, any other rights to which any person seeking indemnification may be entitled under any agreement, vote of shareholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise. Additionally, the Regulations provide that M/I Homes may purchase and maintain insurance or furnish similar protection, including but not limited to trust funds, letters of credit, or self-insurance, on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of M/I Homes, or is or was serving at the request of M/I Homes as a director, trustee, officer, employee, member, manager or agent of another corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in such capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not M/I Homes would have the obligation or the power to indemnify such person under the Regulations.
Co-Registrants
Certain officers and other employees of M/I Homes serve at the request of M/I Homes as a director, officer, employee or agent of the co-registrants, and thus may be entitled to indemnification under the provisions set forth above. In addition to potential indemnification by M/I Homes, the directors, officers, members, managers, employees and agents of the co-registrants may also be entitled to indemnification to the extent provided in the applicable co-registrant’s organizational documents or under the laws under which the applicable co-registrant is organized as described below.
II-3
Table of Contents
Delaware Limited Liability Companies
Section 18-108 of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act provides that, subject to such standards and restrictions, if any, as set forth in its limited liability company agreement, a limited liability company may, and shall have the power to, indemnify and hold harmless any member or manager or other person from and against any and all claims and demands whatsoever.
M/I Homes of Alabama, LLC. The certificate of formation and the limited liability company agreement of M/I Homes of Alabama, LLC do not address indemnification.
M/I Homes of Charlotte, LLC. The certificate of formation and the limited liability company agreement of M/I Homes of Charlotte, LLC do not address indemnification.
M/I Homes of Chicago, LLC. The certificate of formation and the limited liability company agreement of M/I Homes of Chicago, LLC do not address indemnification.
M/I Homes of DC, LLC. The certificate of formation and the limited liability company agreement of M/I Homes of DC, LLC do not address indemnification.
M/I Homes of Delaware, LLC. The certificate of formation and the limited liability company agreement of M/I Homes of Delaware, LLC do not address indemnification.
M/I Homes of DFW, LLC. The certificate of formation and the limited liability company agreement of M/I Homes of DFW, LLC do not address indemnification.
M/I Homes of Houston, LLC. The certificate of formation and the limited liability company agreement of M/I Homes of Houston, LLC do not address indemnification.
M/I Homes of Michigan, LLC. The certificate of formation and the limited liability company agreement of M/I Homes of Michigan, LLC do not address indemnification.
M/I Homes of Nashville, LLC. The certificate of formation and the limited liability company agreement of M/I Homes of Nashville, LLC do not address indemnification.
M/I Homes of Minneapolis/St. Paul, LLC. The certificate of formation and the limited liability company agreement of M/I Homes of Minneapolis/St. Paul, LLC do not address indemnification.
M/I Homes of Raleigh, LLC. The certificate of formation and the limited liability company agreement of M/I Homes of Raleigh, LLC do not address indemnification.
M/I Homes of San Antonio, LLC. The certificate of formation and the limited liability company agreement of M/I Homes of San Antonio, LLC do not address indemnification.
M/I Homes of Sarasota, LLC. The certificate of formation and the limited liability company agreement of M/I Homes of Sarasota, LLC do not address indemnification.
Northeast Office Venture, Limited Liability Company. The certificate of formation and the limited liability company agreement of Northeast Office Venture, Limited Liability Company do not address indemnification.
Florida Limited Liability Companies
Section 605.0408 of the Florida Revised Limited Liability Company Act (the “Florida LLC Act”) provides that a limited liability company may, but is not required to, indemnify and hold harmless any person with respect to a claim or demand against such person and a debt, obligation or other liability incurred by the person by
II-4
Table of Contents
reason of the person’s former or present capacity as a member or manager if the claim, demand, debt, obligation or liability does not arise from a breach of such person’s obligations as a member or manager under certain provisions of the Florida LLC Act. Under Section 605.0408, a limited liability company, in the ordinary course of its activities and affairs, may, but is not required to, advance reasonable expenses, including attorney’s fees and costs, incurred by a person in connection with a claim or demand against the person by reason of the person’s former or present capacity as a member or manager if the person promises to repay the limited liability company if such person ultimately is determined not to be entitled to be indemnified by the limited liability company.
Section 605.0105 of the Florida LLC Act provides that an operating agreement may not provide for indemnification of a member or manager for conduct involving bad faith, willful or intentional misconduct, or a knowing violation of law, a transaction from which the member or manager derived an improper personal benefit, a circumstance under which the liability provisions of the Florida LLC Act with respect to improper distributions are applicable or a breach of such person’s duties or obligations set forth under the Florida LLC Act, taking into account a restriction, an expansion or an elimination of such duties and obligations provided for in the operating agreement to the extent permitted by the Florida LLC Act.
Section 605.0408 of the Florida LLC Act provides that a limited liability company may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of a member or manager of the company against liability asserted against or incurred by the member or manager in that capacity or arising from that status even if, pursuant to the Florida LLC Act, the operating agreement could not eliminate or limit the person’s liability for the conduct giving rise to the claim and could not provide for indemnification of such conduct.
MHO Holdings, LLC. The articles of organization and the operating agreement of MHO Holdings, LLC do not address indemnification.
MHO, LLC. The articles of organization and the operating agreement of MHO, LLC do not address indemnification.
M/I Homes of Florida, LLC. The articles of organization and the operating agreement of M/I Homes of Florida, LLC do not address indemnification.
M/I Homes of Orlando, LLC. The articles of organization and the operating agreement of M/I Homes of Orlando, LLC do not address indemnification.
M/I Homes of Tampa, LLC. The articles of organization and the operating agreement of M/I Homes of Tampa, LLC do not address indemnification.
M/I Homes of West Palm Beach, LLC. The articles of organization and the operating agreement of M/I Homes of West Palm Beach, LLC do not address indemnification.
Indiana Limited Liability Companies
Section 23-18-4-4 of the Indiana Business Code (the “IN Code”) provides that, pursuant to its operating agreement, a limited liability company may, but is not required to, provide for indemnification of a member or manager for judgments, settlements, penalties, fines or expenses incurred in a proceeding to which a person is a party because the person is or was a member or manager.
M/I Homes First Indiana LLC. The articles of organization and the operating agreement of M/I Homes First Indiana LLC do not address indemnification.
M/I Homes Second Indiana LLC. The articles of organization and the operating agreement of M/I Homes Second Indiana LLC do not address indemnification.
II-5
Table of Contents
Indiana Limited Partnership
Section 23-16-2-9 of the IN Code provides that a domestic or foreign limited partnership may indemnify a person made a party to an action because the person is or was a partner, employee, officer or agent of the partnership against liability incurred in the action if (i) the person’s conduct was in good faith and (ii) the person reasonably believed (A) in the case of conduct in the person’s capacity as a partner, that the person’s conduct was in the best interests of the partnership and (B) in all other cases, that the person’s conduct was at least not opposed to the best interests of the limited partnership or foreign limited partnership and (iii) in the case of any criminal action, the person either (A) had reasonable cause to believe the person’s conduct was lawful or (B) had no reasonable cause to believe the person’s conduct was unlawful. The foregoing provisions do not exclude any other rights to indemnification that a partner, employee, officer, or agent of the domestic or foreign limited partnership may have under the partnership agreement or with the written consent of all partners. To the extent it is not inconsistent with the foregoing, Section 23-4-1-18 of the IN Code provides that, subject to any agreement between the partners, partnerships must indemnify every partner in respect of payments made and personal liabilities reasonably incurred by such partner in the ordinary and proper conduct of the partnership’s business, or for the preservation of the partnership’s business or property.
M/I Homes of Indiana, L.P. The certificate of limited partnership of M/I Homes of Indiana, L.P. does not address indemnification. The limited partnership agreement of M/I Homes of Indiana, L.P. provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, on request by the person to be indemnified, the partnership must indemnify the general partner and its members, managers, officers, employees and agents and hold them harmless from and against all losses, costs, liabilities, damages and expenses (including, without limitation, costs of suit and attorneys’ fees) the general partner may incur as a general partner in the partnership or any of them may incur in performing the obligations of the general partner with respect to the partnership, and on request by the person to be indemnified, the partnership must advance expenses associated with defense of any related action; provided, however, that this indemnity does not apply to actions constituting bad faith, gross negligence, willful misconduct or a breach of the provisions of the limited partnership agreement or actions as to which the conduct of such person was not in the best interests of the partnership or the person had reasonable cause to believe the action was unlawful.
Maryland Limited Liability Companies
Section 203 of the Maryland Limited Liability Company Act provides that, unless otherwise provided by law or its articles of organization, a limited liability company has the general powers, whether or not set forth in its articles of organization, to indemnify and hold harmless any member, agent, or employee from and against any and all claims and demands, except in the case of action or failure to act by the member, agent, or employee which constitutes willful misconduct or recklessness, and subject to the standards and restrictions, if any, set forth in the articles of organization or operating agreement.
Prince Georges Utilities, LLC. The articles of organization and the operating agreement of Prince Georges Utilities, LLC do not address indemnification.
The Fields at Perry Hall, L.L.C. The articles of organization and the operating agreement of The Fields at Perry Hall, L.L.C. do not address indemnification.
Wilson Farm, L.L.C. The articles of organization and the operating agreement of Wilson Farm, L.L.C. do not address indemnification.
Ohio Limited Liability Companies
Section 1706.32 of the Ohio Revised Limited Liability Company Act provides that limited liability company, or a series thereof, may indemnify and hold harmless a member or other person, pay in advance or reimburse expenses incurred by a member or other person, and purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of a member or other person.
II-6
Table of Contents
M/I Homes of Austin, LLC. The articles of organization and the operating agreement of M/I Homes of Austin, LLC do not address indemnification.
M/I Homes of Central Ohio, LLC. The articles of organization and the operating agreement of M/I Homes of Central Ohio, LLC do not address indemnification.
M/I Homes of Cincinnati, LLC. The articles of organization and the operating agreement of M/I Homes of Cincinnati, LLC do not address indemnification.
M/I Homes Service, LLC. The articles of organization and the operating agreement of M/I Homes Service, LLC do not address indemnification.
Director and Officer Insurance Maintained by M/I Homes
M/I Homes maintains insurance policies under which directors and officers of M/I Homes and directors, officers, members and managers of, and certain persons holding equivalent positions with, its subsidiaries (including the co-registrants) are insured, within the limits and subject to the limitations of such policies, against expenses in connection with the defense of actions, suits or proceedings, and certain liabilities that might be imposed as a result of such actions, suits or proceedings, to which they are parties by reason of being or having been directors or officers of M/I Homes or directors, officers, members or managers (or other equivalent positions), as applicable, of its subsidiaries.
| Item 16. | Exhibits |
II-7
Table of Contents
| † | Filed herewith. |
II-8
Table of Contents
| * | To the extent applicable, to be filed by an amendment to this registration statement or incorporated herein by reference pursuant to a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed by the registrant in connection with an offering of securities. |
| ** | To be filed separately on Form T-1 and incorporated herein by reference. |
| Item 17. | Undertakings |
| (a) | 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 of 1933; |
| (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 a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and |
| (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 the undertakings set forth in paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) above do not apply if 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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is a part of the registration statement.
| (2) | That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, 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. |
| (4) | That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 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 of 1933 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 |
II-9
Table of Contents
| 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. |
| (5) | That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 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. |
| (b) | The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) 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. |
| (c) | Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 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 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 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. |
| (d) | 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 (the “Act”) in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Act. |
II-10
Table of Contents
SIGNATURES
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 Columbus, State of Ohio, on June 6, 2022.
| M/I HOMES, INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ ROBERT H. SCHOTTENSTEIN | |
| Name: | Robert H. Schottenstein |
| Title: | Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President |
Each of the undersigned directors and/or officers of M/I Homes, Inc. (the “Company”) hereby constitutes and appoints Robert H. Schottenstein, Phillip G. Creek and Susan E. Krohne, and each of them, as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead in the capacities indicated below, to do any and all acts and things, and to execute any and all instruments, which said attorneys-in-fact or agents, or any of them, may deem necessary or advisable to enable the Company to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, in connection with the filing of this Registration Statement on Form S-3, including specifically but without limitation, power and authority to sign for him or her in his or her name in the capacities indicated below, any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to such Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and all documents in connection therewith, including requests to accelerate the effectiveness of each registration statement, with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and he or she does hereby ratify and confirm all that the said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their substitute or substitutes, or any of them, shall 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.
| Name and Signature | Title | Date | ||
| /s/ ROBERT H. SCHOTTENSTEIN Robert H. Schottenstein |
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President (Principal Executive Officer) | June 6, 2022 | ||
| /s/ PHILLIP G. CREEK Phillip G. Creek |
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Director (Principal Financial Officer) |
June 6, 2022 | ||
| /s/ ANN MARIE W. HUNKER Ann Marie W. Hunker |
Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer) | June 6, 2022 | ||
| /s/ FRIEDRICH K. M. BÖHM Friedrich K. M. Böhm |
Director | June 6, 2022 | ||
II-11
Table of Contents
| Name and Signature | Title | Date | ||
| /s/ WILLIAM H. CARTER William H. Carter |
Director | June 6, 2022 | ||
| /s/ MICHAEL P. GLIMCHER Michael P. Glimcher |
Director | June 6, 2022 | ||
| /s/ ELIZABETH K. INGRAM Elizabeth K. Ingram |
Director | June 6, 2022 | ||
| /s/ NANCY J. KRAMER Nancy Kramer |
Director | June 6, 2022 | ||
| /s/ NORMAN L. TRAEGER Norman L. Traeger |
Director | June 6, 2022 | ||
| /s/ KUMI D. WALKER Kumi D. Walker |
Director | June 6, 2022 | ||
II-12
Table of Contents
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, each co-registrant named below 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 Columbus, State of Ohio, June 6, 2022.
| MHO HOLDINGS, LLC MHO, LLC M/I HOMES FIRST INDIANA LLC M/I HOMES OF ALABAMA, LLC M/I HOMES OF AUSTIN, LLC M/I HOMES OF CENTRAL OHIO, LLC M/I HOMES OF CHARLOTTE, LLC M/I HOMES OF CHICAGO, LLC M/I HOMES OF CINCINNATI, LLC M/I HOMES OF DC, LLC M/I HOMES OF DELAWARE, LLC M/I HOMES OF DFW, LLC M/I HOMES OF HOUSTON, LLC M/I HOMES OF MICHIGAN, LLC M/I HOMES OF MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL, LLC M/I HOMES OF NASHVILLE, LLC M/I HOMES OF ORLANDO, LLC M/I HOMES OF RALEIGH, LLC M/I HOMES OF SAN ANTONIO, LLC M/I HOMES OF SARASOTA, LLC M/I HOMES OF TAMPA, LLC M/I HOMES OF WEST PALM BEACH, LLC M/I HOMES SERVICE, LLC NORTHEAST OFFICE VENTURE,
LIMITED PRINCE GEORGES UTILITIES, LLC THE FIELDS AT PERRY HALL, L.L.C. WILSON FARM, L.L.C. |
| By: /s/ ROBERT H. SCHOTTENSTEIN Name: Robert H. Schottenstein Title: President and Chief Executive Officer |
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.
| Name and Signature | Title | Date | ||
| /s/ ROBERT H. SCHOTTENSTEIN Robert H. Schottenstein |
President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Management Committee (Principal Executive Officer) | June 6, 2022 | ||
| /s/ PHILLIP G. CREEK Phillip G. Creek |
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Vice-Chairman of the Management Committee (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) | June 6, 2022 | ||
| /s/ SUSAN E. KROHNE Susan E. Krohne |
Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Secretary and Vice-Chairman of the Management Committee |
June 6, 2022 | ||
II-13
Table of Contents
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, each co-registrant named below 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 Columbus, State of Ohio, on June 6, 2022.
| M/I HOMES OF FLORIDA, LLC M/I HOMES SECOND INDIANA LLC | ||
| By: | M/I HOMES, INC., its sole member | |
| By: /s/ ROBERT H. SCHOTTENSTEIN | ||
| Name: Robert H. Schottenstein | ||
| Title: President and Chief Executive Officer | ||
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each of the undersigned directors and/or officers of M/I Homes, Inc. (the “Company”) hereby constitutes and appoints Robert H. Schottenstein, Phillip G. Creek and Susan E. Krohne, and each of them, as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead in the capacities indicated below, to do any and all acts and things, and to execute any and all instruments, which said attorneys-in-fact or agents, or any of them, may deem necessary or advisable to enable the Company to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, in connection with the filing of this Registration Statement on Form S-3, including specifically but without limitation, power and authority to sign for him or her in his or her name in the capacities indicated below, any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to such Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and all documents in connection therewith, including requests to accelerate the effectiveness of each registration statement, with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and he or she does hereby ratify and confirm all that the said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their substitute or substitutes, or any of them, shall 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.
| Name and Signature | Title | Date | ||
| /s/ ROBERT H. SCHOTTENSTEIN Robert H. Schottenstein |
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President (Principal Executive Officer) | June 6, 2022 | ||
| /s/ PHILLIP G. CREEK Phillip G. Creek |
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Director (Principal Financial Officer) |
June 6, 2022 | ||
| /s/ ANN MARIE W. HUNKER Ann Marie W. Hunker |
Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer) | June 6, 2022 | ||
| /s/ FRIEDRICH K.M. BÖHM Friedrich K.M. Böhm |
Director | June 6, 2022 | ||
II-14
Table of Contents
| Name and Signature | Title | Date | ||
| /s/ WILLIAM H. CARTER William H. Carter |
Director | June 6, 2022 | ||
| /s/ MICHAEL P. GLIMCHER Michael P. Glimcher |
Director | June 6, 2022 | ||
| /s/ ELIZABETH K. INGRAM Elizabeth K. Ingram |
Director | June 6, 2022 | ||
| /s/ NANCY J. KRAMER Nancy J. Kramer |
Director | June 6, 2022 | ||
| /s/ NORMAN L. TRAEGER Norman L. Traeger |
Director | June 6, 2022 | ||
| /s/ KUMI D. WALKER Kumi D. Walker |
Director | June 6, 2022 | ||
II-15
Table of Contents
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the co-registrant named below 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 Columbus, State of Ohio, on June 6, 2022.
| M/I HOMES OF INDIANA, L.P. | ||
| By: | M/I HOMES FIRST INDIANA LLC, | |
| its general partner | ||
| By: /s/ ROBERT H. SCHOTTENSTEIN | ||
| Name: Robert H. Schottenstein | ||
| Title: President and Chief Executive Officer | ||
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.
| Name and Signature | Title | Date | ||
| /s/ ROBERT H. SCHOTTENSTEIN Robert H. Schottenstein |
President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Management Committee (Principal Executive Officer) | June 6, 2022 | ||
| /s/ PHILLIP G. CREEK Phillip G. Creek |
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Vice-Chairman of the Management Committee (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) | June 6, 2022 | ||
| /s/ SUSAN E. KROHNE Susan E. Krohne |
Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Secretary and Vice-Chairman of the Management Committee | June 6, 2022 | ||
II-16
Exhibit 4.9
M/I HOMES, INC.
and
THE GUARANTORS FROM TIME TO TIME PARTY HERETO
TO
|
Trustee |
Indenture
Dated as of
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| PAGE | ||||||
| Parties |
||||||
| RECITALS OF THE COMPANY |
1 | |||||
| ARTICLE ONE | ||||||
| DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION | ||||||
| SECTION 101. |
Definitions |
1 | ||||
| Act |
1 | |||||
| Affiliate; control |
2 | |||||
| Authenticating Agent |
2 | |||||
| Board of Directors |
2 | |||||
| Board Resolution |
2 | |||||
| Business Day |
2 | |||||
| Commission |
2 | |||||
| Common Stock |
2 | |||||
| Company |
2 | |||||
| Company Request; Company Order |
2 | |||||
| Corporate Trust Office |
2 | |||||
| Corporation |
2 | |||||
| Covenant Defeasance |
2 | |||||
| Defaulted Interest |
2 | |||||
| Defeasance |
2 | |||||
| Depositary |
3 | |||||
| Event of Default |
3 | |||||
| Exchange Act |
3 | |||||
| Expiration Date |
3 | |||||
| Global Security |
3 | |||||
| Guarantee |
3 | |||||
| Guarantors |
3 | |||||
| Holder |
3 | |||||
| Indenture |
3 | |||||
| interest |
3 | |||||
| Interest Payment Date |
3 | |||||
| Investment Company Act |
3 | |||||
| Lien |
3 | |||||
| Maturity |
3 | |||||
| Notice of Default |
4 | |||||
| Officers’ Certificate |
4 | |||||
| Opinion of Counsel |
4 | |||||
| Original Issue Discount Security |
4 | |||||
| PAGE | ||||||
| Outstanding |
4 | |||||
| Paying Agent |
5 | |||||
| Person |
5 | |||||
| Place of Payment |
5 | |||||
| Predecessor Security |
5 | |||||
| Redemption Date |
5 | |||||
| Redemption Price |
5 | |||||
| Regular Record Date |
5 | |||||
| Responsible Officer |
5 | |||||
| Securities |
5 | |||||
| Securities Act |
5 | |||||
| Security Register; Security Registrar |
5 | |||||
| Special Record Date |
6 | |||||
| Stated Maturity |
6 | |||||
| Subsidiary |
6 | |||||
| Trust Indenture Act |
6 | |||||
| Trustee |
6 | |||||
| U.S. Government Obligation |
6 | |||||
| Vice President |
6 | |||||
| SECTION 102. |
Compliance Certificates and Opinions |
6 | ||||
| SECTION 103. |
Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee |
7 | ||||
| SECTION 104. |
Acts of Holders; Record Dates |
7 | ||||
| SECTION 105. |
Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company |
9 | ||||
| SECTION 106. |
Notice to Holders; Waiver |
9 | ||||
| SECTION 107. |
Conflict with Trust Indenture Act |
9 | ||||
| SECTION 108. |
Effect of Headings and Table of Contents |
10 | ||||
| SECTION 109. |
Successors and Assigns |
10 | ||||
| SECTION 110. |
Separability Clause |
10 | ||||
| SECTION 111. |
Benefits of Indenture |
10 | ||||
| SECTION 112. |
Governing Law |
10 | ||||
| SECTION 113. |
Legal Holidays |
10 | ||||
| ARTICLE TWO | ||||||
| SECURITY FORMS | ||||||
| SECTION 201. |
Forms Generally |
10 | ||||
| SECTION 202. |
Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication |
11 | ||||
| SECTION 203. |
Form of Legend for Global Securities |
11 | ||||
| SECTION 204. |
Securities in Global Form |
11 | ||||
| ARTICLE THREE | ||||||
| THE SECURITIES | ||||||
| SECTION 301. |
Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series |
12 | ||||
| SECTION 302. |
Denominations |
14 | ||||
| SECTION 303. |
Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating |
15 | ||||
| SECTION 304. |
Temporary Securities |
16 | ||||
ii
| PAGE | ||||||
| SECTION 305. |
Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange |
16 | ||||
| SECTION 306. |
Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities |
18 | ||||
| SECTION 307. |
Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved |
18 | ||||
| SECTION 308. |
Persons Deemed Owners |
19 | ||||
| SECTION 309. |
Cancellation |
20 | ||||
| SECTION 310. |
Computation of Interest |
20 | ||||
| ARTICLE FOUR | ||||||
| SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE | ||||||
| SECTION 401. |
Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture |
20 | ||||
| SECTION 402. |
Application of Trust Money |
21 | ||||
| ARTICLE FIVE | ||||||
| REMEDIES | ||||||
| SECTION 501. |
Events of Default |
21 | ||||
| SECTION 502. |
Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment |
22 | ||||
| SECTION 503. |
Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee |
23 | ||||
| SECTION 504. |
Trustee May File Proofs of Claim |
24 | ||||
| SECTION 505. |
Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities |
24 | ||||
| SECTION 506. |
Application of Money Collected |
24 | ||||
| SECTION 507. |
Limitation on Suits |
25 | ||||
| SECTION 508. |
Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and Interest |
25 | ||||
| SECTION 509. |
Restoration of Rights and Remedies |
25 | ||||
| SECTION 510. |
Rights and Remedies Cumulative |
26 | ||||
| SECTION 511. |
Delay or Omission Not Waiver |
26 | ||||
| SECTION 512. |
Control by Holders |
26 | ||||
| SECTION 513. |
Waiver of Past Defaults |
26 | ||||
| SECTION 514. |
Undertaking for Costs |
27 | ||||
| SECTION 515. |
Waiver of Usury, Stay or Extension Laws |
27 | ||||
| ARTICLE SIX | ||||||
| THE TRUSTEE | ||||||
| SECTION 601. |
Certain Duties and Responsibilities |
27 | ||||
| SECTION 602. |
Notice of Defaults |
27 | ||||
| SECTION 603. |
Certain Rights of Trustee |
28 | ||||
| SECTION 604. |
Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities |
28 | ||||
| SECTION 605. |
May Hold Securities |
29 | ||||
| SECTION 606. |
Money Held in Trust |
29 | ||||
| SECTION 607. |
Compensation and Reimbursement. |
29 | ||||
| SECTION 608. |
Conflicting Interests |
29 | ||||
iii
| SECTION 609. |
Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility |
30 | ||||
| SECTION 610. |
Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor |
30 | ||||
| SECTION 611. |
Acceptance of Appointment by Successor |
31 | ||||
| SECTION 612. |
Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business |
32 | ||||
| SECTION 613. |
Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company |
32 | ||||
| SECTION 614. |
Appointment of Authenticating Agent |
32 | ||||
| ARTICLE SEVEN | ||||||
| HOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY | ||||||
| SECTION 701. |
Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders |
34 | ||||
| SECTION 702. |
Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders |
34 | ||||
| SECTION 703. |
Reports by Trustee |
34 | ||||
| SECTION 704. |
Reports by Company |
34 | ||||
| ARTICLE EIGHT | ||||||
| CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE | ||||||
| SECTION 801. |
Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms |
35 | ||||
| SECTION 802. |
Successor Substituted |
35 | ||||
| ARTICLE NINE | ||||||
| SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES | ||||||
| SECTION 901. |
Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders |
36 | ||||
| SECTION 902. |
Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Holders |
37 | ||||
| SECTION 903. |
Execution of Supplemental Indentures |
38 | ||||
| SECTION 904. |
Effect of Supplemental Indentures |
38 | ||||
| SECTION 905. |
Conformity with Trust Indenture Act |
38 | ||||
| SECTION 906. |
Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures |
38 | ||||
| ARTICLE TEN | ||||||
| COVENANTS | ||||||
| SECTION 1001. |
Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest |
39 | ||||
| SECTION 1002. |
Maintenance of Office or Agency |
39 | ||||
| SECTION 1003. |
Money for Securities Payments to Be Held in Trust |
39 | ||||
| SECTION 1004. |
Statement by Officers as to Default |
40 | ||||
| SECTION 1005. |
Existence |
40 | ||||
| SECTION 1006. |
Maintenance of Properties |
40 | ||||
| SECTION 1007. |
Payment of Taxes and Other Claims |
41 | ||||
iv
| SECTION 1008. |
Waiver of Certain Covenants |
41 | ||||
| ARTICLE ELEVEN | ||||||
| REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES | ||||||
| SECTION 1101. |
Applicability of Article |
41 | ||||
| SECTION 1102. |
Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee |
41 | ||||
| SECTION 1103. |
Selection by Trustee of Securities to be Redeemed |
42 | ||||
| SECTION 1104. |
Notice of Redemption |
42 | ||||
| SECTION 1105. |
Deposit of Redemption Price |
43 | ||||
| SECTION 1106. |
Securities Payable on Redemption Date |
43 | ||||
| SECTION 1107. |
Securities Redeemed in Part |
44 | ||||
| ARTICLE TWELVE | ||||||
| SINKING FUNDS | ||||||
| SECTION 1201. |
Applicability of Article |
44 | ||||
| SECTION 1202. |
Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities |
44 | ||||
| SECTION 1203. |
Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund |
44 | ||||
| ARTICLE THIRTEEN | ||||||
| DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE | ||||||
| SECTION 1301. |
Company’s Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance |
45 | ||||
| SECTION 1302. |
Defeasance and Discharge |
45 | ||||
| SECTION 1303. |
Covenant Defeasance |
45 | ||||
| SECTION 1304. |
Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance |
46 | ||||
| SECTION 1305. |
Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Miscellaneous Provisions |
47 | ||||
| SECTION 1306. |
Reinstatement |
48 | ||||
| ARTICLE FOURTEEN | ||||||
| GUARANTEE | ||||||
| SECTION 1401. |
Unconditional Guarantee |
48 | ||||
| SECTION 1402. |
Execution and Delivery of Guarantee |
50 | ||||
| SECTION 1403. |
Limitation on Guarantors’ Liability |
50 | ||||
| SECTION 1404. |
Release of Guarantors from Guarantee |
50 | ||||
| SECTION 1405. |
Guarantor Contribution |
51 | ||||
v
Certain Sections of this Indenture relating to Sections 310 through 318,
inclusive, of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939:
| Trust Indenture Act Section |
Indenture Section | |||
| § 310(a)(1) |
609 | |||
| (a)(2) |
609 | |||
| (a)(3) |
Not Applicable | |||
| (a)(4) |
Not Applicable | |||
| (a)(5) |
609 | |||
| (b) |
608 | |||
| 610 | ||||
| § 311(a) |
613 | |||
| (b) |
613 | |||
| § 312(a) |
701 | |||
| 702 | ||||
| (b) |
702 | |||
| (c) |
702 | |||
| § 313(a) |
703 | |||
| (b) |
703 | |||
| (c) |
703 | |||
| (d) |
703 | |||
| § 314(a) |
704 | |||
| (a)(4) |
101 | |||
| 1004 | ||||
| (b) |
Not Applicable | |||
| (c)(1) |
102 | |||
| (c)(2) |
102 | |||
| (c)(3) |
Not Applicable | |||
| (d) |
Not Applicable | |||
| (e) |
102 | |||
| § 315(a) |
601 | |||
| (b) |
602 | |||
| (c) |
601 | |||
| (d) |
601 | |||
| (e) |
514 | |||
| § 316(a) |
101 | |||
| (a)(1)(A) |
502 | |||
| 512 | ||||
| (a)(1)(B) |
513 | |||
| (a)(2) |
Not Applicable | |||
| (b) |
508 | |||
| (c) |
104 | |||
| § 317(a)(1) |
503 | |||
| (a)(2) |
504 | |||
| (b) |
1003 | |||
| § 318(a) |
107 | |||
NOTE: This reconciliation and tie shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be a part of the Indenture.
INDENTURE, dated as of , between M/I HOMES, INC., a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Ohio (herein called the “Company”), having its principal office at 3 Easton Oval, Suite 500, Columbus, Ohio 43219, each of the Guarantors from time to time party hereto in respect of a particular series of Securities and , a , with its principal office in , , as Trustee (herein called the “Trustee”).
The Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance from time to time of its unsecured debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness (herein called the “Securities”), to be issued in one or more series as provided in this Indenture.
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 agreed, for the equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders of the Securities or of a series thereof, as follows:
ARTICLE ONE
DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS
OF GENERAL APPLICATION
For all purposes of this Indenture, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless 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 which are defined in the Trust Indenture Act, either directly or by reference therein, have the meanings assigned to them therein;
(3) all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the term “generally accepted accounting principles” with respect to any computation required or permitted hereunder shall mean such accounting principles as are generally accepted at the date of such computation;
(4) unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to an “Article” or a “Section” refers to an Article or a Section, as the case may be, of this Indenture; and
(5) 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.
“Act”, when used with respect to any Holder, has the meaning specified in Section 104.
“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 Person authorized by the Trustee pursuant to Section 614 to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of one or more series.
“Board of Directors” means either the board of directors of the Company or any duly authorized committee of that board.
“Board Resolution” means 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 and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification, and delivered to the Trustee.
“Business Day”, when used with respect to any Place of Payment, means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not a day on which banking institutions in that Place of Payment are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.
“Commission” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, from time to time constituted, created under the Exchange Act, or, if at any time after the execution of this instrument such Commission is not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture Act, then the body performing such duties at such time.
“Common Stock” includes any shares or stock of any class of the Company which has no preference in respect of dividends or of amounts payable in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company and which is not subject to redemption by the Company.
“Company” means the Person named as the “Company” in the first paragraph of this instrument until a successor Person shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Company” shall mean such successor Person.
“Company Request” or “Company Order” means a written request or order signed in the name of the Company by its Chairman of the Board, its Vice Chairman of the Board, its President or a Vice President, and by its Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, its Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, and delivered to the Trustee.
“Corporate Trust Office” means the designated office of the Trustee at which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall be administered.
“Corporation” means a corporation, association, company, joint-stock company, limited liability company or business trust.
“Covenant Defeasance” has the meaning specified in Section 1303.
“Defaulted Interest” has the meaning specified in Section 307.
“Defeasance” has the meaning specified in Section 1302.
-2-
“Depositary” means, with respect to Securities of any series issuable in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities, a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act that is designated to act as Depositary for such Securities as contemplated by Section 301.
“Event of Default” has the meaning specified in Section 501.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and any statute successor thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.
“Expiration Date” has the meaning specified in Section 104.
“Global Security” means a Security that evidences all or part of the Securities of any series and bears the legend set forth in Section 203 (or such legend as may be specified as contemplated by Section 301 for such Securities).
“Guarantee” means the guarantee of Securities of any applicable series by each Guarantor thereof under this Indenture.
“Guarantors” means, with respect to any series of Securities, (i) the Subsidiaries signatory to the supplemental indenture with respect to such series or specified in the Officers’ Certificate with respect to such series as the initial Guarantors of such series, and (ii) each of the Subsidiaries that becomes a Guarantor of such series pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture, in each case, until released from its Guarantee pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture and the terms of such series.
“Holder” means a Person in whose name a Security is registered in the Security Register.
“Indenture” means this instrument as originally executed and 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, including, for all purposes of this instrument and any such supplemental indenture, the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are deemed to be a part of and govern this instrument and any such supplemental indenture, respectively. The term “Indenture” shall also include the terms of particular series of Securities established as contemplated by Section 301.
“interest”, when used with respect to an Original Issue Discount Security which by its terms bears interest only after Maturity, means interest payable after Maturity.
“Interest Payment Date”, when used with respect to any Security, means the Stated Maturity of an installment of interest on such Security.
“Investment Company Act” means the Investment Company Act of 1940 and any statute successor thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.
“Lien” means, with respect to any property or assets, any mortgage or deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, security interest, lien, encumbrance, or other security arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever on or with respect to such property or assets (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing).
“Maturity”, when used with respect to any Security, means 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, call for redemption or otherwise.
-3-
“Notice of Default” means a written notice of the kind specified in Section 501(4) or 501(5).
“Officers’ Certificate” means a certificate signed by the Chairman of the Board, a Vice Chairman of the Board, 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. One of the officers signing an Officers’ Certificate given pursuant to Section 1004 shall be the principal executive, financial or accounting officer of the Company.
“Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion of counsel, who may be counsel for the Company, and who shall be acceptable to the Trustee.
“Original Issue Discount Security” means any Security which 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:
(1) Securities theretofore cancelled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;
(2) Securities for whose payment or redemption 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 provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee has been made;
(3) Securities as to which Defeasance has been effected pursuant to Section 1302; and
(4) Securities which 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 it that such Securities are held by a bona fide purchaser in whose hands such Securities are valid obligations of the Company;
provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of the Outstanding Securities have given, made or taken any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action hereunder as of any date, (A) the principal amount of an Original Issue Discount Security which shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the amount of the principal thereof which would be due and payable as of such date upon acceleration of the Maturity thereof to such date pursuant to Section 502, (B) if, as of such date, the principal amount payable at the Stated Maturity of a Security is not determinable, the principal amount of such Security which shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the amount as specified or determined as contemplated by Section 301, (C) the principal amount of a Security denominated in one or more foreign currencies or currency units which shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the U.S. dollar equivalent, determined as of such date in the manner provided as contemplated by Section 301, of the principal amount of such Security (or, in the case of a Security described in Clause (A) or (B) above, of the amount determined as provided in such Clause), and (D) 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
-4-
determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, only Securities which the Trustee actually knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Securities so owned which 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 or any premium or interest on any Securities on behalf of the Company.
“Person” means any individual, corporation, bank, partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
“Place of Payment”, when used with respect to the Securities of any series, means the place or places where the principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities of that series are payable as specified as contemplated by Section 301.
“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”, when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, means the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Indenture.
“Redemption Price”, when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, means the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to this Indenture.
“Regular Record Date” for the interest payable on any Interest Payment Date on the Securities of any series means the date specified for that purpose as contemplated by Section 301.
“Responsible Officer”, when used with respect to the Trustee, means the chairman or any vice-chairman of the board of directors, the chairman or any vice-chairman of the executive committee of the board of directors, the president, any vice president, the secretary, any assistant secretary, the treasurer, any assistant treasurer, the cashier, any assistant cashier, any trust officer or assistant trust officer, the controller or any assistant controller or any other officer of the Trustee customarily performing functions similar to those performed by any of the above designated officers and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of his knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.
“Securities” has the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture and more particularly means any Securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933 and any statute successor thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.
“Security Register” and “Security Registrar” have the respective meanings specified in Section 305.
-5-
“Special Record Date” for the payment of any Defaulted Interest means a date fixed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 307.
“Stated Maturity”, when used with respect to any Security or any installment of principal thereof or interest thereon, means 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 more than 50% of the outstanding voting stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company or by one or more other Subsidiaries, or by the Company and one or more other Subsidiaries. For the purposes of this definition, “voting stock” means stock which ordinarily has voting power for the election of directors, whether at all times or only so long as no senior class of stock has such voting power by reason of any contingency.
“Trust Indenture Act” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as in force at the date as of which this instrument was executed; provided, however, that in the event the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 is amended after such date, “Trust Indenture Act” means, to the extent required by any such amendment, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as so amended.
“Trustee” means the Person named as the “Trustee” in the first paragraph of this instrument 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, and if at any time there is more than one such Person, “Trustee” as used with respect to the Securities of any series shall mean the Trustee with respect to Securities of that series.
“U.S. Government Obligation” has the meaning specified in Section 1304.
“Vice President”, when used with respect to the Company or the Trustee, means any vice president, whether or not designated by a number or a word or words added before or after the title “vice president”.
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 such certificates and opinions as may be required under the Trust Indenture Act. Each such certificate or opinion shall be given in the form of an Officers’ Certificate, if to be given by an officer of the Company, or an Opinion of Counsel, if to be given by counsel, and shall comply with the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act and any other requirements set forth in this Indenture.
Every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (except for certificates provided for in Section 1004) shall include,
(1) a statement that each individual signing such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition 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 covenant or condition has been complied with; and
-6-
(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 with respect 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 a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, counsel, unless such officer knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to the matters upon which his certificate or opinion is based are erroneous. Any such certificate or opinion of counsel 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 with respect to such factual matters is in the possession of the Company, unless such counsel knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect 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; Record Dates.
Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided or permitted by this Indenture to be given, made or taken by Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such 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 and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Company. Such instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the “Act” of the Holders signing such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and (subject to Section 601) conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Company, if made in the manner provided in this Section.
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 manner which the Trustee deems sufficient.
The ownership of Securities shall be proved by the Security Register.
-7-
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 or the Company in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such Security.
The Company may set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders of Outstanding Securities of any series entitled to give, make or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided or permitted by this Indenture to be given, made or taken by Holders of Securities of such series, provided that the Company may not set a record date for, and the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply with respect to, the giving or making of any notice, declaration, request or direction referred to in the next paragraph. If any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Holders of Outstanding Securities of the relevant series on such record date, and no other Holders, shall be entitled to take the relevant action, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided that no such action shall be effective hereunder unless taken on or prior to the applicable Expiration Date by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of such series on such record date. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prevent the Company from setting a new record date for any action for which a record date has previously been set pursuant to this paragraph (whereupon the record date previously set shall automatically and with no action by any Person be cancelled and of no effect), and nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to render ineffective any action taken by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of the relevant series on the date such action is taken. Promptly after any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Company, at its own expense, shall cause notice of such record date, the proposed action by Holders and the applicable Expiration Date to be given to the Trustee in writing and to each Holder of Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 106.
The Trustee may set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders of Outstanding Securities of any series entitled to join in the giving or making of (i) any Notice of Default, (ii) any declaration of acceleration referred to in Section 502, (iii) any request to institute proceedings referred to in Section 507(2) or (iv) any direction referred to in Section 512, in each case with respect to Securities of such series. If any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Holders of Outstanding Securities of such series on such record date, and no other Holders, shall be entitled to join in such notice, declaration, request or direction, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided that no such action shall be effective hereunder unless taken on or prior to the applicable Expiration Date by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of such series on such record date. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prevent the Trustee from setting a new record date for any action for which a record date has previously been set pursuant to this paragraph (whereupon the record date previously set shall automatically and with no action by any Person be cancelled and of no effect), and nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to render ineffective any action taken by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of the relevant series on the date such action is taken. Promptly after any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Trustee, at the Company’s expense, shall cause notice of such record date, the proposed action by Holders and the applicable Expiration Date to be given to the Company in writing and to each Holder of Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 106.
With respect to any record date set pursuant to this Section, the party hereto which sets such record dates may designate any day as the “Expiration Date” and from time to time may change the Expiration Date to any earlier or later day; provided that no such change shall be effective unless notice of the proposed new Expiration Date is given to the other party hereto in writing, and to each Holder of Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 106, on or prior to the existing Expiration Date. If an Expiration Date is not designated with respect to any record date set pursuant to
-8-
this Section, the party hereto which set such record date shall be deemed to have initially designated the 180th day after such record date as the Expiration Date with respect thereto, subject to its right to change the Expiration Date as provided in this paragraph. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Expiration Date shall be later than the 180th day after the applicable record date.
Without limiting the foregoing, a Holder entitled hereunder to take any action hereunder with regard to any particular Security may do so with regard to all or any part of the principal amount of such Security or by one or more duly appointed agents each of which may do so pursuant to such appointment with regard to all or any part of such principal amount.
SECTION 105. Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company.
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 Administration, 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 instrument or at any other address furnished in writing to the Trustee by the Company.
SECTION 106. Notice to Holders; Waiver.
Where this Indenture provides for notice to Holders of any event, such notice shall be sufficiently given (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder affected by such event, at his address as it appears in the Security Register, not later than the latest date (if any), and not earlier than the earliest date (if any), prescribed for the giving of such notice. In any case where notice to Holders is given by mail, neither the failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any notice so mailed, to any particular Holder shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders. 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.
In case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service or by reason of any other cause it shall be impracticable to give such notice by mail, then such notification as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient notification for every purpose hereunder.
SECTION 107. Conflict with Trust Indenture Act.
If any provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with a provision of the Trust Indenture Act which is required under such Act to be a part of and govern this Indenture, the provision of the Trust Indenture Act shall control. If any provision of this Indenture modifies or excludes any provision of the Trust Indenture Act which may be so modified or excluded, the provision of the Trust Indenture Act shall be deemed to apply to this Indenture as so modified or to be excluded, as the case may be.
-9-
SECTION 108. 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 109. 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 110. Separability Clause.
In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Securities 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 111. Benefits of Indenture.
Nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto and their successors hereunder and the Holders, any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture.
This Indenture and the Securities shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of New York.
In any case where any Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity of any Security shall not be a Business Day at any Place of Payment, then (notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or of the Securities (other than a provision of any Security which specifically states that such provision shall apply in lieu of this Section)) payment of interest or principal (and premium, if any) 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 or Redemption Date, or at the Stated Maturity.
ARTICLE TWO
SECURITY FORMS
The Securities (and any related Guarantees) of each series shall be in such form as shall be established by or pursuant to a Board Resolution or in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in each case with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture, and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as may be required to comply with the rules of any securities exchange or Depositary therefor or as may, consistently herewith, be determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution thereof. If the form of Securities of any series is established by action taken pursuant to a Board Resolution, a copy of an appropriate record of such action 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 contemplated by Section 303 for the authentication and delivery of such Securities.
-10-
The definitive Securities (and any related Guarantees) shall be printed, lithographed or engraved on steel engraved borders or may be produced in any other manner, all as determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities.
SECTION 202. Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication.
The Trustee’s certificates of authentication shall be in substantially the following form:
This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
| , | ||||
| As Trustee | ||||
|
By | ||||
| Authorized Officer | ||||
SECTION 203. Form of Legend for Global Securities.
Unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for the Securities evidenced thereby, every Global Security authenticated and delivered hereunder shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:
THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR A SECURITY REGISTERED, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IN WHOLE OR IN PART MAY BE REGISTERED, IN THE NAME OF ANY PERSON OTHER THAN SUCH DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF, EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.
SECTION 204. Securities in Global Form.
If Securities of any series are issuable as Global Securities, as specified as contemplated by Section 301, then, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 301, 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 reduced to reflect exchanges. Any endorsement of a Global Security to reflect the amount, or any increase or decrease in the amount, of Outstanding Securities of such series represented thereby shall be made by the Trustee in such manner and upon instructions 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 Section 304. Subject to the provisions of Section 303 and, if applicable, Section 304, the Trustee shall deliver and redeliver any Global Security in the manner and upon 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 Global Security shall be in writing but need not comply with Section 102 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel.
The provisions of the last sentence of Section 303 shall apply to any Security represented by a Global Security if such Security was never issued and sold by the Company and the Company delivers to
-11-
the Trustee the Global Security 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 Sections 201 and 307, unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, payment of principal of and any premium and interest on any Global Security 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 a Person as the Holder of such principal amount of Outstanding Securities represented by a Global Security as shall be specified in a written statement of the Holder of such Global Security.
ARTICLE THREE
THE SECURITIES
SECTION 301. Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series.
The aggregate principal amount of Securities which 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 a Board Resolution and, subject to Section 303, set forth, or determined in the manner provided, in an Officers’ Certificate, or established in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the issuance of Securities of any series,
(1) the title of the Securities of the series (which shall distinguish the Securities of the series from Securities of any other series);
(2) any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of the series which 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 the series pursuant to Section 304, 305, 306, 906 or 1107 and except for any Securities which, pursuant to Section 303, are deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder);
(3) the Person to whom any interest on a 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;
(4) the date or dates on which the principal of any Securities of the series is payable;
(5) the rate or rates at which any Securities of the series shall bear interest, if any, the date or dates from which any such interest shall accrue, the Interest Payment Dates on which any such interest shall be payable and the Regular Record Date for any such interest payable on any Interest Payment Date;
-12-
(6) the place or places where the principal of and any premium and interest on any Securities of the series shall be payable or where the Securities of the series may be surrendered for conversion or exchange;
(7) the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which any Securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company and, if other than by a Board Resolution, the manner in which any election by the Company to redeem the Securities shall be evidenced;
(8) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem or purchase any Securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the option of the Holder thereof and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which any Securities of the series shall be redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;
(9) the right, if any, to extend the interest payment periods in respect of the Securities of the series and the duration of such extension;
(10) if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof, the denominations in which any Securities of the series shall be issuable;
(11) if the amount of principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities of the series may be determined with reference to an index or pursuant to a formula, the manner in which such amounts shall be determined;
(12) if other than the currency of the United States of America, the currency, currencies or currency units in which the principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities of the series shall be payable and the manner of determining the equivalent thereof in the currency of the United States of America for any purpose, including for purposes of the definition of “Outstanding” in Section 101;
(13) if the principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities of the series is to be payable, at the election of the Company or the Holder thereof, in one or more currencies or currency units other than that or those in which such Securities are stated to be payable, the currency, currencies or currency units in which the principal of or any premium or interest on such Securities as to which such election is made shall be payable, the periods within which and the terms and conditions upon which such election is to be made and the amount so payable (or the manner in which such amount shall be determined);
(14) if other than the entire principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of any Securities of the series which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502;
(15) if the principal amount payable at the Stated Maturity of any Securities of the series will not be determinable as of any one or more dates prior to the Stated Maturity, the amount which shall be deemed to be the principal amount of such Securities as of any such date for any purpose thereunder or hereunder, including the principal amount thereof which shall be due and payable upon any Maturity other than the Stated Maturity or which shall be deemed to be Outstanding as of any date prior to the Stated Maturity (or, in any such case, the manner in which such amount deemed to be the principal amount shall be determined);
-13-
(16) if applicable, that the Securities of the series, in whole or any specified part, shall be defeasible pursuant to Section 1302 or Section 1303 or both such Sections and, if other than by a Board Resolution, the manner in which any election by the Company to defease such Securities shall be evidenced;
(17) if applicable, that any Securities of the series shall be issuable in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities and, in such case, the respective Depositaries for such Global Securities, the form of any legend or legends which shall be borne by any such Global Security in addition to or in lieu of that set forth in Section 203 and any circumstances in addition to or in lieu of those set forth in Clause (2) of the last paragraph of Section 305 in which any such Global Security may be exchanged in whole or in part for Securities registered, and any transfer of such Global Security in whole or in part may be registered, in the name or names of Persons other than the Depositary for such Global Security or a nominee thereof;
(18) any addition to or change in the Events of Default which applies to any Securities of the series and any change in the right of the Trustee or the requisite Holders of such Securities to declare the principal amount thereof due and payable pursuant to Section 502;
(19) any addition to or change in the covenants set forth in Article Ten which applies to Securities of the series;
(20) any restriction or condition on the transferability of the Securities;
(21) whether or not the Securities shall have the benefit of Article Fourteen and, if so, which entities shall be the initial Guarantors of the Company’s obligations with respect to such Securities;
(22) the terms of any right to convert or exchange Securities of the series, either at the election of the Holder thereof or the Company, into or for shares of Common Stock or preferred stock of the Company, including, without limitation, the period or periods within which and the price or prices (including adjustments thereto) at which any Securities of the series shall be converted or exchanged, in whole or in part, and any other provision in addition to or in lieu of those set forth in this Indenture; 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 901(5)).
All Securities of any one series shall be substantially identical except as to denomination and except as may otherwise be provided in or pursuant to the Board Resolution referred to above and (subject to Section 303) set forth, or determined in the manner provided, in the Officers’ Certificate referred to above or in any such indenture supplemental hereto.
If any of the terms of the series are established by action taken pursuant to a Board Resolution, a copy of an appropriate record of such action 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 Officers’ Certificate setting forth the terms of the series.
The Securities of each series shall be issuable only in registered form without coupons and only in such denominations as shall be specified as contemplated by Section 301. In the absence of any such specified denomination with respect to the Securities of any series, the Securities of such series shall be issuable in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof.
-14-
SECTION 303. Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating.
The Securities shall be executed on behalf of the Company by its Chairman of the Board, its Vice Chairman of the Board, its President or one of its Vice Presidents, and attested by its Secretary, one of its Assistant Secretaries, its Treasurer or one or more of its Assistant Treasurers. The signature of any of these officers on the Securities may be manual or facsimile. Each Guarantor shall execute the Guarantee in the manner set forth in Section 1402.
Securities and Guarantees bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of individuals who were at any time the proper officers of the Company or the Guarantors shall bind the Company and the applicable Guarantor, notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such Securities or Guarantees, as applicable, 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 the form or terms of the Securities of the series have been established by or pursuant to one or more Board Resolutions as permitted by Sections 201 and 301, 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 601) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating,
(1) if the form of such Securities has been established by or pursuant to Board Resolution as permitted by Section 201, that such form has been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;
(2) if the terms of such Securities have been established by or pursuant to Board Resolution as permitted by Section 301, that such terms have been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture; and
(3) that such Securities, when authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and issued by the Company in the manner and subject to any conditions specified in such Opinion of Counsel, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles.
If such form or terms have been so established, 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 or immunities under the Securities and this Indenture or otherwise in a manner which is not reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 301 and of the preceding paragraph, if all Securities of a series are not to be originally issued at one time, it shall not be necessary to deliver the Officers’ Certificate otherwise required pursuant to Section 301 or the Company Order and Opinion of Counsel otherwise required pursuant to such preceding paragraph at or prior to the authentication of each Security of such series if such documents are delivered at or prior to the authentication upon original issuance of the first Security of such series to be issued.
-15-
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 executed by the Trustee by manual signature, and such certificate upon any Security shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Security has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder. 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, 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 which 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 and with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as the officers executing such Securities may determine, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities.
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 one or more definitive Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount. 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 and tenor.
SECTION 305. Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange.
The Company shall cause to be kept at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee a register (the register maintained in such office and in any other office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment being herein sometimes collectively referred to as the “Security Register”) in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Company shall provide for the registration of Securities and of transfers of Securities. The Trustee is hereby appointed “Security Registrar” for the purpose of registering Securities and transfers of Securities as herein provided.
Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Security of a series at the 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 like tenor and aggregate principal amount.
-16-
At the option of the Holder, Securities of any series may be exchanged for other Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount, upon surrender of the Securities to be exchanged at such office or agency. Whenever any Securities are so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the Securities which the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive.
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 shall (if so required by the Company or the Trustee) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and 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.
If the Securities of any series (or of any series and specified tenor) are to be redeemed in part, the Company shall not be required (A) to issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Securities of that series (or of that series and specified tenor, as the case may be) during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of the mailing of a notice of redemption of any such Securities selected for redemption under Section 1103 and ending at the close of business on the day of such mailing, or (B) to register the transfer of or exchange any Security so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Security being redeemed in part.
The provisions of Clauses (1), (2), (3) and (4) below shall apply only to Global Securities:
(1) Each Global Security authenticated under this Indenture shall be registered in the name of the Depositary designated for such Global Security or a nominee thereof and delivered to such Depositary or a nominee thereof or custodian therefor, and each such Global Security shall constitute a single Security for all purposes of this Indenture.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, no Global Security may be exchanged in whole or in part for Securities registered, and no transfer of a Global Security in whole or in part may be registered, in the name of any Person other than the Depositary for such Global Security or a nominee thereof unless (A) such Depositary (i) has notified the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such Global Security or (ii) has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, (B) there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default with respect to such Global Security or (C) there shall exist such circumstances, if any, in addition to or in lieu of the foregoing as have been specified for this purpose as contemplated by Section 301.
(3) Subject to Clause (2) above, any exchange of a Global Security for other Securities may be made in whole or in part, and all Securities issued in exchange for a Global Security or any portion thereof shall be registered in such names as the Depositary for such Global Security shall direct.
-17-
(4) Every Security authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for or in lieu of, a Global Security or any portion thereof, whether pursuant to this Section, Section 304, 306, 906 or 1107 or otherwise, shall be authenticated and delivered in the form of, and shall be, a Global Security, unless such Security is registered in the name of a Person other than the Depositary for such Global Security or a nominee thereof.
Neither the Company nor the Trustee will have any responsibility or obligation to any Depository, participant, or beneficial owner of any Global Security with respect to (i) the accuracy of any records maintained by the Depository or any Depository participant; (ii) the payment by the Depository or any Depository participant of any amount due to any beneficial owner in respect of the Securities; (iii) the delivery of any notice by the Depository or any Depository participant to any beneficial owner; (iv) the selection of the beneficial owners to receive payment in the event of any partial redemption of the Securities; or (v) any other action taken by the Depository or any Depository participant.
SECTION 306. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities.
If any mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a new Security of the same series and of like tenor and principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.
If there shall be delivered to the Company and 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 notice to the Company or the Trustee that such Security has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen Security, a new Security of the same series and of like tenor and principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.
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 or the Trustee 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 provided as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to any series of Securities, interest on any Security which 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.
-18-
Any interest on any Security of any series which 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 Holder 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, and at the same time the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money 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 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 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 given to each Holder of Securities of such series in the manner set forth in Section 106, 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 so mailed, 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 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, 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.
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 any premium and (subject to Section 307) any 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.
-19-
All Securities surrendered for payment, redemption, purchase, 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 shall be promptly cancelled by it. The Company may at any time deliver to the Trustee for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated and delivered hereunder which 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 which the Company has not issued and sold, and all Securities so delivered shall be promptly cancelled by the Trustee. No Securities shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Securities cancelled as provided in this Section, except as expressly permitted by this Indenture. All cancelled Securities held by the Trustee shall be disposed of in accordance with the Trustee’s standard procedures unless directed otherwise by a Company Order.
SECTION 310. Computation of Interest.
Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities of any series, interest on the Securities of each series shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year 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 (except as to any surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of Securities herein expressly provided for), and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, when
(1) either
(A) all Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than (i) Securities which have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 306 and (ii) Securities 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 such Securities 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) 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,
-20-
and the Company, in the case of (i), (ii) or (iii) above, has deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for the purpose money in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal and any premium and interest to the date of such deposit (in the case of Securities which have become due and payable) or to the Stated Maturity or Redemption Date, as the case may be;
(2) the Company has paid or caused to be paid all 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 have been complied with.
Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the rights of the Trustee under Sections 507(3), 601 and 603, the obligations of the Company to the Trustee under Section 607, the obligations of the Trustee to any Authenticating Agent under Section 614 and, if money shall have been deposited with 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.
SECTION 402. Application of Trust Money.
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 any premium and interest for whose payment such money has been deposited with the Trustee.
ARTICLE FIVE
REMEDIES
SECTION 501. Events of Default.
“Event of Default”, wherever used herein with respect to Securities of any series, means any one of the following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether 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 any Security of that series when it becomes due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days; provided, however, that a valid extension of an interest payment period by the Company in accordance with the terms of any Officers’ Certificate or indenture supplemental hereto shall not constitute a default in the payment of interest for this purpose; or
(2) default in the payment of the principal of or any premium on any Security of that series at its Maturity; or
(3) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when and as due by the terms of a Security of that series; or
-21-
(4) default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty of the Company in this Indenture (other than a covenant or warranty a default in whose performance or whose breach is elsewhere in this Section specifically dealt with or which has expressly been included in this Indenture solely for the benefit of series of Securities other than that series), 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 10% 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 entry by a court having jurisdiction in the premises of (A) a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or (B) a decree or order adjudging the Company a bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly filed a petition seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Company under any applicable Federal or State law, or appointing a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or of any substantial part of its property, or ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, and the continuance of any such decree or order for relief or any such other decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days; or
(6) the commencement by the Company of a voluntary case or proceeding under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or of any other case or proceeding to be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or the consent by it to the entry of a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or to the commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding against it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable Federal or State law, or the consent by it to the filing of such petition or to the appointment of or taking possession by a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or of any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the admission by it in writing of its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due, or the taking of corporate action by the Company in furtherance of any such action; or
(7) if the Securities of that series are convertible or exchangeable into or for shares of Common Stock or preferred stock of the Company pursuant to any supplemental indenture, Board Resolution or other instrument authorizing Securities of that series, failure by the Company to convert such Securities; or
(8) any other Event of Default provided with respect to Securities of that series.
SECTION 502. Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment.
If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in Section 501(6) or 501(7)) with respect to Securities of any series at the time Outstanding occurs and is continuing, then in every such case the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series may declare the principal amount of all the Securities of that series (or, if any Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the principal amount of such Securities as may be specified by the terms thereof) to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by Holders), and upon any such declaration such principal amount
-22-
(or specified amount) shall become immediately due and payable. If an Event of Default specified in Section 501(6) or 501 (7) with respect to Securities of any series at the time Outstanding occurs, the principal amount of all the Securities of that series (or, if any Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the principal amount of such Securities as may be specified by the terms thereof) 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
(A) all overdue interest on all Securities of that series,
(B) the principal of (and premium, if any, on) any Securities of that series which have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and any interest thereon at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Securities,
(C) to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest upon overdue interest at the rate or rates prescribed therefor 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 non-payment of the principal of Securities of that series which 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 interest on any Security when such interest 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, if any, on) any Security at the Maturity thereof,
the Company will, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to it, for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities, the whole amount then due and payable on such Securities for principal and any premium and interest and, to the extent that payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable, interest on any overdue principal and premium and on any overdue interest, at the rate or rates prescribed therefor 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.
-23-
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 under this Indenture 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 any judicial proceeding relative to the Company (or any other obligor upon the Securities), its property or its creditors, the Trustee shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise, to take any and all actions authorized under the Trust Indenture Act in order to have claims of the Holders and the Trustee allowed in any such proceeding. In particular, the Trustee shall be authorized 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 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 it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 607.
No provision of this Indenture shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder 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 in any such proceeding; provided, however, that the Trustee may, on behalf of the Holders, vote for the election of a trustee in bankruptcy or similar official and be a member of a creditors’ or other similar committee.
SECTION 505. Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities.
All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or 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 any premium or interest, upon presentation of the Securities 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 under Section 607;
-24-
SECOND: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid for principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities 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 amounts due and payable on such Securities for principal and any premium and interest, 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 reasonable indemnity 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 of such Holders.
SECTION 508. Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and Interest.
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 any premium and (subject to Section 307) interest on such Security on the respective Stated Maturities 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 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, subject to any determination in such proceeding, the Company, the Trustee and the Holders shall 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 had been instituted.
-25-
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 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 Securities 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 an 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, as the case may be.
SECTION 512. Control by Holders.
The Holders of 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) such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in connection therewith, and
(3) the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction.
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 waive any past default hereunder with respect to such series and its consequences, except a default
(1) in the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on 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.
-26-
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 impair any right consequent thereon.
SECTION 514. Undertaking for Costs.
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, suffered or omitted by it as Trustee, a court may require any party litigant in such suit to file an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and may assess costs against any such party litigant, in the manner and to the extent provided in the Trust Indenture Act; provided that neither this Section nor the Trust Indenture Act shall be deemed to authorize any court to require such an undertaking or to make such an assessment in any suit instituted by the Company.
SECTION 515. Waiver of Usury, 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 usury, 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.
ARTICLE SIX
THE TRUSTEE
SECTION 601. Certain Duties and Responsibilities.
The duties and responsibilities of the Trustee shall be as provided by the Trust Indenture Act and this Indenture. Notwithstanding the foregoing, 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 adequate indemnity 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 Section 315(d) of the Trust Indenture Act and the provisions of this Section.
SECTION 602. Notice of Defaults.
If a default occurs hereunder with respect to Securities of any series and is known to the Trustee, the Trustee shall give the Holders of Securities of such series notice of such default as and to the extent provided by the Trust Indenture Act; provided, however, that in the case of any default of the character specified in Section 501(3) with respect to 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 which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect to Securities of such series.
-27-
SECTION 603. Certain Rights of Trustee.
Subject to the provisions of Section 601:
(1) the Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;
(2) any request or direction of the Company mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Company Request or Company Order, and any resolution of the Board of Directors shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution;
(3) 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;
(4) the Trustee may consult with counsel and the written 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;
(5) 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 pursuant to this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction;
(6) 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, other evidence of indebtedness 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; and
(7) the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder.
SECTION 604. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities.
The recitals contained herein and in the Securities, except the Trustee’s certificates 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. Neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent shall be accountable for the use or application by the Company of Securities or the proceeds thereof.
-28-
SECTION 605. May Hold Securities.
The Trustee, any Authenticating Agent, any Paying Agent, any Security Registrar 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 Sections 608 and 613, may otherwise deal with the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, Authenticating Agent, Paying Agent, Security Registrar or such other agent.
SECTION 606. 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 any money received by it hereunder except as otherwise agreed with the Company.
SECTION 607. 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 (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust);
(2) except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse the Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee in accordance with any provision of this Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel), except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may be attributable to its failure to act in accordance with its obligations under the Trust Indenture Act or its bad faith; and
(3) to indemnify the Trustee for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or expense arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the trust or trusts 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 any such loss, liability or expense as may be attributable to the Trustee’s failure to act in accordance with its obligations under the Trust Indenture Act or its 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 or funds collected by it pursuant to Article V, except funds held in trust for the benefit of the Holders of particular Securities. Any compensation or expense incurred by the Trustee after a default specified by Section 501(6) or Section 501(7) is intended to constitute an expense of administration under any then applicable bankruptcy or insolvency law. “Trustee” for purposes of this Section includes any predecessor Trustee, and, if there are separate Trustees for various series of Securities, such term shall refer to each Trustee, but shall not be construed to attribute the negligence or bad faith of any Trustee to the rights of any other Trustee hereunder. The provisions of this Section shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, and the resignation or removal of the Trustee.
SECTION 608. Conflicting Interests.
If the Trustee has or shall acquire a conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall either eliminate such interest or resign, to the extent and in the manner provided by,
-29-
and subject to the provisions of, the Trust Indenture Act and this Indenture. The Trustee shall comply with Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act. To the extent permitted by the Trust Indenture 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.
SECTION 609. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility.
There shall at all times be one (and only one) Trustee hereunder with respect to the Securities of each series, which may be Trustee hereunder for Securities of one or more other series. Each Trustee shall be a Person that is eligible pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act to act as such and has a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000. If any such Person publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of its supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section and to the extent permitted by the Trust Indenture Act, the combined capital and surplus of such 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 with respect to the Securities of any series 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 610. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor.
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 611.
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 the instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee required by Section 611 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 with respect to the Securities of such series.
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.
If at any time:
(1) the Trustee shall fail to comply with Section 608 after written request therefor by the Company or by any Holder 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 609 and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Company or by any such Holder, 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, (A) the Company may remove the Trustee with respect to all Securities, or (B) subject to Section 514, any Holder 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.
-30-
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 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) and shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 611. 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 in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 611, 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 and accepted appointment in the manner required by Section 611, any Holder 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 the Securities of such series.
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 to all Holders of Securities of such series in the manner provided 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 611. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor.
In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to all Securities, every such successor Trustee so appointed 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 the request of the Company or the successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of all sums owed to the Trustee under Section 607, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all the rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee and, unless applied to the payment of sums owed to the Trustee under Section 607, shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder.
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 instrument or indenture supplemental hereto wherein each successor Trustee shall accept such appointment and which (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
-31-
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 instrument or 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.
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 the first or second preceding paragraph, as the case may be.
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.
SECTION 612. 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 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.
SECTION 613. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company.
If and when the Trustee shall be or become a creditor of the Company (or any other obligor upon the Securities), the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act regarding the collection of claims against the Company (or any such other obligor). A Trustee that has resigned or been removed shall be subject to Section 311(a) of the Trust Indenture Act to the extent provided therein.
SECTION 614. Appointment of Authenticating Agent.
The Trustee may appoint an Authenticating Agent or Agents with respect to one or more series of Securities which shall be authorized to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of such series issued upon original issue and upon exchange, registration of transfer or partial redemption 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. 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 acceptable to the Company and shall at all times be a corporation organized and doing business
-32-
under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, authorized under such laws to act as Authenticating Agent, having a combined capital and surplus of not less than $50,000,000 and subject to supervision or examination by Federal or State authority. If such Authenticating Agent publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of said 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. If 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 any further act on the part of the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent.
An Authenticating Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Trustee and to the Company. The Trustee may at any time terminate the agency of an Authenticating Agent by giving written notice thereof 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 may appoint a successor Authenticating Agent which shall be acceptable to the Company and shall give notice of such appointment in the manner provided in Section 106 to all Holders of Securities of the series with respect to which such Authenticating Agent will serve. 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. No successor Authenticating Agent shall be appointed unless eligible under the provisions of this Section.
The Trustee agrees to pay to each Authenticating Agent from time to time reasonable compensation for its services under this Section, and the Trustee shall be entitled to be reimbursed for such payments, subject to the provisions of Section 607.
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 the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, an alternative certificate of authentication in the following form:
This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
| , | ||
| As Trustee | ||
| By , | ||
| As Authenticating Agent | ||
| By , | ||
| Authorized Officer | ||
-33-
ARTICLE SEVEN
HOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY
SECTION 701. Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders.
The Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee
(1) semi-annually, not later than 15 days after each January 1 and July 1, a list, in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Holders of Securities of each series as of January 1 or July 1, as the case may be, and
(2) 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;
excluding from any such list names and addresses received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar. If there are no names or addresses in addition to those received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar, the Company need not furnish any list pursuant to this Section 701.
SECTION 702. Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders.
The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, the names and addresses of Holders contained in the most recent list furnished to the Trustee as provided in Section 701 and the names and addresses of Holders received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar. The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in Section 701 upon receipt of a new list so furnished.
The rights of Holders to communicate with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or under the Securities, and the corresponding duties, rights and privileges of the Trustee, shall be as provided by the Trust Indenture Act.
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 agent of either of them shall be held accountable by reason of any disclosure of information as to names and addresses of Holders made pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 703. Reports by Trustee.
The Trustee shall transmit to Holders such reports concerning the Trustee and its actions under this Indenture as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the times and in the manner provided pursuant thereto.
A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to Holders, be filed by the Trustee with each stock exchange upon which any Securities are listed, with the Commission and with the Company. The Company will notify the Trustee when any Securities are listed on any stock exchange.
SECTION 704. Reports by Company.
The Company shall file with the Trustee and the Commission, and transmit to Holders, such information, documents and other reports, and such summaries thereof, as may be required pursuant to the
-34-
Trust Indenture Act at the times and in the manner provided pursuant to such Act; provided that any such information, documents or reports required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act shall be filed with the Trustee within 15 days after the same is so required to be filed with the Commission.
ARTICLE EIGHT
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE
SECTION 801. Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms.
The Company shall not consolidate with or merge into any other Person or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, and the Company shall not permit any Person to consolidate with or merge into the Company or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to the Company, unless:
(1) in case the Company shall consolidate with or merge into another Person or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, the Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person which acquires by conveyance or transfer, or which leases, the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety shall be a corporation, partnership or trust, shall be organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and shall expressly assume, by an indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of and any premium and interest on all the Securities and the performance or observance of every covenant of this Indenture on the part of the Company to be performed or observed;
(2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction and treating any indebtedness which becomes an obligation of the Company or any Subsidiary as a result of such transaction as having been incurred by the Company or such Subsidiary at the time of such transaction, no Event of Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of Default, shall have happened and be continuing; and
(3) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease and, if a supplemental indenture is required in connection with such transaction, such supplemental indenture complies with this Article and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been complied with.
SECTION 802. Successor Substituted.
Upon any consolidation of the Company with, or merger of the Company into, any other Person or any conveyance, transfer or lease of the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety in accordance with Section 801, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or to which such conveyance, transfer or lease is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as the Company herein, and thereafter, except in the case of a lease, the predecessor Person shall be relieved of all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and the Securities.
-35-
ARTICLE NINE
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
SECTION 901. Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders.
Without the consent of any Holders, the Company, when authorized by 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; or
(2) to add to the covenants of the Company or any Guarantor 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 any Guarantor; 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 additional Events of Default are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such additional Events of Default are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series); or
(4) to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture to such extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the issuance of Securities in bearer form, registrable or not registrable as to principal, and with or without interest coupons, or to permit or facilitate the issuance of Securities in uncertificated form; or
(5) to add to, change or eliminate any of the provisions of this Indenture in respect of one or more series of Securities, provided that any such addition, change or elimination (A) shall neither (i) 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 (ii) modify the rights of the Holder of any such Security with respect to such provision or (B) shall become effective only when there is no such Security Outstanding; or
(6) to secure the Securities; or
(7) to establish the form or terms of Securities of any series as permitted by Sections 201 and 301; or
(8) 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, pursuant to the requirements of Section 611; 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, provided that such action pursuant to this Clause (9) shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Securities of any series in any material respect; or
-36-
(10) to make provision with respect to the conversion rights of Holders, including providing for the conversion of the Securities into shares of the Common Stock or preferred stock of the Company; or
(11) to add any Subsidiary as a Guarantor; or
(12) to remove a Guarantor which, in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, ceases to be liable in respect of its Guarantee.
SECTION 902. Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Holders.
With the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of each series affected by such supplemental indenture, by Act of said Holders delivered to the Company and the Trustee, the Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee may enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series under this Indenture; provided, however, that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby,
(1) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any installment of principal of or interest on, any Security, or reduce the principal amount thereof or the rate of interest thereon or any premium payable upon the redemption thereof, or reduce the amount of the principal of an Original Issue Discount Security or any other Security which would be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502, or adversely affect any right of repayment at the option of a Holder of any Security, or reduce the amount of, or postpone the date fixed for, the payment of any sinking fund or analogous obligation, or change any Place of Payment where, or the coin or currency in which, any Security or any premium or 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, on or after the Redemption Date); 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 (of compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture or certain defaults hereunder and their consequences) provided for in this Indenture; or
(3) modify any of the provisions of this Section, Section 513 or Section 1008, except to increase any such percentage 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; provided, however, that this clause shall not be deemed to require the consent of any Holder with respect to changes in the references to “the Trustee” and concomitant changes in this Section and Section 1008, or the deletion of this proviso, in accordance with the requirements of Sections 611 and 901(8); or
-37-
(4) make any change that adversely affects the right to convert any Security of any series pursuant to Section 301 or decrease the conversion rate or increase the conversion price of any such Security of such series.
A supplemental indenture which changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of this Indenture which has expressly been included solely for the benefit of one or more particular series of Securities, or which 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.
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.
SECTION 903. Execution of Supplemental Indentures.
In executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any supplemental indenture permitted by this Article or the modifications thereby of the trusts created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 601) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture. The Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such supplemental indenture which 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 Trust Indenture Act.
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.
-38-
ARTICLE TEN
COVENANTS
SECTION 1001. Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest.
The Company covenants and agrees for the benefit of each series of Securities that it will duly and punctually pay the principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities of that series in accordance with the terms of the Securities and this Indenture.
SECTION 1002. Maintenance of Office or Agency.
The Company will 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, where Securities of that series may be surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, or conversion and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of that series and this Indenture may be served. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency. 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 Trustee as its agent to receive all such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.
The Company may also 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 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 each Place of Payment 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.
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 Securities, it will, on or before each due date of the principal of or any premium or interest on any of the Securities of that series, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto a sum sufficient to pay the principal and any premium and interest 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, prior to each due date of the principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities of that series, deposit with a Paying Agent a sum sufficient to pay such amount, such sum to be held as provided by the Trust Indenture Act, 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 for any series of Securities 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) comply with the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act applicable to it as a Paying Agent and (2) during the continuance of any default by the Company (or any other obligor upon the Securities of that series) in the making of any payment in respect of the Securities of that series, upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums held in trust by such Paying Agent for payment in respect of the Securities of that series.
-39-
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 money.
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 or any premium or interest on any Security of any series and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal, premium or interest has become due and payable shall be paid to the Company on 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 thereof, 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 a newspaper published in the English language, customarily published on each Business Day and of general circulation in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, 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. Statement by Officers as to Default.
The Company will deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company ending after the date hereof, an Officers’ Certificate complying with Section 314(a)(4) of the Trust Indenture Act, stating whether or not to the best knowledge of the signers thereof the Company is in default in the performance and observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Indenture (without regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice provided hereunder) and, if the Company shall be in default, specifying all such defaults and the nature and status thereof of which they may have knowledge.
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 its existence, rights (charter and statutory) and franchises; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to preserve any such 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 that the loss thereof is not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.
SECTION 1006. Maintenance of Properties.
The Company will cause all properties used or useful in the conduct of its business or the business of any Subsidiary to be maintained and kept in good condition, repair and working order and supplied with all necessary equipment and will cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements thereof, all as in the judgment of the Company may be necessary so that the business carried on in connection therewith may be properly and advantageously conducted at all times; provided, however, that nothing in this Section shall prevent the Company from discontinuing the operation or maintenance of any of such properties if such discontinuance is, in the judgment of the Company, desirable in the conduct of its business or the business of any Subsidiary and not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.
-40-
SECTION 1007. Payment of Taxes and Other Claims.
The Company will pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged, before the same shall become delinquent, (1) all material taxes, assessments and governmental charges levied or imposed upon the Company or any Subsidiary or upon the income, profits or property of the Company or any Subsidiary, and (2) all lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies which, if unpaid, might by law become a material Lien upon the property of the Company or any Subsidiary; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged any such tax, assessment, charge or claim whose amount, applicability or validity is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings.
SECTION 1008. Waiver of Certain Covenants.
Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities of such series, the Company may, with respect to the Securities of any series, omit in any particular instance to comply with any term, provision or condition set forth in any covenant provided pursuant to Section 301(19), 901(2) or 901(7) for the benefit of the Holders of such series or in either of Sections 1006 or 1007, if before the time for such compliance the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series shall, by Act of such Holders, either waive such compliance in such instance or generally waive compliance with such term, provision or condition, but no such waiver shall extend to or affect such term, provision 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 which 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 such Securities) 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 a Board Resolution or in another manner specified as contemplated by Section 301 for such Securities. In case of any redemption at the election of the Company of less than all the Securities of any series (including any such redemption affecting only a single Security), the Company shall, at least 60 days prior to the Redemption Date fixed by the Company (unless a shorter notice shall be satisfactory to the Trustee), notify the Trustee of such Redemption Date, of the principal amount of Securities of such series to be redeemed and, if applicable, of the tenor of the Securities to be redeemed. 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 evidencing compliance with such restriction.
-41-
SECTION 1103. Selection by Trustee of Securities to be Redeemed.
If less than all the Securities of any series are to be redeemed (unless all the Securities of such series and of a specified tenor are to be redeemed or unless such redemption affects only a single Security), 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 not previously called for redemption, by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate and which may provide for the selection for redemption of a portion of the principal amount of any Security of such series, provided that the unredeemed portion of the principal amount of any Security shall be in an authorized denomination (which shall not be less than the minimum authorized denomination) for such Security. If less than all the Securities of such series and of a specified tenor are to be redeemed (unless such redemption affects only a single Security), 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 and specified tenor not previously called for redemption in accordance with the preceding sentence.
The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the Securities selected for redemption as aforesaid and, in case of any Securities selected for partial redemption as aforesaid, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed.
The provisions of the two preceding paragraphs shall not apply with respect to any redemption affecting only a single Security, whether such Security is to be redeemed in whole or in part. In the case of any such redemption in part, the unredeemed portion of the principal amount of the Security shall be in an authorized denomination (which shall not be less than the minimum authorized denomination) for such Security.
If Securities of any series selected for partial redemption are converted in part before termination of the conversion right with respect to the portion of the Securities of such series so selected, the converted portion of the Securities of such series shall be deemed (so far as may be) to be the portion selected for redemption. Securities (or portions thereof) which have been converted during a selection of Securities of such series 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 of such series 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 of such series.
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 Securities redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the principal amount of such Securities which has been or is to be redeemed.
SECTION 1104. Notice of Redemption.
Notice of redemption shall be given by first-class mail, postage prepaid, mailed not less than 15 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date, to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed, at his address appearing in the Security Register.
All notices of redemption shall state:
(1) the Redemption Date,
(2) the Redemption Price,
-42-
(3) if less than all the Outstanding Securities of any series consisting of more than a single Security are to be redeemed, the identification (and, in the case of partial redemption of any such Securities, the principal amounts) of the particular Securities to be redeemed and, if less than all the Outstanding Securities of any series consisting of a single Security are to be redeemed, the principal amount of the particular Security to be redeemed,
(4) that on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price will become due and payable upon each such Security to be redeemed and, if applicable, that interest thereon will cease to accrue on and after said date,
(5) the place or places where each such Security is to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price,
(6) that the redemption is for a sinking fund, if such is the case, and
(7) if applicable, the conversion rate or price, the date on which the right to convert the Securities of such series to be redeemed will terminate and the place or places where such Securities may be surrendered for conversion.
Notice of redemption of Securities to be redeemed at the election of the Company shall be given by the Company or, at the Company’s request, by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company and shall be irrevocable.
SECTION 1105. Deposit of Redemption Price.
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, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 1003) an amount of money sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of, and (except if the Redemption Date shall be an Interest Payment Date) accrued interest on, all the Securities which are to be redeemed on that date.
If any Security called for redemption is converted into shares of Common Stock or preferred stock of the Company, any money deposited with the Trustee or with any Paying Agent or so segregated and held in trust for the redemption of such Security shall be paid to the Company upon Company Request or, if then held by the Company, shall be discharged from such trust.
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, and from and after such date (unless the Company shall default in the payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest) such Securities shall cease to bear interest. Upon surrender of any such Security for redemption in accordance with said notice, such Security shall be paid by the Company at the Redemption Price, together with accrued interest to the Redemption Date; provided, however, that, unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, installments of interest whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Redemption Date will 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.
-43-
If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender thereof for redemption, the principal and any premium shall, until paid, bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate prescribed therefor in the Security.
SECTION 1107. Securities Redeemed in Part.
Any Security which is to be redeemed only in part 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 and of like tenor, 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 any series except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for such Securities.
The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of any Securities 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 is herein referred to as an “optional sinking fund payment”. If provided for by the terms of any Securities, the cash amount of any 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 as provided for by the terms of such Securities.
SECTION 1202. Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities.
The Company (1) may deliver Outstanding Securities of a series (other than any previously called for redemption) and (2) may apply as a credit Securities of a series which 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, in each case in satisfaction of all or any part of any sinking fund payment with respect to any Securities of such series required to be made pursuant to the terms of such Securities as and to the extent provided for by the terms of such Securities; provided that the Securities to be so credited have not been previously so credited. The Securities to be so credited shall be received and credited for such purpose by the Trustee at the Redemption Price, as specified in the Securities so to be redeemed, for redemption through operation of the sinking fund and the amount of such sinking fund payment shall be reduced accordingly.
SECTION 1203. Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund.
Not less than 45 days prior to each sinking fund payment date for any Securities, the Company will deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate specifying the amount of the next ensuing sinking fund payment for such Securities pursuant to the terms of such Securities, the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by payment of cash and the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by delivering and crediting Securities pursuant to Section 1202 and will also deliver to the Trustee any Securities to be
-44-
so delivered. Not less than 30 days prior to 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 Sections 1106 and 1107.
ARTICLE THIRTEEN
DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
SECTION 1301. Company’s Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.
The Company may elect, at its option at any time, to have Section 1302 or Section 1303 applied to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, designated pursuant to Section 301 as being defeasible pursuant to such Section 1302 or 1303, in accordance with any applicable requirements provided pursuant to Section 301 and upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article. Any such election shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution or in another manner specified as contemplated by Section 301 for such Securities.
SECTION 1302. Defeasance and Discharge.
Upon the Company’s exercise of its option (if any) to have this Section applied to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, the Company shall be deemed to have been discharged from its obligations with respect to such Securities (and all obligations of any Guarantors with respect to any Guarantees shall be discharged) as provided in this Section on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 1304 are satisfied (hereinafter called “Defeasance”). For this purpose, such Defeasance means that the Company shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by such Securities and to have satisfied all 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), subject to the following which shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder: (1) the rights of Holders of such 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 any premium and interest on such Securities when payments are due, (2) the Company’s obligations with respect to such Securities under Sections 304, 305, 306, 1002 and 1003, (3) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder and (4) this Article. Subject to compliance with this Article, the Company may exercise its option (if any) to have this Section applied to any Securities notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option (if any) to have Section 1303 applied to such Securities.
SECTION 1303. Covenant Defeasance.
Upon the Company’s exercise of its option (if any) to have this Section applied to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, (1) the Company shall be released from its obligations under Sections 1006 and 1007, and any covenants provided pursuant to Sections 301(19), 901(2) or 901(7) for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities, and (2) the occurrence of any event specified in Sections 501(4) (with respect to Sections 1006 and 1007, and any such covenants provided pursuant to Sections 301(19), 901(2) or 901(7)) and 501(7) shall be deemed not to be or result in an Event of Default, in each case with respect to such Securities as provided in this Section on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 1304 are satisfied (hereinafter called “Covenant Defeasance”). For this purpose, such Covenant Defeasance means that, with respect to such Securities, the Company may omit to comply with
-45-
and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such specified Section (to the extent so specified in the case of Section 501(4)), whether directly or indirectly by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such Section or by reason of any reference in any such Section to any other provision herein or in any other document, but 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 the application of Section 1302 or Section 1303 to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be:
(1) The Company shall irrevocably have deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee (or another trustee which satisfies the requirements contemplated by Section 609 and agrees to comply with the provisions of this Article applicable to it) as trust funds in trust for the purpose of making the following payments, specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefits of the Holders of such Securities, (A) money in an amount, or (B) U.S. Government Obligations which 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, money in an amount, or (C) a combination thereof, in each case sufficient, 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 which shall be applied by the Trustee (or any such other qualifying trustee) to pay and discharge, the principal of and any premium and interest on such Securities on the respective Stated Maturities, in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and such Securities. As used herein, “U.S. Government Obligation” means (x) any security which is (i) a direct obligation of the United States of America for the payment of which the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged or (ii) an obligation of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America, which, in either case (i) or (ii), is not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof, and (y) any depositary receipt issued by a bank (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act) as custodian with respect to any U.S. Government Obligation which is specified in Clause (x) above and held by such bank for the account of the holder of such depositary receipt, or with respect to any specific payment of principal of or interest on any U.S. Government Obligation which is so specified and held, 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 depositary receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government Obligation or the specific payment of principal or interest evidenced by such depositary receipt.
(2) In the event of an election to have Section 1302 apply to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that (A) the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (B) since the date of this instrument, there has been a change in the applicable Federal income tax law, in either case (A) or (B) to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the Holders of such Securities will not recognize gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit, Defeasance and discharge to be effected with respect to such Securities and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the case if such deposit, Defeasance and discharge were not to occur.
-46-
(3) In the event of an election to have Section 1303 apply to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Holders of such Securities will not recognize gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit and Covenant Defeasance to be effected with respect to such Securities and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the case if such deposit and Covenant Defeasance were not to occur.
(4) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate to the effect that neither such Securities nor any other Securities of the same series, if then listed on any securities exchange, will be delisted as a result of such deposit.
(5) No event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect to such Securities or any other Securities shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of such deposit or, with regard to any such event specified in Sections 501(6) and (7), at any time on or prior to the 90th day after the date of such deposit (it being understood that this condition shall not be deemed satisfied until after such 90th day).
(6) Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not cause the Trustee to have a conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act (assuming all Securities are in default within the meaning of such Act).
(7) Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any other agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound.
(8) Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in the trust arising from such deposit constituting an investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act unless such trust shall be registered under such Act or exempt from registration thereunder.
(9) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent with respect to such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance have been complied with.
| SECTION 1305. | Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Miscellaneous Provisions. |
Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003, all money and U.S. Government Obligations (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee or other qualifying trustee (solely for purposes of this Section and Section 1306, the Trustee and any such other trustee are referred to collectively as the “Trustee”) pursuant to Section 1304 in respect of any Securities 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 such 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 any premium and interest, but money so held in trust need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
The Company shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the U.S. 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 which by law is for the account of the Holders of Outstanding Securities.
-47-
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 U.S. Government Obligations held by it as provided in Section 1304 with respect to any Securities which, 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 which would then be required to be deposited to effect the Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance, as the case may be, with respect to such Securities.
If the Trustee or the Paying Agent is unable to apply any money in accordance with this Article with respect to any Securities by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, then the obligations under this Indenture and such Securities from which the Company has been discharged or released pursuant to Section 1302 or 1303 shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article with respect to such Securities, until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all money held in trust pursuant to Section 1305 with respect to such Securities in accordance with this Article; provided, however, that if the Company makes any payment of principal of or any premium or interest on any such Security following such reinstatement of its obligations, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights (if any) of the Holders of such Securities to receive such payment from the money so held in trust.
ARTICLE FOURTEEN
GUARANTEE
SECTION 1401. Unconditional Guarantee.
(a) Notwithstanding any provision of this Article to the contrary, the provisions of this Article shall be applicable only to, and inure solely to the benefit of, the Securities of any series designated, pursuant to Section 301, as entitled to the benefits of the Guarantee of each of the Guarantors.
(b) For value received, each of the Guarantors hereby fully, unconditionally and absolutely guarantees (the “Guarantee”) to the Holders of such series of Securities and to the Trustee the due and punctual payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on the Securities and all other amounts due and payable under this Indenture and the Securities by the Company, when and as such principal, premium, if any, and interest shall become due and payable, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise, according to the terms of the Securities and this Indenture, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 1403.
(c) Failing payment when due of any amount guaranteed pursuant to the Guarantee, for whatever reason, each of the Guarantors will be jointly and severally obligated to pay the same immediately. The Guarantee hereunder is intended to be a general, unsecured, senior obligation of each of the Guarantors and will rank pari passu in right of payment with all unsecured debt of such Guarantor that is not, by its terms, expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Guarantee. Each of the Guarantors hereby agrees that its obligations hereunder shall be full, unconditional and absolute, irrespective of the validity, regularity or enforceability of the Securities, the Guarantee (including the Guarantee of any other Guarantor) or this Indenture, the absence of any action to enforce the same, any waiver or consent by any Holder of the Securities with respect to any provisions hereof or thereof, the recovery of any judgment against the Company or any other Guarantor, or any action to enforce the same or any other circumstances which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of the Guarantors. Each of the Guarantors hereby agrees that in the event of a default in payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on the Securities, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of
-48-
acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise, legal proceedings may be instituted by the Trustee on behalf of the Holders or, subject to Section 507, by the Holders, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Indenture, directly against such Guarantor to enforce the Guarantee without first proceeding against the Company or any other Guarantor.
(d) The obligations of each of the Guarantors under this Article shall be as aforesaid full, unconditional and absolute and shall not be impaired, modified, released or limited by any occurrence or condition whatsoever, including, without limitation, (A) any compromise, settlement, release, waiver, renewal, extension, indulgence or modification of, or any change in, any of the obligations and liabilities of the Company or any of the Guarantors contained in the Securities or this Indenture, (B) any impairment, modification, release or limitation of the liability of the Company, any of the Guarantors or either of their estates in bankruptcy, or any remedy for the enforcement thereof, resulting from the operation of any present or future provision of any applicable bankruptcy law, or other statute or from the decision of any court, (C) the assertion or exercise by the Company, any of the Guarantors or the Trustee of any rights or remedies under the Securities or this Indenture or their delay in or failure to assert or exercise any such rights or remedies, (D) the assignment or the purported assignment of any property as security for the Securities, including all or any part of the rights of the Company or any of the Guarantors under this Indenture, (E) the extension of the time for payment by the Company or any of the Guarantors of any payments or other sums or any part thereof owing or payable under any of the terms and provisions of the Securities or this Indenture or of the time for performance by the Company or any of the Guarantors of any other obligations under or arising out of any such terms and provisions or the extension or the renewal of any thereof, (F) the modification or amendment (whether material or otherwise) of any duty, agreement or obligation of the Company or any of the Guarantors set forth in this Indenture, (G) the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets, marshaling of assets and liabilities, receivership, insolvency, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, reorganization, arrangement, composition or readjustment of, or other similar proceeding affecting, the Company or any of the Guarantors or any of their respective assets, or the disaffirmance of the Securities, the Guarantee or this Indenture in any such proceeding, (H) the release or discharge of the Company or any of the Guarantors from the performance or observance of any agreement, covenant, term or condition contained in any of such instruments by operation of law, (I) the unenforceability of the Securities, the Guarantee or this Indenture or (J) any other circumstances (other than payment in full or discharge of all amounts guaranteed pursuant to the Guarantee) which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge of a surety or guarantor.
(e) Each of the Guarantors hereby (A) waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of the merger, insolvency or bankruptcy of the Company or any of the Guarantors, and all demands whatsoever, (B) acknowledges that any agreement, instrument or document evidencing the Guarantee may be transferred and that the benefit of its obligations hereunder shall extend to each holder of any agreement, instrument or document evidencing the Guarantee without notice to it and (C) covenants that the Guarantee will not be discharged except by complete performance of the Guarantee. Each of the Guarantors further agrees that if at any time all or any part of any payment theretofore applied by any Person to the Guarantee is, or must be, rescinded or returned for any reason whatsoever, including without limitation, the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Company or any of the Guarantors, the Guarantee shall, to the extent that such payment is or must be rescinded or returned, be deemed to have continued in existence notwithstanding such application, and the Guarantee shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, as though such application had not been made.
(f) Each of the Guarantors shall be subrogated to all rights of the Holders and the Trustee against the Company in respect of any amounts paid by such Guarantor pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture, provided, however, that such Guarantor shall not be entitled to enforce or to receive any payments arising out of, or based upon, such right of subrogation until all of the Securities and the Guarantee shall have been paid in full or discharged.
-49-
SECTION 1402. Execution and Delivery of Guarantee.
(a) To further evidence the Guarantee set forth in Section 1401, each of the Guarantors hereby agrees that a notation relating to such Guarantee, substantially in the form attached to the supplemental indenture for the applicable Securities, shall be endorsed on each Security entitled to the benefits of the Guarantee authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and executed by either manual or facsimile signature of an officer of such Guarantor, or in the case of a Guarantor that is a limited partnership, an officer of the general partner of each Guarantor. Each of the Guarantors hereby agrees that the Guarantee set forth in Section 1401 shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any failure to endorse on each Security a notation relating to the Guarantee. If any officer of the Guarantor, or in the case of a Guarantor that is a limited partnership, any officer of the general partner of the Guarantor, whose signature is on this Indenture or a Security no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates such Security or at any time thereafter, the Guarantee of such Security shall be valid nevertheless. The delivery of any Security by the Trustee, after the authentication thereof hereunder, shall constitute due delivery of the Guarantee set forth in this Indenture on behalf of the Guarantors.
(b) The Trustee hereby accepts the trusts in this Indenture upon the terms and conditions herein set forth.
SECTION 1403. Limitation on Guarantors’ Liability.
Each Guarantor and by its acceptance hereof each Holder of a Security entitled to the benefits of the Guarantee hereby confirms that it is the intention of all such parties that the guarantee by such Guarantor pursuant to its Guarantee not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for purposes of any Federal or state law. To effectuate the foregoing intention, the Holders of a Security entitled to the benefits of the Guarantee and the Guarantors hereby irrevocably agree that the obligations of each Guarantor under its Guarantee shall be limited to the maximum amount as will, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such Guarantor and to any collections from or payments made by or on behalf of any other Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other Guarantor under its Guarantee, result in the obligations of such Guarantor under the Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under Federal or state law.
SECTION 1404. Release of Guarantors from Guarantee.
(a) The Guarantee of a Guarantor will be released:
(1) upon any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of that Guarantor (including by way of merger or consolidation), in accordance with this Indenture, to any Person other than the Company;
(2) if such Guarantor merges with and into the Company, with the Company surviving such merger; or
(3) if the Company exercises its Legal Defeasance option or Covenant Defeasance option pursuant to Section 1301 with respect to such series of Securities or if the obligations under this Indenture are discharged in accordance with Section 401.
-50-
(b) The Trustee shall deliver an appropriate instrument evidencing any release of a Guarantor from the Guarantee upon receipt of a written request of the Company accompanied by an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel that the Guarantor is entitled to such release in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture. Any Guarantor not so released remains liable for the full amount of principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest on the Securities entitled to the benefits of such Guarantee as provided in this Indenture, subject to the limitations of Section 1403.
SECTION 1405. Guarantor Contribution.
In order to provide for just and equitable contribution among the Guarantors, the Guarantors hereby agree, inter se, that in the event any payment or distribution is made by any Guarantor (a “Funding Guarantor”) under its Guarantee, such Funding Guarantor shall be entitled to a contribution from each other Guarantor (if any) in a pro rata amount based on the net assets of each Guarantor (including the Funding Guarantor) as of the most recently completed fiscal quarter of such Guarantor, for all payments, damages and expenses incurred by that Funding Guarantor in discharging the Company’ obligations with respect to the Securities or any other Guarantor’s obligations with respect to its Guarantee.
* * * * * * * * ** * * * * *
This instrument 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 instrument.
-51-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed and attested, all as of the day and year first above written.
| M/I HOMES, INC. | ||||
| By: | ||||
| Print Name: | ||||
| Title: | ||||
| Attest: | ||
| Print Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
| [Trustee] | ||||
| By: | ||||
| Print Name: | ||||
| Title: | ||||
-52-
Exhibit 4.10
M/I HOMES, INC.
and
THE GUARANTORS FROM TIME TO TIME PARTY HERETO
TO
|
Trustee |
Indenture
Dated as of
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| PAGE | ||||||
| Parties |
||||||
| RECITALS OF THE COMPANY |
1 | |||||
| ARTICLE ONE |
| |||||
| DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION |
| |||||
| SECTION 101. |
Definitions |
1 | ||||
| Act |
2 | |||||
| Affiliate; control |
2 | |||||
| Authenticating Agent |
2 | |||||
| Board of Directors |
2 | |||||
| Board Resolution |
2 | |||||
| Business Day |
2 | |||||
| Commission |
2 | |||||
| Common Stock |
2 | |||||
| Company |
2 | |||||
| Company Request; Company Order |
2 | |||||
| Corporate Trust Office |
2 | |||||
| Corporation |
2 | |||||
| Covenant Defeasance |
2 | |||||
| Debt |
3 | |||||
| Defaulted Interest |
3 | |||||
| Defeasance |
3 | |||||
| Depositary |
3 | |||||
| Event of Default |
3 | |||||
| Exchange Act |
3 | |||||
| Expiration Date |
3 | |||||
| Global Security |
3 | |||||
| Guarantee |
3 | |||||
| Guarantors |
3 | |||||
| Holder |
3 | |||||
| Indenture |
3 | |||||
| Interest |
4 | |||||
| Interest Payment Date |
4 | |||||
| Investment Company Act |
4 | |||||
| Lien |
4 | |||||
| Maturity |
4 | |||||
| Notice of Default |
4 | |||||
| Officers’ Certificate |
4 | |||||
| Opinion of Counsel |
4 | |||||
| Original Issue Discount Security |
4 | |||||
| Outstanding |
4 | |||||
i
| Paying Agent |
5 | |||||
| Person |
5 | |||||
| Place of Payment |
5 | |||||
| Predecessor Security |
5 | |||||
| Redemption Date |
5 | |||||
| Redemption Price |
5 | |||||
| Regular Record Date |
5 | |||||
| Responsible Officer |
6 | |||||
| Securities |
6 | |||||
| Securities Act |
6 | |||||
| Security Register |
6 | |||||
| Security Registrar |
6 | |||||
| Senior Guarantor Indebtedness |
6 | |||||
| Senior Indebtedness |
6 | |||||
| Special Record Date |
6 | |||||
| Stated Maturity |
6 | |||||
| Subsidiary |
6 | |||||
| Trust Indenture Act |
7 | |||||
| Trustee |
7 | |||||
| U.S. Government Obligation |
7 | |||||
| Vice President |
7 | |||||
| SECTION 102. |
Compliance Certificates and Opinions |
7 | ||||
| SECTION 103. |
Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee |
7 | ||||
| SECTION 104. |
Acts of Holders; Record Dates |
8 | ||||
| SECTION 105. |
Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company |
10 | ||||
| SECTION 106. |
Notice to Holders; Waiver |
10 | ||||
| SECTION 107. |
Conflict with Trust Indenture Act |
10 | ||||
| SECTION 108. |
Effect of Headings and Table of Contents |
10 | ||||
| SECTION 109. |
Successors and Assigns |
10 | ||||
| SECTION 110. |
Separability Clause |
11 | ||||
| SECTION 111. |
Benefits of Indenture |
11 | ||||
| SECTION 112. |
Governing Law |
11 | ||||
| SECTION 113. |
Legal Holidays |
11 | ||||
| ARTICLE TWO | ||||||
| SECURITY FORMS | ||||||
| SECTION 201. |
Forms Generally |
11 | ||||
| SECTION 202. |
Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication |
12 | ||||
| SECTION 203. |
Form of Legend for Global Securities |
12 | ||||
| SECTION 204. |
Securities in Global Form |
12 | ||||
| ARTICLE THREE | ||||||
| THE SECURITIES | ||||||
| SECTION 301. |
Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series |
13 | ||||
| SECTION 302. |
Denominations |
15 | ||||
| SECTION 303. |
Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating |
16 | ||||
| SECTION 304. |
Temporary Securities |
17 | ||||
ii
| SECTION 305. |
Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange |
17 | ||||
| SECTION 306. |
Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities |
19 | ||||
| SECTION 307. |
Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved |
19 | ||||
| SECTION 308. |
Persons Deemed Owners |
20 | ||||
| SECTION 309. |
Cancellation |
21 | ||||
| SECTION 310. |
Computation of Interest |
21 | ||||
| ARTICLE FOUR | ||||||
| SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE | ||||||
| SECTION 401. |
Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture |
21 | ||||
| SECTION 402. |
Application of Trust Money |
22 | ||||
| ARTICLE FIVE | ||||||
| REMEDIES | ||||||
| SECTION 501. |
Events of Default |
22 | ||||
| SECTION 502. |
Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment |
23 | ||||
| SECTION 503. |
Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee |
24 | ||||
| SECTION 504. |
Trustee May File Proofs of Claim |
25 | ||||
| SECTION 505. |
Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities |
25 | ||||
| SECTION 506. |
Application of Money Collected |
25 | ||||
| SECTION 507. |
Limitation on Suits |
26 | ||||
| SECTION 508. |
Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and Interest |
26 | ||||
| SECTION 509. |
Restoration of Rights and Remedies |
27 | ||||
| SECTION 510. |
Rights and Remedies Cumulative |
27 | ||||
| SECTION 511. |
Delay or Omission Not Waiver |
27 | ||||
| SECTION 512. |
Control by Holders |
27 | ||||
| SECTION 513. |
Waiver of Past Defaults |
27 | ||||
| SECTION 514. |
Undertaking for Costs |
28 | ||||
| SECTION 515. |
Waiver of Usury, Stay or Extension Laws |
28 | ||||
| ARTICLE SIX | ||||||
| THE TRUSTEE | ||||||
| SECTION 601. |
Certain Duties and Responsibilities |
28 | ||||
| SECTION 602. |
Notice of Defaults |
28 | ||||
| SECTION 603. |
Certain Rights of Trustee |
29 | ||||
| SECTION 604. |
Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities |
29 | ||||
| SECTION 605. |
May Hold Securities |
30 | ||||
| SECTION 606. |
Money Held in Trust |
30 | ||||
| SECTION 607. |
Compensation and Reimbursement |
30 | ||||
| SECTION 608. |
Conflicting Interests |
30 | ||||
| SECTION 609. |
Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility |
31 | ||||
| SECTION 610. |
Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor |
31 | ||||
iii
| SECTION 611. |
Acceptance of Appointment by Successor |
32 | ||||
| SECTION 612. |
Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business |
33 | ||||
| SECTION 613. |
Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company |
33 | ||||
| SECTION 614. |
Appointment of Authenticating Agent |
33 | ||||
| ARTICLE SEVEN | ||||||
| HOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY | ||||||
| SECTION 701. |
Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders |
35 | ||||
| SECTION 702. |
Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders |
35 | ||||
| SECTION 703. |
Reports by Trustee |
35 | ||||
| SECTION 704. |
Reports by Company |
35 | ||||
| ARTICLE EIGHT | ||||||
| CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE | ||||||
| SECTION 801. |
Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms |
36 | ||||
| SECTION 802. |
Successor Substituted |
36 | ||||
| ARTICLE NINE | ||||||
| SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES | ||||||
| SECTION 901. |
Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders |
37 | ||||
| SECTION 902. |
Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Holders |
38 | ||||
| SECTION 903. |
Execution of Supplemental Indentures |
39 | ||||
| SECTION 904. |
Effect of Supplemental Indentures |
39 | ||||
| SECTION 905. |
Conformity with Trust Indenture Act |
39 | ||||
| SECTION 906. |
Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures |
39 | ||||
| ARTICLE TEN | ||||||
| COVENANTS | ||||||
| SECTION 1001. |
Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest |
40 | ||||
| SECTION 1002. |
Maintenance of Office or Agency |
40 | ||||
| SECTION 1003. |
Money for Securities Payments to Be Held in Trust |
40 | ||||
| SECTION 1004. |
Statement by Officers as to Default |
41 | ||||
| SECTION 1005. |
Existence |
41 | ||||
| SECTION 1006. |
Maintenance of Properties |
41 | ||||
| SECTION 1007. |
Payment of Taxes and Other Claims |
42 | ||||
| SECTION 1008. |
Waiver of Certain Covenants |
42 | ||||
| ARTICLE ELEVEN | ||||||
| REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES | ||||||
| SECTION 1101. |
Applicability of Article |
42 | ||||
iv
| SECTION 1102. |
Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee |
42 | ||||
| SECTION 1103. |
Selection by Trustee of Securities to be Redeemed |
43 | ||||
| SECTION 1104. |
Notice of Redemption |
43 | ||||
| SECTION 1105. |
Deposit of Redemption Price |
44 | ||||
| SECTION 1106. |
Securities Payable on Redemption Date |
44 | ||||
| SECTION 1107. |
Securities Redeemed in Part |
45 | ||||
| ARTICLE TWELVE | ||||||
| SINKING FUNDS | ||||||
| SECTION 1201. |
Applicability of Article |
45 | ||||
| SECTION 1202. |
Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities |
45 | ||||
| SECTION 1203. |
Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund |
45 | ||||
| ARTICLE THIRTEEN | ||||||
| DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE | ||||||
| SECTION 1301. |
Company’s Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance |
46 | ||||
| SECTION 1302. |
Defeasance and Discharge |
46 | ||||
| SECTION 1303. |
Covenant Defeasance |
46 | ||||
| SECTION 1304. |
Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance |
47 | ||||
| SECTION 1305. |
Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Miscellaneous Provisions |
48 | ||||
| SECTION 1306. |
Reinstatement |
49 | ||||
| ARTICLE FOURTEEN | ||||||
| SUBORDINATION OF SECURITIES | ||||||
| SECTION 1401. |
Securities Subordinate to Senior Indebtedness |
49 | ||||
| SECTION 1402. |
Payment Over of Proceeds Upon Dissolution, Etc. |
49 | ||||
| SECTION 1403. |
Prior Payment to Senior Indebtedness Upon Acceleration of Securities |
50 | ||||
| SECTION 1404. |
No Payment When Senior Indebtedness in Default |
51 | ||||
| SECTION 1405. |
Payment Permitted in Certain Situations |
51 | ||||
| SECTION 1406. |
Subrogation to Rights of Holders of Senior Indebtedness |
51 | ||||
| SECTION 1407. |
Provisions Solely to Define Relative Rights |
52 | ||||
| SECTION 1408. |
Trustee to Effectuate Subordination |
52 | ||||
| SECTION 1409. |
No Waiver of Subordination Provisions |
52 | ||||
| SECTION 1410. |
Notice to Trustee |
52 | ||||
| SECTION 1411. |
Reliance on Judicial Order or Certificate of Liquidating Agent |
53 | ||||
| SECTION 1412. |
Trustee Not Fiduciary for Holders of Senior Indebtedness |
53 | ||||
| SECTION 1413. |
Rights of Trustee as Holder of Senior Indebtedness, Preservation of Trustee’s Rights |
54 | ||||
| SECTION 1414. |
Article Applicable to Paying Agents |
54 | ||||
| SECTION 1415. |
Certain Conversions Deemed Payment |
54 | ||||
v
| ARTICLE FIFTEEN | ||||||
| GUARANTEE | ||||||
| SECTION 1501. |
Unconditional Guarantee |
54 | ||||
| SECTION 1502. |
Execution and Delivery of Guarantee |
56 | ||||
| SECTION 1503. |
Limitation on Guarantors’ Liability |
56 | ||||
| SECTION 1504. |
Release of Guarantors from Guarantee |
57 | ||||
| SECTION 1505. |
Guarantor Contribution |
57 | ||||
vi
Certain Sections of this Indenture relating to Sections 310 through 318,
inclusive, of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939:
| Trust Indenture Act Section |
Indenture Section | |||
| § 310(a)(1) |
609 | |||
| (a)(2) |
609 | |||
| (a)(3) |
Not Applicable | |||
| (a)(4) |
Not Applicable | |||
| (a)(5) |
609 | |||
| (b) |
608 | |||
| 610 | ||||
| § 311(a) |
613 | |||
| (b) |
613 | |||
| § 312(a) |
701 | |||
| 702 | ||||
| (b) |
702 | |||
| (c) |
702 | |||
| § 313(a) |
703 | |||
| (b) |
703 | |||
| (c) |
703 | |||
| (d) |
703 | |||
| § 314(a) |
704 | |||
| (a)(4) |
101 | |||
| 1004 | ||||
| (b) |
Not Applicable | |||
| (c)(1) |
102 | |||
| (c)(2) |
102 | |||
| (c)(3) |
Not Applicable | |||
| (d) |
Not Applicable | |||
| (e) |
102 | |||
| § 315(a) |
601 | |||
| (b) |
602 | |||
| (c) |
601 | |||
| (d) |
601 | |||
| (e) |
514 | |||
| § 316(a) |
101 | |||
| (a)(1)(A) |
502 | |||
| 512 | ||||
| (a)(1)(B) |
513 | |||
| (a)(2) |
Not Applicable | |||
| (b) |
508 | |||
| (c) |
104 | |||
| § 317(a)(1) |
503 | |||
| (a)(2) |
504 | |||
| (b) |
1003 | |||
| § 318(a) |
107 | |||
NOTE: This reconciliation and tie shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be a part of the Indenture.
INDENTURE, dated as of , between M/I HOMES, INC., a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Ohio (herein called the “Company”), having its principal office at 3 Easton Oval, Suite 500, Columbus, Ohio 43219, each of the Guarantors from time to time party hereto in respect of a particular series of Securities and , a , with its principal office in , , as Trustee (herein called the “Trustee”).
The Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance from time to time of its unsecured subordinated debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness (herein called the “Securities”), to be issued in one or more series as provided in this Indenture.
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 agreed, for the equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders of the Securities or of a series thereof, as follows:
ARTICLE ONE
DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS
OF GENERAL APPLICATION
For all purposes of this Indenture, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless 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 which are defined in the Trust Indenture Act, either directly or by reference therein, have the meanings assigned to them therein;
(3) all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the term “generally accepted accounting principles” with respect to any computation required or permitted hereunder shall mean such accounting principles as are generally accepted at the date of such computation;
(4) unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to an “Article” or a “Section” refers to an Article or a Section, as the case may be, of this Indenture; and
(5) 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.
“Act”, when used with respect to any Holder, has the meaning specified in Section 104.
“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 Person authorized by the Trustee pursuant to Section 614 to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of one or more series.
“Board of Directors” means either the board of directors of the Company or any duly authorized committee of that board.
“Board Resolution” means 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 and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification, and delivered to the Trustee.
“Business Day”, when used with respect to any Place of Payment, means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not a day on which banking institutions in that Place of Payment are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.
“Commission” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, from time to time constituted, created under the Exchange Act, or, if at any time after the execution of this instrument such Commission is not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture Act, then the body performing such duties at such time.
“Common Stock” includes any shares or stock of any class of the Company which has no preference in respect of dividends or of amounts payable in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company and which is not subject to redemption by the Company.
“Company” means the Person named as the “Company” in the first paragraph of this instrument until a successor Person shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Company” shall mean such successor Person.
“Company Request” or “Company Order” means a written request or order signed in the name of the Company by its Chairman of the Board, its Vice Chairman of the Board, its President or a Vice President, and by its Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, its Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, and delivered to the Trustee.
“Corporate Trust Office” means the designated office of the Trustee at which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall be administered.
“Corporation” means a corporation, association, company, joint-stock company, limited liability company or business trust.
“Covenant Defeasance” has the meaning specified in Section 1303.
-2-
“Debt” means (without duplication and without regard to any portion of principal amount that has not accrued and to any interest component thereof (whether accrued or imputed) that is not due and payable) with respect to any Person, whether recourse is to all or a portion of the assets of such Person and whether or not contingent, (i) every obligation of such Person for money borrowed; (ii) every obligation of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments, including obligations incurred in connection with the acquisition of property, assets or businesses; (iii) every reimbursement obligation of such Person with respect to letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances or similar facilities issued for the account of such Person; (iv) every obligation of such Person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services (but excluding trade accounts payable or accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business); (v) every capital lease obligation of such Person; and (vi) every obligation of the type referred to in clauses (i) through (v) of another Person and all dividends of another Person the payment of which, in either case, such Person has guaranteed or is responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, as obligor or otherwise.
“Defaulted Interest” has the meaning specified in Section 307.
“Defeasance” has the meaning specified in Section 1302.
“Depositary” means, with respect to Securities of any series issuable in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities, a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act that is designated to act as Depositary for such Securities as contemplated by Section 301.
“Event of Default” has the meaning specified in Section 501.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and any statute successor thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.
“Expiration Date” has the meaning specified in Section 104.
“Global Security” means a Security that evidences all or part of the Securities of any series and bears the legend set forth in Section 203 (or such legend as may be specified as contemplated by Section 301 for such Securities).
“Guarantee” means the guarantee of Securities of any applicable series by each Guarantor thereof under this Indenture.
“Guarantors” means, with respect to any series of Securities, (i) the Subsidiaries signatory to the supplemental indenture with respect to such series or specified in the Officers’ Certificate with respect to such series as the initial Guarantors of such series, and (ii) each of the Subsidiaries that becomes a Guarantor of such series pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture, in each case, until released from its Guarantee pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture and the terms of such series.
“Holder” means a Person in whose name a Security is registered in the Security Register.
“Indenture” means this instrument as originally executed and 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, including, for all purposes of this instrument and any such supplemental indenture, the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are deemed to be a part of and govern this instrument and any such supplemental indenture, respectively. The term “Indenture” shall also include the terms of particular series of Securities established as contemplated by Section 301.
-3-
“interest”, when used with respect to an Original Issue Discount Security which by its terms bears interest only after Maturity, means interest payable after Maturity.
“Interest Payment Date”, when used with respect to any Security, means the Stated Maturity of an installment of interest on such Security.
“Investment Company Act” means the Investment Company Act of 1940 and any statute successor thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.
“Lien” means, with respect to any property or assets, any mortgage or deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, security interest, lien, encumbrance, or other security arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever on or with respect to such property or assets (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing).
“Maturity”, when used with respect to any Security, means 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, call for redemption or otherwise.
“Notice of Default” means a written notice of the kind specified in Section 501(4) or 501(5).
“Officers’ Certificate” means a certificate signed by the Chairman of the Board, a Vice Chairman of the Board, 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. One of the officers signing an Officers’ Certificate given pursuant to Section 1004 shall be the principal executive, financial or accounting officer of the Company.
“Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion of counsel, who may be counsel for the Company, and who shall be acceptable to the Trustee.
“Original Issue Discount Security” means any Security which 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:
(1) Securities theretofore cancelled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;
(2) Securities for whose payment or redemption 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 provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee has been made;
(3) Securities as to which Defeasance has been effected pursuant to Section 1302; and
(4) Securities which 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,
-4-
other than any such Securities in respect of which there shall have been presented to the Trustee proof satisfactory to it that such Securities are held by a bona fide purchaser in whose hands such Securities are valid obligations of the Company;
provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of the Outstanding Securities have given, made or taken any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action hereunder as of any date, (A) the principal amount of an Original Issue Discount Security which shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the amount of the principal thereof which would be due and payable as of such date upon acceleration of the Maturity thereof to such date pursuant to Section 502, (B) if, as of such date, the principal amount payable at the Stated Maturity of a Security is not determinable, the principal amount of such Security which shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the amount as specified or determined as contemplated by Section 301, (C) the principal amount of a Security denominated in one or more foreign currencies or currency units which shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the U.S. dollar equivalent, determined as of such date in the manner provided as contemplated by Section 301, of the principal amount of such Security (or, in the case of a Security described in Clause (A) or (B) above, of the amount determined as provided in such Clause), and (D) 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 relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, only Securities which the Trustee actually knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Securities so owned which 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 or any premium or interest on any Securities on behalf of the Company.
“Person” means any individual, corporation, bank, partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
“Place of Payment”, when used with respect to the Securities of any series, means the place or places where the principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities of that series are payable as specified as contemplated by Section 301.
“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”, when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, means the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Indenture.
“Redemption Price”, when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, means the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to this Indenture.
“Regular Record Date” for the interest payable on any Interest Payment Date on the Securities of any series means the date specified for that purpose as contemplated by Section 301.
-5-
“Responsible Officer”, when used with respect to the Trustee, means the chairman or any vice-chairman of the board of directors, the chairman or any vice-chairman of the executive committee of the board of directors, the president, any vice president, the secretary, any assistant secretary, the treasurer, any assistant treasurer, the cashier, any assistant cashier, any trust officer or assistant trust officer, the controller or any assistant controller or any other officer of the Trustee customarily performing functions similar to those performed by any of the above designated officers and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of his knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.
“Securities” has the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture and more particularly means any Securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933 and any statute successor thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.
“Security Register” and “Security Registrar” have the respective meanings specified in Section 305.
“Senior Guarantor Indebtedness” means, with respect to any Guarantor, the principal of (and premium, if any) and unpaid interest on (i) indebtedness of such Guarantor, whether outstanding on the date of this Indenture or thereafter created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed, for money borrowed, unless in the instrument creating or evidencing the same or pursuant to which the same is outstanding it is provided that such indebtedness is not senior or prior in right of payment to such Guarantor’s Guarantee of the Securities, and (ii) renewals, extensions, modifications and refunding of any such indebtedness. Notwithstanding the foregoing, “Senior Guarantor Indebtedness” shall not include: (i) any liability for federal, state, local or other taxes owed or owing by such Guarantor; (ii) any Indebtedness of such Guarantor to any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates; (iii) any trade payables; or (iv) any Indebtedness that is incurred in violation of this Indenture.
“Senior Indebtedness” means the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any (including interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or for reorganization relating to the Company to the extent that such claim for post-petition interest is allowed in such proceeding), on Debt, whether incurred on or prior to the date of this Indenture or thereafter incurred, unless in the instrument creating or evidencing the same or pursuant to which the same is outstanding, it is provided that such obligations are not superior in right or payment to the Securities, or to other Debt which is pari passu with, or subordinated to the Securities; provided, however, that Senior Indebtedness shall not be deemed to include the Securities.
“Special Record Date” for the payment of any Defaulted Interest means a date fixed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 307.
“Stated Maturity”, when used with respect to any Security or any installment of principal thereof or interest thereon, means 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 more than 50% of the outstanding voting stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company or by one or more other Subsidiaries, or by the Company and one or more other Subsidiaries. For the purposes of this definition, “voting stock” means stock which ordinarily has voting power for the election of directors, whether at all times or only so long as no senior class of stock has such voting power by reason of any contingency.
-6-
“Trust Indenture Act” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as in force at the date as of which this instrument was executed; provided, however, that in the event the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 is amended after such date, “Trust Indenture Act” means, to the extent required by any such amendment, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as so amended.
“Trustee” means the Person named as the “Trustee” in the first paragraph of this instrument 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, and if at any time there is more than one such Person, “Trustee” as used with respect to the Securities of any series shall mean the Trustee with respect to Securities of that series.
“U.S. Government Obligation” has the meaning specified in Section 1304.
“Vice President”, when used with respect to the Company or the Trustee, means any vice president, whether or not designated by a number or a word or words added before or after the title “vice president”.
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 such certificates and opinions as may be required under the Trust Indenture Act. Each such certificate or opinion shall be given in the form of an Officers’ Certificate, if to be given by an officer of the Company, or an Opinion of Counsel, if to be given by counsel, and shall comply with the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act and any other requirements set forth in this Indenture.
Every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (except for certificates provided for in Section 1004) shall include,
(1) a statement that each individual signing such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition 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 covenant or condition 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 with respect 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.
-7-
Any certificate or opinion of an officer of the Company may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, counsel, unless such officer knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to the matters upon which his certificate or opinion is based are erroneous. Any such certificate or opinion of counsel 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 with respect to such factual matters is in the possession of the Company, unless such counsel knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect 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; Record Dates.
Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided or permitted by this Indenture to be given, made or taken by Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such 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 and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Company. Such instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the “Act” of the Holders signing such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and (subject to Section 601) conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Company, if made in the manner provided in this Section.
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 manner which the Trustee deems sufficient.
The ownership of Securities shall be proved by the Security Register.
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 or the Company in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such Security.
The Company may set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders of Outstanding Securities of any series entitled to give, make or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided or permitted by this Indenture to be given, made or taken by Holders of Securities of such series, provided that the Company may not set a record date for, and the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply with respect to, the giving or making of any notice, declaration, request or direction referred to in the next paragraph. If any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Holders of Outstanding Securities of the relevant series on such record
-8-
date, and no other Holders, shall be entitled to take the relevant action, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided that no such action shall be effective hereunder unless taken on or prior to the applicable Expiration Date by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of such series on such record date. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prevent the Company from setting a new record date for any action for which a record date has previously been set pursuant to this paragraph (whereupon the record date previously set shall automatically and with no action by any Person be cancelled and of no effect), and nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to render ineffective any action taken by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of the relevant series on the date such action is taken. Promptly after any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Company, at its own expense, shall cause notice of such record date, the proposed action by Holders and the applicable Expiration Date to be given to the Trustee in writing and to each Holder of Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 106.
The Trustee may set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders of Outstanding Securities of any series entitled to join in the giving or making of (i) any Notice of Default, (ii) any declaration of acceleration referred to in Section 502, (iii) any request to institute proceedings referred to in Section 507(2) or (iv) any direction referred to in Section 512, in each case with respect to Securities of such series. If any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Holders of Outstanding Securities of such series on such record date, and no other Holders, shall be entitled to join in such notice, declaration, request or direction, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided that no such action shall be effective hereunder unless taken on or prior to the applicable Expiration Date by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of such series on such record date. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prevent the Trustee from setting a new record date for any action for which a record date has previously been set pursuant to this paragraph (whereupon the record date previously set shall automatically and with no action by any Person be cancelled and of no effect), and nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to render ineffective any action taken by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of the relevant series on the date such action is taken. Promptly after any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Trustee, at the Company’s expense, shall cause notice of such record date, the proposed action by Holders and the applicable Expiration Date to be given to the Company in writing and to each Holder of Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 106.
With respect to any record date set pursuant to this Section, the party hereto which sets such record dates may designate any day as the “Expiration Date” and from time to time may change the Expiration Date to any earlier or later day; provided that no such change shall be effective unless notice of the proposed new Expiration Date is given to the other party hereto in writing, and to each Holder of Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 106, on or prior to the existing Expiration Date. If an Expiration Date is not designated with respect to any record date set pursuant to this Section, the party hereto which set such record date shall be deemed to have initially designated the 180th day after such record date as the Expiration Date with respect thereto, subject to its right to change the Expiration Date as provided in this paragraph. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Expiration Date shall be later than the 180th day after the applicable record date.
Without limiting the foregoing, a Holder entitled hereunder to take any action hereunder with regard to any particular Security may do so with regard to all or any part of the principal amount of such Security or by one or more duly appointed agents each of which may do so pursuant to such appointment with regard to all or any part of such principal amount.
-9-
SECTION 105. Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company.
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 Administration, 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 instrument or at any other address furnished in writing to the Trustee by the Company.
SECTION 106. Notice to Holders; Waiver.
Where this Indenture provides for notice to Holders of any event, such notice shall be sufficiently given (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder affected by such event, at his address as it appears in the Security Register, not later than the latest date (if any), and not earlier than the earliest date (if any), prescribed for the giving of such notice. In any case where notice to Holders is given by mail, neither the failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any notice so mailed, to any particular Holder shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders. 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.
In case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service or by reason of any other cause it shall be impracticable to give such notice by mail, then such notification as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient notification for every purpose hereunder.
SECTION 107. Conflict with Trust Indenture Act.
If any provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with a provision of the Trust Indenture Act which is required under such Act to be a part of and govern this Indenture, the provision of the Trust Indenture Act shall control. If any provision of this Indenture modifies or excludes any provision of the Trust Indenture Act which may be so modified or excluded, the provision of the Trust Indenture Act shall be deemed to apply to this Indenture as so modified or to be excluded, as the case may be.
SECTION 108. 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 109. Successors and Assigns.
All covenants and agreements in this Indenture by the Company shall bind its successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.
-10-
SECTION 110. Separability Clause.
In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Securities 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 111. Benefits of Indenture.
Nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto and their successors hereunder and the Holders, any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture.
This Indenture and the Securities shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of New York.
In any case where any Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity of any Security shall not be a Business Day at any Place of Payment, then (notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or of the Securities (other than a provision of any Security which specifically states that such provision shall apply in lieu of this Section)) payment of interest or principal (and premium, if any) 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 or Redemption Date, or at the Stated Maturity.
ARTICLE TWO
SECURITY FORMS
The Securities (and any related Guarantees) of each series shall be in such form as shall be established by or pursuant to a Board Resolution or in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in each case with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture, and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as may be required to comply with the rules of any securities exchange or Depositary therefor or as may, consistently herewith, be determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution thereof. If the form of Securities of any series is established by action taken pursuant to a Board Resolution, a copy of an appropriate record of such action 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 contemplated by Section 303 for the authentication and delivery of such Securities.
The definitive Securities (and any related Guarantees) shall be printed, lithographed or engraved on steel engraved borders or may be produced in any other manner, all as determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities.
-11-
SECTION 202. Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication.
The Trustee’s certificates of authentication shall be in substantially the following form:
This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
|
, As Trustee | ||
| By | ||
| Authorized Officer | ||
SECTION 203. Form of Legend for Global Securities.
Unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for the Securities evidenced thereby, every Global Security authenticated and delivered hereunder shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:
THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR A SECURITY REGISTERED, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IN WHOLE OR IN PART MAY BE REGISTERED, IN THE NAME OF ANY PERSON OTHER THAN SUCH DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF, EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.
SECTION 204. Securities in Global Form.
If Securities of any series are issuable as Global Securities, as specified as contemplated by Section 301, then, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 301, 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 reduced to reflect exchanges. Any endorsement of a Global Security to reflect the amount, or any increase or decrease in the amount, of Outstanding Securities of such series represented thereby shall be made by the Trustee in such manner and upon instructions 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 Section 304. Subject to the provisions of Section 303 and, if applicable, Section 304, the Trustee shall deliver and redeliver any Global Security in the manner and upon 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 Global Security shall be in writing but need not comply with Section 102 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel.
The provisions of the last sentence of Section 303 shall apply to any Security represented by a Global Security if such Security was never issued and sold by the Company and the Company delivers to the Trustee the Global Security 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.
-12-
Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 201 and 307, unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, payment of principal of and any premium and interest on any Global Security 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 a Person as the Holder of such principal amount of Outstanding Securities represented by a Global Security as shall be specified in a written statement of the Holder of such Global Security.
ARTICLE THREE
THE SECURITIES
SECTION 301. Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series.
The aggregate principal amount of Securities which 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 a Board Resolution and, subject to Section 303, set forth, or determined in the manner provided, in an Officers’ Certificate, or established in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the issuance of Securities of any series,
(1) the title of the Securities of the series (which shall distinguish the Securities of the series from Securities of any other series);
(2) any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of the series which 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 the series pursuant to Section 304, 305, 306, 906 or 1107 and except for any Securities which, pursuant to Section 303, are deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder);
(3) the Person to whom any interest on a 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;
(4) the date or dates on which the principal of any Securities of the series is payable;
(5) the rate or rates at which any Securities of the series shall bear interest, if any, the date or dates from which any such interest shall accrue, the Interest Payment Dates on which any such interest shall be payable and the Regular Record Date for any such interest payable on any Interest Payment Date;
(6) the place or places where the principal of and any premium and interest on any Securities of the series shall be payable or where the Securities of the series may be surrendered for conversion or exchange;
(7) the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which any Securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company and, if other than by a Board Resolution, the manner in which any election by the Company to redeem the Securities shall be evidenced;
-13-
(8) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem or purchase any Securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the option of the Holder thereof and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which any Securities of the series shall be redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;
(9) the right, if any, to extend the interest payment periods in respect of the Securities of the series and the duration of such extension;
(10) if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof, the denominations in which any Securities of the series shall be issuable;
(11) if the amount of principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities of the series may be determined with reference to an index or pursuant to a formula, the manner in which such amounts shall be determined;
(12) if other than the currency of the United States of America, the currency, currencies or currency units in which the principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities of the series shall be payable and the manner of determining the equivalent thereof in the currency of the United States of America for any purpose, including for purposes of the definition of “Outstanding” in Section 101;
(13) if the principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities of the series is to be payable, at the election of the Company or the Holder thereof, in one or more currencies or currency units other than that or those in which such Securities are stated to be payable, the currency, currencies or currency units in which the principal of or any premium or interest on such Securities as to which such election is made shall be payable, the periods within which and the terms and conditions upon which such election is to be made and the amount so payable (or the manner in which such amount shall be determined);
(14) if other than the entire principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of any Securities of the series which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502;
(15) if the principal amount payable at the Stated Maturity of any Securities of the series will not be determinable as of any one or more dates prior to the Stated Maturity, the amount which shall be deemed to be the principal amount of such Securities as of any such date for any purpose thereunder or hereunder, including the principal amount thereof which shall be due and payable upon any Maturity other than the Stated Maturity or which shall be deemed to be Outstanding as of any date prior to the Stated Maturity (or, in any such case, the manner in which such amount deemed to be the principal amount shall be determined);
(16) if applicable, that the Securities of the series, in whole or any specified part, shall be defeasible pursuant to Section 1302 or Section 1303 or both such Sections and, if other than by a Board Resolution, the manner in which any election by the Company to defease such Securities shall be evidenced;
(17) if applicable, that any Securities of the series shall be issuable in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities and, in such case, the respective Depositaries for
-14-
such Global Securities, the form of any legend or legends which shall be borne by any such Global Security in addition to or in lieu of that set forth in Section 203 and any circumstances in addition to or in lieu of those set forth in Clause (2) of the last paragraph of Section 305 in which any such Global Security may be exchanged in whole or in part for Securities registered, and any transfer of such Global Security in whole or in part may be registered, in the name or names of Persons other than the Depositary for such Global Security or a nominee thereof;
(18) any addition to or change in the Events of Default which applies to any Securities of the series and any change in the right of the Trustee or the requisite Holders of such Securities to declare the principal amount thereof due and payable pursuant to Section 502;
(19) any addition to or change in the covenants set forth in Article Ten which applies to Securities of the series;
(20) any restriction or condition on the transferability of the Securities;
(21) whether or not the Securities shall have the benefit of Article Fifteen and, if so, which entities shall be the initial Guarantors of the Company’s obligations with respect to such Securities;
(22) the terms of any right to convert or exchange Securities of the series, either at the election of the Holder thereof or the Company, into or for shares of Common Stock or preferred stock of the Company, including, without limitation, the period or periods within which and the price or prices (including adjustments thereto) at which any Securities of the series shall be converted or exchanged, in whole or in part, and any other provision in addition to or in lieu of those set forth in this Indenture;
(23) the subordination terms of the Securities of the series; and
(24) any other terms of the series (which terms shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture, except as permitted by Section 901(5)).
All Securities of any one series shall be substantially identical except as to denomination and except as may otherwise be provided in or pursuant to the Board Resolution referred to above and (subject to Section 303) set forth, or determined in the manner provided, in the Officers’ Certificate referred to above or in any such indenture supplemental hereto.
If any of the terms of the series are established by action taken pursuant to a Board Resolution, a copy of an appropriate record of such action 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 Officers’ Certificate setting forth the terms of the series.
The Securities of each series shall be issuable only in registered form without coupons and only in such denominations as shall be specified as contemplated by Section 301. In the absence of any such specified denomination with respect to the Securities of any series, the Securities of such series shall be issuable in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof.
-15-
SECTION 303. Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating.
The Securities shall be executed on behalf of the Company by its Chairman of the Board, its Vice Chairman of the Board, its President or one of its Vice Presidents, and attested by its Secretary, one of its Assistant Secretaries, its Treasurer or one of its Assistant Treasurers. The signature of any of these officers on the Securities may be manual or facsimile. Each Guarantor shall execute the Guarantee in the manner set forth in Section 1402.
Securities and Guarantees bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of individuals who were at any time the proper officers of the Company or the Guarantors shall bind the Company and the applicable Guarantor, notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such Securities or Guarantees, as applicable, 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 the form or terms of the Securities of the series have been established by or pursuant to one or more Board Resolutions as permitted by Sections 201 and 301, 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 601) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating,
(1) if the form of such Securities has been established by or pursuant to Board Resolution as permitted by Section 201, that such form has been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;
(2) if the terms of such Securities have been established by or pursuant to Board Resolution as permitted by Section 301, that such terms have been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture; and
(3) that such Securities, when authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and issued by the Company in the manner and subject to any conditions specified in such Opinion of Counsel, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles.
If such form or terms have been so established, 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 or immunities under the Securities and this Indenture or otherwise in a manner which is not reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 301 and of the preceding paragraph, if all Securities of a series are not to be originally issued at one time, it shall not be necessary to deliver the Officers’ Certificate otherwise required pursuant to Section 301 or the Company Order and Opinion of Counsel otherwise required pursuant to such preceding paragraph at or prior to the authentication of each Security of such series if such documents are delivered at or prior to the authentication upon original issuance of the first Security of such series to be issued.
Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.
-16-
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 executed by the Trustee by manual signature, and such certificate upon any Security shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Security has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder. 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, 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 which 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 and with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as the officers executing such Securities may determine, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities.
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 one or more definitive Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount. 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 and tenor.
SECTION 305. Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange.
The Company shall cause to be kept at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee a register (the register maintained in such office and in any other office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment being herein sometimes collectively referred to as the “Security Register”) in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Company shall provide for the registration of Securities and of transfers of Securities. The Trustee is hereby appointed “Security Registrar” for the purpose of registering Securities and transfers of Securities as herein provided.
Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Security of a series at the 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 like tenor and aggregate principal amount.
At the option of the Holder, Securities of any series may be exchanged for other Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount, upon surrender of the Securities to be exchanged at such office or agency. Whenever any Securities are so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the Securities which the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive.
-17-
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 shall (if so required by the Company or the Trustee) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and 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.
If the Securities of any series (or of any series and specified tenor) are to be redeemed in part, the Company shall not be required (A) to issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Securities of that series (or of that series and specified tenor, as the case may be) during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of the mailing of a notice of redemption of any such Securities selected for redemption under Section 1103 and ending at the close of business on the day of such mailing, or (B) to register the transfer of or exchange any Security so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Security being redeemed in part.
The provisions of Clauses (1), (2), (3) and (4) below shall apply only to Global Securities:
(1) Each Global Security authenticated under this Indenture shall be registered in the name of the Depositary designated for such Global Security or a nominee thereof and delivered to such Depositary or a nominee thereof or custodian therefor, and each such Global Security shall constitute a single Security for all purposes of this Indenture.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, no Global Security may be exchanged in whole or in part for Securities registered, and no transfer of a Global Security in whole or in part may be registered, in the name of any Person other than the Depositary for such Global Security or a nominee thereof unless (A) such Depositary (i) has notified the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such Global Security or (ii) has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, (B) there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default with respect to such Global Security or (C) there shall exist such circumstances, if any, in addition to or in lieu of the foregoing as have been specified for this purpose as contemplated by Section 301.
(3) Subject to Clause (2) above, any exchange of a Global Security for other Securities may be made in whole or in part, and all Securities issued in exchange for a Global Security or any portion thereof shall be registered in such names as the Depositary for such Global Security shall direct.
(4) Every Security authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for or in lieu of, a Global Security or any portion thereof, whether pursuant to this Section, Section 304, 306, 906 or 1107 or otherwise, shall be authenticated and delivered in the form of, and shall be, a Global Security, unless such Security is registered in the name of a Person other than the Depositary for such Global Security or a nominee thereof.
-18-
Neither the Company nor the Trustee will have any responsibility or obligation to any Depository, participant, or beneficial owner of any Global Security with respect to (i) the accuracy of any records maintained by the Depository or any Depository participant; (ii) the payment by the Depository or any Depository participant of any amount due to any beneficial owner in respect of the Securities; (iii) the delivery of any notice by the Depository or any Depository participant to any beneficial owner; (iv) the selection of the beneficial owners to receive payment in the event of any partial redemption of the Securities; or (v) any other action taken by the Depository or any Depository participant.
SECTION 306. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities.
If any mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a new Security of the same series and of like tenor and principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.
If there shall be delivered to the Company and 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 notice to the Company or the Trustee that such Security has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen Security, a new Security of the same series and of like tenor and principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.
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 or the Trustee 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 provided as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to any series of Securities, interest on any Security which 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.
-19-
Any interest on any Security of any series which 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 Holder 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, and at the same time the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money 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 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 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 given to each Holder of Securities of such series in the manner set forth in Section 106, 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 so mailed, 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 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, 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.
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 any premium and (subject to Section 307) any 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.
-20-
All Securities surrendered for payment, redemption, purchase, 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 shall be promptly cancelled by it. The Company may at any time deliver to the Trustee for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated and delivered hereunder which 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 which the Company has not issued and sold, and all Securities so delivered shall be promptly cancelled by the Trustee. No Securities shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Securities cancelled as provided in this Section, except as expressly permitted by this Indenture. All cancelled Securities held by the Trustee shall be disposed of in accordance with the Trustee’s standard procedures unless directed otherwise by a Company Order.
SECTION 310. Computation of Interest.
Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities of any series, interest on the Securities of each series shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year 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 (except as to any surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of Securities herein expressly provided for), and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, when
(1) either
(A) all Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than (i) Securities which have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 306 and (ii) Securities 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 such Securities 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) 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,
-21-
and the Company, in the case of (i), (ii) or (iii) above, has deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for the purpose money in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal and any premium and interest to the date of such deposit (in the case of Securities which have become due and payable) or to the Stated Maturity or Redemption Date, as the case may be;
(2) the Company has paid or caused to be paid all 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 have been complied with.
Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the rights of the Trustee under Sections 507(3), 601 and 603, the obligations of the Company to the Trustee under Section 607, the obligations of the Trustee to any Authenticating Agent under Section 614 and, if money shall have been deposited with 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.
SECTION 402. Application of Trust Money.
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 any premium and interest for whose payment such money has been deposited with the Trustee. Money deposited pursuant to this Section not in violation of this Indenture shall not be subject to claims of the holders of Senior Indebtedness under Article Fourteen hereof.
ARTICLE FIVE
REMEDIES
SECTION 501. Events of Default.
“Event of Default”, wherever used herein with respect to Securities of any series, means any one of the following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether 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 any Security of that series when it becomes due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days (whether or not such payment is prohibited by the subordination provisions set forth in Article Fourteen hereof); provided, however, that a valid extension of an interest payment period by the Company in accordance with the terms of any Officers’ Certificate or indenture supplemental hereto shall not constitute a default in the payment of interest for this purpose; or
(2) default in the payment of the principal of or any premium on any Security of that series at its Maturity (whether or not such payment is prohibited by the subordination provisions set forth in Article Fourteen hereof); or
-22-
(3) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when and as due by the terms of a Security of that series; or
(4) default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty of the Company in this Indenture (other than a covenant or warranty a default in whose performance or whose breach is elsewhere in this Section specifically dealt with or which has expressly been included in this Indenture solely for the benefit of series of Securities other than that series), 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 10% 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 entry by a court having jurisdiction in the premises of (A) a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or (B) a decree or order adjudging the Company a bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly filed a petition seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Company under any applicable Federal or State law, or appointing a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or of any substantial part of its property, or ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, and the continuance of any such decree or order for relief or any such other decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days; or
(6) the commencement by the Company of a voluntary case or proceeding under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or of any other case or proceeding to be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or the consent by it to the entry of a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or to the commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding against it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable Federal or State law, or the consent by it to the filing of such petition or to the appointment of or taking possession by a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or of any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the admission by it in writing of its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due, or the taking of corporate action by the Company in furtherance of any such action; or
(7) if the Securities of that series are convertible or exchangeable into or for shares of Common Stock or preferred stock of the Company pursuant to any supplemental indenture, Board Resolution or other instrument authorizing Securities of that series, failure by the Company to convert such Securities (whether or not such conversion or exchange is prohibited by the subordination provisions set forth in Article Fourteen hereof); or
(8) any other Event of Default provided with respect to Securities of that series.
SECTION 502. Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment.
If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in Section 501(6) or 501(7)) with respect to Securities of any series at the time Outstanding occurs and is continuing, then in every such case the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of
-23-
that series may declare the principal amount of all the Securities of that series (or, if any Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the principal amount of such Securities as may be specified by the terms thereof) to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by Holders), and upon any such declaration such principal amount (or specified amount) shall become immediately due and payable. If an Event of Default specified in Section 501(6) or 501(7) with respect to Securities of any series at the time Outstanding occurs, the principal amount of all the Securities of that series (or, if any Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the principal amount of such Securities as may be specified by the terms thereof) 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
(A) all overdue interest on all Securities of that series,
(B) the principal of (and premium, if any, on) any Securities of that series which have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and any interest thereon at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Securities,
(C) to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest upon overdue interest at the rate or rates prescribed therefor 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 non-payment of the principal of Securities of that series which 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 interest on any Security when such interest 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, if any, on) any Security at the Maturity thereof,
the Company will, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to it, for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities, the whole amount then due and payable on such Securities for principal and any premium and interest
-24-
and, to the extent that payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable, interest on any overdue principal and premium and on any overdue interest, at the rate or rates prescribed therefor 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 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 under this Indenture 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 any judicial proceeding relative to the Company (or any other obligor upon the Securities), its property or its creditors, the Trustee shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise, to take any and all actions authorized under the Trust Indenture Act in order to have claims of the Holders and the Trustee allowed in any such proceeding. In particular, the Trustee shall be authorized 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 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 it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 607.
No provision of this Indenture shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder 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 in any such proceeding; provided, however, that the Trustee may, on behalf of the Holders, vote for the election of a trustee in bankruptcy or similar official and be a member of a creditors’ or other similar committee.
SECTION 505. Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities.
All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or 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 any premium or interest, upon presentation of the Securities and the notation thereon of the payment if only partially paid and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:
-25-
FIRST: To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee under Section 607;
SECOND: To the payment of all Senior Indebtedness of the Company to the extent required by Article Fourteen hereof;
THIRD: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid for principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities 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 amounts due and payable on such Securities for principal and any premium and interest, respectively; and
FOURTH: 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 reasonable indemnity 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 of such Holders.
SECTION 508. Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and Interest.
Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, but subject to Article Fourteen of this Indenture, the Holder of any Security shall have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive payment of the principal of and any premium and (subject to Section 307) interest on such Security on the respective Stated Maturities 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.
-26-
SECTION 509. Restoration of Rights and Remedies.
If the Trustee or any Holder 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, subject to any determination in such proceeding, the Company, the Trustee and the Holders shall 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 had 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 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 Securities 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 an 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, as the case may be.
SECTION 512. Control by Holders.
The Holders of 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) such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in connection therewith, and
(3) the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction.
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 waive any past default hereunder with respect to such series and its consequences, except a default
(1) in the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any Security of such series, or
-27-
(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 impair any right consequent thereon.
SECTION 514. Undertaking for Costs.
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, suffered or omitted by it as Trustee, a court may require any party litigant in such suit to file an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and may assess costs against any such party litigant, in the manner and to the extent provided in the Trust Indenture Act; provided that neither this Section nor the Trust Indenture Act shall be deemed to authorize any court to require such an undertaking or to make such an assessment in any suit instituted by the Company.
SECTION 515. Waiver of Usury, 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 usury, 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.
ARTICLE SIX
THE TRUSTEE
SECTION 601. Certain Duties and Responsibilities.
The duties and responsibilities of the Trustee shall be as provided by the Trust Indenture Act and this Indenture. Notwithstanding the foregoing, 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 adequate indemnity 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 Section 315(d) of the Trust Indenture Act and the provisions of this Section.
SECTION 602. Notice of Defaults.
If a default occurs hereunder with respect to Securities of any series and is known to the Trustee, the Trustee shall give the Holders of Securities of such series notice of such default as and to the extent provided by the Trust Indenture Act; provided, however, that in the case of any default of the character specified in Section 501(3) with respect to 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 which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect to Securities of such series.
-28-
SECTION 603. Certain Rights of Trustee.
Subject to the provisions of Section 601:
(1) the Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;
(2) any request or direction of the Company mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Company Request or Company Order, and any resolution of the Board of Directors shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution;
(3) 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;
(4) the Trustee may consult with counsel and the written 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;
(5) 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 pursuant to this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction;
(6) 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, other evidence of indebtedness 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; and
(7) the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder.
SECTION 604. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities.
The recitals contained herein and in the Securities, except the Trustee’s certificates 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. Neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent shall be accountable for the use or application by the Company of Securities or the proceeds thereof.
-29-
SECTION 605. May Hold Securities.
The Trustee, any Authenticating Agent, any Paying Agent, any Security Registrar 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 Sections 608 and 613, may otherwise deal with the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, Authenticating Agent, Paying Agent, Security Registrar or such other agent.
SECTION 606. 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 any money received by it hereunder except as otherwise agreed with the Company.
SECTION 607. 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 (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust);
(2) except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse the Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee in accordance with any provision of this Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel), except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may be attributable to its failure to act in accordance with its obligations under the Trust Indenture Act or its bad faith; and
(3) to indemnify the Trustee for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or expense arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the trust or trusts 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 any such loss, liability or expense as may be attributable to the Trustee’s failure to act in accordance with its obligations under the Trust Indenture Act or its 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 or funds collected by it pursuant to Article V, except funds held in trust for the benefit of the Holders of particular Securities. Any compensation or expense incurred by the Trustee after a default specified by Section 501(6) or Section 501(7) is intended to constitute an expense of administration under any then applicable bankruptcy or insolvency law. “Trustee” for purposes of this Section includes any predecessor Trustee, and, if there are separate Trustees for various series of Securities, such term shall refer to each Trustee, but shall not be construed to attribute the negligence or bad faith of any Trustee to the rights of any other Trustee hereunder. The provisions of this Section shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, and the resignation or removal of the Trustee.
SECTION 608. Conflicting Interests.
If the Trustee has or shall acquire a conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall either eliminate such interest or resign, to the extent and in the manner provided by,
-30-
and subject to the provisions of, the Trust Indenture Act and this Indenture. The Trustee shall comply with Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act. To the extent permitted by the Trust Indenture 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.
SECTION 609. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility.
There shall at all times be one (and only one) Trustee hereunder with respect to the Securities of each series, which may be Trustee hereunder for Securities of one or more other series. Each Trustee shall be a Person that is eligible pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act to act as such and has a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000. If any such Person publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of its supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section and to the extent permitted by the Trust Indenture Act, the combined capital and surplus of such 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 with respect to the Securities of any series 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 610. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor.
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 611.
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 the instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee required by Section 611 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 with respect to the Securities of such series.
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.
If at any time:
(1) the Trustee shall fail to comply with Section 608 after written request therefor by the Company or by any Holder 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 609 and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Company or by any such Holder, 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, (A) the Company may remove the Trustee with respect to all Securities, or (B) subject to Section 514, any Holder 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.
-31-
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 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) and shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 611. 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 in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 611, 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 and accepted appointment in the manner required by Section 611, any Holder 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 the Securities of such series.
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 to all Holders of Securities of such series in the manner provided 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 611. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor.
In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to all Securities, every such successor Trustee so appointed 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 the request of the Company or the successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of all sums owed to the Trustee under Section 607, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all the rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee and, unless applied to the payment of sums owed to the Trustee under Section 607, shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder.
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 instrument or indenture supplemental hereto wherein each successor Trustee shall accept such appointment and which (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
-32-
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 instrument or 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.
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 the first or second preceding paragraph, as the case may be.
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.
SECTION 612. 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 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.
SECTION 613. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company.
If and when the Trustee shall be or become a creditor of the Company (or any other obligor upon the Securities), the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act regarding the collection of claims against the Company (or any such other obligor). A Trustee that has resigned or been removed shall be subject to Section 311(a) of the Trust Indenture Act to the extent provided therein.
SECTION 614. Appointment of Authenticating Agent.
The Trustee may appoint an Authenticating Agent or Agents with respect to one or more series of Securities which shall be authorized to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of such series issued upon original issue and upon exchange, registration of transfer or partial redemption 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. 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 acceptable to the Company and shall at all times be a corporation organized and doing business
-33-
under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, authorized under such laws to act as Authenticating Agent, having a combined capital and surplus of not less than $50,000,000 and subject to supervision or examination by Federal or State authority. If such Authenticating Agent publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of said 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. If 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 any further act on the part of the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent.
An Authenticating Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Trustee and to the Company. The Trustee may at any time terminate the agency of an Authenticating Agent by giving written notice thereof 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 may appoint a successor Authenticating Agent which shall be acceptable to the Company and shall give notice of such appointment in the manner provided in Section 106 to all Holders of Securities of the series with respect to which such Authenticating Agent will serve. 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. No successor Authenticating Agent shall be appointed unless eligible under the provisions of this Section.
The Trustee agrees to pay to each Authenticating Agent from time to time reasonable compensation for its services under this Section, and the Trustee shall be entitled to be reimbursed for such payments, subject to the provisions of Section 607.
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 the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, an alternative certificate of authentication in the following form:
This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
| , | ||||
| As Trustee | ||||
| By | ||||
| As Authenticating Agent | ||||
| By | ||||
| Authorized Officer | ||||
-34-
ARTICLE SEVEN
HOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY
SECTION 701. Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders.
The Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee
(1) semi-annually, not later than 15 days after each January 1 and July 1, a list, in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Holders of Securities of each series as of January 1 or July 1, as the case may be, and
(2) 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;
excluding from any such list names and addresses received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar. If there are no names or addresses in addition to those received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar, the Company need not furnish any list pursuant to this Section 701.
SECTION 702. Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders.
The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, the names and addresses of Holders contained in the most recent list furnished to the Trustee as provided in Section 701 and the names and addresses of Holders received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar. The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in Section 701 upon receipt of a new list so furnished.
The rights of Holders to communicate with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or under the Securities, and the corresponding duties, rights and privileges of the Trustee, shall be as provided by the Trust Indenture Act.
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 agent of either of them shall be held accountable by reason of any disclosure of information as to names and addresses of Holders made pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 703. Reports by Trustee.
The Trustee shall transmit to Holders such reports concerning the Trustee and its actions under this Indenture as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the times and in the manner provided pursuant thereto.
A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to Holders, be filed by the Trustee with each stock exchange upon which any Securities are listed, with the Commission and with the Company. The Company will notify the Trustee when any Securities are listed on any stock exchange.
SECTION 704. Reports by Company.
The Company shall file with the Trustee and the Commission, and transmit to Holders, such information, documents and other reports, and such summaries thereof, as may be required pursuant to
-35-
the Trust Indenture Act at the times and in the manner provided pursuant to such Act; provided that any such information, documents or reports required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act shall be filed with the Trustee within 15 days after the same is so required to be filed with the Commission.
ARTICLE EIGHT
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE
SECTION 801. Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms.
The Company shall not consolidate with or merge into any other Person or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, and the Company shall not permit any Person to consolidate with or merge into the Company or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to the Company, unless:
(1) in case the Company shall consolidate with or merge into another Person or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, the Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person which acquires by conveyance or transfer, or which leases, the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety shall be a corporation, partnership or trust, shall be organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and shall expressly assume, by an indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of and any premium and interest on all the Securities and the performance or observance of every covenant of this Indenture on the part of the Company to be performed or observed;
(2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction and treating any indebtedness which becomes an obligation of the Company or any Subsidiary as a result of such transaction as having been incurred by the Company or such Subsidiary at the time of such transaction, no Event of Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of Default, shall have happened and be continuing; and
(3) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease and, if a supplemental indenture is required in connection with such transaction, such supplemental indenture complies with this Article and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been complied with.
SECTION 802. Successor Substituted.
Upon any consolidation of the Company with, or merger of the Company into, any other Person or any conveyance, transfer or lease of the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety in accordance with Section 801, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or to which such conveyance, transfer or lease is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as the Company herein, and thereafter, except in the case of a lease, the predecessor Person shall be relieved of all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and the Securities.
-36-
ARTICLE NINE
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
SECTION 901. Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders.
Without the consent of any Holders, the Company, when authorized by 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; or
(2) to add to the covenants of the Company or any Guarantor 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 any Guarantor; 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 additional Events of Default are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such additional Events of Default are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series); or
(4) to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture to such extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the issuance of Securities in bearer form, registrable or not registrable as to principal, and with or without interest coupons, or to permit or facilitate the issuance of Securities in uncertificated form; or
(5) to add to, change or eliminate any of the provisions of this Indenture in respect of one or more series of Securities, provided that any such addition, change or elimination (A) shall neither (i) 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 (ii) modify the rights of the Holder of any such Security with respect to such provision or (B) shall become effective only when there is no such Security Outstanding; or
(6) to secure the Securities; or
(7) to establish the form or terms of Securities of any series as permitted by Sections 201 and 301; or
(8) 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, pursuant to the requirements of Section 611; 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, provided that such action pursuant to this Clause (9) shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Securities of any series in any material respect; or
-37-
(10) to make provision with respect to the conversion rights of Holders, including providing for the conversion of the Securities into shares of the Common Stock or preferred stock of the Company; or
(11) to add any Subsidiary as a Guarantor; or
(12) to remove a Guarantor which, in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, ceases to be liable in respect of its Guarantee.
SECTION 902. Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Holders.
With the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of each series affected by such supplemental indenture, by Act of said Holders delivered to the Company and the Trustee, the Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee may enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series under this Indenture; provided, however, that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby,
(1) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any installment of principal of or interest on, any Security, or reduce the principal amount thereof or the rate of interest thereon or any premium payable upon the redemption thereof, or reduce the amount of the principal of an Original Issue Discount Security or any other Security which would be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502, or adversely affect any right of repayment at the option of a Holder of any Security, or reduce the amount of, or postpone the date fixed for, the payment of any sinking fund or analogous obligation, or change any Place of Payment where, or the coin or currency in which, any Security or any premium or 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, on or after the Redemption Date); 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 (of compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture or certain defaults hereunder and their consequences) provided for in this Indenture; or
(3) modify any of the provisions of this Section, Section 513 or Section 1008, except to increase any such percentage 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; provided, however, that this clause shall not be deemed to require the consent of any Holder with respect to changes in the references to “the Trustee” and concomitant changes in this Section and Section 1008, or the deletion of this proviso, in accordance with the requirements of Sections 611 and 901(8); or
-38-
(4) make any change that adversely affects the right to convert any Security of any series pursuant to Section 301 or decrease the conversion rate or increase the conversion price of any such Security of such series; or
(5) make any change in Article Fourteen hereof that adversely affects the rights of any Holders of Outstanding Securities of such series.
A supplemental indenture which changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of this Indenture which has expressly been included solely for the benefit of one or more particular series of Securities, or which 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.
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.
SECTION 903. Execution of Supplemental Indentures.
In executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any supplemental indenture permitted by this Article or the modifications thereby of the trusts created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 601) shall be fully protected in relying upon an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture. The Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such supplemental indenture which 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 Trust Indenture Act.
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.
-39-
ARTICLE TEN
COVENANTS
SECTION 1001. Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest.
The Company covenants and agrees for the benefit of each series of Securities that it will duly and punctually pay the principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities of that series in accordance with the terms of the Securities and this Indenture.
SECTION 1002. Maintenance of Office or Agency.
The Company will 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, where Securities of that series may be surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, or conversion and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of that series and this Indenture may be served. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency. 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 Trustee as its agent to receive all such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.
The Company may also 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 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 each Place of Payment 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.
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 Securities, it will, on or before each due date of the principal of or any premium or interest on any of the Securities of that series, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto a sum sufficient to pay the principal and any premium and interest 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, prior to each due date of the principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities of that series, deposit with a Paying Agent a sum sufficient to pay such amount, such sum to be held as provided by the Trust Indenture Act, 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 for any series of Securities 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) comply with the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act applicable to it as a Paying Agent and (2) during the continuance of any default by the Company (or any other obligor upon the Securities of that series) in the making of any payment in respect of the Securities of that series, upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums held in trust by such Paying Agent for payment in respect of the Securities of that series.
-40-
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 money.
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 or any premium or interest on any Security of any series and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal, premium or interest has become due and payable shall be paid to the Company on 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 thereof, 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 a newspaper published in the English language, customarily published on each Business Day and of general circulation in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, 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. Statement by Officers as to Default.
The Company will deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company ending after the date hereof, an Officers’ Certificate complying with Section 314(a)(4) of the Trust Indenture Act, stating whether or not to the best knowledge of the signers thereof the Company is in default in the performance and observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Indenture (without regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice provided hereunder) and, if the Company shall be in default, specifying all such defaults and the nature and status thereof of which they may have knowledge.
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 its existence, rights (charter and statutory) and franchises; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to preserve any such 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 that the loss thereof is not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.
SECTION 1006. Maintenance of Properties.
The Company will cause all properties used or useful in the conduct of its business or the business of any Subsidiary to be maintained and kept in good condition, repair and working order and supplied with all necessary equipment and will cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements thereof, all as in the judgment of the Company may be necessary so that the business carried on in connection therewith may be properly and advantageously conducted at all times; provided, however, that nothing in this Section shall prevent the Company from discontinuing the operation or maintenance of any of such properties if such discontinuance is, in the judgment of the Company, desirable in the conduct of its business or the business of any Subsidiary and not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.
-41-
SECTION 1007. Payment of Taxes and Other Claims.
The Company will pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged, before the same shall become delinquent, (1) all material taxes, assessments and governmental charges levied or imposed upon the Company or any Subsidiary or upon the income, profits or property of the Company or any Subsidiary, and (2) all lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies which, if unpaid, might by law become a material Lien upon the property of the Company or any Subsidiary; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged any such tax, assessment, charge or claim whose amount, applicability or validity is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings.
SECTION 1008. Waiver of Certain Covenants.
Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities of such series, the Company may, with respect to the Securities of any series, omit in any particular instance to comply with any term, provision or condition set forth in any covenant provided pursuant to Section 301(19), 901(2) or 901(7) for the benefit of the Holders of such series or in either of Sections 1006 or 1007, if before the time for such compliance the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series shall, by Act of such Holders, either waive such compliance in such instance or generally waive compliance with such term, provision or condition, but no such waiver shall extend to or affect such term, provision 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 which 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 such Securities) 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 a Board Resolution or in another manner specified as contemplated by Section 301 for such Securities. In case of any redemption at the election of the Company of less than all the Securities of any series (including any such redemption affecting only a single Security), the Company shall, at least 60 days prior to the Redemption Date fixed by the Company (unless a shorter notice shall be satisfactory to the Trustee), notify the Trustee of such Redemption Date, of the principal amount of Securities of such series to be redeemed and, if applicable, of the tenor of the Securities to be redeemed. 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 evidencing compliance with such restriction.
-42-
SECTION 1103. Selection by Trustee of Securities to be Redeemed.
If less than all the Securities of any series are to be redeemed (unless all the Securities of such series and of a specified tenor are to be redeemed or unless such redemption affects only a single Security), 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 not previously called for redemption, by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate and which may provide for the selection for redemption of a portion of the principal amount of any Security of such series, provided that the unredeemed portion of the principal amount of any Security shall be in an authorized denomination (which shall not be less than the minimum authorized denomination) for such Security. If less than all the Securities of such series and of a specified tenor are to be redeemed (unless such redemption affects only a single Security), 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 and specified tenor not previously called for redemption in accordance with the preceding sentence.
The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the Securities selected for redemption as aforesaid and, in case of any Securities selected for partial redemption as aforesaid, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed.
The provisions of the two preceding paragraphs shall not apply with respect to any redemption affecting only a single Security, whether such Security is to be redeemed in whole or in part. In the case of any such redemption in part, the unredeemed portion of the principal amount of the Security shall be in an authorized denomination (which shall not be less than the minimum authorized denomination) for such Security.
If Securities of any series selected for partial redemption are converted in part before termination of the conversion right with respect to the portion of the Securities of such series so selected, the converted portion of the Securities of such series shall be deemed (so far as may be) to be the portion selected for redemption. Securities (or portions thereof) which have been converted during a selection of Securities of such series 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 of such series 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 of such series.
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 Securities redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the principal amount of such Securities which has been or is to be redeemed.
SECTION 1104. Notice of Redemption.
Notice of redemption shall be given by first-class mail, postage prepaid, mailed not less than 15 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date, to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed, at his address appearing in the Security Register.
All notices of redemption shall state:
| (1) | the Redemption Date, |
| (2) | the Redemption Price, |
-43-
| (3) | if less than all the Outstanding Securities of any series consisting of more than a single Security are to be redeemed, the identification (and, in the case of partial redemption of any such Securities, the principal amounts) of the particular Securities to be redeemed and, if less than all the Outstanding Securities of any series consisting of a single Security are to be redeemed, the principal amount of the particular Security to be redeemed, |
| (4) | that on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price will become due and payable upon each such Security to be redeemed and, if applicable, that interest thereon will cease to accrue on and after said date, |
| (5) | the place or places where each such Security is to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price, |
| (6) | that the redemption is for a sinking fund, if such is the case, and |
| (7) | if applicable, the conversion rate or price, the date on which the right to convert the Securities of such series to be redeemed will terminate and the place or places where such Securities may be surrendered for conversion. |
Notice of redemption of Securities to be redeemed at the election of the Company shall be given by the Company or, at the Company’s request, by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company and shall be irrevocable.
SECTION 1105. Deposit of Redemption Price.
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, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 1003) an amount of money sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of, and (except if the Redemption Date shall be an Interest Payment Date) accrued interest on, all the Securities which are to be redeemed on that date.
If any Security called for redemption is converted into shares of Common Stock or preferred stock of the Company, any money deposited with the Trustee or with any Paying Agent or so segregated and held in trust for the redemption of such Security shall be paid to the Company upon Company Request or, if then held by the Company, shall be discharged from such trust.
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, and from and after such date (unless the Company shall default in the payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest) such Securities shall cease to bear interest. Upon surrender of any such Security for redemption in accordance with said notice, such Security shall be paid by the Company at the Redemption Price, together with accrued interest to the Redemption Date; provided, however, that, unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, installments of interest whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Redemption Date will 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.
-44-
If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender thereof for redemption, the principal and any premium shall, until paid, bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate prescribed therefor in the Security.
SECTION 1107. Securities Redeemed in Part.
Any Security which is to be redeemed only in part 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 and of like tenor, 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 any series except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for such Securities.
The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of any Securities 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 is herein referred to as an “optional sinking fund payment”. If provided for by the terms of any Securities, the cash amount of any 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 as provided for by the terms of such Securities.
SECTION 1202. Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities.
The Company (1) may deliver Outstanding Securities of a series (other than any previously called for redemption) and (2) may apply as a credit Securities of a series which 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, in each case in satisfaction of all or any part of any sinking fund payment with respect to any Securities of such series required to be made pursuant to the terms of such Securities as and to the extent provided for by the terms of such Securities; provided that the Securities to be so credited have not been previously so credited. The Securities to be so credited shall be received and credited for such purpose by the Trustee at the Redemption Price, as specified in the Securities so to be redeemed, for redemption through operation of the sinking fund and the amount of such sinking fund payment shall be reduced accordingly.
SECTION 1203. Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund.
Not less than 45 days prior to each sinking fund payment date for any Securities, the Company will deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate specifying the amount of the next ensuing sinking fund payment for such Securities pursuant to the terms of such Securities, the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by payment of cash and the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by delivering and crediting Securities pursuant to Section 1202 and will also deliver to the Trustee any Securities to be
-45-
so delivered. Not less than 30 days prior to 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 Sections 1106 and 1107.
ARTICLE THIRTEEN
DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
SECTION 1301. Company’s Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.
The Company may elect, at its option at any time, to have Section 1302 or Section 1303 applied to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, designated pursuant to Section 301 as being defeasible pursuant to such Section 1302 or 1303, in accordance with any applicable requirements provided pursuant to Section 301 and upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article. Any such election shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution or in another manner specified as contemplated by Section 301 for such Securities.
SECTION 1302. Defeasance and Discharge.
Upon the Company’s exercise of its option (if any) to have this Section applied to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, the Company shall be deemed to have been discharged from its obligations with respect to such Securities (and all obligations of any Guarantors with respect to any Guarantees shall be discharged) as provided in this Section on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 1304 are satisfied (hereinafter called “Defeasance”). For this purpose, such Defeasance means that the Company shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by such Securities and to have satisfied all 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), subject to the following which shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder: (1) the rights of Holders of such 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 any premium and interest on such Securities when payments are due, (2) the Company’s obligations with respect to such Securities under Sections 304, 305, 306, 1002 and 1003, (3) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder and (4) this Article. Subject to compliance with this Article, the Company may exercise its option (if any) to have this Section applied to any Securities notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option (if any) to have Section 1303 applied to such Securities.
SECTION 1303. Covenant Defeasance.
Upon the Company’s exercise of its option (if any) to have this Section applied to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, (1) the Company shall be released from its obligations under Sections 1006 and 1007, and any covenants provided pursuant to Sections 301(19), 901(2) or 901(7) for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities, and (2) the occurrence of any event specified in Sections 501(4) (with respect to Sections 1006 and 1007, and any such covenants provided pursuant to Sections 301(19), 901(2) or 901(7)) and 501(7) shall be deemed not to be or result in an Event of Default, in each case with respect to such Securities as provided in this Section on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 1304 are satisfied (hereinafter called “Covenant Defeasance”). For this purpose, such Covenant Defeasance means that, with respect to such Securities, the Company may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such specified
-46-
Section (to the extent so specified in the case of Section 501(4)), whether directly or indirectly by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such Section or by reason of any reference in any such Section to any other provision herein or in any other document, but 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 the application of Section 1302 or Section 1303 to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be:
(1) The Company shall irrevocably have deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee (or another trustee which satisfies the requirements contemplated by Section 609 and agrees to comply with the provisions of this Article applicable to it) as trust funds in trust for the purpose of making the following payments, specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefits of the Holders of such Securities, (A) money in an amount, or (B) U.S. Government Obligations which 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, money in an amount, or (C) a combination thereof, in each case sufficient, 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 which shall be applied by the Trustee (or any such other qualifying trustee) to pay and discharge, the principal of and any premium and interest on such Securities on the respective Stated Maturities, in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and such Securities. As used herein, “U.S. Government Obligation” means (x) any security which is (i) a direct obligation of the United States of America for the payment of which the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged or (ii) an obligation of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America, which, in either case (i) or (ii), is not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof, and (y) any depositary receipt issued by a bank (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act) as custodian with respect to any U.S. Government Obligation which is specified in Clause (x) above and held by such bank for the account of the holder of such depositary receipt, or with respect to any specific payment of principal of or interest on any U.S. Government Obligation which is so specified and held, 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 depositary receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government Obligation or the specific payment of principal or interest evidenced by such depositary receipt.
(2) In the event of an election to have Section 1302 apply to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that (A) the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (B) since the date of this instrument, there has been a change in the applicable Federal income tax law, in either case (A) or (B) to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the Holders of such Securities will not recognize gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit, Defeasance and discharge to be effected with respect to such Securities and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the case if such deposit, Defeasance and discharge were not to occur.
(3) In the event of an election to have Section 1303 apply to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an
-47-
Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Holders of such Securities will not recognize gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit and Covenant Defeasance to be effected with respect to such Securities and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the case if such deposit and Covenant Defeasance were not to occur.
(4) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate to the effect that neither such Securities nor any other Securities of the same series, if then listed on any securities exchange, will be delisted as a result of such deposit.
(5) No event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect to such Securities or any other Securities shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of such deposit or, with regard to any such event specified in Sections 501(6) and (7), at any time on or prior to the 90th day after the date of such deposit (it being understood that this condition shall not be deemed satisfied until after such 90th day).
(6) Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not cause the Trustee to have a conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act (assuming all Securities are in default within the meaning of such Act).
(7) Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any other agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound.
(8) Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in the trust arising from such deposit constituting an investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act unless such trust shall be registered under such Act or exempt from registration thereunder.
(9) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent with respect to such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance have been complied with.
(10) No default in the payment of the principal of and any premium and interest on any Senior Indebtedness beyond any applicable grace period shall have occurred and be continuing.
(11) No other default with respect to any Senior Indebtedness shall have occurred and be continuing and shall have resulted in the acceleration of such Senior Indebtedness.
SECTION 1305. Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Miscellaneous Provisions.
Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003, all money and U.S. Government Obligations (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee or other qualifying trustee (solely for purposes of this Section and Section 1306, the Trustee and any such other trustee are referred to collectively as the “Trustee”) pursuant to Section 1304 in respect of any Securities 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 such 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 any premium and interest, but money so held in trust need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
-48-
The Company shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the U.S. 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 which by law is for the account of the Holders of 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 U.S. Government Obligations held by it as provided in Section 1304 with respect to any Securities which, 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 which would then be required to be deposited to effect the Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance, as the case may be, with respect to such Securities.
If the Trustee or the Paying Agent is unable to apply any money in accordance with this Article with respect to any Securities by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, then the obligations under this Indenture and such Securities from which the Company has been discharged or released pursuant to Section 1302 or 1303 shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article with respect to such Securities, until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all money held in trust pursuant to Section 1305 with respect to such Securities in accordance with this Article; provided, however, that if the Company makes any payment of principal of or any premium or interest on any such Security following such reinstatement of its obligations, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights (if any) of the Holders of such Securities to receive such payment from the money so held in trust.
ARTICLE FOURTEEN
SUBORDINATION OF SECURITIES
SECTION 1401. Securities Subordinate to Senior Indebtedness.
The Company covenants and agrees, and each Holder, by the Holder’s acceptance thereof, likewise covenants and agrees, that, to the extent and in the manner hereinafter set forth in this Article, the indebtedness represented by the Securities and the payment of the principal of and premium and interest on each and all of the Securities are hereby expressly made subordinate and junior in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness of the Company, whether outstanding at the date of this Indenture or thereafter incurred. No provision of this Article shall prevent the occurrence of any default or Event of Default hereunder.
SECTION 1402. Payment Over of Proceeds Upon Dissolution, Etc.
Upon any payment by the Company or distribution of assets of the Company of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, to creditors upon any dissolution or winding-up or liquidation or reorganization of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary or in bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other proceedings, all amounts due upon all Senior Indebtedness of the Company shall first be paid in full, or payment thereof provided for in money in accordance with its terms, before any payment is made by the Company on account of the principal or of any premium or interest on the Securities; and upon any such dissolution or winding-up or liquidation or reorganization, any payment by the Company, or distribution of assets of the Company of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, to which the Holders of the Securities or the Trustee would be entitled to receive from the Company, except for the provisions of this Article, shall be paid by the Company or by
-49-
any receiver, trustee in bankruptcy, liquidating trustee, agent or other Person making such payment or distribution, or by the Holders of the Securities or by the Trustee under this Indenture if received by them or it, directly to the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Company (pro rata to such holders on the basis of the respective amounts of Senior Indebtedness held by such holders, as calculated by the Company) or their representative or representatives, or to the trustee or trustees under any indenture pursuant to which any instruments evidencing such Senior Indebtedness may have been issued, as their respective interests may appear, to the extent necessary to pay such Senior Indebtedness in full, in money or money’s worth, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution to or for the holders of such Senior Indebtedness, before any payment or distribution is made to the Holders of the Securities or to the Trustee.
In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, any payment or distribution of assets of the Company of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, prohibited by the foregoing, shall be received by the Trustee before all Senior Indebtedness of the Company is paid in full, or provision is made for such payment in money in accordance with its terms, such payment or distribution shall be held in trust for the benefit of and shall be paid over or delivered to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness or their representative or representatives, or to the trustee or trustees under any indenture pursuant to which any instruments evidencing such Senior Indebtedness may have been issued, and their respective interests may appear, as calculated by the Company, for application to the payment of all Senior Indebtedness of the Company, as the case may be, remaining unpaid to the extent necessary to pay such Senior Indebtedness in full in money in accordance with its terms, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution to or for the benefit of the holders of such Senior Indebtedness.
For purposes of this Article only, the words “cash, property or securities” shall not be deemed to include shares of stock of the Company as reorganized or readjusted, or securities of the Company or any other corporation provided for by a plan of reorganization or readjustment which are subordinated in right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness which may at the time be outstanding to substantially the same extent as, or to a greater extent than, the Securities are so subordinated as provided in this Article. The consolidation of the Company with, or the merger of the Company into, another Person or the liquidation or dissolution of the Company following the conveyance or transfer of its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to another Person upon the terms and conditions set forth in Article Eight shall not be deemed a dissolution, winding-up, liquidation, reorganization, assignment for the benefit of creditors or marshaling of assets and liabilities of the Company for the purposes of this Section if the Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person which acquires by conveyance or transfer such properties and assets substantially as an entirety, as the case may be, shall, as a part of such consolidation, merger, conveyance or transfer, comply with the conditions set forth in Article Eight.
SECTION 1403. Prior Payment to Senior Indebtedness Upon Acceleration of Securities.
In the event that any Securities are declared due and payable before their Stated Maturity, then and in such event the holders of Senior Indebtedness shall be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due or to become due on or in respect of all Senior Indebtedness or provision shall be made for such payment in cash, before the Holders of the Securities are entitled to receive any payment (including any payment which may be payable by reason of the payment of any other indebtedness of the Company being subordinated to the payment of the Securities) by the Company on account of the principal of or any premium or interest on the Securities or on account of the purchase or other acquisition of Securities; provided, however, that nothing in this Section shall prevent the satisfaction of any sinking fund payment in accordance with Article Twelve by delivering and crediting pursuant to Section 1202 Securities which have been acquired (upon redemption or otherwise) prior to such declaration of acceleration.
-50-
In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall make any payment to the Trustee or the Holder of any Security prohibited by the foregoing provisions of this Section, and if such fact shall, at or prior to the time of such payment, have been made known to the Trustee or, as the case may be, such Holder, then and in such event such payment shall be paid over and delivered forthwith to the Company.
SECTION 1404. No Payment When Senior Indebtedness in Default.
In the event and during the continuation of any default by the Company in the payment of principal, premium, interest or any other payment due on any Senior Indebtedness of the Company, as the case may be, beyond any applicable grace period with respect thereto, or in the event that the maturity of any Senior Indebtedness of the Company, as the case may be, has been accelerated because of a default, then, in any such case, no payment shall be made by the Company with respect to the principal (including redemption and sinking fund payments) of, or premium, if any, or interest on the Securities until such default is cured or waived or ceases to exist or any such acceleration or demand for payment has been rescinded.
In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, any payment shall be received by the Trustee when such payment is prohibited by the preceding paragraph of this Section 1404, such payment shall be paid over or delivered to the Company.
SECTION 1405. Payment Permitted in Certain Situations.
Nothing contained in this Article or elsewhere in this Indenture or in any of the Securities shall prevent (1) the Company, at any time except during the pendency of any dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary or any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other proceedings of the Company referred to in Section 1402 or under the conditions described in Section 1403 or 1404, from making payments at any time of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on the Securities, or (2) the application by the Trustee of any money deposited with it hereunder to the payment of or on account of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on the Securities or the retention of such payment by the Holders, if, at the time of such application by the Trustee, it did not have actual knowledge that such payment would have been prohibited by the provisions of this Article.
SECTION 1406. Subrogation to Rights of Holders of Senior Indebtedness.
Subject to the payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness or the provision for such payment in cash or cash equivalents or otherwise in a manner satisfactory to the holders of Senior Indebtedness, the rights of the Holders of Securities shall be subrogated to the extent of the payments or distributions made to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness pursuant to the provisions of this Article (equally and ratably with the holders of indebtedness of the Company which by its express terms is subordinated to indebtedness of the Company to substantially the same extent as the Securities are subordinated to the Senior Indebtedness and is entitled to like rights of subrogation) to the rights of the holders of such Senior Indebtedness to receive payments and distributions of cash, property and securities applicable to the Senior Indebtedness until the principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities shall be paid in full. For purposes of such subrogation, no payments or distributions to the holders of the Senior Indebtedness of any cash, property or securities to which the Holders of Securities or the Trustee would be entitled except for the provisions of this Article, and no payments over pursuant to the provisions of this Article to or for the benefit of the holders of Senior Indebtedness by Holders of Securities or the Trustee, shall, as among the Company, its creditors other than holders of Senior Indebtedness and the Holders of Securities, be deemed to be a payment or distribution by the Company to or on account of the Senior Indebtedness.
-51-
SECTION 1407. Provisions Solely to Define Relative Rights.
The provisions of this Article are and are intended solely for the purpose of defining the relative rights of the Holders of Securities on the one hand and the holders of Senior Indebtedness on the other hand. Nothing contained in this Article or elsewhere in this Indenture or in the Securities is intended to or shall (1) impair, as among the Company, its creditors other than holders of Senior Indebtedness and the Holders of Securities, the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional (and which, subject to the rights under this Article of the holders of Senior Indebtedness, is intended to rank equally with all other general obligations of the Company), to pay to the Holders of Securities the principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with their terms; or (2) affect the relative rights against the Company of the Holders of Securities and creditors of the Company, as the case may be, other than the holders of Senior Indebtedness; or (3) prevent the Trustee or the Holder of any Security from exercising all remedies otherwise permitted by applicable law upon default under this Indenture, subject to the rights, if any, under this Article of the holders of Senior Indebtedness to receive cash, property and securities otherwise payable or deliverable to the Trustee or such Holder.
SECTION 1408. Trustee to Effectuate Subordination.
Each Holder of a Security by such Holder’s acceptance thereof authorizes and directs the Trustee on such Holder’s behalf to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination provided in this Article.
SECTION 1409. No Waiver of Subordination Provisions.
No right of any present or future holder of any Senior Indebtedness to enforce subordination as herein provided shall at any time in any way be prejudiced or impaired by any act or failure to act on the part of the Company or by any act or failure to act, in good faith, by any such holder, or by any noncompliance by the Company with the terms, provisions and covenants of this Indenture, regardless of any knowledge thereof any such holder may have or be otherwise charged with.
Without in any way limiting the generality of the foregoing paragraph, the holders of Senior Indebtedness may, at any time and from time to time, without the consent of or notice to the Trustee or the Holders of Securities, without incurring responsibility to the Holders of Securities and without impairing or releasing the subordination provided in this Article or the obligations hereunder of the Holders of Securities to the holders of Senior Indebtedness do any one or more of the following: (1) change the manner, place or terms of payment or extend the time of payment of, or renew or alter, Senior Indebtedness or otherwise amend or supplement in any manner Senior Indebtedness or any instrument evidencing the same or any agreement under which Senior Indebtedness is outstanding; (2) sell, exchange, release or otherwise deal with any property pledged, mortgaged or otherwise securing Senior Indebtedness; (3) release any Person liable in any manner for the collection of Senior Indebtedness; and (4) exercise or refrain from exercising any rights against the Company and any other Person.
SECTION 1410. Notice to Trustee.
The Company shall give prompt written notice to a Responsible Officer of the Trustee of any fact known to the Company which would prohibit the making of any payment to or by the Trustee in respect of any Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Article. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article
-52-
or any other provision of this Indenture, the Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of the existence of any facts which would prohibit the making of any payment to or by the Trustee in respect of any Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Article, unless and until a Responsible Officer of the Trustee shall have received written notice thereof from the Company or a holder or holders of Senior Indebtedness or from any trustee therefor; and, prior to the receipt of any such written notice, the Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 602, shall be entitled in all respects to assume that no such facts exist; provided, however, that if the Trustee shall have not received the notice provided for in this Section at least two Business Days prior to the date upon which by the terms hereof any money may become payable for any purpose (including, without limitation, the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities), then, anything herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall have full power and authority to receive such money and to apply the same to the purposes for which they were received, and shall not be affected by any notice to the contrary that may be received by it within two Business Days prior to such date.
Subject to the provisions of Section 602, the Trustee shall be entitled to rely on the delivery to it of a written notice by a Person representing himself to be a holder of Senior Indebtedness (or a trustee therefor) to establish that such notice has been given by a holder of Senior Indebtedness (or a trustee therefor). In the event that the Trustee determines in good faith that further evidence is required with respect to the right of any Person as a holder of Senior Indebtedness to participate in any payment or distribution pursuant to this Article, the Trustee may request such Person to furnish evidence to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee as to the amount of Senior Indebtedness held by such Person, the extent to which such Person is entitled to participate in such payment or distribution and any other facts pertinent to the rights of such Person under this Article, and if such evidence is not furnished, the Trustee may defer any payment to such Person pending judicial determination as to the right of such Person to receive such payment.
SECTION 1411. Reliance on Judicial Order or Certificate of Liquidating Agent.
Upon any payment or distribution of assets of the Company referred to in this Article, the Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 603, and the Holders of Securities shall be entitled to conclusively rely upon any order or decree entered by any court of competent jurisdiction in which such insolvency, bankruptcy, receivership, liquidation, reorganization, dissolution, winding up or similar case or proceeding is pending, or a certificate of the trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, liquidating trustee, custodian, assignee for the benefit of creditors, agent or other Person making such payment or distribution, delivered to the Trustee or to the Holders of Securities, for the purpose of ascertaining the Persons entitled to participate in such payment or distribution, the holders of Senior Indebtedness and other indebtedness of the Company, as the case may be, the amount thereof or payable thereon, the amount or amounts paid or distributed thereon and all other facts pertinent thereto or to this Article.
SECTION 1412. Trustee Not Fiduciary for Holders of Senior Indebtedness.
With respect to the holders of Senior Indebtedness, the Trustee undertakes to perform or to observe only such of its covenants and obligations as are specifically set forth in this Article, and no implied covenants or obligations with respect to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee. The Trustee shall not be deemed to owe any fiduciary duty to the holders of Senior Indebtedness and shall not be liable to any such holders or creditors if it shall in good faith pay over or distribute to Holders of Securities or to the Company or to any other Person cash, property or securities to which any holders of Senior Indebtedness shall be entitled by virtue of this Article or otherwise.
-53-
SECTION 1413. Rights of Trustee as Holder of Senior Indebtedness, Preservation of Trustee’s Rights.
The Trustee in its individual capacity shall be entitled to all the rights set forth in this Article with respect to any Senior Indebtedness which may at any time be held by it, to the same extent as any other holder of Senior Indebtedness and nothing in this Indenture shall deprive the Trustee of any of its rights as such holder.
Nothing in this Article shall apply to claims of, or payments to, the Trustee under or pursuant to Section 607.
SECTION 1414. Article Applicable to Paying Agents.
In case at any time any Paying Agent other than the Trustee shall have been appointed by the Company and be then acting hereunder, the term “Trustee” as used in this Article shall in such case (unless the context otherwise requires) be construed as extending to and including such Paying Agent within its meaning as fully for all intents and purposes as if such Paying Agent were named in this Article in addition to or in place of the Trustee; provided, however, that this Section shall not apply to the Company or any Affiliate of the Company if it or such Affiliate acts as Paying Agent.
SECTION 1415. Certain Conversions Deemed Payment.
For the purposes of this Article only, (1) the issuance and delivery of junior securities (or cash paid in lieu of fractional shares) upon conversion of Securities pursuant to the terms set forth in an Officers’ Certificate or established in one or more indentures supplemental hereto in accordance with Section 301, shall not be deemed to constitute a payment or distribution on account of the principal of or premium or interest on Securities or on account of the purchase or other acquisition of Securities, and (2) the payment, issuance or delivery of cash, property or securities (other than junior securities and cash paid in lieu of fractional shares) upon conversion of a Security shall be deemed to constitute payment on account of the principal of such Security. For the purposes of this Section, the term “junior securities” means (A) shares of any stock of any class of the Company and (B) securities of the Company which are subordinated in right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness which may be outstanding at the time of issuance or delivery of such securities to substantially the same extent as, or to a greater extent than, the Securities are so subordinated as provided in this Article.
ARTICLE FIFTEEN
GUARANTEE
SECTION 1501. Unconditional Guarantee.
(a) Notwithstanding any provision of this Article to the contrary, the provisions of this Article shall be applicable only to, and inure solely to the benefit of, the Securities of any series designated, pursuant to Section 301, as entitled to the benefits of the Guarantee of each of the Guarantors.
(b) For value received, each of the Guarantors hereby fully, unconditionally and absolutely guarantees (the “Guarantee”) to the Holders of such series of Securities and to the Trustee the due and punctual payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on the Securities and all other amounts due and payable under this Indenture and the Securities by the Company, when and as such principal, premium, if any, and interest shall become due and payable, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise, according to the terms of the Securities and this Indenture, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 1403.
-54-
(c) Failing payment when due of any amount guaranteed pursuant to the Guarantee, for whatever reason, each of the Guarantors will be jointly and severally obligated to pay the same immediately. The obligations of each Guarantor under its Guarantee pursuant to this Article Fifteen are expressly made subordinate and subject in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Guarantor Indebtedness of such Guarantor, in each case on the same basis as the indebtedness of the Company represented by the Securities; and the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Securities is subordinate and subject in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness. For the purpose of the foregoing sentence, the Trustee and the Holders shall have the right to receive and/or retain payments by any Guarantor only at such times as they may receive and/or retain payments and distributions in respect of the Securities pursuant to this Indenture. Each of the Guarantors hereby agrees that its obligations hereunder shall be full, unconditional and absolute, irrespective of the validity, regularity or enforceability of the Securities, the Guarantee (including the Guarantee of any other Guarantor) or this Indenture, the absence of any action to enforce the same, any waiver or consent by any Holder of the Securities with respect to any provisions hereof or thereof, the recovery of any judgment against the Company or any other Guarantor, or any action to enforce the same or any other circumstances which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of the Guarantors. Each of the Guarantors hereby agrees that in the event of a default in payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on the Securities, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise, legal proceedings may be instituted by the Trustee on behalf of the Holders or, subject to Section 507, by the Holders, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Indenture, directly against such Guarantor to enforce the Guarantee without first proceeding against the Company or any other Guarantor.
(d) The obligations of each of the Guarantors under this Article shall be as aforesaid full, unconditional and absolute and shall not be impaired, modified, released or limited by any occurrence or condition whatsoever, including, without limitation, (A) any compromise, settlement, release, waiver, renewal, extension, indulgence or modification of, or any change in, any of the obligations and liabilities of the Company or any of the Guarantors contained in the Securities or this Indenture, (B) any impairment, modification, release or limitation of the liability of the Company, any of the Guarantors or either of their estates in bankruptcy, or any remedy for the enforcement thereof, resulting from the operation of any present or future provision of any applicable bankruptcy law, or other statute or from the decision of any court, (C) the assertion or exercise by the Company, any of the Guarantors or the Trustee of any rights or remedies under the Securities or this Indenture or their delay in or failure to assert or exercise any such rights or remedies, (D) the assignment or the purported assignment of any property as security for the Securities, including all or any part of the rights of the Company or any of the Guarantors under this Indenture, (E) the extension of the time for payment by the Company or any of the Guarantors of any payments or other sums or any part thereof owing or payable under any of the terms and provisions of the Securities or this Indenture or of the time for performance by the Company or any of the Guarantors of any other obligations under or arising out of any such terms and provisions or the extension or the renewal of any thereof, (F) the modification or amendment (whether material or otherwise) of any duty, agreement or obligation of the Company or any of the Guarantors set forth in this Indenture, (G) the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets, marshaling of assets and liabilities, receivership, insolvency, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, reorganization, arrangement, composition or readjustment of, or other similar proceeding affecting, the Company or any of the Guarantors or any of their respective assets, or the disaffirmance of the Securities, the Guarantee or this Indenture in any such proceeding, (H) the release or discharge of the Company or any of the Guarantors from the performance or observance of any agreement, covenant, term or condition contained in any of such instruments by operation of law, (I) the unenforceability of the Securities, the Guarantee or this Indenture or (J) any other circumstances (other than payment in full or discharge of all amounts guaranteed pursuant to the Guarantee) which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge of a surety or guarantor.
-55-
(e) Each of the Guarantors hereby (A) waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of the merger, insolvency or bankruptcy of the Company or any of the Guarantors, and all demands whatsoever, (B) acknowledges that any agreement, instrument or document evidencing the Guarantee may be transferred and that the benefit of its obligations hereunder shall extend to each holder of any agreement, instrument or document evidencing the Guarantee without notice to it and (C) covenants that the Guarantee will not be discharged except by complete performance of the Guarantee. Each of the Guarantors further agrees that if at any time all or any part of any payment theretofore applied by any Person to the Guarantee is, or must be, rescinded or returned for any reason whatsoever, including without limitation, the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Company or any of the Guarantors, the Guarantee shall, to the extent that such payment is or must be rescinded or returned, be deemed to have continued in existence notwithstanding such application, and the Guarantee shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, as though such application had not been made.
(f) Each of the Guarantors shall be subrogated to all rights of the Holders and the Trustee against the Company in respect of any amounts paid by such Guarantor pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture, provided, however, that such Guarantor shall not be entitled to enforce or to receive any payments arising out of, or based upon, such right of subrogation until all of the Securities and the Guarantee shall have been paid in full or discharged.
SECTION 1502. Execution and Delivery of Guarantee.
(a) To further evidence the Guarantee set forth in Section 1401, each of the Guarantors hereby agrees that a notation relating to such Guarantee, substantially in the form attached to the supplemental indenture for the applicable Securities, shall be endorsed on each Security entitled to the benefits of the Guarantee authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and executed by either manual or facsimile signature of an officer of such Guarantor, or in the case of a Guarantor that is a limited partnership, an officer of the general partner of each Guarantor. Each of the Guarantors hereby agrees that the Guarantee set forth in Section 1401 shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any failure to endorse on each Security a notation relating to the Guarantee. If any officer of the Guarantor, or in the case of a Guarantor that is a limited partnership, any officer of the general partner of the Guarantor, whose signature is on this Indenture or a Security no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates such Security or at any time thereafter, the Guarantee of such Security shall be valid nevertheless. The delivery of any Security by the Trustee, after the authentication thereof hereunder, shall constitute due delivery of the Guarantee set forth in this Indenture on behalf of the Guarantors.
(b) The Trustee hereby accepts the trusts in this Indenture upon the terms and conditions herein set forth.
SECTION 1503. Limitation on Guarantors’ Liability.
Each Guarantor and by its acceptance hereof each Holder of a Security entitled to the benefits of the Guarantee hereby confirms that it is the intention of all such parties that the guarantee by such Guarantor pursuant to its Guarantee not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for purposes of any Federal or state law. To effectuate the foregoing intention, the Holders of a Security entitled to the benefits of the Guarantee and the Guarantors hereby irrevocably agree that the obligations of each Guarantor under its Guarantee shall be limited to the maximum amount as will, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such Guarantor and to any collections from or payments made by or on behalf of any other Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other Guarantor under its Guarantee, result in the obligations of such Guarantor under the Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under Federal or state law.
-56-
SECTION 1504. Release of Guarantors from Guarantee.
(a) The Guarantee of a Guarantor will be released:
(1) upon any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of that Guarantor (including by way of merger or consolidation), in accordance with this Indenture, to any Person other than the Company;
(2) if such Guarantor merges with and into the Company, with the Company surviving such merger; or
(3) if the Company exercises its Legal Defeasance option or Covenant Defeasance option pursuant to Section 1301 with respect to such series of Securities or if the obligations under this Indenture are discharged in accordance with Section 401.
(b) The Trustee shall deliver an appropriate instrument evidencing any release of a Guarantor from the Guarantee upon receipt of a written request of the Company accompanied by an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel that the Guarantor is entitled to such release in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture. Any Guarantor not so released remains liable for the full amount of principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest on the Securities entitled to the benefits of such Guarantee as provided in this Indenture, subject to the limitations of Section 1403.
SECTION 1505. Guarantor Contribution.
In order to provide for just and equitable contribution among the Guarantors, the Guarantors hereby agree, inter se, that in the event any payment or distribution is made by any Guarantor (a “Funding Guarantor”) under its Guarantee, such Funding Guarantor shall be entitled to a contribution from each other Guarantor (if any) in a pro rata amount based on the net assets of each Guarantor (including the Funding Guarantor) as of the most recently completed fiscal quarter of such Guarantor, for all payments, damages and expenses incurred by that Funding Guarantor in discharging the Company’ obligations with respect to the Securities or any other Guarantor’s obligations with respect to its Guarantee.
* * * * * * * * ** * * * * *
This instrument 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 instrument.
-57-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed and attested, all as of the day and year first above written.
| M/I HOMES, INC. |
| By: |
| Print Name: |
| Title: |
| Attest: |
|
Print Name: |
| Title: |
| [Trustee] |
| By: |
| Print Name: |
| Title: |
-58-
Exhibit 5.1
[Letterhead of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP]
June 6, 2022
M/I Homes, Inc.
4131 Worth Avenue, Suite 500
Columbus, Ohio 43219
Re: M/I Homes, Inc. Registration Statement on Form S-3
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to M/I Homes, Inc., an Ohio corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the automatic shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (the “Registration Statement”) being filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) for the purpose of registering under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), (i) debt securities of the Company, which may be either senior debt securities (the “Senior Debt Securities”) or subordinated debt securities (the “Subordinated Debt Securities” and, together with the Senior Debt Securities, the “Debt Securities”), and which may include guarantees of the Debt Securities (the “Guarantees”) by certain of the direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Company (the “Guarantors”); (ii) common shares, par value $.01 per share (the “Common Shares”); (iii) preferred shares, par value $.01 per share (the “Preferred Shares”); (iv) Preferred Shares represented by depositary shares (the “Depositary Shares”); (v) warrants to purchase Debt Securities, Common Shares, Preferred Shares, Depositary Shares or units of two or more of such securities (the “Warrants”); (vi) rights to purchase Debt Securities, Common Shares, Preferred Shares or Depositary Shares offered to the Company’s security holders (the “Rights”); (vii) stock purchase contracts (the “Stock Purchase Contracts”); and (viii) units consisting of one or more Debt Securities, Guarantees, Common Shares, Preferred Shares, Depositary Shares, Warrants, Rights, Stock Purchase Contracts or any combination of such securities (the “Units”). The Debt Securities, Guarantees, Common Shares, Preferred Shares, Depositary Shares, Warrants, Rights, Stock Purchase Contracts and Units are collectively referred to herein as the “Securities.” The Securities may be offered from time to time pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act as set forth in the Registration Statement, any amendment thereto, the prospectus contained in the Registration Statement (the “Prospectus”) and one or more supplements to the Prospectus (each, a “Prospectus Supplement”).
The Senior Debt Securities and any related Guarantees will be issued under a senior debt indenture, the form of which is attached as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, by and among the Company, such Guarantors as shall be named therein and a trustee to be identified therein, as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time (the “Senior Debt Indenture”). The Subordinated Debt Securities and any related Guarantees will be issued under a
June 6, 2022
Page 2
subordinated debt indenture, the form of which is attached as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, by and among the Company, such Guarantors as shall be named therein and a trustee to be identified therein, as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time (the “Subordinated Debt Indenture” and, together with the Senior Debt Indenture, the “Indentures”). The Depositary Shares will be issued under one or more deposit agreements (each, a “Deposit Agreement”) by and between the Company and a financial institution to be identified therein as the depositary (each, a “Depositary”). The Company may issue receipts (“Depositary Receipts”) for Depositary Shares, each of which will represent a fractional interest of a Preferred Share represented by Depositary Shares. The Warrants will be issued under one or more warrant agreements (each, a “Warrant Agreement”) by and between the Company and a warrant agent to be identified therein (each, a “Warrant Agent”). The Rights will be issued under one or more rights agreements (each, a “Rights Agreement”) by and between the Company and a rights agent to be identified therein (each, a “Rights Agent”). The Stock Purchase Contracts will be issued under one or more stock purchase contract agreements (each, a “Stock Purchase Contract Agreement”) by and between the Company and a stock purchase contract agent to be identified therein (each, a “Stock Purchase Contract Agent”). The Units will be issued under one or more unit agreements (each, a “Unit Agreement”) by and between the Company and a unit agent to be identified therein (each, a “Unit Agent”).
As such counsel, in rendering the opinions expressed below, we have examined and relied without investigation as to matters of fact upon the Registration Statement and the exhibits thereto and such certificates, statements and results of inquiries of public officials and officers and representatives of the Company and originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such other documents, corporate records, certificates and instruments as we have deemed necessary or appropriate to enable us to render the opinions expressed herein. We have assumed the genuineness of all signatures on all documents examined by us, the legal competence and capacity of natural persons, the authenticity of documents submitted to us as originals, and the conformity with authentic original documents of all documents submitted to us as copies.
Subject to the foregoing and the other matters and assumptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that, as of the date hereof:
(1) When the Senior Debt Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the applicable trustee, the Company and any applicable Guarantors, the specific terms of a particular series of Senior Debt Securities and any related Guarantees have been duly established by supplemental indenture, Board resolution or officers’ certificate in accordance with the Senior Debt Indenture and applicable law, any such supplemental indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the applicable trustee, the Company and any applicable Guarantors and such Senior Debt Securities and any related Guarantees have been duly authorized, executed, authenticated, issued and delivered against receipt of the requisite consideration therefor in accordance with the terms of the Senior Debt Indenture and the applicable underwriting, purchase or similar agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) or upon conversion or exercise of any Securities, in accordance with the terms of such Securities or the instrument governing
June 6, 2022
Page 3
such Securities providing for such conversion or exercise as approved by the Board of Directors (or a duly authorized committee thereof) (the “Board”), such Senior Debt Securities will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, and any related Guarantees will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Guarantors.
(2) When the Subordinated Debt Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the applicable trustee, the Company and any applicable Guarantors, the specific terms of a particular series of Subordinated Debt Securities and any related Guarantees have been duly established by supplemental indenture, Board resolution or officers’ certificate in accordance with the Subordinated Debt Indenture and applicable law, any such supplemental indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the applicable trustee, the Company and any applicable Guarantors and such Subordinated Debt Securities and any related Guarantees have been duly authorized, executed, authenticated, issued and delivered against receipt of the requisite consideration therefor in accordance with the terms of the Subordinated Debt Indenture and the applicable Underwriting Agreement or upon conversion or exercise of any Securities, in accordance with the terms of such Securities or the instrument governing such Securities providing for such conversion or exercise as approved by the Board, such Subordinated Debt Securities will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company and any related Guarantees will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Guarantors.
(3) When the Board has taken all necessary corporate action to authorize the issuance and sale of Common Shares proposed to be sold by the Company and such Common Shares have been duly issued and delivered against receipt of the requisite consideration therefor in accordance with the terms of the applicable Underwriting Agreement or upon conversion or exercise of any Securities, in accordance with the terms of such Securities or the instrument governing such Securities providing for such conversion or exercise as approved by the Board, such Common Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
(4) When the Board has duly established a new series of Preferred Shares in accordance with the terms of the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended (the “Articles”), and applicable law, including, without limitation, the proper filing of a certificate of amendment to the Articles with the Secretary of State of the State of Ohio relating to such series of Preferred Shares, the Board has taken all necessary corporate action to authorize the issuance and sale of the Preferred Shares proposed to be sold by the Company, and such Preferred Shares have been duly issued and delivered against receipt of the requisite consideration therefor in accordance with the terms of the applicable Underwriting Agreement or upon conversion or exercise of any Securities, in accordance with the terms of such Securities or the instrument governing such Securities providing for such conversion or exercise as approved by the Board, such Preferred Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
(5) When the Deposit Agreement to be entered into in connection with the issuance of any Depositary Shares has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Depositary and the Company, the specific terms of a particular issuance of Depositary Shares have been duly established in accordance with the Deposit Agreement and applicable law, the Board has taken all necessary corporate action to authorize the issuance of the underlying Preferred Shares,
June 6, 2022
Page 4
and the Depositary Receipts in the form contemplated and authorized by the Deposit Agreement have been duly authorized, executed, authenticated, issued and delivered against receipt of the requisite consideration therefor in accordance with the terms of the Deposit Agreement and the applicable Underwriting Agreement, such Depositary Shares will be validly issued and will entitle the holders thereof to the rights specified in the Depositary Receipts and such Deposit Agreement.
(6) When the Warrant Agreement to be entered into in connection with the issuance of any Warrants has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Warrant Agent and the Company, the specific terms of a particular issuance of Warrants have been duly established in accordance with the Warrant Agreement and applicable law, the Board has taken all necessary corporate action to authorize the issuance of the underlying Securities and such Warrants have been duly authorized, executed, authenticated, issued and delivered against receipt of the requisite consideration therefor in accordance with the terms of the Warrant Agreement and the applicable Underwriting Agreement, such Warrants will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company.
(7) When the Rights Agreement to be entered into in connection with the issuance of any Rights has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Rights Agent and the Company, the specific terms of a particular issuance of Rights have been duly established in accordance with the Rights Agreement and applicable law, the Board has taken all necessary corporate action to authorize the issuance of the underlying Securities and such Rights have been duly authorized, executed, authenticated, issued and delivered against receipt of the requisite consideration therefor in accordance with the terms of the Rights Agreement and the applicable Underwriting Agreement, such Rights will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company.
(8) When the Stock Purchase Contract Agreement to be entered into in connection with the issuance of any Stock Purchase Contracts has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Stock Purchase Contract Agent and the Company, the specific terms of a particular issuance of Stock Purchase Contracts have been duly established in accordance with the Stock Purchase Contract Agreement and applicable law, the Board has taken all necessary corporate action to authorize the issuance of the underlying Securities and such Stock Purchase Contracts have been duly authorized, executed, authenticated, issued and delivered against receipt of the requisite consideration therefor in accordance with the terms of the Stock Purchase Contract Agreement and the applicable Underwriting Agreement, such Stock Purchase Contracts will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company.
(9) When the Unit Agreement to be entered into in connection with the issuance of any Units has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Unit Agent and the Company, the specific terms of a particular issuance of Units have been duly established in accordance with the Unit Agreement and applicable law, the Board has taken all necessary corporate action to authorize the issuance of the underlying Securities and such Units have been duly authorized, executed, authenticated, issued and delivered against receipt of the requisite consideration
June 6, 2022
Page 5
therefor in accordance with the terms of the Unit Agreement and the applicable Underwriting Agreement, such Units will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company.
The opinions set forth in paragraphs (1), (2), (5), (6), (7), (8) and (9) above are subject to the following exceptions, limitations and qualifications: (i) the effect of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium or other similar laws now or hereafter in effect relating to or affecting the rights or remedies of creditors; (ii) the effect of general principles of equity, whether enforcement is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law, and the discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought; (iii) the enforceability under certain circumstances under law or court decisions of provisions providing for the indemnification of or contribution to a party with respect to a liability where such indemnification or contribution is contrary to public policy; and (iv) any requirement that a claim with respect to any Securities denominated other than in United States dollars (or a judgment denominated other than in United States dollars with respect to such a claim) be converted into United States dollars at a rate of exchange prevailing on a date determined pursuant applicable law.
We express no opinion (i) concerning the enforceability of (a) the waiver of rights or defenses contained in the Indentures, the Debt Securities or the Guarantees or (b) the Guarantees to the extent that the obligations underlying the Guarantees are materially modified without the consent of the applicable Guarantor or (ii) with respect to whether acceleration of the Debt Securities may affect the collectibility of any portion of the stated principal amount thereof which might be determined to constitute unearned interest thereon.
To the extent that the obligations of the Company or any applicable Guarantor under any Indenture, Deposit Agreement, Warrant Agreement, Rights Agreement, Stock Purchase Contract Agreement or Unit Agreement may be dependent upon such matters, we assume for purposes of this opinion that each trustee, Depositary, Warrant Agent, Rights Agent, Stock Purchase Contract Agent or Unit Agent, as applicable, will be duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization; that each trustee, Depositary, Warrant Agent, Rights Agent, Stock Purchase Contract Agent or Unit Agent will be duly qualified to engage in the activities contemplated by the applicable Indenture, Deposit Agreement, Warrant Agreement, Rights Agreement, Stock Purchase Contract Agreement or Unit Agreement; that each Indenture, Deposit Agreement, Warrant Agreement, Rights Agreement, Stock Purchase Contract Agreement or Unit Agreement will be duly authorized, executed and delivered by the applicable trustee, Depositary, Warrant Agent, Rights Agent, Stock Purchase Contract Agent or Unit Agent and will constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of such trustee, Depositary, Warrant Agent, Rights Agent, Stock Purchase Contract Agent or Unit Agent enforceable against such trustee, Depositary, Warrant Agent, Rights Agent, Stock Purchase Contract Agent or Unit Agent in accordance with its terms; that each trustee, Depositary, Warrant Agent, Rights Agent, Stock Purchase Contract Agent or Unit Agent will be in compliance, at all applicable times and in all respects material to the applicable Indenture, Deposit Agreement, Warrant Agreement, Rights Agreement, Stock Purchase Contract Agreement or Unit Agreement, with all applicable laws and regulations; and that each trustee, Depositary, Warrant Agent, Rights Agent, Stock Purchase
June 6, 2022
Page 6
Contract Agent or Unit Agent will have the requisite organizational and legal power and authority to perform its obligations under the applicable Indenture, Deposit Agreement, Warrant Agreement, Rights Agreement, Stock Purchase Contract Agreement or Unit Agreement.
In rendering the foregoing opinions, we have assumed that at the time of the issuance and sale of any of the Securities: (i) the Registration Statement, and any amendments thereto, will have become effective and such effectiveness will not have been terminated or rescinded; (ii) a Prospectus Supplement describing the Securities, to the extent required by applicable law and relevant rules and regulations of the Commission, will be timely filed with the Commission; (iii) the Board and the authorized governing bodies of the Guarantors, as applicable, will have duly established the terms of the Securities and duly authorized the issuance and sale of the Securities, in each case in accordance with the Articles or the constituent organizational documents of the Guarantors, as applicable, and applicable law and such authorization will be in full force and effect; (iv) the Securities will be issued and sold in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws and in the manner contemplated by the Registration Statement and the applicable Prospectus Supplement; (v) there shall not have occurred any change in law affecting the validity of the Securities; (vi) any Securities, including Common Shares or Preferred Shares issuable upon conversion, exchange, or exercise of any other Security, will have been duly authorized and reserved for issuance from the applicable class of capital stock of the Company; (vii) with respect to Common Shares, there will be sufficient Common Shares authorized under the Articles, as in effect at the relevant time, and not otherwise reserved for issuance; (viii) with respect to Preferred Shares, there will be sufficient Preferred Shares authorized under the Articles, as in effect at the relevant time, and not otherwise reserved for issuance; (ix) with respect to Senior Debt Securities and any related Guarantees, the applicable trustee shall have been qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “TIA”), a Statement of Eligibility of the applicable trustee on Form T-1 shall have been properly filed with the Commission and the Indenture shall have been duly qualified under the TIA; and (x) with respect to Subordinated Debt Securities and any related Guarantees, the applicable trustee shall have been qualified under the TIA, a Statement of Eligibility of the applicable trustee on Form T-1 shall have been properly filed with the Commission and the Indenture shall have been duly qualified under the TIA. We have also assumed that none of the terms of any Securities to be established subsequent to the date hereof, the issuance and delivery of any such Securities, or the compliance by the Company or any applicable Guarantor with the terms of such Securities will violate any applicable law or public policy or result in a violation of any provision of any instrument or agreement then binding upon the Company or any applicable Guarantor or any restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company or any applicable Guarantor.
The opinions expressed herein are limited to the laws of the State of Ohio and, solely with respect to the opinions set forth above in paragraphs (1) and (2), the laws of the States of Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, New York and Ohio, and we express no opinion with respect to the effect of the laws of any other jurisdiction.
June 6, 2022
Page 7
The opinions expressed herein are based upon the law and circumstances as they are in effect on the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to revise or supplement this letter in the event of future changes in the law or interpretation thereof with respect to circumstances or events that may occur subsequent to the date hereof.
We hereby consent to your filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the reference to our firm under the caption “Legal Matters” in the Prospectus included therein. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are included in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.
| Very truly yours, | ||||
| /s/ Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP | ||||
| Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP | ||||
Exhibit 22
SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS OF THE COMPANY
1. MHO Holdings, LLC, a Florida limited liability company
2. MHO, LLC, a Florida limited liability company
3. M/I Homes First Indiana LLC, an Indiana limited liability company
4. M/I Homes of Austin, LLC, an Ohio limited liability company
5. M/I Homes of Central Ohio, LLC, an Ohio limited liability company
6. M/I Homes of Charlotte, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
7. M/I Homes of Chicago, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
8. M/I Homes of Cincinnati, LLC, an Ohio limited liability company
9. M/I Homes of DC, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
10. M/I Homes of DFW, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
11. M/I Homes of Florida, LLC, a Florida limited liability company
12. M/I Homes of Houston, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
13. M/I Homes of Indiana, L.P., an Indiana limited partnership
14. M/I Homes of Orlando, LLC, a Florida limited liability company
15. M/I Homes of Raleigh, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
16. M/I Homes of San Antonio, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
17. M/l Homes of Tampa, LLC, a Florida limited liability company
18. M/I Homes of West Palm Beach, LLC, a Florida limited liability company
19. M/I Homes Second Indiana LLC, an Indiana limited liability company
20. M/I Homes Service, LLC, an Ohio limited liability company
21. M/I Homes of Delaware, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
22. Northeast Office Venture, Limited Liability Company, a Delaware limited liability company
23. Prince Georges Utilities, LLC, a Maryland limited liability company
24. The Fields at Perry Hall, L.L.C., a Maryland limited liability company
25. Wilson Farm, L.L.C., a Maryland limited liability company
26. M/I Homes of Minneapolis/St. Paul, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
27. M/I Homes of Sarasota, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
28. M/I Homes of Alabama, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
29. M/I Homes of Michigan, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
30. M/I Homes of Nashville, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
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 our report dated February 17, 2022 relating to the financial statements of M/I Homes, Inc. and the effectiveness of M/I Homes’ internal control over financial reporting, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of M/I Homes, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2021. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in such Registration Statement.
| /s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP |
| Columbus, Ohio |
| June 6, 2022 |