Portland General Electric Co S-3ASR, filed Aug 2, 2022
Portland General Electric Co (POR)
S-3ASR
2022-08-02
View Original
Added on
October 21, 2026
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 2, 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
PORTLAND GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
| Oregon | 93-0256820 | ||||
| (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | ||||
121 SW Salmon Street
Portland, Oregon 97204
(503) 464-8000
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number,
Including Area Code, of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)
Angelica Espinosa, Esq.
Vice President General Counsel
121 SW Salmon Street
Portland, Oregon 97204
(503) 464-8000
(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number,
Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)
Copies to:
Michael J. Hong, Esq.
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
One Manhattan West
New York, NY 10001-8602
(212) 735-3000
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this registration statement as determined by the registrant.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, 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. x
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 statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨
If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. x
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, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large accelerated filer | x | Accelerated filer | ¨ | ||||||||
| Non-accelerated filer | ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | 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. ¨
PROSPECTUS
Portland General Electric Company
Common Stock
Debt Securities
Stock Purchase Contracts
Stock Purchase Units
and
First Mortgage Bonds
______________________________________________________________
Portland General Electric Company may offer and sell from time to time, in one or more offerings, shares of our common stock, debt securities, stock purchase contracts, stock purchase units and first mortgage bonds.
This prospectus describes some of the general terms that may apply to these securities. The specific terms of any securities to be offered will be described in a supplement to this prospectus. A prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement carefully before you make your investment decision.
We may offer and sell these securities through one or more underwriters, dealers and agents, underwriting syndicates managed or co-managed by one or more underwriters, or directly to purchasers, on a continuous or delayed basis. The prospectus supplement for each offering of securities will describe in detail the plan of distribution for that offering. For general information about the distribution of securities offered, please see “Plan of Distribution” on page 15 of this prospectus.
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “POR.” On August 1, 2022, the last reported sale price of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange was $52.15 per share. The prospectus supplement will indicate if the securities offered thereby will be listed on any securities exchange.
Investing in these securities involves certain risks. Please read carefully the information included and incorporated by reference in this prospectus for a discussion of the factors you should carefully consider before deciding to purchase these securities, including the discussion of risks incorporated as described under “Risk Factors” on page 5 of this prospectus.
______________________________________________________________
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
______________________________________________________________
The date of this prospectus is August 2, 2022.
______________________________________________________________
PROSPECTUS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page | |||||
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of an "automatic shelf" registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), as a “well-known seasoned issuer” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). Under this shelf registration process, we may, from time to time, sell an indeterminate amount of any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings.
This prospectus may not be used to sell securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the common stock, debt securities, stock purchase contracts, stock purchase units and first mortgage bonds that we may offer. Each time that securities are sold, a prospectus supplement containing specific information about the terms of that offering will be provided, including the specific amounts, prices and terms of the securities offered. The prospectus supplements may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement and any other offering material prepared by or on behalf of us for a specific offering of securities, together with the additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference.”
This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement do not contain all of the information included in the registration statement as permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC. For further information, we refer you to the registration statement on Form S-3, including its exhibits.
We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and, therefore, file reports and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available free of charge to the public on the SEC’s Internet site at www.sec.gov. Our file number with the SEC is 001-5532-99. Information about us, including our SEC filings, is also available through our website at www.portlandgeneral.com. However, information on our website is not incorporated into this prospectus supplement or our other SEC filings and is not a part of this prospectus supplement or those filings.
Statements contained in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement or other offering material about the provisions or contents of any agreement or other document are only summaries. If SEC rules require that any agreement or document be filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, you should refer to that agreement or document for its complete contents.
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
You should not assume that the information provided in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or any other offering material is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of those documents, as applicable. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.
Unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise requires, references in this prospectus to “PGE,” “we,” “our,” “us” or the “Company” refer to Portland General Electric Company and its subsidiaries.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The information in this prospectus and the other public filings incorporated by reference herein include statements that are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that relate to expectations, beliefs, plans, assumptions, and objectives concerning future results of operations, business prospects, loads, outcome of litigation and regulatory proceedings, capital expenditures, market conditions, future events or performance, and other matters. Words or phrases such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “projects,” “will likely result,” “will continue,” “should,” or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, including those risks discussed in this prospectus or otherwise incorporated by reference, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed. PGE’s expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith and are believed by the Company to have a reasonable basis including, but not limited to, management’s examination of historical operating trends and data contained either in internal records or available from third parties, but there can be no assurance that PGE’s expectations, beliefs or projections will be achieved or accomplished.
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In addition to any assumptions and other factors and matters discussed elsewhere in this prospectus or incorporated by reference herein, some important factors that could cause actual results or outcomes for PGE to differ materially from those discussed in such forward-looking statements include:
•governmental policies, legislative action, and regulatory audits, investigations and actions, including those of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Public Utility Commission of Oregon with respect to allowed rates of return, financings, electricity pricing and price structures, acquisition and disposal of facilities and other assets, construction and operation of plant facilities, transmission of electricity, recovery of power costs, operating expenses, deferrals, timely recovery of costs, and capital investments, and current or prospective wholesale and retail competition;
•economic conditions that result in decreased demand for electricity, reduced revenue from sales of excess energy during periods of low wholesale market prices, impaired financial stability of vendors and service providers, and elevated levels of uncollectible customer accounts;
•inflation and interest rates;
•changing customer expectations and choices that may reduce customer demand for its services may impact PGE’s ability to make and recover its investments through rates and earn its authorized return on equity, including the impact of growing distributed and renewable generation resources, changing customer demand for enhanced electric services, and an increasing risk that customers procure electricity from registered Electricity Service Suppliers (ESSs) or community choice aggregators;
•the outcome of legal and regulatory proceedings and issues;
•natural or human-caused disasters and other risks, including, but not limited to, earthquake, flood, ice, drought, extreme heat, lightning, wind, fire, accidents, equipment failure, acts of terrorism, computer system outages and other events that disrupt PGE operations, damage PGE facilities and systems, cause the release of harmful materials, cause fires, and subject the Company to liability;
•unseasonable or extreme weather and other natural phenomena, such as the greater size and prevalence of wildfires in Oregon in recent years, which could affect public safety, customers’ demand for power and PGE’s ability and cost to procure adequate power and fuel supplies to serve its customers, PGE’s ability to access the wholesale energy market, PGE’s ability to operate its generating facilities and transmission and distribution systems, the Company’s costs to maintain, repair, and replace such facilities and systems, and recovery of costs;
•PGE’s ability to effectively implement a public safety power shutoff (PSPS) and de-energize its system in the event of heightened wildfire risk, which could cause damage to the Company’s own facilities or lead to potential liability if energized systems are involved in wildfires that cause harm;
•operational factors affecting PGE’s power generating facilities and battery storage facilities, including forced outages, unscheduled delays, hydro and wind conditions, and disruption of fuel supply, any of which may cause the Company to incur repair costs or purchase replacement power at increased costs;
•default or nonperformance on the part of any parties from whom PGE purchases capacity or energy, which may cause the Company to incur costs to purchase replacement power and related renewable attributes at increased costs;
•complications arising from PGE’s jointly-owned plant, including changes in ownership, adverse regulatory outcomes or legislative actions, or operational failures that result in legal or environmental liabilities or unanticipated costs related to replacement power or repair costs;
•delays in the supply chain and increased supply costs, failure to complete capital projects on schedule or within budget, failure of counterparties to perform under agreements, or the abandonment of capital projects, any of which could result in the Company’s inability to recover project costs;
•volatility in wholesale power and natural gas prices that could require PGE to post additional collateral or issue additional letters of credit pursuant to power and natural gas purchase agreements;
•changes in the availability and price of wholesale power and fuels, including natural gas and coal, and the impact of such changes on the Company’s power costs;
•capital market conditions, including availability of capital, volatility of interest rates, reductions in demand for investment-grade commercial paper, as well as changes in PGE’s credit ratings, any of which could have an impact on the Company’s cost of capital and its ability to access the capital markets to support requirements for working capital, construction of capital projects, and the repayments of maturing debt;
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•future laws, regulations, and proceedings that could increase the Company’s costs of operating its thermal generating plants, or affect the operations of such plants by imposing requirements for additional emissions controls or significant emissions fees or taxes, particularly with respect to coal-fired generating facilities, in order to mitigate carbon dioxide, mercury, and other gas emissions;
•changes in, and compliance with, environmental laws and policies, including those related to threatened and endangered species, fish, and wildlife;
•the effects of climate change, whether global or local in nature, including unseasonable or extreme weather and other natural phenomena that may affect energy costs or consumption, increase the Company’s costs, cause damage to PGE facilities and system, or adversely affect its operations;
•changes in residential, commercial, or industrial customer demand, or demographic patterns, in PGE’s service territory;
•the effectiveness of PGE’s risk management policies and procedures;
•cybersecurity attacks, data security breaches, physical security breaches, or other malicious acts that cause damage to the Company’s generation, transmission, or distribution facilities, information technology systems, inhibit the capability of equipment or systems to function as designed or expected, or result in the release of confidential customer, employee, or Company information;
•employee workforce factors, including potential strikes, work stoppages, transitions in senior management, the ability to recruit and retain key employees and other talent, and turnover due to macroeconomic trends such as voluntary resignation of large numbers of employees similar to that experienced by other employers and industries since the beginning of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic;
•new federal, state, and local laws that could have adverse effects on operating results;
•failure to achieve the Company’s greenhouse gas emission goals or being perceived to have either failed to act responsibly with respect to the environment or effectively responded to legislative requirements concerning greenhouse gas emission reductions, any of which can lead to adverse publicity and have adverse effects on the Company's operations and/or damage the Company's reputation;
•political and economic conditions;
•the impact of widespread health developments, including the global COVID–19 pandemic, and responses to such developments (such as voluntary and mandatory quarantines, including government stay at home orders, as well as shut downs and other restrictions on travel, commercial, social and other activities), which could materially and adversely affect, among other things, demand for electric services, customers’ ability to pay, supply chains, personnel, contract counterparties, liquidity and financial markets;
•changes in financial or regulatory accounting principles or policies imposed by governing bodies;
•acts of war or terrorism; and
•risks and uncertainties related to RFP final shortlist projects, including, but not limited to regulatory processes, inflationary impacts, supply chain constraints, supply cost increases (including application tariffs impacting solar module imports), and legislative uncertainty.
While we believe that the assumptions underlying such forward–looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that future events or developments will not cause such statements to be inaccurate. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made and, except as required by law, PGE undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such factors or assess the impact of any such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. All forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus and the documents we incorporate by reference in this prospectus are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect any changes in events or circumstances or in our expectations or results.
PORTLAND GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
Portland General Electric Company (PGE or the Company), a vertically integrated electric utility with corporate headquarters located in Portland, Oregon, is engaged in the generation, purchase, transmission, distribution, and retail sale of electricity. The
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Company operates as a cost-based, regulated electric utility with revenue requirements and customer prices determined based upon the forecasted cost to serve retail customers, and a reasonable rate of return as determined by the Public Utility Commission of Oregon. PGE meets its retail load requirement with both Company-owned generation and power purchased in the wholesale market. The Company participates in the wholesale market through the purchase and sale of electricity and natural gas, as well as buying and selling transmission products and services, in an effort to obtain reasonably-priced power to serve its retail customers. In addition, PGE offers wholesale electricity transmission service pursuant to its Open Access Transmission Tariff, which contains rates, terms, and conditions of service, as filed with, and approved by, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. PGE, incorporated in 1930, is publicly-owned, with its common stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “POR.” The Company operates as a single business segment, with revenues and costs related to its business activities maintained and analyzed on a total electric operations basis.
PGE’s state-approved service area allocation of approximately 4,000 square miles is located entirely within Oregon and includes 51 incorporated cities, of which Portland and Salem are the largest. The Company estimates that at the end of 2021 its service area population was 1.9 million.
Our principal executive offices are located at 121 SW Salmon Street, Portland, Oregon 97204. Our telephone number is (503) 464-8000. Our website is www.portlandgeneral.com. Information contained on our website does not constitute a part of this prospectus.
The foregoing information about us is only a general summary and is not intended to be comprehensive. For additional information about PGE, you should refer to the information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”
RISK FACTORS
You should consider the specific risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, (together with any material changes thereto contained in subsequently filed Quarterly reports on Form 10-Q), the risk factors described under the caption “Risk Factors” in any applicable prospectus supplement and any risk factors set forth in our other filings with the SEC, pursuant to Sections 13(a), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, before making an investment decision. Each of the risks described in these documents could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, and could result in a partial or complete loss of your investment. See “Where You Can Find More Information” in this prospectus. You should also carefully review the cautionary statement in this prospectus referred to above under “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement with respect to the proceeds from the sale of the particular securities to which such prospectus supplement relates, we intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the offered securities for general corporate purposes, including financing capital projects and refinancing existing indebtedness.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
This prospectus contains a summary of our common stock, debt securities, stock purchase contracts, stock purchase units and first mortgage bonds. These summaries are not meant to be a complete description of each security. The particular terms of any security to be issued pursuant hereto will be set forth in a related prospectus supplement. This prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement will contain the material terms and conditions for each security.
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
The following description of our common stock is a summary and is subject to our Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (“Articles of Incorporation”) and our Eleventh Amended and Restated Bylaws (“Bylaws”) and to the applicable provisions of Oregon corporate law. You should refer to our Articles of Incorporation and our Bylaws and to Oregon corporate law for a complete understanding of the terms and rights of our common stock.
General
Our Articles of Incorporation provide that we have authority to issue up to 160,000,000 shares of common stock, no par value. Our common stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “POR.” The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company.
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Voting Rights
Except as otherwise provided by law or our Articles of Incorporation, and subject to the rights of holders of any outstanding shares of our preferred stock, all of the voting power of our shareholders is vested in the holders of our common stock, and each holder of common stock has one vote for each share on all matters voted upon by our shareholders. Our Articles of Incorporation do not provide for cumulative voting for the election of directors.
Dividend Rights
Except as otherwise provided by law, regulatory restriction or the Articles of Incorporation, and subject to the rights of holders of any outstanding shares of our preferred stock, holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends when and as declared by the Board of Directors out of any funds legally available for the payment of dividends.
Other Rights
Holders of our common stock do not have any preemptive or other rights to subscribe for, purchase or receive any proportionate or other amount of our common stock or any securities of the Company convertible into our common stock upon the issuance of our common stock or any such convertible securities. There are also no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to our common stock.
Liquidation Rights
If we were voluntarily or involuntarily liquidated, dissolved or wound up, the holders of our outstanding shares of common stock would be entitled to share in the distribution of all assets remaining after payment of all of our liabilities and after satisfaction of prior distribution rights and payment of any distributions owing to holders of any outstanding shares of our preferred stock.
Liability for Calls and Assessments
The outstanding shares of our common stock are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
Shareholder Action
Except as otherwise required by law, a majority of the shares of our common stock entitled to be voted at a meeting constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting. Except as otherwise required by law, each matter, other than the election of directors, is decided by a majority of votes cast. Directors are elected annually by a majority of votes cast by the shares entitled to vote in an election at a meeting at which a quorum is present, except in the case of a contested election. In the case of a contested election, directors are elected by a plurality of votes cast by the shares entitled to vote in an election at a meeting at which a quorum is present. Special meetings of our shareholders may be called by our Chairman of the Board, our Chief Executive Officer, our President or by our Board of Directors.
Except as otherwise provided by law or in our Articles of Incorporation, and subject to restrictions on the taking of shareholder action without a meeting under applicable law or the rules of a national securities association or exchange, action required or permitted by law to be taken at a shareholders’ meeting may be taken without a meeting if the action is taken by shareholders having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be required to take such action at a meeting at which all shareholders entitled to vote on the action were present and voted.
Vacancies and Removal of Directors
Any vacancy, including a vacancy resulting from an increase in the number of directors, occurring on our Board of Directors may be filled by our shareholders, the Board of Directors or the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors if less than a quorum of the Board of Directors or by a sole remaining director. A vacancy that will occur at a specific later date, by reason of a resignation or otherwise, may be filled before the vacancy occurs, and the new director shall take office when the vacancy occurs.
Shareholders may remove one or more directors with or without cause at a meeting called expressly for that purpose. A director may be removed only if the number of votes cast to remove a director exceeds the number cast not to remove the director. If a director is elected by a voting group of shareholders, only those shareholders may participate in the vote to remove the director.
Provisions with Possible Anti-Takeover Effects
An Oregon company may provide in its articles of incorporation or bylaws that certain control share and business combination provisions in the Oregon Business Corporation Act do not apply to its shares. We have not opted out of these provisions.
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Oregon Control Share Act. We are subject to Sections 60.801 through 60.816 of the Oregon Business Corporation Act, known as the “Oregon Control Share Act.” The Oregon Control Share Act generally provides that a person who acquires voting stock of an Oregon corporation, in a transaction that results in the acquiror holding more than 20%, 33 1/3% or 50% of the total voting power of the corporation, cannot vote the shares it acquires in the acquisition. An acquiror is broadly defined to include companies or persons acting as a group to acquire the shares of the Oregon corporation. This restriction does not apply if voting rights are given to the control shares by:
•a majority of the outstanding voting shares, including shares held by the company’s officers and employee directors; and
•a majority of the outstanding voting shares, excluding the control shares held by the acquiror and shares held by the company’s officers and employee directors.
In order to retain the voting rights attached to acquired shares, this vote would be required when an acquiror’s holdings exceed 20% of the total voting power, and again at the time the acquiror’s holdings exceed 33 1/3% and 50%, respectively.
The acquiror may, but is not required to, submit to the target company an “acquiring person statement” that includes specific information about the acquiror and its plans for the company. The acquiring person statement may also request that the company call a special meeting of shareholders to determine whether the control shares will be allowed to have voting rights. If the acquiror requests a special meeting and undertakes to pay the target company's expenses of the meeting, the directors of the target company must, within 10 days after receiving the acquiring person statement, call a special meeting for the purpose of considering the voting rights of the control shares. If the acquiror does not request a special meeting of shareholders, the issue of voting rights of control shares will be considered at the next annual or special meeting of shareholders that is held more than 60 days after the date of the acquisition of control shares. If the acquiror’s control shares are allowed to have voting rights and represent a majority or more of all voting power, shareholders who do not vote in favor of voting rights for the control shares will have the right to receive the appraised fair value of their shares, which may not be less than the highest price paid per share by the acquiror for the control shares.
Shares are not deemed to be acquired in a control share acquisition if, among other things, they are acquired from the issuing corporation, or are issued pursuant to a plan of merger or exchange effected in compliance with the Oregon Business Corporation Act and the issuing corporation is a party to the merger or exchange agreement.
Oregon Business Combination Act. We are also subject to Sections 60.825 through 60.845 of the Oregon Business Corporation Act, known as the “Oregon Business Combination Act.” The Oregon Business Combination Act governs business combinations between Oregon corporations and a person or entity that acquires 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation, thereby becoming an “interested shareholder.” The Oregon Business Combination Act generally provides that the corporation and the interested shareholder, or any affiliated entity of the interested shareholder, may not engage in business combination transactions for three years following the date the person acquired the shares. Business combination transactions for this purpose include:
•a merger or plan of exchange;
•any sale, lease, mortgage or other disposition of the assets of the corporation where the assets have an aggregate market value equal to 10% or more of the aggregate market value of the corporation’s assets or outstanding capital stock; and
•transactions that result in the issuance or transfer of capital stock of the corporation to the interested shareholder.
These business combination restrictions do not apply if:
•the board of directors approves the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the shareholder acquiring the shares before the acquiring shareholder acquires 15% or more of the corporation’s voting stock;
•as a result of the transaction in which the person acquired the shares, the acquiring shareholder became an interested shareholder and owner of at least 85% of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation, disregarding shares owned by employee directors and shares owned by certain employee benefits plans; or
•the board of directors and the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation at an annual or special meeting of shareholders, disregarding shares owned by the interested shareholder, approve the business combination after the acquiring shareholder acquires 15% or more of the corporation’s voting stock.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
We may offer debt securities in one or more series, which may be senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities and which may be convertible into another security.
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The following description briefly sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the debt securities other than the first mortgage bonds that we may offer by this prospectus in one or more distinct offerings. The particular terms of the debt securities offered by any prospectus supplement and the extent, if any, to which the following general terms and provisions may
apply to the debt securities, will be described in an accompanying prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise specified in an
accompanying prospectus supplement, our debt securities will be issued in one or more series under an indenture to be entered
into between us and trustee named therein. A form of the indenture is attached as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. The terms of the debt securities will include those set forth in the indenture and those made a part of the indenture by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (“TIA”). You should read the summary below, any accompanying prospectus supplement and the provisions of the indenture in their entirety before investing in our debt securities.
The aggregate principal amount of debt securities that may be issued under the indenture is unlimited. The prospectus
supplement relating to any series of debt securities that we may offer will contain the specific terms of the debt securities. These
terms may include, among others, the following:
•the title and aggregate principal amount of the debt securities and any limit on the aggregate principal amount of such series;
•any applicable subordination provisions for any subordinated debt securities;
•the maturity date(s) or method for determining same;
•the interest rate(s) or the method for determining same;
•the dates on which interest will accrue or the method for determining dates on which interest will accrue and dates on which interest will be payable and whether interest will be payable in cash, additional securities or some combination thereof;
•whether the debt securities are convertible or exchangeable into other securities and any related terms and conditions;
•redemption or early repayment provisions;
•authorized denominations;
•if other than the principal amount, the principal amount of debt securities payable upon acceleration;
•place(s) where payment of principal and interest may be made, where debt securities may be presented and where notices or demands upon the Company may be made;
•the form or forms of the debt securities of the series including such legends as may be required by applicable law;
•whether the debt securities will be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities and the date as of which the securities are dated if other than the date of original issuance;
•whether the debt securities are secured and the terms of such security;
•the amount of discount or premium, if any, with which the debt securities will be issued;
•any covenants applicable to the particular debt securities being issued;
•any additions or changes in the defaults and events of default applicable to the particular debt securities being issued;
•the guarantors of each series, if any, and the extent of the guarantees (including provisions relating to seniority, subordination and release of the guarantees), if any;
•the currency, currencies or currency units in which the purchase price for, the principal of and any premium and any interest on, the debt securities will be payable;
•the time period within which, the manner in which and the terms and conditions upon which we or the holders of the debt securities can select the payment currency;
•our obligation or right to redeem, purchase or repay debt securities under a sinking fund, amortization or analogous provision;
•any restriction or conditions on the transferability of the debt securities;
•provisions granting special rights to holders of the debt securities upon occurrence of specified events;
•additions or changes relating to compensation or reimbursement of the trustee of the series of debt securities;
•provisions relating to the modification of the indenture both with and without the consent of holders of debt securities issued under the indenture and the execution of supplemental indentures for such series; and
•any other terms of the debt securities (which terms shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of the TIA, but may modify, amend, supplement or delete any of the terms of the indenture with respect to such series of debt securities).
General
We may sell the debt securities, including original issue discount securities, at par or at a substantial discount below their stated
principal amount. Unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, we may issue additional debt securities of a
particular series without the consent of the holders of the debt securities of such series or any other series outstanding at the
time of issuance. Any such additional debt securities, together with all other outstanding debt securities of that series, will
constitute a single series of securities under the indenture.
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We will describe in an accompanying prospectus supplement any other special considerations for any debt securities we sell
that are denominated in a currency or currency unit other than U.S. dollars. In addition, debt securities may be issued where the
amount of principal and/or interest payable is determined by reference to one or more currency exchange rates, commodity
prices, equity indices or other factors. Holders of such securities may receive a principal amount or a payment of interest that is
greater than or less than the amount of principal or interest otherwise payable on such dates, depending upon the value of the
applicable currencies, commodities, equity indices or other factors. Information as to the methods for determining the amount of principal or interest, if any, payable on any date, and the currencies, commodities, equity indices or other factors to which the
amount payable on such date is linked will be described in an accompanying prospectus supplement.
United States federal income tax consequences and special considerations, if any, applicable to any such series will be
described in an accompanying prospectus supplement.
We expect most debt securities to be issued in fully registered form in denominations of $2,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. Subject to the limitations provided in the indenture and in an accompanying prospectus supplement, debt securities that are issued in registered form may be transferred or exchanged at the designated corporate trust office of the trustee, without the payment of any service charge, other than any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.
Global Securities
Unless we inform you otherwise in an accompanying prospectus supplement, the debt securities of a series may be issued in
whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, a depositary identified
in an accompanying prospectus supplement. Unless and until a global security is exchanged in whole or in part for the
individual debt securities, a global security may not be transferred except as a whole by the depositary for such global security to a nominee of such depositary or by a nominee of such depositary to such depositary or another nominee of such depositary or
by such depositary or any such nominee to a successor of such depositary or a nominee of such successor.
Governing Law
The indenture and the debt securities shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York, except to the extent the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 otherwise applies.
DESCRIPTION OF STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS AND STOCK PURCHASE UNITS
We may issue stock purchase contracts, including contracts obligating holders to purchase from us, and obligating us to sell to
the holders, a specified number of shares of our common stock or our debt securities at a future date or dates, which we refer to
in this prospectus as stock purchase contracts. The price of the securities and the number of securities 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, and may be subject to adjustment under anti-dilution formulas. The stock purchase contracts may be issued separately
or as part of units consisting of a stock purchase contract and our debt securities or preferred securities or debt obligations of
third parties, including U.S. treasury securities, or any combination of the foregoing, securing the holders’ obligations to
purchase the securities under the stock purchase contracts, which we refer to herein as stock purchase units. The stock purchase
contracts may require holders to secure their obligations under the stock purchase contracts in a specified manner. The stock
purchase contracts also may require us to make periodic payments to the holders of the stock purchase contracts or the stock
purchase units, as the case may be, or vice versa, and those payments may be unsecured or pre-funded in whole or in part.
The description in an accompanying prospectus supplement of any stock purchase contract or stock purchase unit we offer will
not necessarily be complete and will be qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable stock purchase contract or stock
purchase unit, which will be filed with the SEC if we offer stock purchase contracts or stock purchase units. For more
information on how you can obtain copies of any purchase contract or purchase unit we may offer, see “Where You Can Find
More Information.” We urge you to read the applicable purchase contract or applicable purchase unit and any accompanying
prospectus supplement in their entirety.
DESCRIPTION OF FIRST MORTGAGE BONDS
We may issue the first mortgage bonds under our Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated July 1, 1945, between us and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as trustee (the “Trustee”), as supplemented and amended. The original mortgage, as so supplemented and amended, is referred to as the “Mortgage.” The first mortgage bonds that we may issue under the Mortgage are referred to as the "bonds."
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The following summary of material provisions of the Mortgage is not complete and may not contain all of the information that is important to you. This summary is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the Mortgage, including the defined terms contained therein. We have filed the original mortgage and certain of the supplemental indentures amending the mortgage as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. In addition, prior to issuing bonds, we will file a form of supplemental indenture describing the terms of the new bonds in a post-effective amendment to the registration statement. You should read the Mortgage and any applicable form of new supplemental indenture because those documents, and not this description, will define your rights as a holder of the bonds. The Mortgage has been qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, and you should also refer to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 for provisions that apply to the bonds.
Secured Obligations
The bonds, when issued, will be our senior secured obligations and will be secured equally and ratably with all of our other first mortgage bonds now outstanding or hereafter issued under the Mortgage, by a first lien on substantially all of our now owned or hereafter acquired tangible utility property (except cash, securities, accounts receivable, motor vehicles, materials and supplies, fuel, certain minerals and mineral rights, property located outside of the states of Oregon, Washington, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada and Alaska, and certain other property specified in the Mortgage), subject, however, to certain permitted encumbrances and various exceptions, reservations, limitations, and minor irregularities and deficiencies in title which will not interfere with the proper operation and development of the mortgaged property. We refer to this collateral security as “bondable public utility property.”
The term “permitted encumbrances” means as of any particular time any of the following:
•liens for taxes, assessments, or governmental charges for the then current year and taxes, assessments, or governmental charges not then delinquent; and liens for taxes, assessments, or governmental charges already delinquent, but whose validity is being contested at the time by us in good faith by appropriate proceedings;
•liens and charges incidental to construction or current operation which have not at such time been filed or asserted or the payment of which has been adequately secured or which, in the opinion of counsel, are insignificant in amount;
•liens, securing obligations neither assumed by us nor on account of which we customarily pay interest directly or indirectly, existing, either at July 1, 1945, or as to property thereafter acquired, at the time of acquisition by us, upon real estate or rights in or relating to real estate acquired by us for substation, measuring station, regulating station, or transmission, distribution, or other right-of-way purposes;
•any right which any municipal or governmental body or agency may have by virtue of any franchise, license, contract, or statute to purchase, or designate a purchaser of, or order the sale of, any of our property upon payment of reasonable compensation therefor or to terminate any franchise, license, or other rights or to regulate our property and business;
•the lien of judgments covered by insurance or if not so covered, not exceeding at any one time $100,000 in aggregate amount;
•easements or reservations in respect of any of our property for the purpose of rights-of-way and similar purposes, reservations, restrictions, covenants, party wall agreements, conditions of record, and other encumbrances (other than to secure the payment of money) and minor irregularities or deficiencies in the record evidence of title, which in the opinion of counsel (at the time of the acquisition of the property affected or subsequently) will not interfere with the proper operation and development of the property affected thereby;
•any lien or encumbrance, moneys sufficient for the discharge of which have been deposited in trust with the Trustee or with the trustee or mortgagee under the instrument evidencing such lien or encumbrance, with irrevocable authority to the Trustee or to such other trustee or mortgagee to apply such moneys to the discharge of such lien or encumbrance to the extent required for such purposes; and
•
•the lien reserved for rent and for compliance with the terms of the lease in the case of leasehold estates.
The Mortgage permits the acquisition of property subject to prior liens. However, no property subject to prior liens (other than purchase money liens) may be acquired (i) if at the date the property is acquired, the principal amount of indebtedness secured by prior liens, together with all of our other prior lien indebtedness, is greater than 10% of the aggregate principal amount of debt securities outstanding under the Mortgage, (ii) if at the date the property is acquired, the principal amount of indebtedness secured by prior liens is greater than 60% of the cost of such property to us, or (iii) in certain cases if the property had been used by another entity in a business similar to ours, unless the net earnings of such property meet certain tests.
We have covenanted, among other things,
•to not issue debt securities under the Mortgage in any manner other than in accordance with the Mortgage;
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•except as permitted by the Mortgage, to keep the Mortgage a first priority lien on the property subject to it;
•except as permitted by the Mortgage, to not suffer any act or thing whereby all of the properties subject to it might or could be impaired; and
•in the event that we are no longer required to file reports with the SEC, and so long as the bonds are outstanding, to furnish to the Trustee the financial and other information that would be required to be contained in the reports filed with the SEC on Forms 10-Q, 10-K, and 8-K if we were required to file such reports.
Redemption and Purchase of Bonds
A prospectus supplement will disclose any provisions for the redemption or purchase of any particular series of bonds. Cash deposited under any provision of the Mortgage (with certain exceptions) may be applied to the purchase of the bonds.
Sinking Fund Provisions
We may establish a sinking fund for the benefit of a particular series of bonds. If a sinking fund is established, we will be required to deposit with the Trustee at certain specified times sufficient cash to redeem a percentage of the series or the whole series. The prospectus supplement with respect to that series will state the price or prices at which, and the terms and conditions upon which, the bonds will be redeemed. The prospectus supplement will also set forth the percentage of securities of the series to be redeemed.
Replacement Fund
If the amount of the minimum provision for depreciation upon bondable public utility property (as defined above) exceeds the balance of property additions credits available in any year, we will pay the excess to the Trustee on May 1 of the following year by either payments in cash or by delivery of first mortgage bonds. The balance of property additions available for credit is the net of the aggregate property additions acquired or constructed by us from March 31, 1945, to the end of the calendar year for which the payment is due, less property additions that (i) have been previously made the basis for action or credit under the Mortgage or (ii) have been used as a credit on all previous replacement fund certificates. We may, at our election, credit against any deficiency in the replacement fund amount (i) available retirements of first mortgage bonds, (ii) certain expenditures on bondable public utility property subject to prior lien, and (iii) certain retirements of prior lien indebtedness. If those credits at any time exceed the replacement fund requirement, we may withdraw cash or first mortgage bonds held by the Trustee in the replacement fund. We may also reinstate available retirements of first mortgage bonds that we previously took as credit against any replacement fund requirement. Cash deposited in the replacement fund may, at our option, be applied to the redemption or purchase of bonds or, in certain circumstances, to the redemption or purchase of other first mortgage bonds. The redemptions of the bonds would be at the then applicable regular redemption prices.
Minimum Provision for Depreciation
Under the Mortgage, there is a “minimum provision for depreciation” of bondable public utility property. The aggregate amount of the minimum provision for depreciation of bondable public utility property for any period after March 31, 1945, is $35,023,487.50 plus an amount for each calendar year or fraction of a year after December 31, 1966, equal to the greater of (i) 2% of depreciable bondable public utility property, as shown by our books as of January 1 of that year, as to which we were required to make appropriations to a reserve for depreciation or obsolescence or (ii) the amount we actually appropriated in respect of the depreciable bondable public utility property to a reserve for depreciation or obsolescence, in either case less an amount equal to the aggregate of (a) the amount of any property additions which we made as the basis for a sinking fund credit during the calendar year, and (b) 166 2/3% of the principal amount of any first mortgage bonds of any series which we credited against any sinking fund payment or which we redeemed in anticipation of, or out of moneys paid to the Trustee on account of, any sinking fund payment due during the calendar year. The property additions and first mortgage bonds referred to in (a) and (b) above become disqualified from being made the basis of the authentication and delivery of first mortgage bonds or any other further action or credit under the Mortgage. In addition, the minimum provision for depreciation shall also include (1) the amount of any property additions referred to in (a) above which after December 31, 1966, were made the basis for a sinking fund credit pursuant to the provisions of a sinking fund for first mortgage bonds of any series, and thereafter became “available additions” as a result of the fact that all first mortgage bonds of such series ceased to be outstanding, and (2) 166 2/3% of the principal amount of first mortgage bonds referred to in (b) above, which after December 31, 1966, were credited against any sinking fund payment, or were redeemed in anticipation of, or out of moneys paid to the Trustee on account of, any sinking fund payment for first mortgage bonds of any series, and thereafter became available retirements of first mortgage bonds as a result of the fact that all first mortgage bonds of such series ceased to be outstanding.
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Issuance of Additional Bonds
Subject to the issuance restrictions described below, we may issue an unlimited amount of first mortgage bonds under the Mortgage. First mortgage bonds may be issued from time to time on the basis of, and in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding, the following: (i) 60% of the amount of available additions; (ii) an amount of cash deposited with the Trustee; and/or (iii) the aggregate principal amount of available retirements of first mortgage bonds.
With certain exceptions in the case of (iii) above, the issuance of first mortgage bonds is subject to the amount of net earnings available for interest for 12 consecutive months within the preceding 15 months being at least twice the annual interest requirements on all first mortgage bonds to be outstanding and all prior lien indebtedness. Cash deposited with the Trustee pursuant to (ii) above may be (a) withdrawn in an amount equal to 60% of available additions, (b) withdrawn in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of available retirements of first mortgage bonds, or (c) applied to the purchase or redemption of first mortgage bonds.
Available additions are determined, at any time, by deducting from the aggregate amount of property additions since March 31, 1945, (i) the greater of the aggregate amount of retirements of bondable public utility property not subject to a prior lien, or the aggregate amount of the minimum provision for depreciation upon bondable public utility property not subject to a prior lien since March 31, 1945, and (ii) the aggregate amount of available additions theretofore made the basis for action or credit under the Mortgage. Property additions taken as a credit against the replacement fund requirement are not deemed to be “made the basis for action or credit.”
Dividend Restrictions
So long as any of the bonds, or any of the first mortgage bonds authenticated under the Mortgage are outstanding, we will be subject to the following restrictions:
•we may not pay or declare dividends (other than stock dividends) or other distributions on our common stock, and
•we may not purchase any shares of our capital stock (other than in exchange for or from the proceeds of other shares of our capital stock),
in either case if the aggregate amount distributed or expended after December 31, 1944, would exceed the aggregate amount of our net income, as adjusted, available for dividends on our common stock accumulated after December 31, 1944.
Release and Substitution of Property
Property subject to the lien of the Mortgage may (subject to certain exceptions and limitations) be released only upon the substitution of cash, purchase money obligations, or certain other property or upon the basis of available additions or available retirements of bonds.
Subject to the terms and conditions contained in the Mortgage, we:
•may, at any time, without the consent of the Trustee, sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of, free from the lien of the Mortgage, any property subject to the lien of the Mortgage, which has become worn out, unserviceable, undesirable, or unnecessary for use in the conduct of our business; upon replacing or modifying such property, such replacement or modified property shall without further action become subject to the lien of the Mortgage;
•may, at any time, sell, exchange, or dispose of any property (except cash, securities, or other personal property pledged or deposited with or required to be pledged or deposited with the Trustee), and the Trustee shall release such property from the operation and lien of the Mortgage upon receipt by the Trustee of certain documents and, subject to certain exceptions, cash in an amount equal to the fair value of such property;
•shall, in the event any property is taken by the exercise of the power of eminent domain or otherwise purchased or ordered to be sold by any governmental body, deposit with the Trustee the award for or proceeds of any property so taken, purchased or sold, and such property shall be released from the lien of the Mortgage;
•may, at any time, without the consent of the Trustee, sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of any property (except cash, securities, or other personal property pledged or deposited with or required to be pledged or deposited with the Trustee) subject to the lien of the Mortgage which is no longer used or useful in the conduct of our business, provided the fair values of the property so sold, exchanged, or otherwise disposed of in any one calendar year shall not exceed $50,000 and cash in an amount equal to the fair value of the property is deposited with the Trustee; and
•may, in lieu of depositing cash with the Trustee as required above, deliver to the Trustee purchase money obligations secured by a mortgage on the property to be released or disposed of, a certificate of the Trustee or other holder of a prior lien on any part of the property to be released stating that a specified amount of cash or purchase money obligations have been deposited with such Trustee or other holder, or certain other certificates from us.
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Subject to certain conditions specified in the Mortgage, moneys deposited with the Trustee may be:
•withdrawn by us to the extent of available additions and available first mortgage bond retirements;
•withdrawn by us in amount equal to the lower of cost or fair value of property additions acquired or constructed by us; and
•used to purchase or redeem first mortgage bonds of any series.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, proceeds received by the Trustee from a sale or disposition of substantially all of our electric properties at Portland, Oregon, may be applied only to the retirement of first mortgage bonds outstanding under the Mortgage.
Modification of the Mortgage
Under the Mortgage, our rights and obligations and the rights of the holders of the bonds may be modified with the consent of the holders of 75% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding first mortgage bonds, including the consent of holders of 60% in aggregate principal amount of the first mortgage bonds of each series affected by the modification. No modification of the principal or interest payment terms, no modification permitting the creation of any lien not otherwise permitted under the Mortgage, and no modification reducing the percentage required for modifications, will be effective without the consent of the holders of all first mortgage bonds then outstanding. The Mortgage may also be modified in various other respects not inconsistent with the Mortgage and which do not adversely affect the interests of the holders of bonds.
Consolidation, Merger, and Conveyance of Assets
The terms of the Mortgage do not preclude us from merging or consolidating with, or from transferring all of the trust estate substantially as an entirety to, a corporation lawfully entitled to acquire and operate our utility assets (a “successor corporation”), provided that the lien and security of the Mortgage and the rights and powers of the Trustee and the holders of the bonds continue unimpaired. Any such merger, consolidation, or transfer, if it involves a successor corporation owning property subject to existing liens, must comply with the requirements of the Mortgage relating to the acquisition of property subject to a prior lien, which requirements are described in the third paragraph under “Secured Obligations” above. At or before the time of any such merger, consolidation, or transfer permitted by the Mortgage, the successor corporation must execute and record a supplemental indenture with the Trustee pursuant to which the successor corporation assumes all of our obligations under the Mortgage and agrees to pay the bonds in accordance with their terms. Thereafter, the successor corporation will have the right to issue additional first mortgage bonds under the Mortgage in accordance with its terms, and all such first mortgage bonds shall have the same legal rank and security as the bonds and the other first mortgage bonds issued under the Mortgage. Property acquired by the successor corporation after a merger, consolidation, or transfer described above shall not be subject to the lien of the Mortgage unless expressly made a part of the trust estate pursuant to a supplemental indenture.
The Mortgage does not contain any provisions that afford holders of bonds special protection in the event that we consummate a highly leveraged transaction; however, the bonds would continue to be entitled to the benefit of a first priority lien on the property subject to the Mortgage (other than property acquired by us subject to a prior lien) as described above.
Defaults and Notice
Each of the following will constitute a default:
•failure to pay the principal when due;
•failure to pay interest for 60 days after it is due;
•failure to deposit any sinking or replacement fund payment for 60 days after it is due;
•certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency, or reorganization of us; and
•failure to perform any other covenant in the Mortgage that continues for 60 days after being given written notice, including the failure to pay any of our other indebtedness.
The Trustee may withhold notice to the holders of first mortgage bonds of any default (except in payment of principal, interest, or any sinking or purchase fund installment) if it in good faith determines that withholding notice is in the interest of the holders of the first mortgage bonds issued under the Mortgage.
If an event of default occurs and continues, the Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the first mortgage bonds may declare the entire principal and accrued interest due and payable immediately. If this happens, subject to certain conditions, the holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the first mortgage bonds can annul the declaration and its consequences.
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No holder of first mortgage bonds may enforce the lien of the Mortgage, unless (i) it has given the Trustee written notice of default, (ii) the holders of 25% of the first mortgage bonds have requested the Trustee to act and have offered the Trustee reasonable indemnity, and (iii) the Trustee has failed to act within 60 days. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the first mortgage bonds may direct the time, method, and place of conducting any proceeding or any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any power conferred upon the Trustee.
Evidence to be Furnished to the Trustee
Compliance with Mortgage provisions is evidenced by the written statements of our officers or persons we selected and paid. In certain cases, opinions of counsel and certificates of an engineer, accountant, appraiser, or other expert (who in some instances must be independent) must be furnished. Various certificates and other papers are required to be filed annually and upon the occurrence of certain events, including an annual certificate with respect to compliance with the terms of the Mortgage and the absence of defaults.
Interest and Payment
The prospectus supplement will set forth:
•the interest rate or rates or the method of determination of the interest rate or rates of the bonds;
•the date or dates on which the interest is payable; and
•the office or agency in the Borough of Manhattan, City and State of New York at which interest will be payable.
Concerning the Trustee
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association is the Trustee under the Mortgage. We maintain ordinary banking relationships and credit facilities with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding first mortgage bonds issued under the Mortgage may direct the time, method, and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee, subject to certain exceptions. The Mortgage provides that if default occurs (and it is not cured), the Trustee will be required, in the exercise of its power, to use the degree of care of a prudent person in the conduct of such person’s own affairs. Subject to these provisions, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Mortgage at the request of any holder of securities issued under the Mortgage, unless that holder has offered to the Trustee security and indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability, or expense, and then only to the extent required by the terms of the Mortgage. The Trustee may resign from its duties with respect to the Mortgage at any time or may be removed by us. If the Trustee resigns, is removed, or becomes incapable of acting as Trustee or a vacancy occurs in the office of the Trustee for any reason, a successor Trustee shall be appointed in accordance with the provisions of the Mortgage.
Governing Law
The Mortgage provides that it and any bonds issued thereunder are governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the state of New York, except to the extent the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 otherwise applies.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We may sell the offered securities from time to time:
•through underwriters or dealers;
•through agents;
•directly to one or more purchasers; or
•through a combination of any of these methods of sale.
The Company may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by the Company or borrowed from the Company or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from the Company in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third party in such sale transactions will be an underwriter and, if not identified in this prospectus, will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement (or a post-effective amendment).
We will identify the specific plan of distribution, including any underwriters, dealers, agents or direct purchasers and their compensation in the applicable prospectus supplement.
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public from the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Information about us, including our SEC filings, is also available through our website at www.portlandgeneral.com. However, information on our website is not incorporated into this prospectus or our other SEC filings and is not a part of this prospectus or those filings.
This prospectus is part of a registration statement filed by us with the SEC. The exhibits to our registration statement contain the full text of certain contracts and other important documents we have summarized in this prospectus. Since these summaries may not contain all the information that you may find important in deciding whether to purchase the securities we may offer, you should review the full text of these documents. The registration statement and the exhibits can be obtained from the SEC as indicated above, or from us.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" the information we file with the SEC. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another filed document. Any information referred to in this way is considered part of this prospectus, except for any information that is modified or superseded by information contained in this prospectus or any other subsequently filed document. Any reports filed by us with the SEC after the date of this prospectus and before the date that the offering of the securities by means of this prospectus is terminated will automatically update and, where applicable, supersede any information contained in this prospectus or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Accordingly, we incorporate by reference the following documents or information filed with the SEC:
•Those portions of our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, which we filed with the SEC on March 8, 2022 and March 16, 2022 that are incorporated by reference into Part III of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021;
•Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, which we filed with the SEC on February 17, 2022;
•Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2022 and June 30, 2022, which we filed with the SEC on April 28, 2022 and July 28, 2022, respectively;
•Current Reports on Form 8-K, which we filed with the SEC on January 18, 2022 and May 11, 2022; and
•The description of our common stock contained in Item 1 of our Form 8-A filed with the SEC on March 31, 2006 pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including any amendment filed for the purpose of updating such description.
We also incorporate by reference all documents we may subsequently file pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the initial filing date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and prior to the termination of the offering (other than documents or information deemed to have been furnished and not filed in accordance with SEC rules). The most recent information that we file with the SEC automatically updates and supersedes older information. The information contained in any such filing will be deemed to be a part of this prospectus, commencing on the date on which the document is filed.
We will provide to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this prospectus has been delivered, without charge, upon the written or oral request of such person, a copy of any or all of the documents which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus, other than exhibits to such documents, unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into the information that this prospectus incorporates. You should direct requests for such copies to:
Portland General Electric Company
121 SW Salmon Street
Portland, Oregon 97204
Attention: Jardon Jaramillo, Senior Director, Investor Relations & Risk Management
Telephone: (503) 464-7458
LEGAL MATTERS
Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement accompanying this prospectus, Angelica Espinosa, our General Counsel, and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, will pass upon certain legal matters for us in connection with the securities offered by this prospectus. As of August 1, 2022, Angelica Espinosa beneficially owned no shares of our common stock.
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EXPERTS
The financial statements of the Company incorporated by reference in this Prospectus, and the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports. Such financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance upon the reports of such firm, given their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
The following table sets forth the estimated expenses (all of which will be borne by the registrant unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement) incurred in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered, other than underwriting discounts and commissions (if any). All of the amounts shown are estimates, except the SEC registration fee:
| Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fee | $- * | ||||
| Trustee and Transfer Agent Fees | ** | ||||
| Rating Agency Fees | ** | ||||
| Printing and Engraving Fees and Expenses | ** | ||||
| Accounting Fees and Expenses | ** | ||||
| Legal Fees and Expenses | ** | ||||
| Miscellaneous | ** | ||||
| Total | ** | ||||
* Deferred in reliance on Rule 456(b) and 457(r).
** As an indeterminate amount of securities is covered by this registration statement, the expenses in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities are not currently determinable.
Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Section 60.394 of the Oregon Business Corporation Act provides that unless limited by its articles of incorporation, a corporation shall indemnify a director who was wholly successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which the director was a party because of being a director of the corporation against reasonable expenses incurred by the director in connection with the proceeding. Section 60.407 of the Oregon Business Corporation Act provides that unless limited by its articles of incorporation an officer of the corporation is entitled to the same mandatory indemnification under Section 60.394 as a director. Our Articles of Incorporation do not limit the indemnification provided under Section 60.394 or Section 60.407 of the Oregon Business Corporation Act. Article VII of our Articles of Incorporation provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, no director of the Company shall be personally liable to the Company or its shareholders for monetary damages for conduct as a director.
Section 60.391 of the Oregon Business Corporation Act authorizes a corporation to indemnify an individual made a party to a proceeding because the individual is or was a director against liability incurred in the proceeding if: (a) the conduct of the individual was in good faith; (b) the individual reasonably believed that the individual's conduct was in the best interests of the corporation, or at least not opposed to its best interests; and (c) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the individual had no reasonable cause to believe the individual's conduct was unlawful. Indemnification is not permitted under Section 60.391 (i) in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation in which the director was adjudged liable to the corporation or (ii) in connection with any other proceeding charging improper personal benefit to the director in which the director was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received by the director. Article VIII of our Articles of Incorporation provides that the Company may indemnify to the fullest extent permitted by law any person who is made or threatened to be made a party to, witness in, or otherwise involved in, any action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative, or otherwise (including an action, suit, or proceeding by or in the right of the Company) by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or a fiduciary within the meaning of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, with respect to any
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employee benefit plan of the Company or any of our subsidiaries, or serves or served at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent, or as a fiduciary of an employee benefit plan, of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise. Section 6.1 of our Bylaws provides that the Company shall indemnify, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, each current or former officer or director who is made or threatened to be made a party to an action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative, or otherwise (including an action, suit, or proceeding by or in the right of the company) by reason of the fact that the person is or was acting as a director, officer or agent of the Company or as a fiduciary within the meaning of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, with respect to any employee benefit plan of the company, or serves or served at the request of the Company as a director, officer, or as a fiduciary of an employee benefit plan, of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise.
In addition, Section 60.411 of the Oregon Business Corporation Act provides that a corporation (i) may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of an individual against liability asserted against or incurred by the individual who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation or who, while a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise and (ii) may purchase and maintain the insurance even if the corporation has no power to indemnify the individual against the same liability under Section 60.391 or Section 60.394.
Section 6.8 of our Bylaws provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by the Oregon Business Corporation Act, the company, upon approval by the Board of Directors, may purchase insurance on behalf of any person required or permitted to be indemnified pursuant to Article VI of the Bylaws.
The Company has entered into an agreement with each of its directors and executive officers that requires the Company to indemnify such persons against any expense or liability, including judgments, fines, penalties, interest, counsel fees and disbursements, amounts paid or to be paid in settlement, and excise taxes and penalties under the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, paid or incurred in connection with investigating, defending, being a witness in, or participating in, or preparing for any of the foregoing in, any proceeding relating to any event or occurrence by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the company in certain capacities. The indemnification agreements also set forth certain procedures that will apply in the event of a claim for indemnification thereunder.
The Company has procured directors' and officers' liability insurance. The coverage provided by these policies indemnifies the Company to protect it against liability assumed or incurred under the above indemnification provisions, including defense provisions, on behalf of the directors and officers against loss arising from any civil claim or claims by reason of any wrongful act done or alleged to have been done while acting in their respective capacities as directors or officers. The policies also provide direct coverage to the directors and officers against certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act, which might be incurred by them in such capacities and against which they cannot be indemnified by the Company. The policies exclude claims brought about or contributed to by dishonest, fraudulent, criminal or malicious acts or omissions by directors or officers.
In connection with an offering of the securities registered hereunder, the registrant may enter into an underwriting agreement which may provide that the underwriters are obligated, under certain circumstances, to indemnify directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.
Please also see the undertakings set out in response to Item 17 herein.
Item 16. Exhibits.
The Exhibits to this registration statement are listed in the Exhibit Index on page 19.
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
16
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 percent 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 paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) of this section do not apply if the registration statement is on Form S-3 or Form F-3 and the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to section 13 or section 15(d) of the 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 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 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 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
17
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 Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Act.
18
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. | Description of Exhibits | |||||||
| 1.1 | Underwriting Agreement for Common Stock (to be filed by an amendment or as an exhibit to a document filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and incorporated by reference herein) | |||||||
| 1.2 | Underwriting Agreement for First Mortgage Bonds (to be filed by an amendment or as an exhibit to a document filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and incorporated by reference herein) | |||||||
| 3.1 | ||||||||
| 3.2 | ||||||||
| 4.1 | ||||||||
| 4.2 | ||||||||
| 4.3 | Form of Stock Purchase Contract Agreement (including form of Stock Purchase Contract Certificate) (to be filed by an amendment or as an exhibit to a document filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and incorporated by reference herein) | |||||||
| 4.4 | Form of Stock Purchase Contract Agreement (including form of Stock Purchase Contract Certificate) (to be filed by an amendment or as an exhibit to a document filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and incorporated by reference herein) | |||||||
| 4.5 | Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of July 1, 1945, between Portland General Electric Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (as successor to HSBC Bank USA, National Association) as Trustee (the “Mortgage”) (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form 8, dated June 14, 1965) (File No. 1-05532-99) | |||||||
| 4.6 | Fortieth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 1, 1990, to the Mortgage (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1990, filed on March 4, 1991) (File No. 1-05532-99) | |||||||
| 4.7 | ||||||||
| 4.8 | ||||||||
| 4.9 | Form of Supplemental Indenture (including form of First Mortgage Bond) to be entered into between Portland General Electric Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as Trustee, with respect to First Mortgage Bonds ((to be filed by an amendment or as an exhibit to a document filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and incorporated by reference herein) | |||||||
| 5.1 | ||||||||
| 5.2 | ||||||||
| 23.1 | ||||||||
| 23.2 | Consent of Angelica Espinosa, Vice President General Counsel of Portland General Electric Company (included in Exhibit 5.1)* | |||||||
| 23.3 | Consent of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (included in Exhibit 5.2)* | |||||||
| 24 | ||||||||
| 25.1 | ||||||||
19
| 25.2 | Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of the trustee named under the Form of Indenture** | |||||||
| 107 | ||||||||
* Filed herewith
** To be filed in accordance with the requirements of Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and Rule 5b-3 thereunder.
Certain instruments defining the rights of holders of other long-term debt of the Company are omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K because the total amount of securities authorized under each such omitted instrument does not exceed 10% of the total consolidated assets of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company hereby agrees to furnish a copy of any such instrument to the SEC upon request.
20
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 Portland, State of Oregon on August 1, 2022.
| PORTLAND GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY | |||||||||||
| By | /s/ MARIA M. POPE | ||||||||||
| Maria M. Pope Chief Executive Officer and President | |||||||||||
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 1st day of August, 2022.
Signature | Title | |||||||
/s/ MARIA M. POPE Maria M. Pope | Chief Executive Officer, President and Director (principal executive officer) | |||||||
/s/ JAMES A. AJELLO James A. Ajello | Senior Vice President Finance, CFO, Treasurer & Corporate Compliance Officer (principal financial and accounting officer) | |||||||
/s/ RODNEY L. BROWN JR. * Rodney L. Brown Jr. | Director | |||||||
/s/ JACK E. DAVIS * Jack E. Davis | Director | |||||||
/s/ DAWN L. FARRELL * Dawn L. Farrell | Director | |||||||
/s/ MARK B. GANZ * Mark B. Ganz | Director | |||||||
/s/ MARIE OH HUBER * Marie Oh Huber | Director | |||||||
/s/ KATHRYN J. JACKSON * Kathryn J. Jackson | Director | |||||||
/s/ MICHAEL A. LEWIS * Michael A. Lewis | Director | |||||||
/s/ MICHAEL H. MILLEGAN * Michael H. Millegan | Director | |||||||
/s/ M. LEE PELTON * M. Lee Pelton | Director | |||||||
/s/ JAMES P. TORGERSON * James P. Torgerson | Director | |||||||
| * By: | /s/ MARIA M. POPE Maria M. Pope, Attorney-in-Fact | |||||||
21
Exhibit 4.2
===================================================================
PORTLAND GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
----------
INDENTURE
Dated as of
__________, ________
----------
DEBT SECURITIES
[_________________________]
Trustee
===================================================================
Reconciliation and tie between
Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and Indenture*
Trust Indenture
Act Section Indenture Section
§ 310 (a) 11.04(a), 16.02
(b) 11.01(f), 11.04(b), 11.05(1), 16.02
(b)(1) 11.04(b), 16.02
§ 311 11.01(f), 16.02
§ 312 14.02(d), 16.02
(b) 11.10, 16.02
(c) 11.10, 16.02
§ 313 (a) 10.01(a), 16.02
§ 314 16.02
§ 315 (e) 11.05, 16.02
§ 316 16.02
§ 317 16.02
§ 318 16.02
*This reconciliation and tie shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be a part of the Indenture.
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS1
PAGE
ARTICLE I | |||||
DEFINITIONS | |||||
Section 1.01 Definitions. | 1 | ||||
ARTICLE II | |||||
FORMS OF SECURITIES | |||||
Section 2.01 Terms of the Securities | |||||
Section 2.02 Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication | |||||
Section 2.03 Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication by an Authenticating Agent | 13 | ||||
ARTICLE III | |||||
THE DEBT SECURITIES | |||||
Section 3.01 Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series | 13 | ||||
Section 3.02 Denominations | 16 | ||||
Section 3.03 Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating | 16 | ||||
Section 3.04 Temporary Securities | 19 | ||||
Section 3.05 Registrar | 19 | ||||
Section 3.06 Transfer and Exchange | 20 | ||||
Section 3.07 Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities | 24 | ||||
Section 3.08 Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved | 25 | ||||
Section 3.09 Cancellation | 26 | ||||
Section 3.10 Computation of Interest | 26 | ||||
Section 3.11 Currency of Payments in Respect of Securities | 26 | ||||
Section 3.12 Judgments | 27 | ||||
Section 3.13 CUSIP Numbers | 27 | ||||
ARTICLE IV | |||||
REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES | |||||
Section 4.01 Applicability of Right of Redemption | 28 | ||||
Section 4.02 Selection of Securities to be Redeemed | 28 | ||||
Section 4.03 Notice of Redemption | 28 | ||||
Section 4.04 Deposit of Redemption Price | 29 | ||||
Section 4.05 Securities Payable on Redemption Date | 29 | ||||
* The Table of Contents is not a part of the Indenture.
i
Section 4.06 Securities Redeemed in Part | 30 | ||||
ARTICLE V | |||||
ARTICLE V | |||||
Section 5.01 Applicability of Sinking Fund | 30 | ||||
Section 5.02 Mandatory Sinking Fund Obligation | 31 | ||||
Section 5.03 Optional Redemption at Sinking Fund Redemption Price | 31 | ||||
Section 5.04 Application of Sinking Fund Payment | 31 | ||||
ARTICLE VI | |||||
PARTICULAR COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY | |||||
Section 6.01 Payments of Securities | 32 | ||||
Section 6.02 Paying Agent | 32 | ||||
Section 6.03 To Hold Payment in Trust | 33 | ||||
Section 6.04 Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets | 34 | ||||
Section 6.05 Compliance Certificate | 35 | ||||
Section 6.06 Conditional Waiver by Holders of Securities | 35 | ||||
Section 6.07 Statement by Officers as to Default | 36 | ||||
ARTICLE VII | |||||
REMEDIES OF TRUSTEE AND SECURITYHOLDERS | |||||
Section 7.01 Events of Default | 36 | ||||
Section 7.02 Acceleration; Rescission and Annulment | 37 | ||||
Section 7.03 Other Remedies | 39 | ||||
Section 7.04 Trustee as Attorney-in-Fact | 40 | ||||
Section 7.05 Priorities | 40 | ||||
Section 7.06 Control by Securityholders; Waiver of Past Defaults | 41 | ||||
Section 7.07 Limitation on Suits | 41 | ||||
Section 7.08 Undertaking for Costs | 42 | ||||
Section 7.09 Remedies Cumulative | 42 | ||||
ARTICLE VIII | |||||
CONCERNING THE SECURITYHOLDERS | |||||
Section 8.01 Evidence of Action of Securityholders | 43 | ||||
Section 8.02 Proof of Execution or Holding of Securities | 43 | ||||
Section 8.03 Persons Deemed Owners | 44 | ||||
Section 8.04 Effect of Consents | 44 | ||||
ii
ARTICLE IX | |||||
SECURITYHOLDERS’ MEETINGS | |||||
Section 9.01 Purposes of Meetings | 44 | ||||
Section 9.02 Call of Meetings by Trustee | 45 | ||||
Section 9.03 Call of Meetings by Company or Securityholders | 45 | ||||
Section 9.04 Qualifications for Voting | 45 | ||||
Section 9.05 Regulation of Meetings | 45 | ||||
Section 9.06 Voting | 46 | ||||
Section 9.07 No Delay of Rights by Meeting | 46 | ||||
ARTICLE X | |||||
REPORTS BY THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE AND SECURITYHOLDERS’ LISTS | |||||
Section 10.01 Reports by Trustee | 47 | ||||
Section 10.02 Reports by the Company | 47 | ||||
Section 10.03 Securityholders’ Lists | 47 | ||||
ARTICLE XI | |||||
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE | |||||
Section 11.01 Rights of Trustees; Compensation and Indemnity | 48 | ||||
Section 11.02 Duties of Trustee | 51 | ||||
Section 11.03 Notice of Defaults | 52 | ||||
Section 11.04 Eligibility; Disqualification | 53 | ||||
Section 11.05 Resignation and Notice; Removal | 53 | ||||
Section 11.06 Successor Trustee by Appointment | 54 | ||||
Section 11.07 Successor Trustee by Merger | 55 | ||||
Section 11.08 Right to Rely on Officer’s Certificate | 56 | ||||
Section 11.09 Appointment of Authenticating Agent | 56 | ||||
Section 11.10 Communications by Securityholders with Other Securityholders | 57 | ||||
ARTICLE XII | |||||
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE; DEFEASANCE | |||||
Section 12.01 Applicability of Article | 57 | ||||
Section 12.02 Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture | 57 | ||||
Section 12.03 Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance upon Deposit of Moneys or U.S. Government Obligations | 59 | ||||
Section 12.04 Repayment to Company | 61 | ||||
iii
Section 12.05 Indemnity for U.S. Government Obligations | 61 | ||||
Section 12.06 [Reserved]. | 61 | ||||
Section 12.07 Application of Trust Money | 61 | ||||
Section 12.08 Deposits of Non-U.S. Currencies | 62 | ||||
ARTICLE XIII | |||||
IMMUNITY OF CERTAIN PERSONS | |||||
Section 13.01 No Personal Liability | 62 | ||||
ARTICLE XIV | |||||
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES | |||||
Section 14.01 Without Consent of Securityholders | 62 | ||||
Section 14.02 With Consent of Securityholders; Limitations | 64 | ||||
Section 14.03 Trustee Protected | 66 | ||||
Section 14.04 Effect of Execution of Supplemental Indenture | 66 | ||||
Section 14.05 Notation on or Exchange of Securities | 66 | ||||
Section 14.06 Conformity with TIA | 66 | ||||
ARTICLE XV | |||||
SUBORDINATION OF SECURITIES | |||||
Section 15.01 Agreement to Subordinate | 67 | ||||
Section 15.02 Distribution on Dissolution, Liquidation and Reorganization; Subrogation of Securities | 67 | ||||
Section 15.03 No Payment on Securities in Event of Default on Senior Indebtedness | 68 | ||||
Section 15.04 Payments on Securities Permitted | 69 | ||||
Section 15.05 Authorization of Securityholders to Trustee to Effect Subordination | 69 | ||||
Section 15.06 Notices to Trustee | 69 | ||||
Section 15.07 Trustee as Holder of Senior Indebtedness | 70 | ||||
Section 15.08 Modifications of Terms of Senior Indebtedness | 70 | ||||
Section 15.09 Reliance on Judicial Order or Certificate of Liquidating Agent | 70 | ||||
Section 15.10 Satisfaction and Discharge; Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance | 71 | ||||
Section 15.11 Trustee Not Fiduciary for Holders of Senior Indebtedness | 71 | ||||
ARTICLE XVI | |||||
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS | |||||
Section 16.01 Certificates and Opinions as to Conditions Precedent | 71 | ||||
Section 16.02 Trust Indenture Act Controls | 72 | ||||
Section 16.03 Notices to the Company and Trustee | 72 | ||||
iv
Section 16.04 Notices to Securityholders; Waiver | 73 | ||||
Section 16.05 Legal Holiday | 73 | ||||
Section 16.06 Effects of Headings and Table of Contents | 73 | ||||
Section 16.07 Successors and Assigns | 74 | ||||
Section 16.08 Separability Clause | 74 | ||||
Section 16.09 Benefits of Indenture | 74 | ||||
Section 16.10 Counterparts Originals | 74 | ||||
Section 16.11 Governing Law; WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY; Submission to Jurisdiction | 74 | ||||
Section 16.12 Electronic Signatures | 75 | ||||
Section 16.13 Force Majeure. | 75 | ||||
v
INDENTURE dated as of ___________,____, among Portland General Electric Company, an Oregon corporation (the “Company”), and [____________], as trustee (the “Trustee”).
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance of unsecured debentures, notes, bonds or other evidences of indebtedness (the “Securities”) in an unlimited aggregate principal amount to be issued from time to time in one or more series as provided in this Indenture; and
WHEREAS, all things necessary to make this Indenture a valid and legally binding agreement of the Company, in accordance with its terms, have been done.
NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH:
That, in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the Securities by the Holders thereof for the equal and proportionate benefit of all of the present and future Holders of the Securities, each party agrees and covenants as follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
DEFINITIONS
For all purposes of this Indenture, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) the terms defined in this Article have the meanings assigned to them in this Article and include the plural as well as the singular;
(b) unless otherwise defined in this Indenture or the context otherwise requires, all terms used herein without definition which are defined in the Trust Indenture Act, either directly or by reference therein, have the meanings assigned to them therein;
(c) 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; and
(d) references to “Article” or “Section” or other subdivision herein are references to an Article, Section or other subdivision of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise requires.
Section 1.0aDefinitions.
Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms defined in this Section 1.01 shall for all purposes of this Indenture have the meanings hereinafter set forth:
Affiliate:
The term “Affiliate,” with respect to any specified Person shall mean 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:
The term “Authenticating Agent” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 11.09.
Board of Directors:
The term “Board of Directors” shall mean either the board of directors of the Company or the executive or any other committee of that board duly authorized to act in respect hereof.
Board Resolution:
The term “Board Resolution” shall mean a copy of a resolution or resolutions certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors (or by a committee of the Board of Directors to the extent that any such other committee has been authorized by the Board of Directors to establish or approve the matters contemplated) and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification and delivered to the Trustee.
Business Day:
The term “Business Day,” when used with respect to any Place of Payment or any other particular location referred to in this Indenture or in the Securities, shall mean each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not a day on which banking institutions in that Place of Payment or such location are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.
Capital Stock:
The term “Capital Stock” shall mean:
(a) in the case of a corporation, corporate stock;
(i)in the case of an association or business entity, any and all shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock;
(ii)in the case of a partnership or limited liability company, partnership interests (whether general or limited) or membership interests; and
(iii)any other interest or participation that confers on a Person the right to receive a share of the profits and losses of, or distributions of assets of, the issuing Person, but excluding from all of the foregoing any debt securities convertible into Capital Stock, whether or not such debt securities include any right of participation with Capital Stock.
Code:
The term “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Company:
The term “Company” shall mean the Person named as the “Company” in the first paragraph of this Indenture until a successor Person shall have become such pursuant to the
2
applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Company” shall mean such successor Person.
Company Order:
The term “Company Order” shall mean a written order signed in the name of the Company by any Officer and delivered to the Trustee.
Corporate Trust Office:
The term “Corporate Trust Office,” or other similar term, shall mean the principal office of the Trustee at which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall be administered, which office at the date hereof is located at [_____________________], or such other address as the Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Company, or the principal corporate trust officer of any successor Trustee (or such other address as such successor Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Company).
Currency:
The term “Currency” shall mean U.S. Dollars or Foreign Currency.
Default:
The term “Default” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 11.03.
Defaulted Interest:
The term “Defaulted Interest” shall have the same meaning assigned to it in Section 3.08(b).
Depositary:
The term “Depositary” shall mean, with respect to the Securities of any series issuable in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities, each Person designated as Depositary by the Company pursuant to Section 3.01 until one or more successor Depositaries shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Depositary” shall mean or include each Person who is then a Depositary hereunder, and if at any time there is more than one such Person, “Depositary” as used with respect to the Securities of any such series shall mean the Depositary with respect to the Securities of that series.
Designated Currency:
The term “Designated Currency” shall have the same meaning assigned to it in Section 3.12.
Discharged:
The term “Discharged” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 12.03.
DTC:
The term “DTC” shall mean The Depository Trust Company, Inc. and its successors.
3
Event of Default:
The term “Event of Default” shall have the meaning specified in Section 7.01.
Exchange Act:
The term “Exchange Act” shall mean the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC thereunder and any statute successor thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.
Exchange Rate:
The term “Exchange Rate” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 7.01.
Floating Rate Security:
The term “Floating Rate Security” shall mean a Security that provides for the payment of interest at a variable rate determined periodically by reference to an interest rate index specified pursuant to Section 3.01.
Foreign Currency:
The term “Foreign Currency” shall mean a currency issued by the government of any country other than the United States or a composite currency, the value of which is determined by reference to the values of the currencies of any group of countries.
GAAP:
The term “GAAP,” with respect to any computations required or permitted hereunder, shall mean generally accepted accounting principles in effect in the United States as in effect from time to time; provided, however, if the Company is required by the SEC to adopt (or is permitted to adopt and so adopts) a different accounting framework, including but not limited to the International Financial Reporting Standards, “GAAP” shall mean such new accounting framework as in effect from time to time, including, without limitation, in each case, those accounting principles set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entity as approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession. If at any time any change in GAAP would affect the computation of any financial ratio or requirement set forth in this Agreement, and either the Company or the Holders of a majority of outstanding notes shall so request, the Company and the Holders of a majority of outstanding notes shall negotiate in good faith to amend such ratio or requirement to preserve the original intent thereof in light of such change in GAAP (subject to the approval of the Holders of a majority of outstanding notes); provided that, until so amended, (i) such ratio or requirement shall continue to be computed in accordance with GAAP prior to such change therein and (ii) the Company shall provide to the holders financial statements and other documents required under this Agreement or as reasonably requested hereunder setting forth a reconciliation between calculations of such ratio or requirement made before and after giving effect to such change in GAAP.
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Global Security:
The term “Global Security” shall mean any Security that evidences all or part of a series of Securities, issued in fully-registered certificated form to the Depositary for such series in accordance with Section 3.03 and bearing the legend prescribed in Section 3.03(g).
Holder; Holder of Securities:
The terms “Holder” and “Holder of Securities” are defined under “Securityholder; Holder of Securities; Holder.”
Indebtedness:
The term “Indebtedness” shall mean any and all obligations of a Person for money borrowed which, in accordance with GAAP, would be reflected on the balance sheet of such Person as a liability on the date as of which Indebtedness is to be determined.
Indenture:
The term “Indenture” or “this Indenture” shall mean this instrument as originally executed or as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof, 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 3.01; provided, however, that if at any time more than one Person is acting as Trustee under this Indenture due to the appointment of one or more separate Trustees for any one or more separate series of Securities, “Indenture” shall mean, with respect to such series of Securities for which any such Person is Trustee, this instrument as originally executed or as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof and shall include the terms of particular series of Securities for which such Person is Trustee established as contemplated by Section 3.01, exclusive, however, of any provisions or terms which relate solely to other series of Securities for which such Person is not Trustee, regardless of when such terms or provisions were adopted, and exclusive of any provisions or terms adopted by means of one or more indentures supplemental hereto executed and delivered after such person had become such Trustee, but to which such person, as such Trustee, was not a party; provided, further, that in the event that this Indenture is supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental hereto which are only applicable to certain series of Securities, the term “Indenture” for a particular series of Securities shall only include the supplemental indentures applicable thereto.
Individual Securities:
The term “Individual Securities” shall have the meaning specified in Section 3.01(p).
Interest:
The term “interest” shall mean, unless the context otherwise requires, interest payable on any Securities, and with respect to an Original Issue Discount Security that by its terms bears interest only after Maturity, interest payable after Maturity.
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Interest Payment Date:
The term “Interest Payment Date” shall mean, with respect to any Security, the Stated Maturity of an installment of interest on such Security.
Mandatory Sinking Fund Payment:
The term “Mandatory Sinking Fund Payment” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 5.01(b).
Maturity:
The term “Maturity,” with respect to any Security, shall mean the date on which the principal of such Security shall become due and payable as therein and herein provided, whether by declaration, call for redemption or otherwise.
Members:
The term “Members” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 3.03(i).
Officer:
The term “Officer” shall mean the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Commercial Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, the Controller, the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary and any Vice President of the Company.
Officer’s Certificate:
The term “Officer’s Certificate” shall mean a certificate signed by any Officer and delivered to the Trustee. Each such certificate shall include the statements provided for in Section 16.01 if and to the extent required by the provisions of such Section.
Opinion of Counsel:
The term “Opinion of Counsel” shall mean an opinion in writing signed by one or more legal counsel, who may be an employee of or of counsel to the Company, and meets the requirements provided for in Section 16.01.
Optional Sinking Fund Payment:
The term “Optional Sinking Fund Payment” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 5.01(b).
Original Issue Discount Security:
The term “Original Issue Discount Security” shall mean any Security that is issued with “original issue discount” within the meaning of Section 1273(a) of the Code and the regulations thereunder, or any successor provision, and any other Security designated by the Company as issued with original issue discount for United States federal income tax purposes.
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Outstanding:
The term “Outstanding,” when used with respect to Securities means, as of the date of determination, all Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, except:
(a) Securities theretofore canceled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;
(iv)Securities or portions thereof for which 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 or Securities as to which the Company’s obligations have been Discharged; provided, however, that if such Securities or portions thereof 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; and
(v)Securities that have been paid pursuant to Section 3.07(b) 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 a Responsible Officer of the Trustee proof satisfactory to it that such Securities are held by a protected 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 Securities of a series Outstanding have performed any action hereunder, Securities owned by the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities of such series 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 action, only Securities of such series that a Responsible Officer of the Trustee actually knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Securities so owned that have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee’s right to act with respect to such Securities and that the pledgee is not the Company or any other obligor upon such Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor. In determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of a series have performed any action hereunder, the principal amount of an Original Issue Discount Security that shall be deemed to be Outstanding for such purpose shall be the amount of the principal thereof that would be due and payable as of the date of such determination upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 7.02 and the principal amount of a Security denominated in a Foreign Currency that shall be deemed to be Outstanding for such purpose shall be the amount calculated pursuant to Section 3.11(b).
Paying Agent:
The term “Paying Agent” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 6.02(a).
Person:
The term “Person” shall mean any individual, a corporation, a limited liability company, a partnership, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, an unincorporated organization or a government or an agency or political subdivision thereof or other entity.
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Place of Payment:
The term “Place of Payment” shall mean, when used with respect to the Securities of any series, the place or places where the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the Securities of that series are payable as specified pursuant to Section 3.01.
Predecessor Security:
The term “Predecessor Security” shall mean, with respect to any Security, every previous Security evidencing all or a portion of the same Indebtedness as that evidenced by such particular Security, and, for the purposes of this definition, any Security authenticated and delivered under Section 3.07 in lieu of a lost, destroyed or stolen Security shall be deemed to evidence the same Indebtedness as the lost, destroyed or stolen Security.
Record Date:
The term “Record Date” shall mean, with respect to any interest payable on any Security on any Interest Payment Date, any date specified in such Security or pursuant to Section 3.01 with respect to such Security as the record date for the payment of interest.
Redemption Date:
The term “Redemption Date” shall mean, when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, in whole or in part, the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Indenture and the terms of such Security, which, in the case of a Floating Rate Security, unless otherwise specified pursuant to Section 3.01, shall be an Interest Payment Date only.
Redemption Price:
The term “Redemption Price,” when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, in whole or in part, shall mean the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to the terms of the applicable Security and this Indenture.
Register:
The term “Register” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 3.05(a).
Registrar:
The term “Registrar” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 3.05(a).
Responsible Officers:
The term “Responsible Officers” of the Trustee hereunder shall mean any vice president, any assistant vice president, any trust officer, any assistant trust officer, secretary, associate or any other officer associated with the corporate trust department 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 relating to this Indenture, any other officer of the Trustee to whom such matter is referred because of such person’s knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject and who, in each case, shall have direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture.
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SEC:
The term “SEC” shall mean the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, as constituted from time to time.
Security:
The term “Security” or “Securities” shall have the meaning stated in the recitals and shall more particularly mean one or more of the Securities duly authenticated by the Trustee and delivered pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture.
Security Custodian:
The term “Security Custodian” shall mean the custodian with respect to any Global Security appointed by the Depositary, or any successor Person thereto, and shall initially be the Trustee.
Securityholder; Holder of Securities; Holder:
The term “Securityholder” or “Holder of Securities” or “Holder,” shall mean the Person in whose name Securities shall be registered in the Register kept for that purpose hereunder.
Senior Indebtedness:
The term “Senior Indebtedness” means the principal of (and premium, if any) and unpaid interest on (x) Indebtedness of the Company, whether outstanding on the date hereof or thereafter created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed, for money borrowed other than (a) any Indebtedness of the Company which when incurred, and without respect to any election under Section 1111(b) of the Federal Bankruptcy Code, was without recourse to the Company, (b) any Indebtedness of the Company to any of its Subsidiaries, (c) Indebtedness to any employee of the Company, (d) any liability for taxes, (e) Trade Payables and (f) any Indebtedness of the Company which is expressly subordinate in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of the Company, and (y) renewals, extensions, modifications and refundings of any such Indebtedness. For purposes of the foregoing and the definition of “Senior Indebtedness,” the phrase “subordinated in right of payment” means debt subordination only and not lien subordination, and accordingly, (i) unsecured indebtedness shall not be deemed to be subordinated in right of payment to secured indebtedness merely by virtue of the fact that it is unsecured, and (ii) junior liens, second liens and other contractual arrangements that provide for priorities among Holders of the same or different issues of indebtedness with respect to any collateral or the proceeds of collateral shall not constitute subordination in right of payment. This definition may be modified or superseded by a supplemental indenture.
Special Record Date:
The term “Special Record Date” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 3.08(b)(i).
Stated Maturity:
The term “Stated Maturity” when used with respect to any Security or any installment of interest thereon, shall mean the date specified in such Security or pursuant to Section 3.01 with respect to such Security as the fixed date on which the principal (or any portion thereof) of or premium, if any, on such Security or such installment of interest is due and payable.
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Subsidiary:
The term “Subsidiary,” when used with respect to any Person, shall mean with respect to any Person, a corporation, partnership association, joint venture, trust, limited liability company or other business entity which is required to be consolidated with such Person in accordance with GAAP.
Successor Company:
The term “Successor Company” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 3.06(h).
Trade Payables:
The term “Trade Payables” means accounts payable or any other Indebtedness or monetary obligations to trade creditors created or assumed by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company in the ordinary course of business (including guarantees thereof or instruments evidencing such liabilities).
Trust Indenture Act; TIA:
The term “Trust Indenture Act” or “TIA” shall mean the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder as in effect on the date of this Indenture, except as provided in Section 14.06 and except to the extent any amendment to the Trust Indenture Act expressly provides for application of the Trust Indenture Act as in effect on another date.
Trustee:
The term “Trustee” shall mean the Person named as the “Trustee” in the first paragraph of this Indenture until a successor Trustee shall have become such with respect to one or more series of Securities 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. Dollars:
The term “U.S. Dollars” shall mean such currency of the United States as at the time of payment shall be legal tender for the payment of public and private debts.
U.S. Government Obligations:
The term “U.S. Government Obligations” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 12.03.
United States:
The term “United States” shall mean the United States of America, its territories and possessions, any State of the United States and the District of Columbia.
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ARTICLE 2
FORMS OF SECURITIES
FORMS OF SECURITIES
Section 1.0aTerms of the Securities.
(i)The Securities of each series shall be substantially in the form set forth in a Board Resolution, a Company Order or in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, and shall have 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 or designation and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as the Company may deem appropriate and as are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture, or as may be required to comply with any law or with any rule or regulation made pursuant thereto or with any rule or regulation of any securities exchange on which any series of the Securities may be listed or of any automated quotation system on which any such series may be quoted, or to conform to usage, all as determined by any of the officers executing such Securities as conclusively evidenced by their execution of such Securities.
(ii)The terms and provisions of the Securities shall constitute, and are hereby expressly made, a part of this Indenture, and, to the extent applicable, the Company and the Trustee, by their execution and delivery of this Indenture expressly agree to such terms and provisions and to be bound thereby.
Section 1.0aForm of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication.
(iii)Only such of the Securities as shall bear thereon a certificate substantially in the form of the Trustee’s certificate of authentication hereinafter recited, executed by the Trustee by manual signature, shall be valid or become obligatory for any purpose or entitle the Holder thereof to any right or benefit under this Indenture.
(iv)Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication, except that any Global Security shall be dated as of the date specified as contemplated in Section 3.01.
(v)The form of the Trustee’s certificate of authentication to be borne by the Securities shall be substantially as follows:
TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
Date of authentication: ___________ [___________________________], as Trustee
By:
Authorized Signatory
Authorized Signatory
Section 1.0bForm of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication by an Authenticating Agent. If at any time there shall be an Authenticating Agent appointed with respect to any series of Securities, then the Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication by such Authenticating Agent to be borne by Securities of each such series shall be substantially as follows:
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TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
Date of authentication: ___________ [___________________________], as Trustee
By:
as Authenticating Agent
as Authenticating Agent
By:
Authorized Signatory
Authorized Signatory
ARTICLE 3
THE DEBT SECURITIES
THE DEBT SECURITIES
Section 1.0bAmount Unlimited; Issuable in Series. The aggregate principal amount of Securities that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited. The Securities may be issued in one or more series. The title and terms on each series of Securities shall be as set forth in a Board Resolution, Company Order or in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the issuance of Securities of any series:
(i)the title of the Securities of the series (which shall distinguish the Securities of such series from the Securities of all other series, except to the extent that additional Securities of an existing series are being issued);
(ii)any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of the series that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except for Securities authenticated and delivered upon transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Securities of such series pursuant to Section 3.04, 3.06, 3.07, 4.06, or 14.05);
(iii)the dates on which or periods during which the Securities of the series may be issued, and the dates on, or the range of dates within, which the principal of and premium, if any, on the Securities of such series are or may be payable or the method by which such date or dates shall be determined or extended;
(iv)the rate or rates at which the Securities of the series shall bear interest, if any, or the method by which such rate or rates shall be determined, whether such interest shall be payable in cash or additional Securities of the same series or shall accrue and increase the aggregate principal amount outstanding of such series (including if such Securities were originally issued at a discount), the date or dates from which such interest shall accrue, or the method by which such date or dates shall be determined, the Interest Payment Dates on which any such interest shall be payable, and the Record Dates for the determination of Holders to whom interest is payable on such Interest Payment Dates or the method by which such date or dates shall be determined, the right, if any, to extend or defer interest payments and the duration of such extension or deferral;
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(v) if other than U.S. Dollars, the Foreign Currency in which Securities of the series shall be denominated or in which payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Securities of the series shall be payable and any other terms concerning such payment;
(vi)if the amount of payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Securities of the series may be determined with reference to an index, formula or other method including, but not limited to, an index based on a Currency or Currencies other than that in which the Securities are stated to be payable, the manner in which such amounts shall be determined;
(vii)if the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on Securities of the series are to be payable, at the election of the Company or a Holder thereof, in a Currency other than that in which the Securities are denominated or stated to be payable without such election, the period or periods within which, and the terms and conditions upon which, such election may be made and the time and the manner of determining the exchange rate between the Currency in which the Securities are denominated or payable without such election and the Currency in which the Securities are to be paid if such election is made;
(viii)the place or places, if any, in addition to or instead of the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee where the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on Securities of the series shall be payable, and where Securities of any series may be presented for registration of transfer, exchange or conversion, and the place or places where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of such series may be made;
(ix)the price or prices at which, the period or periods within which or the date or dates on which, and the terms and conditions upon which Securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company, if the Company is to have that option;
(x)the obligation or right, if any, of the Company to redeem, purchase or repay Securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund, amortization or analogous provisions or at the option of a Holder thereof and the price or prices at which, the period or periods within which or the date or dates on which, the Currency or Currencies in which and the terms and conditions upon which Securities of the series shall be redeemed, purchased or repaid, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;
(xi)if other than minimum denominations of $2,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof, the denominations in which Securities of the series shall be issuable;
(xii)if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of the Securities of the series which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 7.02;
(xiii)the guarantors, if any, of the Securities of the series, and the extent of the guarantees (including provisions relating to seniority, subordination, and the release of the guarantors), if any, and any additions or changes to permit or facilitate guarantees of such Securities;
(xiv)whether the Securities of the series are to be issued as Original Issue Discount Securities and the amount of discount with which such Securities may be issued;
(xv)if the provisions of Article XII hereof shall not be applicable with respect to the Securities of such series; or any addition to or change in the provisions of Article XII and, if the Securities of any series are payable in a Currency other than U.S. Dollars, the Currency or
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the nature of the government obligations to be deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 12.08;
(xvi)whether the Securities of the series are to be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities and, in such case, the Depositary for such Global Security or Global Securities, and the terms and conditions, if any, upon which interests in such Global Security or Global Securities may be exchanged in whole or in part for the individual securities represented thereby in definitive form registered in the name or names of Persons other than such Depositary or a nominee or nominees thereof (“Individual Securities”);
(xvii)the date as of which any Global Security of the series shall be dated if other than the original issuance of the first Security of the series to be issued;
(xviii)the form or forms of the Securities of the series including such legends as may be required by applicable law;
(xix)if the Securities of the series are to be convertible into or exchangeable for any securities or property of any Person (including the Company), the terms and conditions upon which such Securities will be so convertible or exchangeable, and any additions or changes, if any, to permit or facilitate such conversion or exchange;
(xx)whether the Securities of such series are subject to subordination and the terms of such subordination (for avoidance of doubt, Article XV shall not apply to the Securities of any series unless the terms of such series expressly state it applies);
(xxi)whether the Securities of such series are to be secured and the terms of such security;
(xxii)any restriction or condition on the transferability of the Securities of such series;
(xxiii)any addition or change in the provisions related to compensation and reimbursement of the Trustee which applies to Securities of such series;
(xxiv)any addition or change in the provisions related to supplemental indentures set forth in Sections 14.01, 14.02 and 14.04 which applies to Securities of such series;
(xxv)provisions, if any, granting special rights to Holders upon the occurrence of specified events;
(xxvi)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 7.02 and any addition or change in the provisions set forth in Article VII which applies to Securities of the series;
(xxvii)any addition to or change in the covenants set forth in Article VI which applies to Securities of the series; and
(xxviii)any other terms of the Securities of such series (which terms shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of the TIA, but may modify, amend, supplement or delete any of the terms of this Indenture with respect to such series).
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All Securities of any one series shall be substantially identical, except as to denomination and except as may otherwise be provided herein or set forth in a Board Resolution, a Company Order or in one or more indentures supplemental hereto.
Unless otherwise specified with respect to the Securities of any series pursuant to this Section 3.01, the Company may, at its option, at any time and from time to time, issue additional Securities of any series of Securities previously issued under this Indenture which together shall constitute a single series of Securities under this Indenture.
Section 1.0cDenominations. In the absence of any specification pursuant to Section 3.01 with respect to Securities of any series, the Securities of such series shall be issuable only as Securities in minimum denominations of $2,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof, and shall be payable only in U.S. Dollars.
Section 1.0dExecution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating.
(xxix)The Securities shall be executed in the name and on behalf of the Company by the manual, facsimile or other electronic signature of any Officer. If the Person whose signature is on a Security no longer holds that office at the time the Security is authenticated and delivered, the Security shall nevertheless be valid.
(xxx)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, if required pursuant to Section 3.01, a supplemental indenture or Company Order setting forth the terms of the Securities of a series. The Trustee shall thereupon authenticate and deliver such Securities without any further action by the Company. The Company Order shall specify the amount of Securities to be authenticated and the date on which the original issue of Securities is to be authenticated.
(xxxi)In authenticating the first Securities of any series and accepting the additional responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Securities the Trustee shall receive, and (subject to Section 11.02) shall be fully protected in relying upon an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each prepared in accordance with Section 16.01 stating that the conditions precedent, if any, provided for in the Indenture have been complied with and in the case of the Opinion of Counsel, 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, reorganization and other laws of general applicability relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights and to general equity principles.
(xxxii)The Trustee shall have the right to decline to authenticate and deliver the Securities under this Section 3.03 if the issue of the 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.
(xxxiii)Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication, except as otherwise provided pursuant to Section 3.01 with respect to the Securities of such series.
(xxxiv)Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 3.01 and of this Section 3.03, if all of the Securities of any series are not to be originally issued at the same time, then the documents required to be delivered pursuant to this Section 3.03 must be delivered only once prior to the authentication and delivery of the first Security of such series;
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(xxxv)If the Company shall establish pursuant to Section 3.01 that the Securities of a series are to be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities, then the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver one or more Global Securities that (i) shall represent an aggregate amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series to be represented by such Global Securities, (ii) shall be registered, in the name of the Depositary for such Global Security or Global Securities or the nominee of such Depositary, (iii) shall be delivered by the Trustee to such Depositary or pursuant to such Depositary’s instruction and (iv) shall bear a legend substantially to the following effect:
“THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY, WHICH SHALL BE TREATED BY THE COMPANY, THE TRUSTEE AND ANY AGENT THEREOF AS OWNER AND HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY FOR ALL PURPOSES.
UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITARY (AND ANY PAYMENT HEREON IS MADE TO THE NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITARY), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL SINCE THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, THE NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY, HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.
TRANSFERS OF THIS GLOBAL SECURITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS IN WHOLE, BUT NOT IN PART, BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY, OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY, OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY.”
The aggregate principal amount of each Global Security may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of the Security Custodian, as provided in this Indenture.
(xxxvi)Each Depositary designated pursuant to Section 3.01 for a Global Security in registered form must, at the time of its designation and at all times while it serves as such Depositary, be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and any other applicable statute or regulation.
(xxxvii)Members of, or participants in, the Depositary (“Members”) shall have no rights under this Indenture with respect to any Global Security held on their behalf by the Depositary or by the Security Custodian under such Global Security, and the Depositary shall be treated by the Company, the Trustee, the Paying Agent and the Registrar and any of their agents as the absolute owner of such Global Security for all purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Company, the Trustee, the Paying Agent or the Registrar or any of their agents from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by the Depositary or impair, as between the Depositary and its Members, the operation of customary practices of the Depositary governing the exercise of the rights of an
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owner of a beneficial interest in any Global Security. The Holder of a Global Security may grant proxies and otherwise authorize any Person, including Members and Persons that may hold interests through Members, to take any action that a Holder is entitled to take under this Indenture or the Securities.
(xxxviii)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 one of the forms provided for herein duly executed by the Trustee or by an Authenticating Agent by manual signature of an authorized signatory of the Trustee or Authenticating Agent, and such certificate upon any Security shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Security has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder and is entitled to the benefits of this Indenture.
Section 1.0aTemporary Securities.
(xxxix)Pending the preparation of definitive Securities of any series, the Company may execute, and upon Company Order the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, temporary Securities that are printed, lithographed, typewritten, mimeographed or otherwise reproduced, in any authorized denominations, substantially of the tenor of the definitive Securities in lieu of which they are issued, in registered form and with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as the officers executing such Securities may determine, as conclusively evidenced by their execution of such Securities. Any such temporary Security may be in the form of one or more Global Securities, representing all or a portion of the Outstanding Securities of such series. Every such temporary Security shall be executed by the Company and shall be authenticated and delivered by the Trustee upon the same conditions and in substantially the same manner, and with the same effect, as the definitive Security or Securities in lieu of which it is issued.
(xl)If temporary Securities of any series are issued, the Company will cause definitive Securities of such 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 such temporary Securities at the office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment for such series, without charge to the Holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary Securities of any series, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a like principal amount of definitive Securities of the same series of authorized denominations and of like tenor. 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.
(xli)Upon any exchange of a portion of a temporary Global Security for a definitive Global Security or for the Individual Securities represented thereby pursuant to this Section 3.04 or Section 3.06, the temporary Global Security shall be endorsed by the Trustee to reflect the reduction of the principal amount evidenced thereby, whereupon the principal amount of such temporary Global Security shall be reduced for all purposes by the amount so exchanged and endorsed.
Section 1.0eRegistrar.
(xlii)The Company will keep, at an office or agency to be maintained by it in a Place of Payment where Securities may be presented for registration or presented and surrendered for registration of transfer or of exchange, and where Securities of any series that are convertible or exchangeable may be surrendered for conversion or exchange, as applicable (the “Registrar”), a security register for the registration and the registration of transfer or of exchange
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of the Securities (the registers 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 “Register”), as in this Indenture provided, which Register shall at all reasonable times be open for inspection by the Trustee. Such Register shall be in written form or in any other form capable of being converted into written form within a reasonable time. The Company may have one or more co-Registrars; the term “Registrar” includes any co-registrar.
(xliii)The Company shall enter into an appropriate agency agreement with any Registrar or co-Registrar not a party to this Indenture. The agreement shall implement the provisions of this Indenture that relate to such agent. The Company shall notify the Trustee of the name and address of each such agent. If the Company fails to maintain a Registrar for any series, the Trustee shall act as such and shall be entitled to appropriate compensation therefor pursuant to Section 11.01. The Company or any Affiliate thereof may act as Registrar, co-Registrar or transfer agent.
(xliv)The Company hereby appoints the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office as Registrar in connection with the Securities and this Indenture, until such time as another Person is appointed as such.
Section 1.0cTransfer and Exchange.
(xlv)Transfer.
(1)Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Security of any series at the Registrar the Company shall execute, and the Trustee or any Authenticating Agent shall authenticate and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee, one or more new Securities of the same series for like aggregate principal amount of any authorized denomination or denominations. The transfer of any Security shall not be valid as against the Company or the Trustee unless registered at the Registrar at the request of the Holder, or at the request of his, her or its attorney duly authorized in writing.
(2)Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for the Individual Securities represented thereby, a Global Security representing all or a portion of the Securities of a series may not be transferred except as a whole by the Depositary for such series to a nominee of such Depositary or by a nominee of such Depositary to such Depositary or another nominee of such Depositary or by such Depositary or any such nominee to a successor Depositary for such series or a nominee of such successor Depositary.
(xlvi)Exchange.
(1)At the option of the Holder, Securities of any series (other than a Global Security, except as set forth below) may be exchanged for other Securities of the same series for like aggregate principal amount of any authorized denomination or denominations, upon surrender of the Securities to be exchanged at the Registrar.
(2)Whenever any Securities are so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee or Authenticating Agent shall authenticate and deliver, the Securities that the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive.
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(xlvii)Exchange of Global Securities for Individual Securities. Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in Global Securities will not be entitled to receive Individual Securities.
(3)Individual Securities shall be issued to all owners of beneficial interests in a Global Security in exchange for such interests if: (A) at any time the Depositary for the Securities of a series notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for the Securities of such series or if at any time the Depositary for the Securities of such series shall no longer be eligible under Section 3.03(h) and, in each case, a successor Depositary is not appointed by the Company within 90 days of such notice, or (B) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee and the Registrar a Company Order stating that such Global Security shall be so exchangeable.
In connection with the exchange of an entire Global Security for Individual Securities pursuant to this subsection (c), such Global Security shall be deemed to be surrendered to the Trustee for cancellation, and the Company shall execute, and the Trustee, upon receipt of a Company Order for the authentication and delivery of Individual Securities of such series, will authenticate and deliver to each beneficial owner identified by the Depositary in exchange for its beneficial interest in such Global Security, an equal aggregate principal amount of Individual Securities of authorized denominations.
(4)The owner of a beneficial interest in a Global Security will be entitled to receive an Individual Security in exchange for such interest if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing. Upon receipt by the Security Custodian and Registrar of instructions from the Holder of a Global Security directing the Security Custodian and Registrar to (x) issue one or more Individual Securities in the amounts specified to the owner of a beneficial interest in such Global Security and (y) debit or cause to be debited an equivalent amount of beneficial interest in such Global Security, subject to the rules and regulations of the Depositary:
(i)the Security Custodian and Registrar shall notify the Company and the Trustee of such instructions, identifying the owner and amount of such beneficial interest in such Global Security;
(ii)the Company shall promptly execute and the Trustee, upon receipt of a Company Order for the authentication and delivery of Individual Securities of such series, shall authenticate and deliver to such beneficial owner Individual Securities in an equivalent amount to such beneficial interest in such Global Security; and
(iii)the Security Custodian and Registrar shall decrease such Global Security by such amount in accordance with the foregoing. In the event that the Individual Securities are not issued to each such beneficial owner promptly after the Registrar has received a request from the Holder of a Global Security to issue such Individual Securities, the Company expressly acknowledges, with respect to the right of any Holder to pursue a remedy pursuant to Section 7.07 hereof, the right of any beneficial Holder of Securities to pursue such remedy with respect
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to the portion of the Global Security that represents such beneficial Holder’s Securities as if such Individual Securities had been issued.
(1)If specified by the Company pursuant to Section 3.01 with respect to a series of Securities, the Depositary for such series of Securities may surrender a Global Security for such series of Securities in exchange in whole or in part for Individual Securities of such series on such terms as are acceptable to the Company and such Depositary. Thereupon, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, without service charge,
(iv)to each Person specified by such Depositary a new Individual Security or new Individual Securities of the same series, of any authorized denomination as requested by such Person in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for such Person’s beneficial interest in the Global Security; and
(v)to such Depositary a new Global Security in a denomination equal to the difference, if any, between the principal amount of the surrendered Global Security and the aggregate principal amount of Individual Securities delivered to Holders thereof.
(5)In any exchange provided for in clauses (i) through (iii), the Company will execute and the Trustee will authenticate and deliver Individual Securities in registered form in authorized denominations.
(6)Upon the exchange in full of a Global Security for Individual Securities, such Global Security shall be canceled by the Trustee. Individual Securities issued in exchange for a Global Security pursuant to this Section shall be registered in such names and in such authorized denominations as the Depositary for such Global Security, pursuant to instructions from its direct or indirect participants or otherwise, shall instruct the Trustee. The Trustee shall deliver such Securities to the Persons in whose names such Securities are so registered.
(xlviii)All Securities issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities shall be valid obligations of the Company evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Securities surrendered for such registration of transfer or exchange.
(xlix)Every Security presented or surrendered for registration of transfer, or for exchange or payment shall (if so required by the Company, the Trustee or the Registrar) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company, the Trustee and the Registrar, duly executed by the Holder thereof or by his, her or its attorney duly authorized in writing.
(l)No service charge will be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities. The Company or the Trustee may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax, assessment or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, other than those expressly provided in this Indenture to be made at the Company’s own expense or without expense or charge to the Holders.
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(li)The Company shall not be required to (i) register, transfer or exchange Securities of any series during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of the transmission of a notice of redemption of Securities of such series selected for redemption under Section 4.02 and ending at the close of business on the day of such transmission, or (ii) register, transfer or exchange any Security so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Security being redeemed in part.
(lii)In case a successor Company (“Successor Company”) has executed an indenture supplemental hereto with the Trustee pursuant to Section 6.04, any of the Securities previously authenticated or delivered may, from time to time, at the request of the Successor Company, be exchanged for other Securities executed in the name of the Successor Company with such changes in phraseology and form as may be appropriate, but otherwise identical to the Securities surrendered for such exchange and of like principal amount; and the Trustee, upon Company Order of the Successor Company, shall authenticate and deliver Securities as specified in such order for the purpose of such exchange. If Securities shall at any time be authenticated and delivered in any new name of a Successor Company pursuant to this Section 3.06 in exchange or substitution for or upon registration of transfer of any Securities, such Successor Company, at the option of the Holders but without expense to them, shall provide for the exchange of all Securities at the time Outstanding for Securities authenticated and delivered in such new name.
(liii)The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this Indenture or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any Security other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by the terms of, this Indenture, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof.
(liv)Neither the Trustee nor any agent of the Trustee shall have any responsibility for any actions taken or not taken by the Depositary.
(lv)Prior to the due presentation for registration of transfer or exchange of any Security, the Company, the Trustee, the Paying Agent, the Registrar or any of their agents may deem and treat the Person in whose name a Security is registered as the absolute owner of such Security (whether or not such Security shall be overdue and notwithstanding any notation of ownership or other writing thereon) for all purposes whatsoever, and none of the Company, the Trustee, the Paying Agent, the Registrar or any of their agents shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.
(lvi)The Trustee shall have no responsibility or obligation to any beneficial owner of a Global Security, a member of, or a participant in, the Depositary or other Person with respect to the accuracy of the records of the Depositary or its nominee or of any participant or member thereof, with respect to any ownership interest in the Securities or with respect to the delivery to any participant, member, beneficial owner or other Person (other than the Depositary) of any notice (including any notice of redemption or purchase) or the payment of any amount or delivery of any Securities (or other security or property) under or with respect to such Securities. All notices and communications to be given to the Holders and all payments to be made to Holders in respect of the Securities shall be given or made only to or upon the order of the registered Holders (which shall be the Depositary or its nominee in the case of a Global Security). The rights of beneficial owners in any Global Security shall be exercised only through the Depositary subject to the applicable rules and procedures of the Depositary. The Trustee may rely and shall be fully protected in relying upon information furnished by the Depositary with respect to its members, participants and any beneficial owners.
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Section 1.0aMutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities.
(lvii)If (i) any mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office or (ii) the Company and the Trustee receive evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Security, and there is delivered to the Company and the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to them to save each of them and any Paying Agent harmless, and neither the Company nor the Trustee receives notice that such Security has been acquired by a protected purchaser, then the Company shall execute and upon Company Order the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in exchange for or in lieu of any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security, a new Security of the same series and of like tenor, form, terms and principal amount, bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding, such that neither gain nor loss in interest shall result from such exchange or substitution.
(lviii)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 the amount due on such Security in accordance with its terms.
(lix)Upon the issuance of any new Security under this Section, the Company may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in respect thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith.
(lx)Every new Security of any series issued pursuant to this Section 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.
(lxi)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 1.0fPayment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved.
(lxii)Interest on any Security that is payable and is punctually paid or duly provided for on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the Person in whose name such Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Record Date for such interest notwithstanding the cancellation of such Security upon any transfer or exchange subsequent to the Record Date. Payment of interest on Securities shall be made at the Corporate Trust Office (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 3.01) or, at the option of the Company, by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Register or, in accordance with arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee, by wire transfer to an account designated by the Holder.
(lxiii)Any interest on any Security that is payable but is not punctually paid or duly provided for on any Interest Payment Date (herein called “Defaulted Interest”) shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on the relevant Record Date by virtue of his, her or its having been such a Holder, and such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Company, at its election in each case, as provided in clause (i) or (ii) below:
(2)The Company may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Interest to the Persons in whose names such Securities (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on a special record
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date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest (a “Special Record Date”), 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 such Security 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 calendar days and not less than 10 calendar days prior to the date of the proposed payment and not less than 10 calendar days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company of such Special Record Date and, in the name and at the expense of the Company, shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor to be mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to the Holders of such Securities at their addresses as they appear in the Register, not less than 10 calendar days prior to such Special Record Date. Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor having been mailed as aforesaid, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Persons in whose names such Securities (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 (ii).
(3)The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on Securities 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.
(lxiv)Subject to the provisions set forth herein relating to Record Dates, each Security delivered pursuant to any provision of this Indenture in exchange or substitution for, or upon registration of transfer of, any other Security shall carry all the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other Security.
Section 1.0gCancellation. Unless otherwise specified pursuant to Section 3.01 for Securities of any series, all Securities surrendered for payment, redemption, registration of transfer or exchange or credit against any sinking fund or otherwise shall, if surrendered to any Person other than the Trustee, be delivered to the Trustee for cancellation and shall be promptly canceled by it and, if surrendered to the Trustee, shall be promptly canceled by it. The Company may at any time deliver to the Trustee for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated and delivered hereunder that the Company may have acquired in any manner whatsoever, and all Securities so delivered shall be promptly canceled by the Trustee. No Securities shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Securities canceled as provided in this Section, except as expressly permitted by this Indenture. The Trustee shall dispose of all canceled Securities held by it in accordance with its then customary procedures and deliver a certificate of such disposal to the Company upon its request therefor. The acquisition of any Securities by the Company shall not operate as a redemption or satisfaction of the Indebtedness represented thereby unless and until such Securities are surrendered to the Trustee for cancellation.
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Section 1.jComputation of Interest. Except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 3.01 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.
Section 1.kCurrency of Payments in Respect of Securities.
(lxv)Except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 3.01 for Securities of any series, payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on Securities of such series will be made in U.S. Dollars.
(lxvi)For purposes of any provision of the Indenture where the Holders of Outstanding Securities may perform an action that requires that a specified percentage of the Outstanding Securities of all series perform such action and for purposes of any decision or determination by the Trustee of amounts due and unpaid for the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the Securities of all series in respect of which moneys are to be disbursed ratably, the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the Outstanding Securities denominated in a Foreign Currency will be the amount in U.S. Dollars based upon exchange rates, determined as specified pursuant to Section 3.01 for Securities of such series, as of the date for determining whether the Holders entitled to perform such action have performed it or as of the date of such decision or determination by the Trustee, as the case may be.
(lxvii)Any decision or determination to be made regarding exchange rates shall be made by an agent appointed by the Company; provided that such agent shall accept such appointment in writing and the terms of such appointment shall, in the opinion of the Company at the time of such appointment, require such agent to make such determination by a method consistent with the method provided pursuant to Section 3.01 for the making of such decision or determination. All decisions and determinations of such agent regarding exchange rates shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive for all purposes and irrevocably binding upon the Company, the Trustee and all Holders of the Securities.
Section 1.lJudgments. The Company may provide pursuant to Section 3.01 for Securities of any series that (a) the obligation, if any, of the Company to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Securities of any series in a Foreign Currency or U.S. Dollars (the “Designated Currency”) as may be specified pursuant to Section 3.01 is of the essence and agrees that, to the fullest extent possible under applicable law, judgments in respect of such Securities shall be given in the Designated Currency; (b) the obligation of the Company to make payments in the Designated Currency of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on such Securities shall, notwithstanding any payment in any other Currency (whether pursuant to a judgment or otherwise), be discharged only to the extent of the amount in the Designated Currency that the Holder receiving such payment may, in accordance with normal banking procedures, purchase with the sum paid in such other Currency (after any premium and cost of exchange) on the business day in the country of issue of the Designated Currency or in the international banking community (in the case of a composite currency) immediately following the day on which such Holder receives such payment; (c) if the amount in the Designated Currency that may be so purchased for any reason falls short of the amount originally due, the Company shall pay such additional amounts as may be necessary to compensate for such shortfall; and (d) any obligation of the Company not discharged by such payment shall be due as a separate and independent obligation and, until discharged as provided herein, shall continue in full force and effect.
Section 1.mCUSIP Numbers. The Company in issuing any Securities may use CUSIP, ISIN or other similar numbers, if then generally in use, and thereafter with respect to such series, the Trustee may use such numbers in any notice of redemption or exchange with respect to such series provided that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to
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the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Securities or as contained in any notice of a redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Securities, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Company will promptly notify the Trustee in writing of any change in the CUSIP, ISIN or other similar numbers.
ARTICLE 4
REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES
REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES
Section 1.0hApplicability of Right of Redemption. Redemption of Securities (other than pursuant to a sinking fund, amortization or analogous provision) permitted by the terms of any series of Securities shall be made (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 3.01 for Securities of any series) in accordance with this Article; provided, however, that if any such terms of a series of Securities shall conflict with any provision of this Article, the terms of such series shall govern.
Section 1.0iSelection of Securities to be Redeemed.
(i)If the Company shall at any time elect to redeem all or any portion of the Securities of a series then Outstanding, it shall at least 15 days prior to the Redemption Date fixed by the Company (unless a shorter period shall be satisfactory to the Trustee) notify the Trustee of such Redemption Date and of the principal amount of Securities to be redeemed, and thereupon the Trustee shall select, by lot or in such other manner as the Trustee shall deem appropriate and, in the case of Global Securities, in accordance with the procedures of the Depositary, 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. In any case where more than one Security of such series is registered in the same name, the Trustee may treat the aggregate principal amount so registered as if it were represented by one Security of such series. The Trustee shall, as soon as practicable, notify the Company in writing of the Securities and portions of Securities so selected.
(ii)For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Securities shall relate, in the case of any Security redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the principal amount of such Security that has been or is to be redeemed. If the Company shall so direct, Securities registered in the name of the Company, any Affiliate or any Subsidiary thereof shall not be included in the Securities selected for redemption.
Section 1.0dNotice of Redemption.
(iii)Notice of redemption 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, not less than 10 nor more than 30 days prior to the Redemption Date, to the Holders of Securities of any series to be redeemed in whole or in part pursuant to this Article, in the manner provided in Section 16.04. Any notice so given shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or not the Holder receives such notice. Failure to give such notice, or any defect in such notice to the Holder of any Security of a series designated for redemption, in whole or in part, shall not affect the sufficiency of any notice of redemption with respect to the Holder of any other Security of such series.
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(iv)All notices of redemption shall identify the Securities to be redeemed (including CUSIP, ISIN or other similar numbers, if available along with the statement in Section 3.13) and shall state:
(1)such election by the Company to redeem Securities of such series pursuant to provisions contained in this Indenture or the terms of the Securities of such series or a supplemental indenture establishing such series, if such be the case;
(2)the Redemption Date;
(3)the Redemption Price;
(4)if less than all Outstanding Securities of any series are to be redeemed, the identification (and, in the case of partial redemption, the principal amounts) of the Securities of such series to be redeemed;
(5)that on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price will become due and payable upon each such Security to be redeemed, and that, if applicable, interest thereon shall cease to accrue on and after said date;
(6)the Place or Places of Payment where such Securities are to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price; and
(7)that the redemption is for a sinking fund, if such is the case.
(v)At the Company’s request, the Trustee shall give the notice of redemption in the Company’s name and at the Company’s expense; provided, however, that the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee, at least five (5) calendar days before notice of redemption is required to be sent or caused to be sent to Holders pursuant to this Section (or such shorter period as is acceptable to the Trustee), an Officer’s Certificate requesting that the Trustee give such notice and setting forth the information to be stated in the notice as provided in the preceding paragraph.
Section 1.0bDeposit of Redemption Price. On or prior to 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the Redemption Date for any Securities, 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 6.03) an amount of money in the Currency in which such Securities are denominated (except as provided pursuant to Section 3.01) sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of such Securities or any portions thereof that are to be redeemed on that date.
Section 1.0cSecurities Payable on Redemption Date. Notice of redemption having been given as aforesaid, any Securities so to be redeemed shall, on the Redemption Date, become due and payable at the Redemption Price and from and after such date (unless the Company shall Default in the payment of the Redemption Price) 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; provided, however, that (unless otherwise provided pursuant to Section 3.01) installments of interest that have a Stated Maturity on or prior to the Redemption Date for such Securities shall be payable according to the terms of such Securities and the provisions of Section 3.08.
If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender thereof for redemption, the principal thereof and premium, if any, thereon shall, until paid, bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate borne by or prescribed in such Securities.
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Section 1.0dSecurities Redeemed in Part. Any Security that is to be redeemed only in part shall be surrendered at the Corporate Trust Office or such other office or agency of the Company as is specified in the notice of redemption with, if the Company, the Registrar or the Trustee so requires, due endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company, the Registrar and the Trustee duly executed by the Holder thereof or his, her or its attorney duly authorized in writing, and the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Security without service charge, a new Security or Securities of the same series, of like tenor and form, 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; except that if a Global Security is so surrendered, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Depositary for such Global Security, without service charge, a new Global Security in a denomination equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Global Security so surrendered. In the case of a Security providing appropriate space for such notation, at the option of the Holder thereof, the Trustee, in lieu of delivering a new Security or Securities as aforesaid, may make a notation on such Security of the payment of the redeemed portion thereof.
ARTICLE 5
SINKING FUNDS
SINKING FUNDS
Section 1.0jApplicability of Sinking Fund.
(i)Redemption of Securities permitted or required pursuant to a sinking fund for the retirement of Securities of a series by the terms of such series of Securities shall be made in accordance with such terms of such series of Securities and this Article, except as otherwise specified pursuant to Article IV for Securities of such series, provided, however, that if any such terms of a series of Securities shall conflict with any provision of this Article, the terms of such series shall govern.
(ii)The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of Securities of any series is herein referred to as a “Mandatory Sinking Fund Payment,” and any payment in excess of such minimum amount provided for by the terms of Securities of any series is herein referred to as an “Optional Sinking Fund Payment.” If provided for by the terms of Securities of any series, the cash amount of any Mandatory Sinking Fund Payment may be subject to reduction as provided in Section 5.02.
Section 1.0eMandatory Sinking Fund Obligation. The Company may, at its option, satisfy any Mandatory Sinking Fund Payment obligation, in whole or in part, with respect to a particular series of Securities by (a) delivering to the Trustee Securities of such series in transferable form theretofore purchased or otherwise acquired by the Company or redeemed at the election of the Company pursuant to Article IV or (b) receiving credit for Securities of such series (not previously so credited) acquired by the Company and theretofore delivered to the Trustee. The Trustee shall credit such Mandatory Sinking Fund Payment obligation with an amount equal to the Redemption Price specified in such Securities for redemption through operation of the sinking fund and the amount of such Mandatory Sinking Fund Payment shall be reduced accordingly. If the Company shall elect to so satisfy any Mandatory Sinking Fund Payment obligation, it shall deliver to the Trustee not less than 45 days prior to the relevant sinking fund payment date an Officer’s Certificate, which shall designate the Securities (and portions thereof, if any) so delivered or credited and which shall be accompanied by such Securities (to the extent not theretofore delivered) in transferable form. In case of the failure of the Company, at or before the time so required, to give such notice and deliver such Securities the Mandatory Sinking Fund Payment obligation shall be paid entirely in moneys.
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Section 1.0fOptional Redemption at Sinking Fund Redemption Price. In addition to the sinking fund requirements of Section 5.02, to the extent, if any, provided for by the terms of a particular series of Securities, the Company may, at its option, make an Optional Sinking Fund Payment with respect to such Securities. Unless otherwise provided by such terms, (a) to the extent that the right of the Company to make such Optional Sinking Fund Payment shall not be exercised in any year, it shall not be cumulative or carried forward to any subsequent year, and (b) such optional payment shall operate to reduce the amount of any Mandatory Sinking Fund Payment obligation as to Securities of the same series. If the Company intends to exercise its right to make such optional payment in any year it shall deliver to the Trustee not less than 45 days prior to the relevant sinking fund payment date an Officer’s Certificate stating that the Company will exercise such optional right, and specifying the amount which the Company will pay on or before the next succeeding sinking fund payment date. Such Officer’s Certificate shall also state that no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.
Section 1.0gApplication of Sinking Fund Payment.
(iii)If the sinking fund payment or payments made in funds pursuant to either Section 5.02 or 5.03 with respect to a particular series of Securities plus any unused balance of any preceding sinking fund payments made in funds with respect to such series shall exceed $50,000 (or a lesser sum if the Company shall so request, or such equivalent sum for Securities denominated other than in U.S. Dollars), it shall be applied by the Trustee on the sinking fund payment date next following the date of such payment, unless the date of such payment shall be a sinking fund payment date, in which case such payment shall be applied on such sinking fund payment date, to the redemption of Securities of such series at the redemption price specified pursuant to Section 4.03(b). The Trustee shall select, in the manner provided in Section 4.02, for redemption on such sinking fund payment date, a sufficient principal amount of Securities of such series to absorb said funds, as nearly as may be, and shall, at the expense and in the name of the Company, thereupon cause notice of redemption, prepared by the Company, of the Securities to be given in substantially the manner provided in Section 4.03(a) for the redemption of Securities in part at the option of the Company, except that the notice of redemption shall also state that the Securities are being redeemed for the sinking fund. Any sinking fund moneys not so applied by the Trustee to the redemption of Securities of such series shall be added to the next sinking fund payment received in funds by the Trustee and, together with such payment, shall be applied in accordance with the provisions of this Section 5.04. Any and all sinking fund moneys held by the Trustee on the last sinking fund payment date with respect to Securities of such series, and not held for the payment or redemption of particular Securities of such series, shall be applied by the Trustee to the payment of the principal of the Securities of such series at Maturity.
(iv)On or prior to each sinking fund payment date, the Company shall pay to the Trustee a sum equal to all interest accrued to but not including the date fixed for redemption on Securities to be redeemed on such sinking fund payment date pursuant to this Section 5.04.
(v)The Trustee shall not redeem any Securities of a series with sinking fund moneys or mail any notice of redemption of Securities of such series by operation of the sinking fund during the continuance of a Default in payment of interest on any Securities of such series or of any Event of Default (other than an Event of Default occurring as a consequence of this paragraph) of which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge, except that if the notice of redemption of any Securities of such series shall theretofore have been mailed in accordance with the provisions hereof, the Trustee shall redeem such Securities if funds sufficient for that purpose shall be deposited with the Trustee in accordance with the terms of this Article. Except as aforesaid, any moneys in the sinking fund at the time any such Default or Event of Default shall occur and any moneys thereafter paid into the sinking fund shall, during the continuance of such Default or Event of Default, be held as security for the payment of all the Securities of such series; provided, however, that in case such Default or Event of Default shall
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have been cured or waived as provided herein, such moneys shall thereafter be applied on the next sinking fund payment date on which such moneys are required to be applied pursuant to the provisions of this Section 5.04.
ARTICLE 6
PARTICULAR COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY
PARTICULAR COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY
The Company hereby covenants and agrees as follows:
Section 1.0aPayments of Securities. The Company will duly and punctually pay the principal of and premium, if any, on each series of Securities, and the interest which shall have accrued thereon, at the dates and place and in the manner provided in the Securities and in this Indenture.
Section 1.0bPaying Agent.
(i)The Company will maintain in each Place of Payment for any series of Securities an office or agency where Securities may be presented or surrendered for payment, where Securities of such series may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities and this Indenture may be served (the “Paying Agent”). 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 Paying Agent to receive all presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.
(ii)The Company may also from time to time designate different or additional offices or agencies where the Securities of any series may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes (in or outside of such Place of Payment), and may from time to time rescind any such designations; provided, however, that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Company of its obligations described in the preceding paragraph. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such additional designation or rescission of designation and of any change in the location of any such different or additional office or agency. The Company shall enter into an appropriate agency agreement with any Paying Agent not a party to this Indenture. The agreement shall implement the provisions of this Indenture that relate to such agent. The Company shall notify the Trustee of the name and address of each such agent. The Company or any Affiliate thereof may act as Paying Agent.
Section 1.0cTo Hold Payment in Trust.
(i)If the Company or an Affiliate thereof shall at any time act as Paying Agent with respect to any series of Securities, then, on or before the date on which the principal of and premium, if any, or interest on any of the Securities of that series by their terms or as a result of the calling thereof for redemption shall become payable, the Company or such Affiliate will segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities or the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay such principal and premium, if any, or interest which shall have so become payable until such sums shall be paid to such Holders or otherwise disposed of as herein provided, and will notify the Trustee of its action or failure to act in that regard. Upon any proceeding under any federal bankruptcy laws with respect to the Company or any Affiliate thereof, if the Company or such Affiliate is then acting as Paying Agent, the Trustee shall replace the Company or such Affiliate as Paying Agent.
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(ii)If the Company shall appoint, and at the time have, a Paying Agent for the payment of the principal of and premium, if any, or interest on any series of Securities, then prior to 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the date on which the principal of and premium, if any, or interest on any of the Securities of that series shall become payable as aforesaid, whether by their terms or as a result of the calling thereof for redemption, the Company will deposit with such Paying Agent a sum sufficient to pay such principal and premium, if any, or interest, such sum to be held in trust for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities or the Trustee, and (unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee), the Company or any other obligor of such Securities will promptly notify the Trustee of its payment or failure to make such payment.
(iii)If the Paying Agent shall be other than the Trustee, the Company will cause such Paying Agent 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 6.03, that such Paying Agent shall:
(1)hold all moneys held by it for the payment of the principal of and premium, if any, or interest on the Securities of that series in trust for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities until such sums shall be paid to such Holders or otherwise disposed of as herein provided;
(2)give to the Trustee notice of any Default by the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities of that series in the making of any payment of the principal of and premium, if any, or interest on the Securities of that series; and
(3)at any time during the continuance of any such Default, upon the written request of the Trustee, pay to the Trustee all sums so held in trust by such Paying Agent.
(i)Anything in this Section 6.03 to the contrary notwithstanding, the Company may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining a release, satisfaction or discharge of this Indenture or for any other reason, pay or cause to be paid to the Trustee all sums held in trust by the Company or by any Paying Agent other than the Trustee as required by this Section 6.03, 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.
(ii)Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of and premium, if any, or interest on any Security of any series and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal and premium, if any, or interest has become due and payable shall be paid to the Company upon Company Order along with any interest that has accumulated thereon as a result of such money being invested at the direction of the Company, or (if then held by the Company) shall be discharged from such trust, and the Holder of such Security shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for payment of such amounts without interest thereon, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Company as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease; provided, however, that the Trustee or such Paying Agent before being required to make any such repayment, may at the expense of the Company cause to be published once, in a newspaper published in the English language, customarily published on each Business Day and of general circulation in 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.
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Section 1.0dMerger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets. Except as otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 3.01 with respect to any series of Securities:
(iv)The Company will not consolidate with any other entity or permit a merger of any other entity into the Company or permit the Company to be merged into any other entity, or sell, convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all its assets to another entity, unless (i) either the Company shall be the continuing entity, or the successor, transferee or lessee entity (if other than the Company) shall be organized and existing under the laws of the United States or any State thereof or the District of Columbia and expressly assume, by indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered by such entity prior to or simultaneously with such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, transfer or lease, the due and punctual payment of the principal of and interest and premium, if any, on all the Securities, according to their tenor, and the due and punctual performance and observance of all other obligations to the Holders and the Trustee under this Indenture or under the Securities to be performed or observed by the Company; and (ii) immediately after such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, transfer or lease the Company or the successor, transferee or lessee entity (if other than the Company) would not be in Default in the performance of any covenant or condition of this Indenture.
(v)Upon any consolidation with or merger into any other entity, or any sale, conveyance or transfer lease of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in accordance with this Section 6.04, the successor entity formed by such consolidation or into or with which the Company is merged or to which the Company is sold 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 entity had been named as the Company herein, and thereafter, except in the case of a lease, the predecessor Company shall be relieved of all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and the Securities, and from time to time such entity may exercise each and every right and power of the Company under this Indenture, in the name of the Company, or in its own name; and any act or proceeding by any provision of this Indenture required or permitted to be done by the Board of Directors or any officer of the Company may be done with like force and effect by the like board or officer of any entity that shall at the time be the successor of the Company hereunder. In the event of any such sale or conveyance, but not any such lease, the Company (or any successor entity which shall theretofore have become such in the manner described in this Section 6.04) shall be discharged from all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and the Securities and may thereupon be dissolved and liquidated.
Section 1.0eCompliance Certificate. Except as otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 3.01 with respect to any series of Securities, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee annually, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, a brief certificate from an Officer as to his or her knowledge of the Company’s compliance with all conditions and covenants under this Indenture (which compliance shall be determined without regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice provided under this Indenture) and, in the event of any Default, specifying each such Default and the nature and status thereof of which such person may have knowledge. Such certificates need not comply with Section 16.01 of this Indenture.
Section 1.0fConditional Waiver by Holders of Securities. Anything in this Indenture to the contrary notwithstanding, the Company may fail or omit in any particular instance to comply with a covenant or condition set forth herein with respect to any series of Securities if the Company shall have obtained and filed with the Trustee, prior to the time of such failure or omission, evidence (as provided in Article VIII) of the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of such series at the time Outstanding (except as to a covenant or condition which under Section 14.02 cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security of such series affected, in which case the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security of such series affected shall be required),
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either waiving such compliance in such instance or generally waiving compliance with such covenant or condition, but no such waiver shall extend to or affect such covenant or condition except to the extent so expressly waived, or impair any right consequent thereon and, until such waiver shall have become effective, the obligations of the Company and the duties of the Trustee in respect of any such covenant or condition shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 1.0gStatement by Officers as to Default. The Company shall deliver to the Trustee as soon as possible and in any event within 30 days after the Company becomes aware of the occurrence of any Event of Default or an event which, with the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both, would constitute an Event of Default, an Officer’s Certificate setting forth the details of such Event of Default or Default and the action which the Company proposes to take with respect thereto.
ARTICLE 7
REMEDIES OF TRUSTEE AND SECURITYHOLDERS
REMEDIES OF TRUSTEE AND SECURITYHOLDERS
Section 1.0hEvents of Default. Except where otherwise indicated by the context or where the term is otherwise defined for a specific purpose, the term “Event of Default” as used in this Indenture with respect to Securities of any series shall mean any of the following described events unless it is either inapplicable to a particular series or it is specifically deleted or modified in the manner contemplated in Section 3.01:
(vi)the failure of the Company to pay any installment of interest on any Security of such series when and as the same shall become payable, which failure shall have continued unremedied for a period of 30 days;
(vii)the failure of the Company to pay the principal of (and premium, if any, on) any Security of such series, when and as the same shall become payable, whether at Maturity as therein expressed, by call for redemption (otherwise than pursuant to a sinking fund), upon acceleration under this Indenture or otherwise;
(viii)the failure of the Company to pay a sinking fund installment, if any, when and as the same shall become payable by the terms of a Security of such series, which failure shall have continued unremedied for a period of 30 days;
(ix)the failure of the Company, subject to the provisions of Section 6.06, to perform any covenants or satisfy any conditions contained in this Indenture (or the terms of the Securities of such series or a supplemental indenture establishing such series) (other than a covenant or condition which has been expressly included in this Indenture solely for the benefit of a series of Securities other than that series and other than a covenant or condition a default in the performance of which is elsewhere in this Section 7.01 specifically addressed), which failure shall not have been remedied, or without provision deemed to be adequate for the remedying thereof having been made, for a period of 90 days after written notice shall have been given to the Company by the Trustee or shall have been given to the Company and the Trustee by Holders of 25% or more in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of such series then Outstanding, specifying such failure, requiring the Company to remedy the same and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” hereunder;
(x)the entry by a court having jurisdiction in the premises of a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company in an involuntary case under the federal bankruptcy laws, as now or hereafter constituted, or any other applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, or appointing a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee or sequestrator (or similar official) of the Company or of substantially all the
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property of the Company or ordering the winding-up or liquidation of its affairs and such decree or order shall remain unstayed and in effect for a period of 90 consecutive days;
(xi)the commencement by the Company of a voluntary case under the federal bankruptcy laws, as now or hereafter constituted, or any other applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, or the consent by the Company to the entry of an order for relief in an involuntary case under any such law, or the consent by the Company to the appointment of or taking possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, custodian or sequestrator (or similar official) of the Company or of substantially all the property of the Company 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 action; or
(xii)the occurrence of any other Event of Default with respect to Securities of such series as provided in Section 3.01;
provided, however, that no event described in clause (d) or (other than with respect to a payment default) (g) above shall constitute an Event of Default hereunder until the Trustee or the Holders of 25% or more in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of such series then Outstanding, notify the Company (and the Trustee in case of notice by the Holders) of the Default, specifying the Default, requiring the Company to remedy the same and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” hereunder.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 7.01, if the principal or any premium or interest on any Security is payable in a Currency other than the Currency of the United States and such Currency is not available to the Company for making payment thereof due to the imposition of exchange controls or other circumstances beyond the control of the Company, the Company will be entitled to satisfy its obligations to Holders of the Securities by making such payment in the Currency of the United States in an amount equal to the Currency of the United States equivalent of the amount payable in such other Currency, as determined by the Company’s agent in accordance with Section 3.11(c) hereof by reference to the noon buying rate in The City of New York for cable transfers for such Currency (“Exchange Rate”), as such Exchange Rate is reported or otherwise made available by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the date of such payment, or, if such rate is not then available, on the basis of the most recently available Exchange Rate. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 7.01, any payment made under such circumstances in the Currency of the United States where the required payment is in a Currency other than the Currency of the United States will not constitute an Event of Default under this Indenture.
Section 1.0iAcceleration; Rescission and Annulment.
(iii)Except as otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 3.01 with respect to any series of Securities, if any one or more of the above-described Events of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in Section 7.01(e) or 7.01(f)) shall happen with respect to Securities of any series at the time Outstanding, then, and in each and every such case, during the continuance of any such Event of Default, the Trustee or the Holders of 25% or more in principal amount of the Securities of such series then Outstanding may declare the principal (or, if the Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of that series) of and all accrued and unpaid interest on all the Securities of such series then Outstanding 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 acceleration such principal amount (or specified amount) and accrued and unpaid interest thereon shall become immediately due and payable. If an Event of Default specified in Section 7.01(e) or 7.01(f) occurs and is continuing, then in every such case, the principal amount (or, if the
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Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the principal amount as may be specified by the terms of that series) of and accrued and unpaid interest on all of the Securities of that series then Outstanding shall automatically, and without any acceleration or any other action on the part of the Trustee or any Holder, become due and payable immediately. Upon payment of such amounts in the Currency in which such Securities are denominated (subject to the last paragraph of Section 7.01 and except as otherwise provided pursuant to Section 3.01), all obligations of the Company in respect of the payment of principal of and interest on the Securities of such series shall terminate.
(iv)The provisions of Section 7.02(a), however, are subject to the condition that, at any time after the principal and accrued and unpaid interest on all the Securities of such series, to which any one or more of the above-described Events of Default is applicable, shall have been so declared to be or shall have automatically become due and payable, and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee as hereinafter provided in this Article, Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of that series then Outstanding, by written notice to the Company and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such acceleration if:
(1)the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee or Paying Agent a sum in the Currency in which such Securities are denominated (subject to the last paragraph of Section 7.01 and except as otherwise provided pursuant to Section 3.01) sufficient to pay:
(i)all amounts owing the Trustee and any predecessor trustee hereunder under Section 11.01(a) (provided, however, that all sums payable under this clause (A) shall be paid in U.S. Dollars);
(ii)all accrued and unpaid interest, if any, upon all the Securities of such series with interest thereon to the extent that interest thereon shall be legally enforceable, on any overdue installment of interest at the rate borne by or prescribed in such Securities; and
(iii)the principal of and accrued and unpaid premium, if any, on any Securities of such series that have become due otherwise than by such acceleration with interest thereon to the extent that interest thereon shall be legally enforceable, on any overdue installment of interest at the rate borne by or prescribed in such Securities; and
(2)every other Default and Event 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 acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in Section 7.06.
(i)No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon.
(ii)For all purposes under this Indenture, if a portion of the principal of any Original Issue Discount Securities shall have been accelerated and declared due and payable pursuant to the provisions hereof, then, from and after such acceleration, unless such acceleration has been rescinded and annulled, the principal amount of such Original Issue Discount Securities shall be deemed, for all purposes hereunder, to be such portion of the principal thereof as shall be
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due and payable as a result of such acceleration, and payment of such portion of the principal thereof as shall be due and payable as a result of such acceleration, together with interest, if any, thereon and all other amounts owing thereunder, shall constitute payment in full of such Original Issue Discount Securities.
Section 1.0jOther Remedies. If the Company shall fail for a period of 30 days to pay any installment of interest on the Securities of any series or shall fail to pay any principal of and premium, if any, on any of the Securities of such series when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at Maturity, or by call for redemption (other than pursuant to the sinking fund), by acceleration as authorized by this Indenture, or otherwise, or shall fail for a period of 30 days to make any required sinking fund payment as to a series of Securities, then, upon demand of the Trustee, the Company will pay to the Paying Agent for the benefit of the Holders of Securities of such series then Outstanding the whole amount which then shall have become due and payable on all the Securities of such series for principal, premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest, with interest (so far as the same may be legally enforceable) on the overdue principal and on the overdue premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest at the rate borne by or prescribed in such Securities, and all amounts owing the Trustee and any predecessor trustee hereunder under Section 11.01(a).
In case the Company shall fail forthwith to pay such amounts upon such demand, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, shall be entitled and empowered to institute any action or proceeding at law or in equity for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, and may prosecute any such action or proceeding to judgment or final decree, and may enforce any such judgment or final decree against the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities of such series, and collect the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable out of the property of the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities of such series, wherever situated, in the manner provided by law. Every recovery of judgment in any such action or other proceeding, subject to the payment to the Trustee of all amounts owing the Trustee and any predecessor trustee hereunder under Section 11.01(a), shall be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of such series of Securities which shall be the subject of such action or proceeding. All rights of action upon or under any of the Securities or this Indenture may be enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the Securities and without the production of any thereof at any trial or any proceeding relative thereto.
Section 1.0kTrustee as Attorney-in-Fact. The Trustee is hereby appointed, and each and every Holder of the Securities, by receiving and holding the same, shall be conclusively deemed to have appointed the Trustee, the true and lawful attorney-in-fact of such Holder, with authority to make or file (whether or not the Company shall be in Default in respect of the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on, any of the Securities), in its own name and as trustee of an express trust or otherwise as it shall deem advisable, in any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization or other judicial proceeding relative to the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or to their respective creditors or property, any and all claims, proofs of claim, proofs of debt, petitions, consents, other papers and documents and amendments of any thereof, as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee and any predecessor trustee hereunder and of the Holders of the Securities allowed in any such proceeding and to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such claim, and to execute and deliver any and all other papers and documents and to do and perform any and all other acts and things, as it may deem necessary or advisable in order to enforce in any such proceeding any of the claims of the Trustee and any predecessor trustee hereunder and of any of such Holders in respect of any of the Securities; and any receiver, assignee, trustee, custodian or debtor in any such proceeding is hereby authorized, and each and every taker or Holder of the Securities, by receiving and holding the same, shall be conclusively deemed to have authorized any such receiver, assignee, trustee, custodian or debtor, to make any such payment or delivery only to or on the order of the Trustee,
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and to pay to the Trustee any amount due it and any predecessor trustee hereunder under Section 11.01(a); provided, however, that nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize or empower the Trustee to consent to or accept or adopt, on behalf of any Holder of Securities, any plan of reorganization or readjustment affecting the Securities or the rights of any Holder thereof, or to authorize or empower the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder of any Securities in any such proceeding.
Section 1.0lPriorities. Any moneys or properties collected by the Trustee with respect to a series of Securities under this Article VII shall be applied in the order following, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee for the distribution of such moneys or properties and, in the case of the distribution of such moneys or properties on account of the Securities of any series, upon presentation of the Securities of such series, and stamping thereon the payment, if only partially paid, and upon surrender thereof, if fully paid:
First: To the payment of all amounts due to the Trustee and any predecessor trustee hereunder under Section 11.01(a).
Second: Subject to Article XV (to the extent applicable to any series of Securities then outstanding), to the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid for principal of and any premium and interest on the Outstanding Securities of such series 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 Outstanding Securities for principal and any premium and interest, respectively.
Any surplus then remaining shall be paid to the Company or as directed by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Section 1.0mControl by Securityholders; Waiver of Past Defaults. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of any series at the time Outstanding may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee hereunder, or of exercising any trust or power hereby conferred upon the Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series, provided, however, that, subject to the provisions of Sections 11.01 and 11.02, the Trustee shall have the right to decline to follow any such direction if the Trustee being advised by counsel determines that the action so directed may not lawfully be taken or would be unduly prejudicial to Holders not joining in such direction or would involve the Trustee in personal liability (it being understood that the Trustee has no affirmative duty to determine whether any action is prejudicial to any Holder). Prior to any acceleration of the Maturity of the Securities of any series, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of such series of Securities at the time Outstanding may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Securities of such series waive any past Default or Event of Default hereunder and its consequences except a continuing Default in the payment of interest or any premium on or the principal of the Securities of such series and except as to a covenant or condition which under Section 14.02 cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security of such series affected, in which case the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security of such series affected shall be required for such waiver. Upon any such waiver the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities of such series shall be restored to their former positions and rights hereunder, respectively; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon. Whenever any Default or Event of Default hereunder shall have been waived as permitted by this Section 7.06, said Default or Event of Default shall for all purposes of the Securities of such series and this Indenture be deemed to have been cured and to be not continuing.
Section 1.0nLimitation on Suits. No Holder of any Security of any series shall have any right to institute any action, suit or proceeding at law or in equity for the execution of any
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trust hereunder or for the appointment of a receiver or for any other remedy hereunder, in each case with respect to an Event of Default with respect to such series of Securities, unless such Holder previously shall have given to the Trustee written notice of one or more of the Events of Default herein specified with respect to such series of Securities, and unless also the Holders of 25% or more in principal amount of the Securities of such series then Outstanding shall have requested the Trustee in writing to take action in respect of the matter complained of, and unless also there shall have been offered to the Trustee security and indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred therein or thereby, and the Trustee, for 60 days after receipt of such notification, request and offer of indemnity, shall have neglected or refused to institute any such action, suit or proceeding; and such notification, request and offer of indemnity are hereby declared in every such case to be conditions precedent to any such action, suit or proceeding by any Holder of any Security of such series; it being understood and intended that no one or more of the Holders of Securities of such series shall have any right in any manner whatsoever by his, her, its or their action to enforce any right hereunder, except in the manner herein provided, and that every action, suit or proceeding at law or in equity shall be instituted, had and maintained in the manner herein provided and for the equal benefit of all Holders of the Outstanding Securities of such series; provided, however, that nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities of such series shall affect or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Securities of such series to the respective Holders of such Securities at the respective due dates in such Securities stated, or affect or impair the right, which is also absolute and unconditional, of such Holders to institute suit to enforce the payment thereof.
Section 1.0oUndertaking for Costs. All parties to this Indenture and each Holder of any Security, by such Holder’s acceptance thereof, shall be deemed to have agreed that any court may in its discretion require, in any action, suit or proceeding for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture, or in any action, suit or proceeding against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in such action, suit or proceeding of an undertaking to pay the costs of such action, suit or proceeding, and that such court may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, against any party litigant in such action, suit or proceeding, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; provided, however, that the provisions of this Section 7.08 shall not apply to any action, suit or proceeding instituted by the Trustee, to any action, suit or proceeding instituted by any one or more Holders of Securities holding in the aggregate more than 10% in principal amount of the Securities of any series Outstanding, or to any action, suit or proceeding instituted by any Holder of Securities of any series for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or the interest on, any of the Securities of such series, on or after the respective due dates expressed in such Securities.
Section 1.0pRemedies Cumulative. No remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders of Securities of any series is intended to be exclusive of any other remedy or remedies, and each and every remedy shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to every other remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by statute. No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of the Securities of any series to exercise any right or power accruing upon any Default or Event of Default shall impair any such right or power or shall be construed to be a waiver of any such Default or Event of Default or an acquiescence therein; and every power and remedy given by this Article VII to the Trustee and to the Holders of Securities of any series, respectively, may be exercised from time to time and as often as may be deemed expedient by the Trustee or by the Holders of Securities of such series, as the case may be. In case the Trustee or any Holder of Securities of any series shall have proceeded to enforce any right under this Indenture and the proceedings for the enforcement thereof shall have been discontinued or abandoned because of waiver or for any other reason or shall have been adjudicated adversely to the Trustee or to such Holder of Securities, then and in
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every such case the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities of such series shall severally and respectively be restored to their former positions and rights hereunder, and thereafter all rights, remedies and powers of the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities of such series shall continue as though no such proceedings had been taken, except as to any matters so waived or adjudicated.
ARTICLE 8
CONCERNING THE SECURITYHOLDERS
CONCERNING THE SECURITYHOLDERS
Section 1.0qEvidence of Action of Securityholders. Whenever in this Indenture it is provided that the Holders of a specified percentage or a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities or of any series of Securities may take any action (including the making of any demand or request, the giving of any notice, consent or waiver or the taking of any other action), the fact that at the time of taking any such action the Holders of such specified percentage or majority have joined therein may be evidenced by (a) any instrument or any number of instruments of similar tenor executed by Securityholders in person, by an agent or by a proxy appointed in writing, including through an electronic system for tabulating consents operated by the Depositary for such series or otherwise (such action becoming effective, except as herein otherwise expressly provided, when such instruments or evidence of electronic consents are delivered to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Company), or (b) by the record of the Holders of Securities voting in favor thereof at any meeting of Securityholders duly called and held in accordance with the provisions of Article IX, or (c) by a combination of such instrument or instruments and any such record of such a meeting of Securityholders.
Section 1.0rProof of Execution or Holding of Securities. Proof of the execution of any instrument by a Securityholder or his, her or its agent or proxy and proof of the holding by any Person of any of the Securities shall be sufficient if made in the following manner:
(v)The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument may be proved (i) by the certificate of any notary public or other officer in any jurisdiction who, by the laws thereof, has power to take acknowledgments or proof of deeds to be recorded within such jurisdiction, that the Person who signed such instrument did acknowledge before such notary public or other officer the execution thereof, or (ii) by the affidavit of a witness of such execution sworn to before any such notary or other officer. Where such execution is by a Person acting in other than his or her individual capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof of his or her authority.
(vi)The ownership of Securities of any series shall be proved by the Register of such Securities or by a certificate of the Registrar for such series.
(vii)The record of any Holders’ meeting shall be proved in the manner provided in Section 9.06.
(viii)The Trustee may require such additional proof of any matter referred to in this Section 8.02 as it shall deem appropriate or necessary, so long as the request is a reasonable one.
(ix)If the Company shall solicit from the Holders of Securities of any series any action, the Company may, at its option fix in advance a record date for the determination of Holders of Securities entitled to take such action, but the Company shall have no obligation to do so. Any such record date shall be fixed at the Company’s discretion. If such a record date is fixed, such action may be sought or given before or after the record date, but only the Holders of Securities of record at the close of business on such record date shall be deemed to be Holders of
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Securities for the purpose of determining whether Holders of the requisite proportion of Outstanding Securities of such series have authorized or agreed or consented to such action, and for that purpose the Outstanding Securities of such series shall be computed as of such record date.
Section 1.0sPersons Deemed Owners.
(i)The Company, the Trustee or any of their agents shall treat the Person in whose name any Security is registered as the owner of such Security for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and premium, if any, and (subject to Section 3.08) interest, if any, on, such Security and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any of their agents shall be affected by notice to the contrary. All payments made to any Holder, or upon his, her or its order, shall be valid, and, to the extent of the sum or sums paid, effectual to satisfy and discharge the liability for moneys payable upon such Security.
(ii)None of the Company, the Trustee or any of their agents will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in a Global Security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.
Section 1.0tEffect of Consents. After an amendment, supplement, waiver or other action becomes effective as to any series of Securities, a consent to it by a Holder of such series of Securities is a continuing consent conclusive and binding upon such Holder and every subsequent Holder of the same Securities or portion thereof, and of any Security issued upon the transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in place thereof, even if notation of the consent is not made on any such Security.
ARTICLE 9
SECURITYHOLDERS’ MEETINGS
SECURITYHOLDERS’ MEETINGS
Section 1.0uPurposes of Meetings. A meeting of Securityholders of any or all series may be called at any time and from time to time pursuant to the provisions of this Article IX for any of the following purposes:
(iii)to give any notice to the Company or to the Trustee, or to give any directions to the Trustee, or to consent to the waiving of any Default or Event of Default hereunder and its consequences, or to take any other action authorized to be taken by Securityholders pursuant to any of the provisions of Article VIII;
(iv)to remove the Trustee and nominate a successor trustee pursuant to the provisions of Article XI;
(v)to consent to the execution of an Indenture or of indentures supplemental hereto pursuant to the provisions of Section 14.02; or
(vi)to take any other action authorized to be taken by or on behalf of the Holders of any specified aggregate principal amount of the Securities of any one or more or all series, as the case may be, under any other provision of this Indenture or under applicable law.
Section 1.0vCall of Meetings by Trustee. The Trustee may at any time call a meeting of all Securityholders of any or all series that may be affected by the action proposed to be taken, to take any action specified in Section 9.01, to be held at such time and at such place as the
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Trustee shall determine. Notice of every meeting of the Securityholders of a series, setting forth the time and the place of such meeting and in general terms the action proposed to be taken at such meeting, shall be mailed at the expense of the Company to Holders of Securities of such series at their addresses as they shall appear on the Register of the Company. Such notice shall be mailed not less than 20 nor more than 90 days prior to the date fixed for the meeting.
Section 1.0wCall of Meetings by Company or Securityholders. In case at any time the Company or the Holders of at least 10% in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of any or all series then Outstanding that may be affected by the action proposed to be taken, shall have requested the Trustee to call a meeting of Securityholders of such series, by written request setting forth in reasonable detail the action proposed to be taken at the meeting, and the Trustee shall not have mailed the notice of such meeting within 20 days after receipt of such request, then the Company or such Securityholders may determine the time and the place for such meeting and may call such meeting to take any action authorized in Section 9.01, by mailing notice thereof as provided in Section 9.02.
Section 1.0xQualifications for Voting. To be entitled to vote at any meeting of Securityholders, a Person shall (a) be a Holder of one or more Securities affected by the action proposed to be taken at the meeting or (b) be a Person appointed by an instrument in writing as proxy by a Holder of one or more such Securities. The only Persons who shall be entitled to be present or to speak at any meeting of Securityholders shall be the Persons entitled to vote at such meeting and their counsel and any representatives of the Trustee and its counsel and any representatives of the Company and its counsel. Unless otherwise expressly provided pursuant to Section 3.01 with respect to the Securities of any series, any vote, consent, waiver or other action given or taken by the Holders of any series of Securities at a meeting shall be given or taken, as the case may be, by the Holders of such series of Securities as a separate class.
Section 1.0yRegulation of Meetings.
(x)Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Indenture, the Trustee may make such reasonable regulations as it may deem advisable for any meeting of Securityholders, in regard to proof of the holding of Securities and of the appointment of proxies, and in regard to the appointment and duties of inspectors of votes, the submission and examination of proxies, certificates and other evidence of the right to vote, and such other matters concerning the conduct of the meeting as it shall deem fit.
(xi)The Trustee shall, by an instrument in writing, appoint a temporary chairman of the meeting, unless the meeting shall have been called by the Company or by Securityholders as provided in Section 9.03, in which case the Company or the Securityholders calling the meeting, as the case may be, shall in like manner appoint a temporary chair. A permanent chairman and a permanent secretary of the meeting shall be elected by majority vote of the meeting.
(xii)At any meeting of Securityholders of a series, each Securityholder of such series or such Securityholder’s proxy shall be entitled to one vote for each $1,000 principal amount of Securities of such series Outstanding held or represented by him; provided, however, that no vote shall be cast or counted at any meeting in respect of any Security challenged as not Outstanding and ruled by the chairman of the meeting to be not Outstanding. If the Securities of any series are issuable in minimum denominations of less than $1,000, then a Holder of such a Security in a principal amount of less than $1,000 shall be entitled to a fraction of one vote which is equal to the fraction that the principal amount of such Security bears to $1,000. The chairman of the meeting shall have no right to vote other than by virtue of Securities of such series held by him or her or instruments in writing as aforesaid duly designating him or her as the Person to vote on behalf of other Securityholders. At any meeting of the Securityholders of any series duly
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called pursuant to the provisions of Section 9.02 or 9.03, the presence of Persons holding or representing Securities of such series in an aggregate principal amount sufficient to take action as it concerns the Securities of such series upon the business for the transaction of which such meeting was called shall be necessary to constitute a quorum, and any such meeting may be adjourned from time to time by a majority of those present, whether or not constituting a quorum, and the meeting may be held as so adjourned without further notice.
Section 1.0zVoting. The vote upon any resolution submitted to any meeting of Securityholders of a series shall be by written ballots on which shall be subscribed the signatures of the Holders of Securities of such series or of their representatives by proxy and the principal amounts of the Securities of such series held or represented by them. The permanent chairman of the meeting shall appoint two inspectors of votes who shall count all votes cast at the meeting for or against any resolution and who shall make and file with the secretary of the meeting their verified written reports in duplicate of all votes cast at the meeting. A record in duplicate of the proceedings of each meeting of Securityholders shall be prepared by the secretary of the meeting and there shall be attached to said record the original reports of the inspectors of votes on any vote by ballot taken thereat and affidavits by one or more Persons having knowledge of the facts setting forth a copy of the notice of the meeting and showing that said notice was mailed as provided in Section 9.02. The record shall show the principal amounts of the Securities voting in favor of or against any resolution. The record shall be signed and verified by the affidavits of the permanent chairman and secretary of the meeting and one of the duplicates shall be delivered to the Company and the other to the Trustee to be preserved by the Trustee.
Any record so signed and verified shall be conclusive evidence of the matters therein stated.
Section 1.0aaNo Delay of Rights by Meeting. Nothing contained in this Article IX shall be deemed or construed to authorize or permit, by reason of any call of a meeting of Securityholders of any series or any rights expressly or impliedly conferred hereunder to make such call, any hindrance or delay in the exercise of any right or rights conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Securityholders of such series under any of the provisions of this Indenture or of the Securities of such series.
ARTICLE 10
REPORTS BY THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE AND
SECURITYHOLDERS’ LISTS
REPORTS BY THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE AND
SECURITYHOLDERS’ LISTS
Section 1.0abReports by Trustee.
(iii)So long as any Securities are outstanding, 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 therein. If required by Section 313(a) of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall, within 60 days after each anniversary following the date of this Indenture deliver to Holders a brief report which complies with the provisions of such Section 313(a).
(iv)The Trustee shall, at the time of the transmission to the Holders of Securities of any report pursuant to the provisions of this Section 10.01, file a copy of such report with each stock exchange upon which the Securities are listed, if any, and also with the SEC in respect of a Security listed and registered on a national securities exchange, if any. The Company agrees to notify the Trustee when, as and if the Securities become listed on any stock exchange or any delisting thereof.
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(v)The Company will reimburse the Trustee for all expenses incurred in the preparation and transmission of any report pursuant to the provisions of this Section 10.01 and of Section 10.02.
Section 1.0acReports by the Company. The Company shall file with the Trustee and the SEC, and transmit to Holders, such information, documents and other reports, and such summaries thereof, as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the times and in the manner provided in the Trust Indenture Act; provided that, unless available on EDGAR, any such information, documents or reports required to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act shall be filed with the Trustee within 30 days after the same is filed with the SEC.
Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt of such shall not constitute actual or constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Company’s compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officer’s Certificates). The Trustee shall not be obligated to monitor or confirm, on a continuing basis or otherwise, the Company’s compliance with the covenants under this Indenture or with respect to any reports or other documents filed with the SEC or posted on the Company’s website pursuant to the Indenture, or determine whether any reports have been filed or posted.
Section 1.0adSecurityholders’ Lists. The Company covenants and agrees that it will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee:
(i)semi-annually, within 5 Business Days after each Record Date, but in any event not less frequently than semi-annually, a list in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of the Holders of Securities to which such Record Date applies, as of such Record Date, and
(ii)at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, within 30 days after receipt by the Company of any such request, a list of similar form and content as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such list is furnished;
provided, however, that so long as the Trustee shall be the Registrar, such lists shall not be required to be furnished.
ARTICLE 11
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
Section 1.0hRights of Trustees; Compensation and Indemnity. The Trustee accepts the trusts created by this Indenture upon the terms and conditions hereof, including the following, to all of which the parties hereto and the Holders from time to time of the Securities agree:
(i)The Trustee shall be entitled to such compensation as the Company and the Trustee shall from time to time agree in writing for all services rendered by it hereunder (including in any agent capacity in which it acts). The compensation of the Trustee shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust. The Company shall reimburse the Trustee promptly upon its request for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee (including the reasonable fees and reasonable and documented expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel), except any such expense, disbursement or advance as
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may be attributable to its own gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a final non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
The Company also agrees to indemnify each of the Trustee, any predecessor Trustee and their officers, employees, directors and agents hereunder for, and to hold them harmless against, any and all loss, liability, damage, claim, or expense incurred without its own gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a final non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction, arising out of or in connection with this Indenture and the acceptance or administration of the trust or trusts hereunder and the performance of its duties (including in any agent capacity in which it acts)(including enforcement of this Section), as well as the reasonable and documented 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 those caused by its own gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a final non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction. The Trustee shall notify the Company promptly of any claim for which it may seek indemnity. The Company shall defend the claim and the Trustee shall cooperate in the defense. The Trustee may have one counsel of its selection and the Company shall pay the reasonable and documented fees and expenses of such counsel. The Company need not pay for any settlement made without its consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
As security for the performance of the obligations of the Company under this Section 11.01(a), the Trustee shall have a lien upon all property and funds held or collected by the Trustee as such, except funds held in trust by the Trustee to pay principal of, premium and interest on any Securities. The Trustee’s right to receive payment of any amounts due under this Section 11.01(a) shall not be subordinate to any other liability or indebtedness of the Company. The indemnity under this Section 11.01(a) is payable upon demand by the Trustee. Notwithstanding any provisions of this Indenture to the contrary, the obligations of the Company to compensate and indemnify the Trustee under this Section 11.01(a) shall survive the resignation or removal of the Trustee, the termination of this Indenture and any satisfaction and discharge under Article XII. When the Trustee incurs fees or expenses or renders services after an Event of Default specified in clause (e) or (f) of Section 7.01 occurs, the expenses and compensation for the services are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws.
(ii)The Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereof and perform any duty hereunder either directly or by its agents and attorneys and shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder.
(iii)The Trustee shall not be responsible in any manner whatsoever for the correctness of the recitals herein or in the Securities (except its certificates of authentication thereon) contained, all of which are made solely by the Company; and the Trustee shall not be responsible or accountable in any manner whatsoever for or with respect to the validity or execution or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Securities (except its certificates of authentication thereon), and the Trustee makes no representation with respect thereto, except that the Trustee represents that it is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Indenture, authenticate the Securities and perform its obligations hereunder and that the statements made by it in a Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 supplied to the Company are true and accurate, subject to the qualifications set forth therein. The Trustee shall not be accountable for the use or application by the Company of any Securities, or the proceeds of any Securities, authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture.
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(iv)Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officer’s Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel or both. The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on such Officer’s Certificate or Opinion of Counsel. The Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection, and advice of counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken or suffered by the Trustee hereunder in good faith and in accordance with such advice of counsel.
(v)The Trustee may rely upon the certificate of the Secretary or one of the Assistant Secretaries of the Company as to the adoption of any Board Resolution or resolution of the stockholders of the Company, and any request, direction, order or demand of the Company mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by, and 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 may rely upon, an Officer’s Certificate of the Company (unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed).
(vi)The Trustee or any agent of the Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and, subject to Sections 310(b) and 311 of the Trust Indenture Act, may otherwise deal with the Company with the same rights it would have had if it were not the Trustee or such agent.
(vii)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 in writing with the Company.
(viii)Any action taken by the Trustee pursuant to any provision hereof at the request or with the consent of any Person who at the time is the Holder of any Security shall be conclusive and binding in respect of such Security upon all future Holders thereof or of any Security or Securities which may be issued for or in lieu thereof in whole or in part, whether or not such Security shall have noted thereon the fact that such request or consent had been made or given.
(ix)The Trustee may conclusively rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, direction, judgment, approval, bond, debenture or other paper or document reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties.
(x)The Trustee shall not be under any obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request, order or direction of any of the Holders of the Securities, pursuant to any provision of this Indenture, unless one or more of the Holders of the Securities shall have offered, and if requested, provided to the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities which may be incurred by it therein or thereby.
(xi)The Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted by it in good faith and believed by it to be authorized or within its discretion or within the rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture.
(xii)The Trustee shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of any Default or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless the Company or Holders of not less than 25% of the Outstanding Securities notify the Trustee thereof in writing at the Corporate Trust Office.
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(xiii)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 may, but shall not be required to, make further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit at the expense of the Company.
(xiv)The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder.
(xv)In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for special, indirect, punitive, incidental or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, loss of profit, goodwill or opportunity), whether or not foreseeable, even if the Trustee has been advised of the possibility of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action. The provisions of this Section shall survive the termination or discharge of this Indenture and the resignation or removal of the Trustee.
(xvi)The Trustee may request that the Company deliver an Officer’s Certificate setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture, which Officer’s Certificate may be signed by any person authorized to sign an Officer’s Certificate, including any person specified as so authorized in any such certificate previously delivered and not superseded.
(xvii)The permissive right of the Trustee to take or refrain from taking action hereunder shall not be construed as a duty.
(xviii)The Trustee is not required to give any bond or surety with respect to the performance of its duties or the exercise of its powers under this Indenture.
(xix)The Trustee may refrain from taking any action in any jurisdiction if taking such action in that jurisdiction would, in the reasonable opinion of the Trustee based on written legal advice received from qualified legal counsel in the relevant jurisdiction, be contrary to any law of that jurisdiction or, to the extent applicable, the State of New York. Furthermore, the Trustee may refrain from taking such action if, in the reasonable opinion of the Trustee based on such legal advice, it would otherwise render the Trustee liable to any person in that jurisdiction or the State of New York and there has not been offered to the Trustee pre-funding, security and/or indemnity satisfactory to it against the liabilities to be incurred therein or thereby, or the Trustee would not have the legal capacity to take such action in that jurisdiction by virtue of applicable law in that jurisdiction or the State of New York or by virtue of a written order of any court or other competent authority in that jurisdiction that the Trustee does not have such legal capacity.
Section 1.0aDuties of Trustee.
(xx)If one or more of the Events of Default specified in Section 7.01 with respect to the Securities of any series shall have happened, then, during the continuance thereof, the Trustee shall, with respect to such Securities, exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and shall use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs.
(xxi)None of the provisions of this Indenture shall be construed as relieving the Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that, anything in this Indenture contained to the contrary notwithstanding,
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(1)unless and until an Event of Default specified in Section 7.01 with respect to the Securities of any series shall have happened which at the time is continuing,
(i)the Trustee undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties with respect to the Securities of that series as are specifically set out in this Indenture, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee, whose duties and obligations shall be determined solely by the express provisions of this Indenture; and
(ii)the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Trustee, upon certificates and opinions furnished to it pursuant to the express provisions of this Indenture; but in the case of any such certificates or opinions which, by the provisions of this Indenture, are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of mathematical calculations or other facts, statements, opinions or conclusions stated therein);
(1)the Trustee shall not be liable to any Holder of Securities or to any other Person for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer or Officers of the Trustee, unless it shall be proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; and
(2)the Trustee shall not be liable to any Holder of Securities or to any other Person with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith, in accordance with the direction of Securityholders given as provided in Section 7.06, relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to it or exercising any trust or power conferred upon it by this Indenture.
(xxii)None of the provisions of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise to 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.
(xxiii)Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Section 11.02.
Section 1.0iNotice of Defaults. Within the later of 90 days after the occurrence thereof, if known to the Trustee and promptly after obtaining knowledge thereof, the Trustee shall give to the Holders of the Securities of a series notice of each Default or Event of Default with respect to the Securities of such series known to the Trustee, by transmitting such notice to Holders at their addresses as the same shall then appear on the Register of the Company, unless such Default shall have been cured or waived before the giving of such notice (the term “Default” being hereby defined to be the events specified in Section 7.01, which are, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, Events of Default as defined in said Section).
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Except in the case of a Default or Event of Default in payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any of the Securities of such series when and as the same shall become payable, or to make any sinking fund payment as to Securities of the same series, the Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice, if and so long as a Responsible Officer or Responsible Officers of the Trustee in good faith determines that the withholding of such notice is in the interests of the Holders of the Securities of such series.
Section 1.0jEligibility; Disqualification.
(xxiv)The Trustee shall at all times satisfy the requirements of TIA Section 310(a). The Trustee shall have a combined capital and surplus of at least $50 million as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition, and shall have a Corporate Trust Office. If at any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section 11.04, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article.
(xxv)The Trustee shall comply with TIA Section 310(b); provided, however, that there shall be excluded from the operation of TIA Section 310(b)(i) any indenture or indentures under which other securities or certificates of interest or participation in other securities of the Company are outstanding if the requirements for such exclusion set forth in TIA Section 310(b)(i) are met. If the Trustee has or shall acquire a conflicting interest within the meaning of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall either eliminate such interest or resign, to the extent and in the manner provided by, and subject to the provisions of, the Trust Indenture Act and this Indenture. If Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act is amended any time after the date of this Indenture to change the circumstances under which a Trustee shall be deemed to have a conflicting interest with respect to the Securities of any series or to change any of the definitions in connection therewith, this Section 11.04 shall be automatically amended to incorporate such changes.
Section 1.0bResignation and Notice; Removal. The Trustee, or any successor to it hereafter appointed, may at any time resign and be discharged of the trusts hereby created with respect to any one or more or all series of Securities by giving to the Company notice in writing. Such resignation shall take effect upon the appointment of a successor Trustee and the acceptance of such appointment by such successor Trustee. Any Trustee hereunder may be removed with respect to any series of Securities at any time by the filing with such Trustee and the delivery to the Company of an instrument or instruments in writing signed by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of such series then Outstanding, specifying such removal and the date when it shall become effective.
If at any time:
(1) the Trustee shall fail to comply with the provisions of TIA Section 310(b) 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, if it is a shorter period, the period since the initial issuance of the Securities of such series), or
(2) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible under Section 11.04 and shall fail to resign 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, if it is a shorter period, the period since the initial issuance of the Securities of such series), 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
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shall take charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation,
then, in any such case, (i) the Company by written notice to the Trustee may remove the Trustee and appoint a successor Trustee with respect to all Securities, or (ii) subject to TIA Section 315(e), any Securityholder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months (or, if it is a shorter period, the period since the initial issuance of the Securities of such series) 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.
In addition, the Company may remove the Trustee with respect to Securities of any series without cause if the Company gives written notice to the Trustee of such proposed removal at least three months in advance of the proposed effective date of such removal.
Upon its resignation or removal, any Trustee shall be entitled to the payment of compensation for the services rendered hereunder by such Trustee and to the payment of all reasonable and documented expenses incurred hereunder and all moneys then due to it hereunder. The Trustee’s rights to indemnification provided in Section 11.01(a) shall survive its resignation or removal, the satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture and the termination of the Indenture for any reason.
Section 1.0cSuccessor Trustee by Appointment.
(xxvi)In case at any time the Trustee shall resign, or shall be removed or if a vacancy exists in the office of the Trustee for any reason, with respect to Securities of any or all series, the Company shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee. However, if all or substantially all the assets of the Company shall be in the possession of one or more custodians or receivers lawfully appointed, or of trustees in bankruptcy or reorganization proceedings (including a trustee or trustees appointed under the provisions of the federal bankruptcy laws, as now or hereafter constituted), or of assignees for the benefit of creditors, such receivers, custodians, trustees or assignees, as the case may be, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any or all series. Subject to the provisions of Sections 11.04 and 11.05, upon the appointment as aforesaid of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series, the Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series shall cease to be Trustee hereunder. After any such appointment other than by the Holders of Securities of any such series, the Person making such appointment shall forthwith cause notice thereof to be mailed to the Holders of Securities of such series at their addresses as the same shall then appear on the Register of the Company. Any failure of the Company to mail such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of such appointment.
(xxvii)If any Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall resign or be removed and a successor Trustee shall not have been appointed by the Company or, if any successor Trustee so appointed shall not have accepted its appointment within 30 days after such appointment shall have been made, the resigning Trustee at the expense of the Company may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee. If in any other case a successor Trustee shall not be appointed pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 11.06 within three months after such appointment might have been made hereunder, the Holder of any Security of the applicable series or any retiring Trustee at the expense of the Company may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction to appoint a successor Trustee. Such court may thereupon, in any such case, after such notice, if any, as such court may deem proper and prescribe, appoint a successor Trustee.
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(xxviii)Any successor Trustee appointed hereunder with respect to the Securities of one or more series shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to its predecessor Trustee and to the Company, or to the receivers, trustees, assignees or court appointing it, as the case may be, an instrument accepting such appointment hereunder, and thereupon such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the authority, rights, powers, trusts, immunities, duties and obligations with respect to such series of such predecessor Trustee with like effect as if originally named as Trustee hereunder, and such predecessor Trustee, upon payment of its charges and disbursements then unpaid, shall thereupon become obligated to pay over, and such successor Trustee shall be entitled to receive, all moneys and properties held by such predecessor Trustee as Trustee hereunder with respect to the Securities of such series, subject nevertheless to its lien provided for in Section 11.01(a). Nevertheless, on the written request of the Company or of the successor Trustee or of the Holders of at least 10% in principal amount of the Securities of any such series then Outstanding, such predecessor Trustee, upon payment of its said charges and disbursements, shall execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee upon the trusts herein expressed all the rights, powers and trusts of such predecessor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series and shall assign, transfer and deliver to the successor Trustee all moneys and properties held by such predecessor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series, subject nevertheless to its lien provided for in Section 11.01(a); and, upon request of any such successor Trustee or the Company shall make, execute, acknowledge and deliver any and all instruments in writing for more fully and effectually vesting in and confirming to such successor Trustee all such authority, rights, powers, trusts, immunities, duties and obligations.
Section 1.0aSuccessor Trustee by Merger. Any Person into which the Trustee or any successor to it in the trusts created by this Indenture shall be merged or converted, or any Person with which it or any successor to it shall be consolidated, or any Person resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee or any such successor to it shall be a party, or any Person to which the Trustee or any successor to it shall sell or otherwise transfer all or substantially all of the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor Trustee under this Indenture without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto; provided that such Person shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article. In case at the time such successor to the Trustee shall succeed to the trusts created by this Indenture with respect to one or more series of Securities, any of such Securities shall have been authenticated but not delivered by the Trustee then in office, any successor to such Trustee may adopt the certificate of authentication of any predecessor Trustee, and deliver such Securities so authenticated; and in case at that time any of the Securities shall not have been authenticated, any successor to the Trustee may authenticate such Securities either in the name of any predecessor hereunder or in the name of the successor Trustee; and in all such cases such certificates shall have the full force which it is anywhere in the Securities or in this Indenture provided that the certificate of the Trustee shall have; provided, however, that the right to adopt the certificate of authentication of any predecessor Trustee or authenticate Securities in the name of any predecessor Trustee shall apply only to its successor or successors by merger, conversion or consolidation.
Section 1.0bRight to Rely on Officer’s Certificate and/or Opinion of Counsel. Whenever in the administration of the provisions of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it necessary or desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking or suffering any action hereunder, such matter (unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Trustee, be deemed to be conclusively proved and established by an Officer’s Certificate and/or Opinion of Counsel with respect thereto delivered to the Trustee, and such Officer’s Certificate and/or Opinion of Counsel, in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Trustee, shall be full warrant to the Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it under the provisions of this Indenture upon the faith thereof.
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Section 1.0cAppointment of Authenticating Agent. The Trustee may appoint an agent (the “Authenticating Agent”) acceptable to the Company to authenticate the Securities, and the Trustee shall give written notice of such appointment to all Holders of Securities of the series with respect to which such Authenticating Agent will serve. Unless limited by the terms of such appointment, any such Authenticating Agent may authenticate Securities whenever the Trustee may do so. Each reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by the Authenticating Agent. 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.
Each Authenticating Agent shall at all times be a corporation organized and doing business and in good standing under the laws of the United States, 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 corporation 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 Article XI, the combined capital and surplus of such corporation 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 Article XI, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in this Article XI.
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 Article XI, 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 11.09, the Trustee may appoint a successor Authenticating Agent which shall be acceptable to the Company and shall give written notice of such appointment 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 11.09.
The Company agrees to pay to each Authenticating Agent from time to time reasonable compensation for its services under this Section 11.09.
Section 1.jCommunications by Securityholders with Other Securityholders. Holders of Securities may communicate pursuant to Section 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Securities. The Company, the Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else shall have the protection of Section 312(c) of the Trust Indenture Act with respect to such communications.
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ARTICLE 12
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE; DEFEASANCE
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE; DEFEASANCE
Section 1.0dApplicability of Article. The provisions of this Article shall be applicable to the Securities of all series issued pursuant to this Indenture, except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 3.01.
Section 1.0eSatisfaction and Discharge of Indenture. This Indenture, with respect to the Securities of any series (if all series issued under this Indenture are not to be affected), shall, upon Company Order, cease to be of further effect (except as to any surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of such Securities herein expressly provided for and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of such series to receive, the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on such Securities as and when the same shall become due and payable and except as otherwise provided in the last paragraph of this Section 12.02), and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute such instruments reasonably requested by the Company acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to the Securities of such series, when,
(i)either:
(1)all Securities of such series theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than (A) Securities that have been destroyed, lost or stolen and that have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 3.07 and (B) 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 6.03(e)) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or
(2)all Securities of such series not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation,
(i)have become due and payable, or
(ii)will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year, or
(iii)if redeemable at the option of the Company (including, without limitation, by operation of any mandatory sinking fund), are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company,
and the Company, in the case of (A), (B) or (C) above, has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee funds in trust for the purpose an amount in cash in the Currency in which such Securities are payable (subject to Section 12.08) sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such Securities for principal and premium, if any, and interest to the date of such deposit (in the case of Securities that have become due and payable) or to the Stated Maturity thereof or, in the case of Securities of such series which are to be called for redemption as contemplated by (C) above, the applicable Redemption Date, as the case may be, and including any mandatory sinking fund payments as and when the same shall become due and payable; provided, however, that, if a
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Default of the nature described in clauses (e) or (f) of Section 7.01 shall have occurred at any time during the period ending on and including the date of such deposit or if the Trustee or any Paying Agent is required to return the monies then on deposit with or held by the Trustee or such Paying Agent to the Company or to a trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, conservator or other similar Person, or the Trustee or any Paying Agent is not permitted to apply any such funds to pay the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the Securities of such series (including to make sinking fund payments) as and when the same shall become due and payable, the obligations of the Company under this Indenture with respect to such Securities shall not be deemed terminated or discharged;
(i)the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Company with respect to the Securities of such series;
(ii)the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to such series have been complied with; and
(iii)the Company has delivered irrevocable instructions to the Trustee under this Indenture to apply the deposited money toward the payment of the Securities of such series at the Stated Maturity or Redemption Date, as the case may be.
Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to the Securities of any series, the obligations of the Company to the Trustee under Section 11.01 and in the case of satisfaction and discharge under 12.02, the provisions of Sections 3.04, 3.05, 3.06, 3.07, 3.10, 6.02 and 6.03 and this Article XII, and, if the Securities of such series are to be redeemed prior to their Stated Maturity (including, without limitation, pursuant to a mandatory sinking fund), the provisions of Article IV hereof, and, if the Securities of such series are convertible into or exchangeable for other securities or property, the rights of the Holders of such Securities to convert or exchange, and the obligations of the Company to convert or exchange, such Securities into other securities or property, and, if money shall have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to clause (a) of this Section, the obligations of the Trustee under Section 12.07 and Section 6.03(e) shall survive such satisfaction and discharge.
Section 1.0aDefeasance and Covenant Defeasance upon Deposit of Moneys or U.S. Government Obligations. At the Company’s option, either (x) the Company shall be deemed to have been Discharged (as defined below) from its obligations with respect to Securities of any series on the first day after the applicable conditions set forth below have been satisfied or (y) the Company shall cease to be under any obligation to comply with any term, provision or condition set forth in Section 6.04 and Section 10.02 with respect to Securities of any series (and, if so specified pursuant to Section 3.01, any other restrictive covenant added for the benefit of such series pursuant to Section 3.01) (“covenant defeasance”) upon the satisfaction of the applicable conditions set forth below:
(i)the Company shall have deposited or caused to be deposited irrevocably with the Trustee as trust funds in trust, specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefit of the Holders of the Securities of such series (i) money in the Currency in which such Securities are payable in an amount, or (ii) U.S. Government Obligations (as defined below) that, through the payment of interest and principal in respect thereof in accordance with their terms, will provide, not later than one day before the due date of any payment, money in the Currency in which such Securities are payable in an amount, or (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii), sufficient (without consideration of any reinvestment of such principal and interest) to pay and discharge each installment of principal (including any mandatory sinking fund payments) of and
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premium, if any, and interest on, the Outstanding Securities of such series on the dates such installments of interest or principal and premium are due and, if the Securities of such series are to be called for redemption as described in clause (d) below, to pay and discharge the Redemption Price on the Securities called for redemption on the applicable Redemption Date;
(ii)no Default with respect to the Securities of such series shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit (other than a Default resulting from the borrowing of funds and the grant of any related liens to be applied to such deposit) and, solely in the case of Discharge pursuant to clause (x) of the first paragraph of this Section 12.03, no Default with respect to the Securities of such series under either clause (e) or (f) of Section 7.01 shall have occurred at any time during the period ending on and including the date of such deposit;
(iii)the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that Holders of the Securities of such series will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of the Company’s exercise of its option under this Section and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such option had not been exercised and, in the case of the Securities of such series being Discharged pursuant to clause (x) of the first paragraph of this Section 12.03, such Opinion of Counsel shall be based upon and accompanied by a ruling to that effect received by the Company from or published by the Internal Revenue Service;
(iv)if the monies or U.S. Government Obligations or combination thereof, as the case may be, deposited under clause (a) above are sufficient to pay the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the Securities of such series (including, without limitation, any mandatory sinking fund payment) or any portion thereof to be redeemed on a particular Redemption Date (including, without limitation, pursuant to a mandatory sinking fund), the Company shall have given to the Trustee irrevocable instructions to redeem such Securities on such date and shall have made arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of such redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company; and
(v)the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent to such action under this Indenture have been complied with.
“Discharged” means, with respect to the Securities of any series, that the Company shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by, and obligations under, the Securities of such series and to have satisfied all the obligations under this Indenture relating to the Securities of such series (and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute such instruments reasonably requested by the Company acknowledging the same), except for the following, all of which shall survive such Discharge and remain in full force and effect with respect to the Securities of such series: (A) the rights of Holders of Securities of such series to receive, from the trust fund described in clause (a) above, payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on such Securities when such payments are due, (B) Sections 3.04, 3.05, 3.06, 3.07, 3.10, 6.02 and 6.03, (C) if the Securities of such series are to be redeemed prior to their Stated Maturity, the provisions of Article IV hereof, (D) if the Securities of such series are convertible into or exchangeable for other securities or property, the rights of the Holders of such Securities to convert or exchange, and the obligations of the Company to convert or exchange, such Securities into such other securities or property, (E) the provisions of this Article XII and (F) the rights, powers, trusts, duties, indemnities and immunities of the Trustee hereunder.
“U.S. Government Obligations” means securities that are (i) direct obligations of the United States for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged or (ii) obligations of a
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Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States the timely of payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States, that, in either case under clauses (i) or (ii) are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof, and shall also include a depositary receipt issued by a bank or trust company as custodian with respect to any such U.S. Government Obligation or a specific payment of interest on or principal of any such U.S. Government Obligation held by such custodian for the account of the holder of a depositary receipt; provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depositary receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government Obligation or the specific payment of interest on or principal of the U.S. Government Obligation evidenced by such depositary receipt.
Section 1.0bRepayment to Company. The Trustee and any Paying Agent shall promptly pay to the Company (or to its designee) upon delivery of a Company Order any moneys or U.S. Government Obligations deposited pursuant to Sections 12.02 and 12.03 with respect to the Securities of any series and held by them that are in excess of the monies and/or U.S. Government Obligations that were required to effect the satisfaction and discharge, covenant defeasance or Discharge, as applicable, with respect to the Securities of such series, including any such moneys or obligations held by the Trustee under any escrow trust agreement entered into pursuant to Section 12.06. The provisions of Section 6.03(e) shall apply to any money held by the Trustee or any Paying Agent under this Article.
Section 1.0cIndemnity for U.S. Government Obligations. The Company shall pay and shall indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the deposited U.S. Government Obligations or the principal or interest received on such U.S. Government Obligations.
Section 1.0d[Reserved].
Section 1.0eApplication of Trust Money.
(iv)Neither the Trustee nor any other Paying Agent shall be required to pay interest on any moneys deposited pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture, except such as it shall agree with the Company in writing to pay thereon.
(v)Subject to Section 6.03(e), any monies and U.S. Government Obligations which at any time shall be deposited by the Company or on its behalf with the Trustee or any other Paying Agent for the purpose of paying the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on any of the Securities shall be and are hereby assigned, transferred and set over to the Trustee or such other Paying Agent in trust for the respective Holders of the Securities for the purpose for which such moneys shall have been deposited, and such funds shall be applied by the Trustee or Paying Agent in accordance with the provisions of such Securities and this Indenture to the payment of all sums due and to become due on such Securities in respect of principal and premium, if any, and interest; but such moneys need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. Anything in this Indenture to the contrary notwithstanding, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any of their respective Affiliates may act as Paying Agent for any Securities in respect of which money or U.S. Government Obligations have been deposited pursuant to this Article XII.
Section 1.0fDeposits of Non-U.S. Currencies. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Article, if the Securities of any series are payable in a Currency other than U.S. Dollars, the Currency or the nature of the government obligations to be deposited with the Trustee under the foregoing provisions of this Article shall be as set forth in a Board Resolution,
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a Company Order or in one or more supplemental indentures hereto and may be deposited with an entity appointed by the Company and reasonably acceptable to the Trustee for purposes of
holding the funds until payment to Holders.
ARTICLE 13
IMMUNITY OF CERTAIN PERSONS
IMMUNITY OF CERTAIN PERSONS
Section 1.0gNo Personal Liability. No recourse shall be had for the payment of the principal of, or the premium, if any, or interest on, any Security or for any claim based thereon or otherwise in respect thereof or of the Indebtedness represented thereby, or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement of this Indenture, against any incorporator, stockholder, officer or director, as such, past, present or future, of the Company or of any successor corporation, either directly or through the Company or any successor corporation, whether by virtue of any constitutional provision, statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty or otherwise; it being expressly agreed and understood that this Indenture and the Securities are solely corporate obligations, and that no personal liability whatsoever shall attach to, or be incurred by, any incorporator, stockholder, officer or director, as such, past, present or future, of the Company or of any successor corporation, either directly or through the Company or any successor corporation, because of the incurring of the Indebtedness hereby authorized or under or by reason of any of the obligations, covenants, promises or agreements contained in this Indenture or in any of the Securities, or to be implied herefrom or therefrom, and that all liability, if any, of that character against every such incorporator, stockholder, officer and director is, by the acceptance of the Securities and as a condition of, and as part of the consideration for, the execution of this Indenture and the issue of the Securities expressly waived and released.
ARTICLE 14
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
Section 1.0hWithout Consent of Securityholders. Except as otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 3.01 with respect to any series of Securities, the Company 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 one or more of or all the following purposes:
(vi)to add to the covenants and agreements of the Company, to be observed thereafter and during the period, if any, in such supplemental indenture or indentures expressed, and to add Events of Default, in each case for the protection or benefit of the Holders of all or any series of the Securities (and if such covenants, agreements and Events of Default are to be for the benefit of fewer than all series of Securities, stating that such covenants, agreements and Events of Default are expressly being included for the benefit of such series as shall be identified therein), or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Company;
(vii)to delete or modify any Events of Default with respect to any series of the Securities, the form and terms of which are being first established pursuant to such supplemental indenture as permitted in Section 3.01 (and, if any such Event of Default is applicable to fewer than all such series of the Securities, specifying the series to which such Event of Default is applicable), and to specify the rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Holders of such Securities in connection therewith;
(viii)to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture to provide, change or eliminate any restrictions on the payment of principal of or premium, if any, on Securities; provided that any such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Securities of any series in any material respect;
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(ix)to change or eliminate any of the provisions of this Indenture; provided that any such change or elimination shall become effective only when there is no Outstanding Security of any series created prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture that is entitled to the benefit of such provision and as to which such supplemental indenture would apply;
(x)to evidence the succession of another entity to the Company, or successive successions, and the assumption by such successor of the covenants and obligations of the Company contained in the Securities of one or more series and in this Indenture or any supplemental indenture;
(xi)to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor Trustee with respect to one or more series of Securities and to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, pursuant to the requirements of Section 11.06(c);
(xii)to secure any series of Securities;
(xiii)to evidence any changes to this Indenture pursuant to Sections 11.05, 11.06 or 11.07 hereof as permitted by the terms thereof;
(xiv)to cure any ambiguity or inconsistency or to correct or supplement any provision contained herein or in any indenture supplemental hereto which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision contained herein or in any supplemental indenture or to conform the terms hereof, as amended and supplemented, that are applicable to the Securities of any series to the description of the terms of such Securities in the offering memorandum, prospectus supplement or other offering document applicable to such Securities at the time of initial sale thereof;
(xv)to add to or change or eliminate any provision of this Indenture as shall be necessary or desirable in accordance with any amendments to the Trust Indenture Act;
(xvi)to add guarantors or co-obligors with respect to any series of Securities or to release guarantors from their guarantees of Securities in accordance with the terms of the applicable series of Securities;
(xvii)to make any change in any series of Securities that does not adversely affect in any material respect the rights of the Holders of such Securities;
(xviii)to provide for uncertificated securities in addition to certificated securities;
(xix)to supplement any of the provisions of this Indenture to such extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the defeasance and discharge of any series of Securities; provided that any such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Securities of such series or any other series of Securities in any material respect;
(xx)to prohibit the authentication and delivery of additional series of Securities; or
(xxi) to establish the form and terms of Securities of any series as permitted in Section 3.01, or to authorize the issuance of additional Securities of a series previously authorized or to add to the conditions, limitations or restrictions on the authorized amount, terms or purposes of issue, authentication or delivery of the Securities of any series, as herein set forth, or other conditions, limitations or restrictions thereafter to be observed.
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Subject to the provisions of Section 14.03, the Trustee is authorized to join with the Company in the execution of any such supplemental indenture, to make the further agreements and stipulations which may be therein contained and to accept the conveyance, transfer, assignment, mortgage or pledge of any property or assets thereunder.
Any supplemental indenture authorized by the provisions of this Section 14.01 may be executed by the Company and the Trustee without the consent of the Holders of any of the Securities at the time Outstanding.
Section 1.0iWith Consent of Securityholders; Limitations.
(i)With the consent of the Holders (evidenced as provided in Article VIII) of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of each series affected by such supplemental indenture voting separately, the Company and the Trustee may, from time to time and at any time, enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any provisions of this Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of the Securities of such series to be affected; provided, however, that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security of each such series affected thereby,
(1)extend the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any installment of interest on, any Security, or reduce the principal amount thereof or the interest thereon or any premium payable thereon, or extend the Stated Maturity of, or change the Currency in which the principal of and premium, if any, or interest on such Security is denominated or payable, or reduce the amount of the principal of an Original Issue Discount Security that would be due and payable upon acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 7.02, change the ranking of any Security or, in the case of any subordinated Security, the definition of Senior Indebtedness applicable thereto, or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or after the Stated Maturity thereof (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the Redemption Date), or materially adversely affect the economic terms of any right to convert or exchange any Security as may be provided pursuant to Section 3.01; or
(2)reduce the percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series, the consent of whose Holders is required for any 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 7.06 or Section 6.06, 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 6.06, or the deletion of this proviso, in accordance with the requirements of Sections 11.06 and 14.01(f); or
(4)[reserved]
(5)modify, without the written consent of the Trustee, the rights, duties, indemnities or immunities of the Trustee.
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(i)A supplemental indenture that changes or eliminates any 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.
(ii)It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Securityholders under this Section 14.02 to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such consent shall approve the substance thereof.
(iii)The Company may set a record date for purposes of determining the identity of the Holders of each series of Securities entitled to give a written consent or waive compliance by the Company as authorized or permitted by this Section. Such record date shall not be more than 30 days prior to the first solicitation of such consent or waiver or the date of the most recent list of Holders furnished to the Trustee prior to such solicitation pursuant to Section 312 of the Trust Indenture Act.
(iv)Promptly after the execution by the Company and the Trustee of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Section 14.02, the Company shall mail a notice, setting forth in general terms the substance of such supplemental indenture, to the Holders of Securities at their addresses as the same shall then appear in the Register of the Company. Any failure of the Company to mail such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such supplemental indenture.
Section 1.0jTrustee Protected. Upon the request of the Company, accompanied by the Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel required by Section 16.01 (provided, however, that such Officer’s Certificate or Opinion of Counsel need not be provided in connection with the execution of a supplemental indenture that establishes the terms of a series of Securities pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof) and evidence satisfactory to the Trustee of consent of the Holders if the supplemental indenture is to be executed pursuant to Section 14.02, the Trustee shall join with the Company in the execution of said supplemental indenture unless said supplemental indenture affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties, indemnities or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise, in which case the Trustee may in its discretion, but shall not be obligated to, enter into said supplemental indenture. The Trustee shall be fully protected in relying upon such Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel.
Section 1.0kEffect of Execution of Supplemental Indenture. Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Article XIV, this Indenture shall be deemed to be modified and amended in accordance therewith and, except as herein otherwise expressly provided, the respective rights, limitations of rights, obligations, duties and immunities under this Indenture of the Trustee, the Company and the Holders of all of the Securities or of the Securities of any series affected, as the case may be, shall thereafter be determined, exercised and enforced hereunder subject in all respects to such modifications and amendments, and all the terms and conditions of any such supplemental indenture shall be and be deemed to be part of the terms and conditions of this Indenture for any and all purposes.
Section 1.0lNotation on or Exchange of Securities. Securities of any series authenticated and delivered after the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Article may bear a notation in the form approved by the Trustee as to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Company or the Trustee shall so determine, new Securities so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Trustee and the Board of Directors of the Company, to any modification of this Indenture contained in any such supplemental indenture may be prepared and executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in exchange for the Securities then Outstanding in equal aggregate
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principal amounts, and such exchange shall be made without cost to the Holders of the Securities.
Section 1.0mConformity with TIA. Every supplemental indenture executed pursuant to the provisions of this Article shall conform to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect.
ARTICLE 15
SUBORDINATION OF SECURITIES
SUBORDINATION OF SECURITIES
Section 1.0nAgreement to Subordinate. In the event a series of Securities is designated as subordinated pursuant to Section 3.01, and except as otherwise provided in a Company Order or in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, the Company, for itself, its successors and assigns, covenants and agrees, and each Holder of Securities of such series by his, her or its acceptance thereof, likewise covenants and agrees, that the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on each and all of the Securities of such series is hereby expressly subordinated, to the extent and in the manner hereinafter set forth, in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness. In the event a series of Securities is not designated as subordinated pursuant to Section 3.01(t), this Article XV shall have no effect upon the Securities.
Section 1.0oDistribution on Dissolution, Liquidation and Reorganization; Subrogation of Securities. Subject to Section 15.01, upon any distribution of assets of the Company upon any dissolution, winding up, liquidation or reorganization of the Company, whether in bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or receivership proceedings or upon an assignment for the benefit of creditors or any other marshalling of the assets and liabilities of the Company or otherwise (subject to the power of a court of competent jurisdiction to make other equitable provision reflecting the rights conferred in this Indenture upon the Senior Indebtedness and the holders thereof with respect to the Securities and the holders thereof by a lawful plan of reorganization under applicable bankruptcy law):
(ii)the holders of all Senior Indebtedness shall be entitled to receive payment in full of the principal thereof (and premium, if any) and interest due thereon before the Holders of the Securities are entitled to receive any payment upon the principal (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on Indebtedness evidenced by the Securities;
(iii)any payment 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 except for the provisions of this Article XV shall be paid by the liquidation trustee or agent or other Person making such payment or distribution, whether a trustee in bankruptcy, a receiver or liquidating trustee or otherwise, directly to the holders of Senior Indebtedness or their representative or representatives or to the trustee or trustees under any indenture under which any instruments evidencing any of such Senior Indebtedness may have been issued, ratably according to the aggregate amounts remaining unpaid on account of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Senior Indebtedness held or represented by each, to the extent necessary to make payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness remaining unpaid, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness;
(iv)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 or the Holders of the Securities before all Senior Indebtedness is paid in full, such payment or distribution shall be
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paid over, upon written notice to a Responsible Officer of the Trustee, to the holder of such Senior Indebtedness or his, her or its representative or representatives or to the trustee or trustees under any indenture under which any instrument evidencing any of such Senior Indebtedness may have been issued, ratably as aforesaid, as calculated by the Company, for application to payment of all Senior Indebtedness remaining unpaid until all such Senior Indebtedness shall have been paid in full, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness; and
(v)Subject to the payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness, the Holders of the Securities shall be subrogated to the rights of the holders of Senior Indebtedness (to the extent that distributions otherwise payable to such holder have been applied to the payment of Senior Indebtedness) to receive payments or distributions of cash, property or securities of the Company applicable to Senior Indebtedness until the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Securities shall be paid in full and no such payments or distributions to the Holders of the Securities of cash, property or securities otherwise distributable to the holders of Senior Indebtedness shall, as between the Company, its creditors other than the holders of Senior Indebtedness, and the Holders of the Securities be deemed to be a payment by the Company to or on account of the Securities. It is understood that the provisions of this Article XV are and are intended solely for the purpose of defining the relative rights of the Holders of the Securities, on the one hand, and the holders of the Senior Indebtedness, on the other hand. Nothing contained in this Article XV or elsewhere in this Indenture or in the Securities is intended to or shall impair, as between the Company, its creditors other than the holders of Senior Indebtedness, and the Holders of the Securities, the obligation of the Company, which is unconditional and absolute, to pay to the Holders of the Securities the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Securities as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with their terms, or to affect the relative rights of the Holders of the Securities and creditors of the Company other than the holders of Senior Indebtedness, nor shall anything herein or in the Securities 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 XV of the holders of Senior Indebtedness in respect of cash, property or securities of the Company received upon the exercise of any such remedy. Upon any payment or distribution of assets of the Company referred to in this Article XV, the Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 15.06, shall be entitled to conclusively rely upon a certificate of the liquidating trustee or agent or other person making any distribution to the Trustee for the purpose of ascertaining the Persons entitled to participate in such distribution, the holders of Senior Indebtedness and other indebtedness of the Company, the amount thereof or payable thereon, the amount or amounts paid or distributed thereof and all other facts pertinent thereto or to this Article XV.
Section 1.0pNo Payment on Securities in Event of Default on Senior Indebtedness. Subject to Section 15.01, no payment by the Company on account of principal (or premium, if any), sinking funds or interest, if any, on the Securities shall be made at any time if: (i) a default on Senior Indebtedness exists that permits the holders of such Senior Indebtedness to accelerate its maturity and (ii) the default is the subject of judicial proceedings or the Company has received notice of such default. The Company may resume payments on the Securities when full payment of amounts then due for principal (premium, if any), sinking funds and interest on Senior Indebtedness has been made or duly provided for in money or money’s worth.
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 15.03, such payment 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 respective representatives, or to the trustee or trustees under any indenture pursuant to which any of such Senior Indebtedness may have been issued, as their respective interests may appear, as calculated by the Company, but only to the
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extent that the holders of such Senior Indebtedness (or their representative or representatives or a trustee) notify the Trustee in writing within 90 days of such payment of the amounts then due and owing on such Senior Indebtedness and only the amounts specified in such notice to the Trustee shall be paid to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness.
Section 1.0qPayments on Securities Permitted. Subject to Section 15.01, nothing contained in this Indenture or in any of the Securities shall (a) affect the obligation of the Company to make, or prevent the Company from making, at any time except as provided in Sections 15.02 and 15.03, payments of principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on the Securities or (b) prevent the application by the Trustee of any moneys or assets deposited with it hereunder to the payment of or on account of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on the Securities, unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee shall have received at its Corporate Trust Office written notice of any fact prohibiting the making of such payment from the Company or from the holder of any Senior Indebtedness or from the trustee for any such holder, together with proof satisfactory to the Trustee of such holding of Senior Indebtedness or of the authority of such trustee more than two Business Days prior to the date fixed for such payment.
Section 1.0rAuthorization of Securityholders to Trustee to Effect Subordination. Subject to Section 15.01, each Holder of Securities by his acceptance thereof authorizes and directs the Trustee on his, her or its behalf to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination as provided in this Article XV and appoints the Trustee his attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes.
Section 1.0sNotices to Trustee. The Company shall give prompt written notice to a Responsible Officer of the Trustee of any fact known to the Company that would prohibit the making of any payment of monies or assets to or by the Trustee in respect of the Securities of any series pursuant to the provisions of this Article XV. Subject to Section 15.01, notwithstanding the provisions of this Article XV or any other provisions of this Indenture, neither the Trustee nor any Paying Agent (other than the Company) shall be charged with knowledge of the existence of any Senior Indebtedness or of any fact which would prohibit the making of any payment of moneys or assets to or by the Trustee or such Paying Agent, unless and until a Responsible Officer of the Trustee or such Paying Agent shall have received (in the case of a Responsible Officer of the Trustee, at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee) written notice thereof from the Company or from the holder of any Senior Indebtedness or from the trustee for any such holder, together with proof satisfactory to the Trustee of such holding of Senior Indebtedness or of the authority of such trustee and, prior to the receipt of any such written notice, the Trustee shall be entitled in all respects conclusively to presume that no such facts exist; provided, however, that if at least two Business Days prior to the date upon which by the terms hereof any such moneys or assets may become payable for any purpose (including, without limitation, the payment of either the principal (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on any Security) a Responsible Officer of the Trustee shall not have received with respect to such moneys or assets the notice provided for in this Section 15.06, then, anything herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall have full power and authority to receive such moneys or assets and to apply the same to the purpose for which they were received, and shall not be affected by any notice to the contrary which may be received by it within two Business Days prior to such date. 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 on behalf of such holder) to establish that such a notice has been given by a holder of Senior Indebtedness or a trustee on behalf of any such holder. 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 XV, 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
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entitled to participate in such payment or distribution and any other facts pertinent to the rights of such Person under this Article XV 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 1.0tTrustee as Holder of Senior Indebtedness. Subject to Section 15.01, the Trustee in its individual capacity shall be entitled to all the rights set forth in this Article XV in respect of any Senior Indebtedness at any time held by it to the same extent as any other holder of Senior Indebtedness and nothing in this Indenture shall be construed to deprive the Trustee of any of its rights as such holder. Nothing in this Article XV shall apply to claims of, or payments to, the Trustee under or pursuant to Sections 7.05 or 11.01.
Section 1.0uModifications of Terms of Senior Indebtedness. Subject to Section 15.01, any renewal or extension of the time of payment of any Senior Indebtedness or the exercise by the holders of Senior Indebtedness of any of their rights under any instrument creating or evidencing Senior Indebtedness, including, without limitation, the waiver of default thereunder, may be made or done all without notice to or assent from the Holders of the Securities or the Trustee. To the extent permitted by applicable law, no compromise, alteration, amendment, modification, extension, renewal or other change of, or waiver, consent or other action in respect of, any liability or obligation under or in respect of, or of any of the terms, covenants or conditions of any indenture or other instrument under which any Senior Indebtedness is outstanding or of such Senior Indebtedness, whether or not such release is in accordance with the provisions of any applicable document, shall in any way alter or affect any of the provisions of this Article XV or of the Securities relating to the subordination thereof.
Section 1.0vReliance on Judicial Order or Certificate of Liquidating Agent. Subject to Section 15.01, upon any payment or distribution of assets of the Company referred to in this Article XV, the Trustee and the Holders of the 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, liquidating trustee, custodian, receiver, 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, the amount thereof or payable thereon, the amount or amounts paid or distributed thereon and all other facts pertinent thereto or to this Article XV.
Section 1.jSatisfaction and Discharge; Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance. Subject to Section 15.01, amounts and U.S. Government Obligations deposited in trust with the Trustee pursuant to and in accordance with Article XII and not, at the time of such deposit, prohibited to be deposited under Sections 15.02 or 15.03 shall not be subject to this Article XV.
Section 1.kTrustee Not Fiduciary for Holders of Senior Indebtedness. With respect to the holders of Senior Indebtedness, the Trustee undertakes to perform or observe only such of its covenants and obligations as are specifically set forth in this Article XV, and no implied covenants or obligations with respect to the holders of 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. The Trustee shall not be liable to any such holder if it shall pay over or distribute to or on behalf of Holders of Securities or the Company, or any other Person, moneys or assets to which any holder of Senior Indebtedness shall be entitled by virtue of this Article XV or otherwise. For the avoidance of doubt, (i) when acting under this Article, the
Trustee shall have all of the rights, benefits, privileges, protections and indemnities provided to
the Trustee under Article XI of this Indenture, and (ii) the Trustee shall not have any duty to take
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any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers in acting under this Article.
ARTICLE 16
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Section 1.0aCertificates and Opinions as to Conditions Precedent.
(i)Upon any request or application by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under any of the provisions of this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with and an Opinion of Counsel stating that in the opinion of such counsel all such conditions precedent have been complied with, except that in the case of any such application or demand as to which the furnishing of such document is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture relating to such particular application or demand, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.
(ii)Each certificate or opinion provided for in this Indenture and delivered to the Trustee with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (other than the certificates provided pursuant to Section 6.05 of this Indenture) shall include (i) a statement that the Person giving such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition; (ii) 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; (iii) a statement that, in the view or opinion of such Person, he or she has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable such Person to express an informed view or opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and (iv) a statement as to whether or not, in the view or opinion of such Person, such condition or covenant has been complied with.
(iii)Any certificate, statement 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 or her certificate, statement or opinion is based are erroneous. Any certificate, statement or Opinion of Counsel may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate, statement 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, statement or opinion or representations with respect to such matters are erroneous.
(iv)Any certificate, statement or opinion of an Officer of the Company or of counsel to the Company may be based, insofar as it relates to accounting matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an accountant or firm of accountants, unless such officer or counsel, as the case may be, knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to the accounting matters upon which his or her certificate, statement or opinion may be based are erroneous. Any certificate or opinion of any firm of independent registered public accountants filed with the Trustee shall contain a statement that such firm is independent.
(v)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
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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.
(vi)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 1.0aTrust Indenture Act Controls. If and to the extent that any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by, or another provision included in this Indenture which is required to be included in this Indenture by any of the provisions of Sections 310 to 318, inclusive, of the Trust Indenture Act, such imposed duties or incorporated provision shall control.
Section 1.0bNotices to the Company and Trustee. Any notice or demand authorized by this Indenture to be made upon, given or furnished to, or filed with, the Company or the Trustee shall be sufficiently made, given, furnished or filed for all purposes if it shall be mailed, delivered or telefaxed to:
(vii)the Company, at 121 SW Salmon Street, Portland, Oregon 97204, Attention: Angelica Espinosa, Esq., Vice-President General Counsel, email: [____________], or at such other address or emails as may have been furnished in writing to the Trustee by the Company.
(viii)the Trustee, at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee.
Any such notice, demand or other document shall be in the English language.
Section 1.0bNotices to Securityholders; Waiver. Any notice required or permitted to be given to Securityholders shall be sufficiently given (unless otherwise herein expressly provided),
(ix)if to Holders, if given in writing by first class mail, postage prepaid, to such Holders at their addresses as the same shall appear on the Register of the Company; or
(x)If a series of Securities has been issued in the form of one or more Global Securities through DTC as Depositary, notice may be provided with respect to such series of Securities by delivery of such notice to DTC for posting through its “Legal Notice Service” (LENS) or a successor system thereof.
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 delivered to the Trustee, but such delivery shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance on such waiver. 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, and any notice that is mailed in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given. In any case where notice to Holders is given by publication, any defect in any notice so published as to any particular Holder shall not affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders, and any notice that is published in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given.
Section 1.0aLegal Holiday. Unless otherwise specified pursuant to Section 3.01, in any case where any Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Maturity of any Security of any
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series shall not be a Business Day at any Place of Payment for the Securities of that series, then payment of principal and premium, if any, or interest 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 such Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Maturity and no interest shall accrue on such payment for the period from and after such Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Maturity, as the case may be, to such Business Day if such payment is made or duly provided for on such Business Day.
Section 1.0bEffects 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 1.0cSuccessors and Assigns. All covenants and agreements in this Indenture by the parties hereto shall bind their respective successors and assigns and inure to the benefit of their permitted successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.
Section 1.0dSeparability 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 1.0eBenefits of Indenture. Nothing in this Indenture expressed and nothing that may be implied from any of the provisions hereof is intended, or shall be construed, to confer upon, or to give to, any Person or corporation other than the parties hereto and their successors and the Holders of the Securities any benefit or any right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Indenture or any covenant, condition, stipulation, promise or agreement hereof, and all covenants, conditions, stipulations, promises and agreements in this Indenture contained shall be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the parties hereto and their successors and of the Holders of the Securities.
Section 1.jCounterparts Originals. This Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
Section 1.kGoverning Law; WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY; Submission to Jurisdiction. This Indenture and the Securities shall be deemed to be contracts made under the law of the State of New York, and for all purposes shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of said State.
EACH PARTY HERETO, AND EACH HOLDER OF A SECURITY BY ACCEPTANCE THEREOF, HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS INDENTURE.
The Company irrevocably and unconditionally submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of any U.S. federal or New York State court located in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York over any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Indenture or the Securities. The Company irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection to the laying of venue of any such suit, action or proceeding
brought in any such court and any claim that any such suit, action or proceeding has been
brought in an inconvenient forum. A final judgment in any such suit, action or proceeding
brought in any such court shall be conclusive and binding upon the Company and may be
enforced in any other courts to whose jurisdiction the Company is or may be subject, by suit
upon judgment. The Company further agrees that nothing herein shall affect any Holder’s right
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to effect service of process in any other manner permitted by law or bring a suit action or
proceeding (including a proceeding for enforcement of a judgment) in any other court or jurisdiction in accordance with applicable law.
Section 1.lElectronic Signatures. This Indenture and any certificate, agreement or other document to be signed in connection with this Indenture and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be valid, binding and enforceable against a party only when executed and delivered by an authorized individual on behalf of the party by means of (i) an original manual signature, (ii) a faxed, scanned or photocopied manual signature or (iii) in the case of this Indenture and any certificate, agreement or other document to be signed in connection with this Indenture and the transactions contemplated hereby, other than any Security or Global Security, any electronic signature permitted by the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, state enactments of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, and/or any other relevant electronic signatures law, including relevant provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code (collectively, “Signature Law”). Each electronic signature (except in the case of any Security or Global Security) or faxed, scanned or photocopied manual signature shall for all purposes have the same validity, legal effect and admissibility in evidence as an original manual signature. Each party hereto shall be entitled to conclusively rely upon, and shall have no liability with respect to, any faxed, scanned or photocopied manual signature, or other electronic signature (except in the case of any Security or Global Security), of any party and shall have no duty to investigate, confirm or otherwise verify the validity or authenticity thereof. For avoidance of doubt, original manual signatures shall be used for execution or indorsement of writings when required under the Uniform Commercial Code or other Signature Law due to the character or intended character of the writings. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Trustee is under no obligation to agree to accept electronic signatures in any form or in any format unless expressly agreed to by the Trustee pursuant to reasonable procedures approved by the Trustee.
Section 1.mForce Majeure.
In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its control, including, without limitation, strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, epidemics, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and hardware) services, any act or provision of any present or future law or regulation or governmental authority, governmental action or the unavailability of the Federal Reserve Bank wire or facsimile or other wire or communication facility; it being understood that the Trustee shall use reasonable efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstance.
[Signature Page Follows]
66
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Indenture to be duly executed as of the date first written above.
Portland General Electric Company,
as Issuer
as Issuer
By:
Name:
Title:
Name:
Title:
[___________________________],
as Trustee
as Trustee
By:
Name:
Title:
Name:
Title:
[Signature Page to Base Indenture]
Exhibit 5.1
August 1, 2022
Portland General Electric Company
121 SW Salmon Street
Portland, Oregon 97204
Ladies and Gentlemen:
In my capacity as Vice President General Counsel of Portland General Electric Company, an Oregon corporation (the “Company”), I am delivering this opinion in connection with the registration statement on Form S-3 (the “Registration Statement”) to be filed on the date hereof by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Registration Statement relates to the issuance and sale by the Company from time to time, pursuant to Rule 415 of the General Rules and Regulations of the Commission promulgated under the Securities Act (the “Rules and Regulations”), of (i) shares of common stock, at no par value, of the Company (“Common Stock”), (ii) debt securities of the Company (“Debt Securities”), which may be issued in one or more series under an indenture (the “Form of Indenture”) proposed to be entered into by the Company and the trustee to be named therein, the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, (iii) the Company’s stock purchase contracts (“Stock Purchase Contracts”) obligating the holders thereof to purchase from the Company, and the Company to sell to such holders, shares of Common Stock at a future date or dates, which may be issued pursuant to one or more stock purchase contract agreements (each, a "Purchase Contract Agreement") proposed to be entered into by the Company and one or more purchase contract agents to be named therein, (iv) the Company’s stock purchase units (“Stock Purchase Units”), each consisting of a Stock Purchase Contract and Debt Securities or debt obligations of third parties, including U.S. treasury securities, securing a holder’s obligation to purchase shares of Common Stock under the Stock Purchase Contracts, which may be issued pursuant to one or more agreements (each, a "Purchase Unit Agreement") proposed to be entered into by the Company and one or more purchase unit agents to be named therein and (v) first mortgage bonds of the Company (the “First Mortgage Bonds”), which may be issued under the Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of July 1, 1945, between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (as successor to HSBC Bank USA, National Association), as trustee (the “Trustee”) (as amended as of the date hereof), as proposed to be further amended and supplemented pursuant to a supplemental indenture proposed to be entered into between the Company and the Trustee.
This opinion is being furnished in accordance with the requirements of Item 601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act.
In rendering the opinion set forth herein, I or attorneys under my supervision (with whom I have consulted) have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to my satisfaction, of: (i) the Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company (the “Articles of Incorporation”), (ii) the Eleventh Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (the “Bylaws”), (iii) certain resolutions adopted to date by the Board of Directors of the Company relating to the registration of the Common Stock and related matters and (iv) the Registration Statement and the exhibits thereto.
I or attorneys under my supervision (with whom I have consulted) have also examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to my satisfaction, of such records of the Company and such agreements, certificates and receipts of public officials, certificates of officers or other representatives of the Company and others, and such other documents as I or attorneys under my supervision (with whom I have consulted) have deemed necessary or appropriate as a basis for the opinion stated below.
In my examination, I or attorneys under my supervision (with whom I have consulted) have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, including electronic signatures, the legal capacity and competency of all natural persons, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as facsimile, electronic, certified or photostatic copies, and the authenticity of the originals of such copies. As to any facts relevant to the opinion stated herein that I or attorneys under my supervision (with whom I have consulted) did not independently establish or verify, we have relied upon statements and representations of officers and other representatives of the Company and others and of public officials.
In making my examination of executed documents or documents to be executed, I or attorneys under my supervision (with whom I have consulted) have assumed that the parties thereto, other than the Company, had or will have the power, corporate or other, to enter into and perform all obligations thereunder and have also assumed the due authorization by all requisite action, corporate or other, and execution and delivery by such parties of such documents and the validity and binding
effect on such parties. In addition, I or attorneys under my supervision (with whom I have consulted) have assumed (i) that all Common Stock will be issued and sold in compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws and in the manner stated in the Registration Statement and the applicable prospectus supplement, and, there will be sufficient shares of Common Stock authorized under the Company’s Articles of Incorporation and not otherwise reserved for issuance, and (ii) the issuance and sale of such Common Stock has been duly established in conformity with the Articles of Incorporation of the Company so as not to violate any applicable law, the Articles of Incorporation or the Bylaws, or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company, and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company.
The opinion set forth herein is limited to the laws of the State of Oregon that are normally applicable to transactions of the type contemplated by the Registration Statement and, to the extent that judicial or regulatory orders or decrees or consents, approvals, licenses, authorizations, validations, filings, recordings or registrations with governmental authorities are relevant, to those required under such laws (all of the foregoing being referred to as “Opined on Law”). I do not express any opinion with respect to the law of any jurisdiction other than Opined on Law or as to the effect of the law of any other jurisdiction on the opinion stated herein.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing and to the other limitations, qualifications, exceptions and assumptions set forth herein, I am of the opinion that:
1.With respect to the shares of any Common Stock to be offered by the Company pursuant to the Registration Statement, when (i) the Registration Statement, as finally amended (including all necessary post-effective amendments), has become effective under the Securities Act, (ii) the Board of Directors, including any appropriate committee appointed thereby, and appropriate officers of the Company have taken all necessary corporate action to approve the issuance of the Common Stock and related matters, (iii) if the Common Stock is to be sold pursuant to a firm commitment underwritten offering, the underwriting agreement with respect to the Common Stock has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and the other parties thereto, (iv) the terms of the issuance and sale of the Common Stock have been duly established in conformity with the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws so as not to violate any applicable law, the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company, and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company, (v) the Company has obtained the requisite approval by the Public Utility Commission of Oregon regarding such issuance of the Common Stock, (vi) an appropriate prospectus supplement or term sheet with respect to the Common Stock has been prepared, delivered and filed in compliance with the Securities Act and the applicable rules and regulations thereunder, (vii) if the issuance of the Common Stock is certificated, certificates representing the shares of Common Stock have been duly executed and countersigned and (viii) the shares of Common Stock are duly registered and delivered upon payment of the agreed upon consideration therefor in accordance with such corporate action, then, upon the happening of such events, the shares of Common Stock, when issued and sold in accordance with the applicable underwriting agreement, if any, or any other duly authorized, executed and delivered valid and binding agreement, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
2.With respect to any Debt Securities or First Mortgage Bonds to be offered by the Company pursuant to the Registration Statement (the "Offered Debt Securities"), when (i) the Registration Statement, as finally amended (including all necessary post-effective amendments) becomes effective under the Securities Act; (ii) an appropriate prospectus supplement with respect to the Offered Debt Securities has been prepared, delivered and filed in compliance with the Securities Act and the applicable Rules and Regulations; (iii) the applicable Form of Indenture relating to the Offered Debt Securities has been duly authorized, executed and delivered and the Offered Debt Securities have been duly authorized by the Board of Directors of the Company; (iv) the terms of the Offered Debt Securities and of their issuance and sale have been duly established in conformity with the applicable Form of Indenture, and provided that such terms, when established, do not violate any applicable law or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company; (v) if the Offered Debt Securities are to be sold pursuant to a firm commitment underwritten offering, the underwriting agreement with respect to the Offered Debt Securities has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and the other parties thereto; and (vi) the Offered Debt Securities have been duly executed and countersigned in accordance with the applicable Form of Indenture and duly issued and sold as contemplated by the Registration Statement and consideration therefor has been received by the Company, or upon the conversion, exchange or exercise of any other Offered Securities in accordance with the terms of such Offered Securities or the instrument governing such Offered Securities providing for such conversion, exchange or exercise, the Offered Debt Securities will be duly authorized.
3.With respect to any Stock Purchase Contracts to be offered by the Company pursuant to the Registration Statement (the “Offered Stock Purchase Contracts”), when (i) the Registration Statement, as finally amended (including all necessary post-effective amendments), has become effective under the Securities Act; (ii) an appropriate prospectus supplement with
respect to the Offered Stock Purchase Contracts has been prepared, delivered and filed in compliance with the Securities Act and the applicable Rules and Regulations; (iii) the Purchase Contract Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered and the Offered Stock Purchase Contracts have been duly authorized by the Board of Directors of the Company; (iv) the terms of the Offered Stock Purchase Contracts and of their issuance and sale have been duly established in conformity with the Purchase Contract Agreement, and provided that such terms, when established, do not violate any applicable law or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company; (v) if the Offered Stock Purchase Contracts are to be sold pursuant to a firm commitment underwritten offering, the underwriting agreement with respect to the Offered Stock Purchase Contracts has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and the other parties thereto; and (vi) the Offered Stock Purchase Contracts have been duly executed and countersigned in accordance with the Purchase Contract Agreement and duly issued and sold as contemplated by the Registration Statement and consideration therefor has been received by the Company, the Offered Stock Purchase Contracts will be duly authorized.
4.With respect to any Stock Purchase Units to be offered by the Company pursuant to the Registration Statement (the “Offered Stock Purchase Units”), when (i) the Registration Statement, as finally amended (including all necessary post-effective amendments), has become effective under the Securities Act; (ii) an appropriate prospectus supplement with respect to the Offered Stock Purchase Units has been prepared, delivered and filed in compliance with the Securities Act and the applicable Rules and Regulations; (iii) the terms of the collateral arrangements, if any, relating to the Offered Stock Purchase Units (the “Collateral Arrangements”) have been duly authorized, executed and delivered and the Offered Stock Purchase Units have been duly authorized by the Board of Directors of the Company; (iv) the terms of the Offered Stock Purchase Units and of their issuance and sale have been duly established in conformity with the Collateral Arrangements, if any, and provided that such terms, when established, do not violate any applicable law or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company and comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company; (v) if the Offered Stock Purchase Units are to be sold pursuant to a firm commitment underwritten offering, the underwriting agreement with respect to the Offered Stock Purchase Units has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and the other parties thereto; and (vi) the Offered Stock Purchase Units have been duly executed and countersigned in accordance with the Collateral Arrangements, if any, and duly issued and sold as contemplated by the Registration Statement and consideration therefor has been received by the Company, the Offered Stock Purchase Units will be duly authorized.
I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the reference to me under the heading “Legal Matters” in the prospectus constituting a part of the Registration Statement. In giving this consent, I do not thereby admit that I am in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the Rules and Regulations. This opinion is expressed as of the date hereof unless otherwise expressly stated, and I disclaim any undertaking to advise you of any subsequent changes in the facts stated or assumed herein or of any subsequent changes in applicable laws.
| Very truly yours, | ||
| /s/ Angelica Espinosa | ||
| Angelica Espinosa General Counsel | ||
Exhibit 5.2
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom llp
ONE MANHATTAN WEST
NEW YORK, NY 10001
________
TEL: (212) 735-3000
FAX: (212) 735-2000
www.skadden.com
August 1, 2022
Portland General Electric Company
121 SW Salmon Street
Portland, Oregon 97204
121 SW Salmon Street
Portland, Oregon 97204
Re: Portland General Electric Company
Registration Statement on Form S-3
Registration Statement on Form S-3
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as special United States counsel to Portland General Electric Company, an Oregon corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the registration statement on Form S-3 (the “Registration Statement”) to be filed on the date hereof by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”). The Registration Statement relates to the issuance and sale by the Company from time to time, pursuant to Rule 415 of the General Rules and Regulations of the Commission promulgated under the Securities Act (the “Rules and Regulations”), of (i) shares of common stock, no par
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August 1, 2022
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value, of the Company (“Common Stock”), (ii) debt securities of the Company (“Debt Securities”), which may be issued in one or more series under an indenture (the “Form of Indenture”) proposed to be entered into by the Company and the trustee to be named therein, the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, (iii) the Company’s stock purchase contracts (“Stock Purchase Contracts”) obligating the holders thereof to purchase from the Company, and the Company to sell to such holders, shares of Common Stock at a future date or dates, which may be issued pursuant to one or more stock purchase contract agreements (each, a “Purchase Contract Agreement”) proposed to be entered into by the Company and one or more purchase contract agents to be named therein, (iv) the Company’s stock purchase units (“Stock Purchase Units”), each consisting of a Stock Purchase Contract and Debt Securities or debt obligations of third parties, including U.S. treasury securities, securing a holder’s obligation to purchase shares of Common Stock under the Stock Purchase Contracts, which may be issued pursuant to one or more agreements (each, a “Purchase Unit Agreement”) proposed to be entered into by the Company and one or more purchase unit agents to be named therein and (v) first mortgage bonds (the “First Mortgage Bonds”) of the Company, which may be issued under the Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of July 1, 1945, between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (as successor to HSBC Bank USA, National Association), as trustee (the “Trustee”) (as amended as of the date hereof, the “Mortgage Bond Indenture”), as proposed to be further amended and supplemented pursuant to a supplemental indenture proposed to be entered into between the Company and the Trustee. The Debt Securities, Stock Purchase Contracts, Stock Purchase Units and First Mortgage Bonds offered pursuant to the Registration Statement are collectively referred to herein as the “Securities.”
This opinion is being furnished in accordance with the requirements of Item 601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act.
In rendering the opinion stated herein, we have examined and relied upon the following:
(1)the Registration Statement;
(2)the Form of Indenture, filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement; and
(3)the Mortgage Bond Indenture, filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.
We have also examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such records of the Company and such agreements, certificates and receipts of public officials, certificates of officers or other representatives of the Company and others, and such other documents as we have deemed necessary or appropriate as a basis for the opinions stated below.
In our examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, including electronic signatures, the legal capacity and competency of all natural persons, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as facsimile, electronic, certified or
Portland General Electric Company
August 1, 2022
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photocopied copies, and the authenticity of the originals of such copies. As to any facts relevant to the opinions stated herein that we did not independently establish or verify, we have relied upon statements and representations of officers and other representatives of the Company and others and of public officials.
We do not express any opinion with respect to the laws of any jurisdiction other than the laws of the State of New York (“Opined-on Law”).
As used herein, “Transaction Documents” means the Form of Indenture, the Mortgage Bond Indenture and any applicable supplemental indenture establishing the terms of the Offered Debt Securities (as defined below) and the Offered First Mortgage Bonds (as defined below), as applicable, the Purchase Contract Agreements, the Purchase Unit Agreement and any applicable underwriting or purchase agreement.
The opinions stated in paragraphs 1-4 below presume that all of the following (collectively, the “general conditions”) shall have occurred prior to the issuance of the Securities referred to therein: (i) the Registration Statement, as finally amended (including all necessary post-effective amendments), has become effective under the Securities Act; (ii) an appropriate prospectus supplement or term sheet with respect to such Securities has been prepared, delivered and filed in compliance with the Securities Act and the applicable Rules and Regulations; (iii) the applicable Transaction Documents shall have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and the other parties thereto, including, if such Securities are to be sold or otherwise distributed pursuant to a firm commitment underwritten offering, the underwriting agreement or purchase agreement with respect thereto; (iv) the Board of Directors of the Company, including any duly authorized committee thereof, shall have taken all necessary corporate action to approve the issuance and sale of such Securities and and related matters and appropriate officers of the Company have taken all related action as directed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors of the Company; (v) the terms of the applicable Transaction Documents and the issuance and sale of such Securities have been duly established in conformity with the articles of incorporation of the Company so as not to violate any applicable law, the articles of incorporation of the Company or the bylaws of the Company, or result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company, and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company; and (vi) the Company has obtained the requisite approval by the Public Utility Commission of Oregon regarding the issuance of the Securities, as applicable.
Based upon the foregoing and subject to the qualifications and assumptions stated herein, we are of the opinion that:
i.With respect to any Debt Securities offered by the Company (the “Offered Debt Securities”), when (a) the general conditions shall have been satisfied, (b) the Form of Indenture has been duly executed and qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (the “TIA”) ; (c) the issuance, sale and terms of the Offered Debt Securities and related matters have been approved and established in conformity with the applicable Transaction Documents and (d) the certificates evidencing the Offered Debt Securities have been issued in a form that complies with the provisions of the applicable
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August 1, 2022
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Transaction Documents and have been duly executed and authenticated in accordance with the provisions of the Form of Indenture and any other applicable Transaction Documents and issued and sold or otherwise distributed in accordance with the provisions of the applicable Transaction Document upon payment of the agreed-upon consideration therefor, the Offered Debt Securities will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their respective terms under the laws of the State of New York.
ii.With respect to any Stock Purchase Contracts offered by the Company (the “Offered Purchase Contracts”), when (a) the general conditions shall have been satisfied, (b) the Common Stock relating to such Offered Purchase Contracts have been duly authorized for issuance by the Company and (c) the Offered Purchase Contracts have been duly executed, delivered and countersigned in accordance with the provisions of the applicable Purchase Contract Agreement, the Offered Purchase Contracts, when issued and sold or otherwise distributed in accordance with the provisions of the applicable Transaction Document upon payment of the agreed-upon consideration therefor, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their respective terms under the laws of the State of New York.
iii.With respect to any Stock Purchase Units offered by the Company (the “Offered Purchase Units”), when (a) the general conditions shall have been satisfied, (b) the Common Stock and/or Debt Securities included in such Offered Purchase Units have been duly authorized for issuance by the Company or, in the case of debt obligations of third parties, duly authorized for sale by the Company and (c) certificates evidencing the Offered Purchase Units have been duly executed, delivered and countersigned in accordance with the provisions of the applicable Purchase Unit Agreement, the Offered Purchase Units, when issued and sold or otherwise distributed in accordance with the provisions of the applicable Transaction Document upon payment of the agreed-upon consideration therefor, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their respective terms under the laws of the State of New York.
iv.With respect to any First Mortgage Bonds offered by the Company (the “Offered First Mortgage Bonds”), when (a) the general conditions shall have been satisfied, (b) the issuance, sale and terms of the Offered First Mortgage Bonds and related matters have been approved and established in conformity with the applicable Transaction Documents and (c) the certificates evidencing the Offered First Mortgage Bonds have been issued in a form that complies with the provisions of the applicable Transaction Documents and have been duly executed and authenticated in accordance with the provisions of any applicable Transaction Documents and issued and sold or otherwise distributed in accordance with the provisions of the applicable Transaction Documents upon payment of the agreed-upon consideration therefor, the Offered First Mortgage Bonds will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their respective terms under the laws of the State of New York.
The opinion stated herein is subject to the following qualifications:
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(a) we do not express any opinion with respect to the effect on the opinion stated herein of any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent transfer, preference and other similar laws and governmental orders affecting creditors’ rights generally, and the opinion stated herein is limited by such laws and orders and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in equity or at law);
(b) we do not express any opinion with respect to any law, rule or regulation that is applicable to any party to any of the Transaction Documents or the transactions contemplated thereby solely because such law, rule or regulation is part of a regulatory regime applicable to any such party or any of its affiliates as a result of the specific assets or business operations of such party or such affiliates;
(c) except to the extent expressly stated in the opinions contained herein, we have assumed that each of the Transaction Documents constitutes the valid and binding obligation of each party to such Transaction Document, enforceable against such party in accordance with its terms;
(d) we do not express any opinion with respect to the enforceability of any provision contained in any Transaction Document relating to any indemnification, contribution, non-reliance, exculpation, release, limitation or exclusion of remedies, waiver or other provisions having similar effect that may be contrary to public policy or violative of federal or state securities laws, rules or regulations, or to the extent any such provision purports to, or has the effect of, waiving or altering any statute of limitations;
(e) we do not express any opinion with respect to the enforceability of any provision of any Transaction Document to the extent that such section purports to bind the Company to the exclusive jurisdiction of any particular federal court or courts;
(f) we call to your attention that irrespective of the agreement of the parties to any Transaction Documents, a court may decline to hear a case on grounds of forum non conveniens or other doctrine limiting the availability of such court as a forum for resolution of disputes; in addition, we call to your attention that we do not express any opinion with respect to the subject matter jurisdiction of the federal courts of the United States of America in any action arising out of or relating to any Transaction Document;
(g) we have assumed that the choice of New York law to govern the Form of Indenture and the Mortgage Bond Indenture and any supplemental indenture thereto is and will be a valid and legal provision;
(h) we have assumed that the laws of the State of New York will be chosen to govern any Purchase Contract Agreements and Purchase Unit Agreements and that such choice is and will be a valid and legal provision;
(i) we have assumed that the Form of Indenture will be duly authorized, executed and delivered by the trustee in substantially the form reviewed by us; and
(j) to the extent that any opinion relates to the enforceability of the choice of New York law and choice of New York forum provisions contained in any Transaction
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Document, the opinions stated herein are subject to the qualification that such enforceability may be subject to, in each case, (i) the exceptions and limitations in New York General Obligations Law sections 5-1401 and 5-1402 and (ii) principles of comity and constitutionality.
In addition, in rendering the foregoing opinion we have assumed that:
(a) the Company (i) is duly incorporated and is validly existing and in good standing, (ii) has requisite legal status and legal capacity under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization and (iii) has complied and will comply with all aspects of the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization in connection with the transactions contemplated by, and the performance of its obligations under, the Transaction Documents;
(b) the Company has the corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform all its obligations under each of the Transaction Documents;
(c) neither the execution and delivery by the Company of the Transaction Documents nor the performance by the Company of its obligations thereunder, including the issuance and sale of the applicable Securities: (i) conflicts or will conflict with the articles of incorporation or bylaws of the Company, (ii) constitutes or will constitute a violation of, or a default under, any lease, indenture, agreement or other instrument to which the Company or its property is subject, (iii) contravened or will contravene any order or decree of any governmental authority to which the Company or its property is subject, or (iv) violates or will violate any law, rule or regulation to which the Company or its property is subject (except that we do not make the assumption set forth in this clause (iv) with respect to the Opined-on Law); and
(d) neither the execution and delivery by the Company of the Transaction Documents nor the performance by the Company of its obligations thereunder, including the issuance and sale of the applicable Securities, requires or will require the consent, approval, licensing or authorization of, or any filing, recording or registration with, any governmental authority under any law, rule or regulation of any jurisdiction.
We hereby consent to the reference to our firm under the heading “Legal Matters” in the prospectus forming part of the Registration Statement. We also hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not thereby admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the Rules and Regulations. This opinion is expressed as of the date hereof unless otherwise expressly stated, and we disclaim any undertaking to advise you of any subsequent changes in the facts stated or assumed herein or of any subsequent changes in applicable laws.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Portland General Electric Company
August 1, 2022
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MJH
Exhibit 23.1
| Deloitte & Touche LLP | ||
| U .S. Bancorp Tower | ||
| 111 Southwest Fifth Aveenue | ||
| Portland, OR 97204-3642 USA | ||
| Tel: +1 503 222 1341 | ||
| Fax: +1 503 224 2172 | ||
| www.deloitte.com | ||
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of our reports dated February 16, 2022, relating to the financial statements of Portland General Electric Company and the effectiveness of Portland General Electric Company's internal control over financial reporting, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Portland General Electric Company 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
August 1, 2022
Portland, OR
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-3
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director of Portland General Electric Company (the Company) hereby constitutes and appoints Maria M. Pope, President and Chief Executive Officer, James A. Ajello, Senior Vice President, Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and Angelica Espinosa, Vice President, General Counsel, and each of them, and any successor or successors to such offices held by each of them, with full power (any one of them acting alone), as true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign the registration statement on Form S-3 to be filed in connection with the offerings of securities of the Company and any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, and any subsequent registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and the other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Effective as of July 22, 2022.
| /s/ Rodney L. Brown, Jr. | ||
| Signature | ||
| Rodney L. Brown, Jr. | ||
| Print Name | ||
POWER OF ATTORNEY
REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-3
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director of Portland General Electric Company (the Company) hereby constitutes and appoints Maria M. Pope, President and Chief Executive Officer, James A. Ajello, Senior Vice President, Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and Angelica Espinosa, Vice President, General Counsel, and each of them, and any successor or successors to such offices held by each of them, with full power (any one of them acting alone), as true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign the registration statement on Form S-3 to be filed in connection with the offerings of securities of the Company and any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, and any subsequent registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and the other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Effective as of July 22, 2022.
| /s/ Jack E. Davis | ||
| Signature | ||
| Jack E. Davis | ||
| Print Name | ||
POWER OF ATTORNEY
REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-3
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director of Portland General Electric Company (the Company) hereby constitutes and appoints Maria M. Pope, President and Chief Executive Officer, James A. Ajello, Senior Vice President, Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and Angelica Espinosa, Vice President, General Counsel, and each of them, and any successor or successors to such offices held by each of them, with full power (any one of them acting alone), as true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign the registration statement on Form S-3 to be filed in connection with the offerings of securities of the Company and any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, and any subsequent registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and the other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Effective as of July 22, 2022.
| /s/ Dawn L. Farrell | ||
| Signature | ||
| Dawn L. Farrell | ||
| Print Name | ||
POWER OF ATTORNEY
REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-3
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director of Portland General Electric Company (the Company) hereby constitutes and appoints Maria M. Pope, President and Chief Executive Officer, James A. Ajello, Senior Vice President, Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and Angelica Espinosa, Vice President, General Counsel, and each of them, and any successor or successors to such offices held by each of them, with full power (any one of them acting alone), as true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign the registration statement on Form S-3 to be filed in connection with the offerings of securities of the Company and any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, and any subsequent registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and the other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Effective as of July 22, 2022.
| /s/ Mark B. Ganz | ||
| Signature | ||
| Mark B. Ganz | ||
| Print Name | ||
POWER OF ATTORNEY
REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-3
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director of Portland General Electric Company (the Company) hereby constitutes and appoints Maria M. Pope, President and Chief Executive Officer, James A. Ajello, Senior Vice President, Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and Angelica Espinosa, Vice President, General Counsel, and each of them, and any successor or successors to such offices held by each of them, with full power (any one of them acting alone), as true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign the registration statement on Form S-3 to be filed in connection with the offerings of securities of the Company and any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, and any subsequent registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and the other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Effective as of July 22, 2022.
| /s/ Marie Oh Huber | ||
| Signature | ||
| Marie Oh Huber | ||
| Print Name | ||
POWER OF ATTORNEY
REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-3
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director of Portland General Electric Company (the Company) hereby constitutes and appoints Maria M. Pope, President and Chief Executive Officer, James A. Ajello, Senior Vice President, Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and Angelica Espinosa, Vice President, General Counsel, and each of them, and any successor or successors to such offices held by each of them, with full power (any one of them acting alone), as true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign the registration statement on Form S-3 to be filed in connection with the offerings of securities of the Company and any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, and any subsequent registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and the other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Effective as of July 22, 2022.
| /s/ Kathryn J. Jackson | ||
| Signature | ||
| Kathryn J. Jackson | ||
| Print Name | ||
POWER OF ATTORNEY
REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-3
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director of Portland General Electric Company (the Company) hereby constitutes and appoints Maria M. Pope, President and Chief Executive Officer, James A. Ajello, Senior Vice President, Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and Angelica Espinosa, Vice President, General Counsel, and each of them, and any successor or successors to such offices held by each of them, with full power (any one of them acting alone), as true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign the registration statement on Form S-3 to be filed in connection with the offerings of securities of the Company and any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, and any subsequent registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and the other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Effective as of July 22, 2022.
| /s/ Michael A. Lewis | ||
| Signature | ||
| Michael A. Lewis | ||
| Print Name | ||
POWER OF ATTORNEY
REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-3
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director of Portland General Electric Company (the Company) hereby constitutes and appoints Maria M. Pope, President and Chief Executive Officer, James A. Ajello, Senior Vice President, Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and Angelica Espinosa, Vice President, General Counsel, and each of them, and any successor or successors to such offices held by each of them, with full power (any one of them acting alone), as true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign the registration statement on Form S-3 to be filed in connection with the offerings of securities of the Company and any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, and any subsequent registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and the other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Effective as of July 22, 2022.
| /s/ Michael H. Millegan | ||
| Signature | ||
| Michael H. Millegan | ||
| Print Name | ||
POWER OF ATTORNEY
REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-3
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director of Portland General Electric Company (the Company) hereby constitutes and appoints Maria M. Pope, President and Chief Executive Officer, James A. Ajello, Senior Vice President, Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and Angelica Espinosa, Vice President, General Counsel, and each of them, and any successor or successors to such offices held by each of them, with full power (any one of them acting alone), as true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign the registration statement on Form S-3 to be filed in connection with the offerings of securities of the Company and any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, and any subsequent registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and the other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Effective as of July 22, 2022.
| /s/ M. Lee Pelton | ||
| Signature | ||
| M. Lee Pelton | ||
| Print Name | ||
POWER OF ATTORNEY
REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-3
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned director of Portland General Electric Company (the Company) hereby constitutes and appoints Maria M. Pope, President and Chief Executive Officer, James A. Ajello, Senior Vice President, Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and Angelica Espinosa, Vice President, General Counsel, and each of them, and any successor or successors to such offices held by each of them, with full power (any one of them acting alone), as true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign the registration statement on Form S-3 to be filed in connection with the offerings of securities of the Company and any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, and any subsequent registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and the other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Effective as of July 22, 2022.
| /s/ James P. Torgerson | ||
| Signature | ||
| James P. Torgerson | ||
| Print Name | ||
Exhibit 25.1
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_____________________________
FORM T-1
STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A
CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE
¨ CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(b)(2)
_____________________________
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
(Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)
94-1347393 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |||||
101 North Phillips Avenue Sioux Falls, South Dakota (Address of principal executive offices) | 57104 (Zip code) | ||||
Wells Fargo & Company Law Department
Trust Section
MAC N9305-175
Sixth Street and Marquette Avenue, 17th Floor
Minneapolis, MN 55479
(612) 667-4608
(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
_____________________________
PORTLAND GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
(Issuer with respect to the Securities)
Oregon (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | 93-0256820 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | ||||
121 SW Salmon Street Portland, OR 97204 (503) 464-8000 (Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices) | |||||
Angelica Espinosa, Esq. Vice President General Counsel 121 SW Salmon Street Portland, Oregon 97204 (503) 464-8000 (Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service) | |||||
Copies to:
Marc S. Gerber, Esq.
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP 1440 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 371-7000
_____________________________
Common Stock
Debt Securities
Stock Purchase Contracts
Stock Purchase Units
and
First Mortgage Bonds
(Title of the indenture securities)
Item 1. General Information. Furnish the following information as to the trustee:
(a) Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it is subject.
Comptroller of the Currency
Treasury Department
Washington, D.C.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Washington, D.C.
Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
San Francisco, California 94120
(b) Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.
The trustee is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.
Item 2. Affiliations with Obligor. If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such affiliation.
None with respect to the trustee.
Item 3-14. Items 3-15 are not applicable because, to the best of the Trustee's knowledge, the obligor is not in default under any
Indenture for which the Trustee acts as Trustee.
Item 15. Foreign Trustee. Not applicable.
Item 16. List of Exhibits. List below all exhibits filed as a part of this statement of eligibility and qualification. | |||||||||||
| Exhibit 1. | A copy of the Articles of Association of the trustee as now in effect.* | ||||||||||
| Exhibit 2. | A copy of the Comptroller of the Currency Certificate of Corporate Existence for Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, dated January 14, 2015.* | ||||||||||
| Exhibit 3. | A copy of the Comptroller of the Currency Certification of Fiduciary Powers for Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, dated January 6, 2014.* | ||||||||||
| Exhibit 4. | Copy of By-laws of the trustee as now in effect.* | ||||||||||
| Exhibit 5. | Not applicable. | ||||||||||
| Exhibit 6. | The consent of the trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. | ||||||||||
| Exhibit 7. | Report of condition of the Trustee as of December 31, 2021 published pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or examining authority. | ||||||||||
| Exhibit 8. | Not applicable. | ||||||||||
| Exhibit 9. | Not applicable. | ||||||||||
* Incorporated by reference to the exhibit of the same number to the trustee’s Form T-1 filed as exhibit to the Filing 305B2 dated March 13, 2015 of file number 333-190926.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the Trustee, WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, has duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Los Angeles and State of California on the 1st day of August, 2022.
By: /s/ Corey J. Dahlstrand
Name: Corey J. Dahlstrand
Title: Assistant Vice President
EXHIBIT 6
CONSENT
In accordance with Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the undersigned WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION hereby consents that reports of examination of the undersigned by Federal, State, Territorial, or District authorities may be furnished by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request therefor.
Dated: August 1st, 2022
By: /s/ Corey J. Dahlstrand
Name: Corey J. Dahlstrand
Title: Assistant Vice President
EXHIBIT 7
Consolidated Report of Condition of
Wells Fargo Bank National Association
101 North Phillips Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
And Foreign and Domestic Subsidiaries,
at the close of business December 31, 2021, filed in accordance with 12 U.S.C. §161 for National Banks.
| Dollar Amounts In Millions | ||||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||||
| Cash and balances due from depository institutions: | ||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin | $ | 23,833 | ||||||
| Interest-bearing balances | 204,542 | |||||||
| Securities: | ||||||||
| Held-to-maturity securities | 272,022 | |||||||
| Available-for-sale securities | 169,033 | |||||||
| Equity Securities with readily determinable fair value not held for trading | 11 | |||||||
| Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell: | ||||||||
| Federal funds sold in domestic offices | 46 | |||||||
| Securities purchased under agreements to resell | 73,181 | |||||||
| Loans and lease financing receivables: | ||||||||
| Loans and leases held for sale | 20,154 | |||||||
| Loans and leases, net of unearned income | 850,942 | |||||||
| LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses | 12,318 | |||||||
| Loans and leases, net of unearned income and allowance | 838,624 | |||||||
| Trading Assets | 73,037 | |||||||
| Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases) | 10,590 | |||||||
| Other real estate owned | 130 | |||||||
| Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies | 14,377 | |||||||
| Direct and indirect investments in real estate ventures | 69 | |||||||
| Intangible assets | 30,775 | |||||||
| Other assets | 49,080 | |||||||
| Total assets | $ | 1,779,504 | ||||||
| LIABILITIES | ||||||||
| Deposits: | ||||||||
| In domestic offices | $ | 1,504,343 | ||||||
| Noninterest-bearing | 569,942 | |||||||
| Interest-bearing | 934,401 | |||||||
| In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs | 20,192 | |||||||
| Noninterest-bearing | 236 | |||||||
| Interest-bearing | 19,956 | |||||||
| Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase: | ||||||||
| Federal funds purchased in domestic offices | 1,296 | |||||||
| Securities sold under agreements to repurchase | 4,957 | |||||||
| Trading liabilities | 11,869 | |||||||
| Other borrowed money | ||||||||
| (Includes mortgage indebtedness and obligations under capitalized leases) | 25,425 | |||||||
| Subordinated notes and debentures | 11,975 | |||||||
| Other liabilities | 28,305 | |||||||
| Total liabilities | 1,608,362 | |||||||
| EQUITY CAPITAL | ||||||||
| Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus | — | |||||||
| Common stock | 519 | |||||||
| Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock) | 114,848 | |||||||
| Retained earnings | 55,308 | |||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income | 430 | |||||||
| Other equity capital components | — | |||||||
| Total bank equity capital | 171,105 | |||||||
| Noncontrolling (minority) interests in consolidated subsidiaries | 37 | |||||||
| Total equity capital | 171,142 | |||||||
| Total liabilities, and equity capital | $ | 1,779,504 | ||||||
I, Michael P. Santomassimo, Sr. EVP & CFO of the above-named bank do hereby declare that this Report of Condition has been prepared in conformance with the instructions issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory authority and is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Michael P. Santomassimo
Sr. EVP & CFO
We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this Report of Condition and declare that it has been examined by us and to the best of our knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory authority and is true and correct.
Directors
Maria R. Morris
Theodore F. Craver, Jr.
Juan A. Pujadas