Aptera Motors Corp S-3, filed Oct 1, 2026
Aptera Motors Corp (SEV)
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 1, 2026
Registration No. 333-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
APTERA MOTORS CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Delaware | 83-4079594 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
5818 El Camino Real
Carlsbad, California 92008
858-371-3151
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
Chris Anthony
Co-Chief Executive Officer
Aptera Motors Corp.
5818 El Camino Real
Carlsbad, California 92008
858-371-3151
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
With copies to:
Traci M. Tomaselli, Esq.
Daniel L. Forman, Esq.
Stephen G. Zapf, Esq.
Lowenstein Sandler LLP
1251 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
(646) 414-6926
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this registration statement.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. ☐
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. ☒
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, 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. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
| Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ |
| Non-accelerated filer | ☒ | Smaller reporting company | ☒ |
| Emerging growth company | ☒ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☐
The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant will file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement will thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the registration statement will become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
We are filing this registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) using a “shelf registration” process. Under this registered “shelf,” in the future, we may, from time to time, sell any combination of the securities described herein, in one or more offerings, up to a maximum offering price of $250,000,000.
This registration statement contains two prospectuses:
| ● | a base prospectus which covers the offering, issuance and sale by us of up to a maximum aggregate offering price of $250,000,000 of our Class B common stock, preferred stock, warrants, debt securities, subscription rights and/or units from time to time in one or more offerings; and |
| ● | a sales agreement prospectus covering the offering, issuance and sale by us of up to a maximum aggregate offering price of $19,000,000 of our Class B common stock that may be issued and sold from time to time under a Controlled Equity OfferingSM Sales Agreement (the “Sales Agreement”), with Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., acting as sales agent and/or principal. |
The base prospectus immediately follows this explanatory note. The specific terms of any securities to be offered pursuant to the base prospectus other than the shares under the Sales Agreement will be specified in a prospectus supplement to the base prospectus. The sales agreement prospectus immediately follows the base prospectus. The $19,000,000 of Class B common stock that may be offered, issued and sold under the sales agreement prospectus is included in the $250,000,000 of securities that may be offered, issued and sold by us under the base prospectus. Upon termination of the Sales Agreement, any portion of the $19,000,000 included in the sales agreement prospectus that is not previously sold is available for sale in other offerings pursuant to the base prospectus, and if no shares are sold under the Sales Agreement, the full $250,000,000 of securities may be sold in other offerings pursuant to the base prospectus and a corresponding prospectus supplement.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities under this prospectus until the registration statement of which it is a part and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED OCTOBER 1, 2026
$250,000,000
APTERA MOTORS CORP.
Class B Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Warrants
Debt Securities
Subscription Rights
Units
We may offer and sell, from time to time in one or more offerings, any combination of Class B common stock, preferred stock, warrants, debt securities, subscription rights or units having an aggregate initial offering price not exceeding $250,000,000. The debt securities may consist of debentures, notes or other types of debt. The preferred stock, warrants, debt securities, subscription rights and units may be convertible or exercisable or exchangeable for Class B common stock or preferred stock or other securities of ours. The units may consist of any combination of the securities listed above.
Each time we sell a particular class or series of securities, we will provide specific terms of the securities offered in a supplement to this prospectus. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, as well as the documents incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus, carefully before you invest in any securities.
This prospectus may not be used to offer or sell our securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement relating to the offered securities.
Our Class B common stock is traded on The Nasdaq Capital Market, or Nasdaq, under the symbol “SEV.” On September 28, 2026, the last reported sales price of our Class B common stock on Nasdaq was $1.98 per share. Each prospectus supplement will indicate if the securities offered thereby will be listed on any securities exchange.
These securities may be sold directly by us, through dealers or agents designated from time to time, to or through underwriters or dealers or through a combination of these methods on a continuous or delayed basis. See “Plan of Distribution” in this prospectus. We may also describe the plan of distribution for any particular offering of our securities in a prospectus supplement. If any agents, underwriters or dealers are involved in the sale of any securities in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered, we will disclose their names and the nature of our arrangements with them in a prospectus supplement. The net proceeds we expect to receive from any such sale will also be included in a prospectus supplement.
As of September 28, 2026, the aggregate market value of our outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates, or the public float, was approximately $58.4 million, which was calculated based on 23,648,868 shares of our outstanding Class A common stock and Class B common stock held by non-affiliates at a price of $2.47 per share, the closing price of our Class B common stock on August 21, 2026. Pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3, in no event will we sell shares pursuant to this prospectus with a value of more than one-third of the aggregate market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates in any 12-month period, so long as the aggregate market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates is less than $75,000,000. During the 12 calendar months prior to, and including, the date of this prospectus, we have not sold any securities pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3.
Investing in our securities involves various risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-6 of this prospectus and in the applicable prospectus supplement, and in the risks discussed in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus and in the applicable prospectus supplement, as they may be amended, updated or modified periodically in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should carefully read and consider these risk factors before you invest in our securities.
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.
This prospectus is dated , 2026
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| i |
This prospectus is part of a shelf registration statement that Aptera Motors Corp. (the “Company,” “Aptera,” “we,” “us” or “our”) filed with the SEC using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may offer and sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings from time to time having an aggregate offering price of $250,000,000. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. We may also authorize one or more free writing prospectuses to be provided to you that may contain material information relating to these offerings. Each time we offer securities, we will provide you with a prospectus supplement that describes the specific amounts, prices and terms of the securities we offer. The prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus or in any documents that we have incorporated by reference into this prospectus. To the extent that any statement that we make in a prospectus supplement is inconsistent with statements made in this prospectus, the statements made in this prospectus will be deemed modified or superseded by those made in a prospectus supplement. You should read carefully both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information described below under the captions “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Documents by Reference.”
This prospectus does not contain all the information provided in the registration statement we filed with the SEC. You should read both this prospectus, including the section titled “Risk Factors,” and the accompanying prospectus supplement, together with the additional information described under the captions “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Documents by Reference.”
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. This prospectus is not an offer to sell securities, and it is not soliciting an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus, as well as information we have previously filed with the SEC and incorporated by reference, is accurate as of the date on the front of those documents only. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.
| S-1 |
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Except for historical information, this prospectus and the documents incorporated herein by reference contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the “Securities Act”) and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions and future performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control, and which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be forward-looking statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements through our use of words such as “may,” “can,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “should,” “indicate,” “would,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “expect,” “seek,” “estimate,” “continue,” “plan,” “point to,” “project,” “predict,” “could,” “intend,” “target,” “potential” and other similar words and expressions of the future.
There are a number of important factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement made by us. These factors include, but are not limited to:
| ● | our future financial performance, including our expectations regarding our revenue, cost of revenue, gross profit, operating expenses including changes in research and development, sales and marketing, and general and administrative expenses (including any components of the foregoing), and our ability to maintain future profitability; |
| ● | our plans to raise capital to fund our operations; |
| ● | our ability to continue as a going concern; |
| ● | our business plan and our ability to effectively manage our growth; |
| ● | our ability to compete with well-established competitors and new entrants; |
| ● | our ability to navigate the regulatory environment applicable to our operations and industry; |
| ● | our ability to begin manufacturing our vehicles at scale; |
| ● | our ability to attract and retain qualified employees and key personnel; |
| ● | our ability to execute our strategy; |
| ● | beliefs and objectives for future operations; |
| ● | our ability to maintain, protect, and enhance our brand and intellectual property; |
| ● | our ability to stay in compliance with laws and regulations that currently apply or become applicable to our business; |
| ● | economic and industry trends, projected growth, or trend analysis; |
| ● | increased expenses associated with being a public company; |
| ● | our expectations related to the use of any net proceeds from offerings of our securities under this prospectus and any prospectus supplement; |
| ● | the volatility of the trading price of our Class B common stock; and |
| ● | the factors listed under the heading “Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, our most recent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and other reports that we file with the SEC from time to time. |
You should read this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein, of which this prospectus is part, completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement is accurate as of the date on the front cover of this prospectus or such prospectus supplement only. Because the risk factors referred to above, as well as the risk factors referred to on page S-6 of this prospectus and incorporated herein by reference, could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict which factors will arise. In addition, we cannot assess the impact of each factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. We qualify all of the information presented in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement, and particularly our forward-looking statements, by these cautionary statements.
| S-2 |
This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein. This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider before deciding to invest in our securities. You should read this entire prospectus carefully, including the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-6, our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and the other information incorporated by reference into this prospectus before making an investment decision.
Company Overview
We are a Delaware public benefit corporation and development stage company focused on the development and commercialization of solar electric vehicles (SEVs). Our flagship vehicle, the Aptera, is a three-wheeled, two-passenger vehicle designed for efficiency and sustainability. We believe Aptera’s unique design, incorporating solar charging capabilities and aerodynamic efficiency, will offer a compelling alternative to conventional vehicles. We completed a direct listing of our Class B common stock on Nasdaq in October 2025.
Our Business Model
We intend to generate revenue primarily through the sale of our SEVs. Our current focus is on completing the development, validation, and commencing production of the Aptera. We have not commenced production or generated any revenue from the sale of our products. During the past three years, we engaged with strategic partners to supply validated production parts, and we are currently executing our validation vehicle program. We plan to offer various Aptera models with different features and price points. We may also explore other revenue streams in the future, such as providing charging infrastructure or developing related technologies.
The Aptera
The Aptera is designed to be a highly efficient vehicle, minimizing energy consumption through its aerodynamic design and lightweight construction. Its integrated solar panels are intended to supplement battery charging, potentially allowing drivers to travel significant distances using only solar power. The Aptera is designed to be a practical and sustainable transportation solution for daily commuting and other driving needs.
Competitive Advantages
We believe the Aptera offers several competitive advantages, including:
| ● | High Efficiency: The Aptera’s aerodynamic design and lightweight construction contribute to its high energy efficiency. |
| ● | Solar Charging: Integrated solar panels provide supplemental charging, potentially reducing reliance on traditional charging infrastructure. |
| ● | Unique Design: The Aptera’s distinctive three-wheeled design differentiates it from conventional vehicles. |
| ● | Sustainability: The Aptera’s electric powertrain and solar charging capabilities contribute to a reduced environmental footprint. |
Challenges
We face numerous challenges in developing and commercializing the Aptera, including:
| ● | Production: We have not yet commenced commercial production of the Aptera, and face risks associated with scaling production. |
| ● | Competition: The passenger vehicle industry is highly competitive, and we face competition from established automakers and other electric vehicle manufacturers. |
| ● | Technology: The development of advanced technologies, such as solar charging and battery systems, involves technical risks. |
| ● | Funding: We will require significant additional capital to fund our operations and achieve our business objectives. |
| S-3 |
Recent Developments
We have achieved several key operational and regulatory milestones, including the following:
| ● | Validation Vehicles: In May 2026, we drove the first five validation vehicles off our newly established low-volume validation assembly line at our Carlsbad facility. |
| ● | Solar Performance: In June 2026, during real-world validation testing, our solar electric vehicle achieved more than 4 kilowatt-hours of daily solar generation, exceeding our internal solar charging targets. |
| ● | EPA Certification: On June 18, 2026, we received a Certificate of Conformity from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the 2026 Aptera Launch Edition, one of the two primary federal certifications required before a vehicle can be legally sold in the United States. The remaining federal requirement before we can begin customer deliveries is compliance with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards using vehicles built on our low-volume validation assembly line. |
| ● | Capital Raises: We have pursued multiple capital-raising strategies over the past year. In October 2025, we established an equity line of credit, which we drew on between mid-November 2025 and June 2026 to raise approximately $4.3 million. During the first quarter of 2026, we raised roughly $17.1 million in gross proceeds through a $9.0 million follow-on public offering in January 2026 and $8.1 million from warrant exercises, including a March 2026 warrant inducement transaction. On July 13, 2026, we closed another warrant inducement transaction, generating approximately $6.0 million in gross cash proceeds. |
| ● | Launch Strategic Partnership: On August 14, 2026, we entered into a Strategic Partnership Agreement with Shanghai Launch Automotive Technology Co., Ltd. (“Launch”) for manufacturing and contract engineering support, as described in work orders agreed upon by the parties from time to time. In consideration of Launch’s services, we agreed to pay Launch up to RMB 300,000,000, consisting of (i) two-thirds of each approved work order invoice payable in cash, up to RMB 200,000,000 in the aggregate, and (ii) one-third of each approved work order invoice payable through the issuance of warrants to purchase shares of our Class B common stock, up to RMB 100,000,000 in the aggregate. On the effective date of the agreement, we issued to Launch 3,369,629 warrants worth RMB 50,000,000, which are not exercisable upon issuance and become exercisable only as and to the extent they are credited against invoices approved by us. |
| ● | Revised Capital Plan: On October 1, 2026, we announced revised capital requirements, estimating approximately $25 million to reach start of production (down from $40 to $45 million previously estimated) and approximately $115 million for our full plan through high-volume production (down from $180 to $205 million previously estimated). These reductions primarily reflect anticipated benefits of our strategic partnership with Launch, including design-for-manufacturing refinements, expected access to Launch’s international supplier network, and a rebuilt bill of materials. We plan to begin building our first 40 production vehicles by the end of 2026 and to begin customer deliveries in early 2027, subject to timely financing. |
Corporate Information
Aptera Motors Corp. was formed on March 4, 2019, under the laws of the state of Delaware, and is a public benefit corporation in Delaware. Our headquarters are located in Carlsbad, California. Our website address is www.aptera.us. The information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this prospectus. Investors should not rely on any such information in deciding whether to purchase our securities.
Our Capital Structure
We have two classes of authorized common stock - Class A common stock and Class B common stock. The rights of the holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock are identical, except that our Class B common stock is non-voting and is not entitled to any votes on any matter that is submitted to a vote of our stockholders, except as required by Delaware law. Each share of Class A common stock is entitled to one vote and is convertible at any time into one share of Class B common stock. The Class B common stock has no voting rights, except as required by Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”). However, upon and following the Final Conversion Date, defined as the date that no shares of Class A common stock remain outstanding, holders of Class B common stock will be entitled to one vote per share. 20,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series by a resolution of the Board of Directors establishing the number of shares to be included in such series, and fixing the voting powers, full or limited, or no voting power of the shares of such series, and the designation, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, of the shares of each series. See “Description of Capital Stock - Common Stock - Voting Rights” and “Description of Capital Stock - Preferred Stock”.
Channels for Disclosure of Information
We intend to announce material information to the public through filings with the SEC, the investor relations page on our website (www.aptera.us), press releases, public conference calls, public webcasts, and our social media pages. The information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this prospectus. Investors should not rely on any such information in deciding whether to purchase our securities.
The information disclosed by the foregoing channels could be deemed to be material information. As such, we encourage investors, the media, and others to follow the channels listed above and to review the information disclosed through such channels.
Any updates to the list of disclosure channels through which we will announce information will be posted on the investor relations page on our website.
| S-4 |
Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company
As a company with less than $1.235 billion in revenue during our most recently completed fiscal year, we qualify as an “emerging growth company” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act. As an emerging growth company, we may take advantage of specified reduced disclosure and other requirements that are otherwise applicable, in general, to public companies that are not emerging growth companies. These provisions include, but are not limited to:
| ● | being permitted to present only two years of audited financial statements and only two years of related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations; |
| ● | an exemption from compliance with the auditor attestation requirement on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; |
| ● | an exemption from the requirement that critical audit matters be discussed in our independent auditor’s reports on our audited financial statements or any other requirements that may be adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board unless the SEC determines that the application of such requirements to emerging growth companies is in the public interest; |
| ● | reduced disclosure obligations about our executive compensation arrangements; |
| ● | exemptions from the requirements to obtain a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation or a stockholder approval of any golden parachute arrangements; and |
| ● | extended transition periods for complying with new or revised accounting standards. |
We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest to occur of: (1) the last day of the fiscal year in which we have more than $1.235 billion in annual revenue; (2) the date we qualify as a “large accelerated filer,” with at least $700 million of equity securities held by non-affiliates; (3) the date on which we have issued, in any three-year period, more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities; and (4) the last day of the fiscal year ending after the fifth anniversary of the date of our first public equity sale.
We may take advantage of these exemptions until such time as we are no longer an emerging growth company. Accordingly, the information contained herein may be different than the information you receive from other public companies in which you hold stock. Further, pursuant to Section 107 of the JOBS Act, as an emerging growth company, we have elected to take advantage of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. As a result, our operating results and financial statements may not be comparable to the operating results and financial statements of other companies that have adopted the new or revised accounting standards. It is possible that some investors will find our Class B common stock less attractive as a result, which may result in a less active trading market for our Class B common stock and higher volatility in the stock price of our Class B common stock.
Implications of Being a Smaller Reporting Company
We are also a “smaller reporting company” as defined in Rule 12b-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act, meaning that our annual revenue was less than $100.0 million during the most recently completed fiscal year and the market value of our Class B common stock held by non-affiliates was less than $700.0 million measured on the last business day of our second fiscal quarter. Accordingly, we may provide certain reduced disclosures available to smaller reporting companies, and the information that we provide to our stockholders may be different than information you might receive from other public reporting companies.
We will qualify as a smaller reporting company until the fiscal year following the determination that the market value of our stock held by non-affiliates is more than $250 million measured on the last business day of our second fiscal quarter, or if our annual revenues are less than $100 million during the most recently completed fiscal year, until the fiscal year following the determination that the market value of our stock held by non-affiliates is more than $700 million measured on the last business day of our second fiscal quarter.
We have elected to take advantage of certain of the reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in this prospectus and may elect to take advantage of other reduced reporting requirements in future filings with the SEC. As a result, the information that we provide to our stockholders may be different from the information you receive from other public reporting companies.
Public Benefit Corporation Status
As a demonstration of our long-term commitment to promote solar mobility and to work towards positively impacting the communities in which we operate, we are treated as a public benefit corporation under Delaware law. As provided in the Amended & Restated Certificate of Incorporation (our “Amended Charter”), the public benefits that we promote, and pursuant to which we manage our Company, are to break the chains of energy dependence by championing solar mobility-liberating communities, restoring sustainability, and forging a future where power belongs to the people. Being a public benefit corporation underscores our commitment to our purpose and our stakeholders, including consumers and customers, communities, and stockholders. See the section titled “Description of Capital Stock-Public Benefit Corporation Status” for additional information.
Nasdaq Listing
Our Class B common stock is listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “SEV.”
| S-5 |
An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before deciding whether to invest in our securities, you should consider carefully the risks and uncertainties described in the section captioned “Risk Factors” contained in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and our other filings we make with the SEC from time to time, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, together with other information in this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, and the information incorporated by reference herein and therein. Additional risks and uncertainties of which we are unaware, or that we currently deem immaterial, also may become important factors that affect us. You should also carefully consider the other information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. 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. If any of these risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flow could suffer materially. In such an event, the trading price of our shares of Class B common stock could decline, and you might lose all or part of your investment.
| S-6 |
Except as otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement or in any free writing prospectus we have authorized for use in connection with a specific offering, we intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities offered by this prospectus for working capital and general corporate purposes.
The intended application of proceeds from the sale of any particular offering of securities using this prospectus will be described in the accompanying prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus relating to such offering. The precise amount and timing of the application of these proceeds will depend on our funding requirements and the availability and costs of other funds. Our management will have broad discretion in applying the net proceeds from any such offering.
Pending application of the net proceeds as described above, we intend to invest the proceeds to us in investment-grade, interest-bearing securities such as money market funds, certificates of deposit, or direct or guaranteed obligations of the U.S. government, or hold as cash. We cannot predict whether the proceeds invested will yield a favorable, or any, return.
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The descriptions of the securities contained in this prospectus, together with the applicable prospectus supplements, summarize all the material terms and provisions of the various types of securities that we may offer. We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to any securities the particular terms of the securities offered by that prospectus supplement. If we indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, the terms of the securities may differ from the terms we have summarized below. We will also include in the prospectus supplement information, where applicable, about material United States federal income tax considerations relating to the securities, and the securities exchange, if any, on which the securities will be listed.
We may sell from time to time, in one or more offerings:
| ● | Class B common stock; | |
| ● | preferred stock; | |
| ● | debt securities; | |
| ● | warrants to purchase shares of Class B common stock, preferred stock or other securities; | |
| ● | subscription rights, and | |
| ● | units consisting of any combination of the securities listed above. |
In this prospectus, we refer to the Class B common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants, subscription rights and units collectively as “securities.” The total dollar amount of all securities that we may sell will not exceed $250,000,000.
If we issue debt securities at a discount from their original stated principal amount, then, for purposes of calculating the total dollar amount of all securities issued under this prospectus, we will treat the initial offering price of the debt securities as the total original principal amount of the debt securities.
When particular securities are offered, a supplement to this prospectus will be filed with the SEC, which will describe the terms of the offering and sale of the offered securities.
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The following descriptions summarize important terms of our capital stock. This summary reflects Aptera’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Amended Charter”) and does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the Amended Charter and the Amended and Restated Bylaws (the “Bylaws”), which have been filed as Exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. For a complete description of Aptera’s capital stock, you should refer to our Amended Charter and our Bylaws and applicable provisions of the DGCL.
General
As of September 28, 2026, the authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 325,000,000 shares, comprised of 305,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, 190,000,000 of which shares are designated as “Class A common stock” and 115,000,000 of which shares are designated as “Class B common stock”, and 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share.
As of September 28, 2026, the Company has the following outstanding securities:
| ● | 11,983,010 shares of Class A Common Stock | |
| ● | 28,949,488 shares of Class B Common Stock |
In addition, 20,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series by a resolution of the Board of Directors establishing the number of shares to be included in such series, and fixing the voting powers, full or limited, or no voting power of the shares of such series, and the designation, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, of the shares of each series.
Our Class A common stock has voting rights and our Class B common stock does not have voting rights under our Amended Charter. See “Common Stock - Voting Rights” and “Preferred Stock” below for further details.
Common Stock
Class B common stock has the same rights and powers of, ranks equally to, shares ratably with and is identical in all respects, and as to all matters to Class A common stock; except that our Class B common stock is non-voting and is not entitled to any votes on any matter that is submitted to a vote of our stockholders, except as required by Delaware law.
Voting Rights
Our Class B common stock is non-voting and is not entitled to any votes on any matter that is submitted to a vote of our stockholders, except as required by Delaware law, for instance, if we were to:
| ● | change the par value of the common stock; or | |
| ● | amend our Amended Charter to alter the powers, preferences, or special rights of the common stock as a whole in a way that would adversely affect the holders of our Class B common stock. |
Generally, for changes in par value, it would require the majority approval of all holders of our common stock to approve such change.
In addition, Delaware law would permit holders of Class B common stock to vote separately, as a single class, if an amendment to our Amended Charter would adversely affect them by altering the powers, preferences, or special rights of the Class B common stock, but not the Class A common stock. As a result, in these limited instances, the holders of a majority of the Class B common stock could defeat any amendment to our Amended Charter. For example, if a proposed amendment of our Amended Charter provided for the Class B common stock to rank junior to the Class A common stock with respect to (i) any dividend or distribution, (ii) the distribution of proceeds were we to be acquired, or (iii) any other right, Delaware law would require the vote of the Class B common stock, with each share of Class B common stock entitled to one vote per share. In this instance, the holders of a majority of Class B common stock could defeat that amendment to our Amended Charter.
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Further, upon and following the “Final Conversion Date” -defined as the date that no shares of Class A common stock remain outstanding-holders of Class B common stock will be entitled to one vote per share.
Our Amended Charter provides that the number of authorized shares of common stock or any class of common stock, including our Class B common stock, may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares of common stock then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Class A common stock. As a result, the holders of a majority of the outstanding Class A common stock can approve an increase or decrease in the number of authorized shares of Class B common stock without a separate vote of the holders of Class B common stock. This could allow us to increase and issue additional shares of Class B common stock beyond what is currently authorized in our Amended Charter without the consent of the holders of our Class B common stock.
Each holder of shares of Class A common stock will be entitled to one vote for each share thereof held at the record date for the determination of the stockholders entitled to vote on such matters or, if no such record date is established, the date such vote is taken or any written consent of stockholders is solicited.
Election of Directors
The holders of Class A common stock, voting together as a single class and not as a separate series, shall be entitled to elect and remove the directors of the Company. Following the Final Conversion Date, the holders of Class B common stock, voting together as a single class, shall be entitled to elect, remove and replace the directors of the Company.
Dividend Rights
Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any then outstanding class of capital stock having prior rights to dividends, the holders of the Class A common stock and the Class B common stock shall be entitled to receive, on a pari passu basis, when and as declared by the Board of Directors, out of any assets of the Company legally available therefor, such dividends as may be declared from time to time by the Board of Directors, unless different treatment of the shares of each such class is approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the applicable class of common stock treated adversely, voting separately as a class.
Liquidation Rights
Subject to the terms of any series of Preferred Stock that may then be outstanding, in the event of the Company’s liquidation, or winding up, whether voluntary or involuntary, the assets of the Company legally available for distribution to stockholders shall be distributed on an equal priority, pro rata basis to the holders of Class A and Class B common stock, treated as a single class, unless different treatment of the shares of each such class is approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock, each voting separately as a class.
Conversion Rights
Each share of Class A common stock is convertible at any time at the option of the holder into one share of Class B common stock.
On any transfer of shares of Class A common stock, whether or not for value, each such transferred share will automatically convert into one share of Class B common stock, except for certain transfers described in our Amended Charter, including certain transfers for tax and estate planning purposes, transfers approved by our Board, and transfers to certain family members.
Right of First Refusal
1,983,010 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock are subject to transfer restrictions. Should the holders of those shares wish to sell or transfer their securities, except under certain limited circumstances, the Company has a right of first refusal to purchase those shares.
Other Rights
Holders of Aptera’s Class A and Class B common stock have no preemptive, subscription or other rights, and there are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to Aptera’s Class A or Class B common stock.
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Preferred Stock
Pursuant to the Amended Charter, our board of directors will have the authority, without further action by our stockholders, to designate and issue shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series. Our board of directors may also designate the rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of each such series of Preferred Stock, any or all of which may be greater than or senior to those granted to the holders of common stock. Though the actual effect of any such issuance on the rights of the holders of common stock will not be known until such time as our board of directors determines the specific rights of the holders of Preferred Stock, the potential effects of such an issuance include:
| ● | diluting the voting power of the holders of common stock; | |
| ● | reducing the likelihood that holders of common stock will receive dividend payments; | |
| ● | reducing the likelihood that holders of common stock will receive payments in the event of our liquidation, dissolution, or winding up; and | |
| ● | delaying, deterring, or preventing a change-in-control or other corporate takeover. |
Public Benefit Corporation Status
We are a public benefit corporation under subchapter XV of the DGCL. As a public benefit corporation, our board of directors is required by the DGCL to manage or direct our business and affairs in a manner that balances the pecuniary interests of our stockholders, the best interests of those materially affected by our conduct, and the specific public benefits identified in our Amended Charter. We are also required to assess our benefit performance internally and to disclose to stockholders at least biennially a report that details our promotion of the public benefits identified in our Amended Charter and of the best interests of those materially affected by our conduct. We expect that our board of directors will measure our benefit performance against the objectives and standards proposed by the Company and approved by the board of directors. When determining the objectives and standards by which our board of directors will measure our public benefit performance, our board of directors will consider, among other factors, whether the objectives and standards are (i) comprehensive in that they assess the positive impact of our business on the communities in which we operate, and society and the environment, taken as a whole, (ii) credible in that they are comparable to the objectives and standards created by independent third parties that evaluate the corporate ethics, sustainability and governance practices of other public benefit corporations, and (iii) transparent in that the criteria considered for measuring such objectives and standards be made publicly available, including disclosing the process by which revisions to the objectives and standards are made and whether such objectives and standards present real or potential conflicts of interests.
Under the DGCL, our stockholders may bring a derivative suit to enforce this requirement only if they own (individually or collectively,) at least the lesser of 2% of our outstanding shares or shares of at least $2 million in market value.
Exclusive Forum Provision of our Amended Charter
Our Amended Charter contains exclusive forum provisions that designate specific courts as the exclusive forums for certain legal actions. These provisions are intended to reduce the risk of costly and duplicative litigation but may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring claims in a judicial forum of their choosing.
Specifically, our Amended Charter provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if the Court of Chancery does not have jurisdiction, the federal district court for the District of Delaware) will be the exclusive forum for:
| ● | any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf; | |
| ● | any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any current or former director, officer, other employee or stockholder of the Company to the Company or its stockholders; | |
| ● | any action asserting a claim against us arising pursuant to the DGCL, our Amended Charter, or our Bylaws; and | |
| ● | any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine. |
In addition, our Amended Charter contains a federal forum provision that provides that the U.S. federal district courts shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act to the fullest extent permitted by law.
These exclusive forum provisions do not apply to claims under the Exchange Act which is subject to exclusive federal jurisdiction under Section 27 of the Exchange Act.
Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in our securities will be deemed to have notice of, and consented to, these exclusive forum provisions, including the federal forum provision.
These provisions may limit our stockholders’ ability to bring a claim in a forum they find favorable and may discourage lawsuits against us or our directors, officers, or employees. If a court were to find any of these provisions to be inapplicable or unenforceable in a particular case, we could incur additional costs associated with resolving the dispute in alternative jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Nasdaq Listing
Our Class B common stock is quoted on Nasdaq under the symbol “SEV.”
Transfer Agent
The transfer agent of our Class B common stock is Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
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We summarize below some of the provisions that will apply to the warrants unless the applicable prospectus supplement provides otherwise. This summary may not contain all information that is important to you. The complete terms of the warrants will be contained in the applicable warrant certificate and warrant agreement. These documents have been or will be included or incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. You should read the warrant certificate and the warrant agreement. You should also read the prospectus supplement, which will contain additional information and which may update or change some of the information below.
General
We may issue, together with Class B common or preferred stock as units or separately, warrants for the purchase of shares of our Class B common stock, shares of our preferred stock, debt securities or other securities. The terms of each warrant will be discussed in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the particular series of warrants. The form(s) of certificate representing the warrants and/or the warrant agreement, will be, in each case, filed with the SEC as an exhibit to a document incorporated by reference in the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part on or prior to the date of any prospectus supplement relating to an offering of the particular warrant. The following summary of material provisions of the warrants and the warrant agreements are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the warrant agreement and warrant certificate applicable to a particular series of warrants.
The prospectus supplement relating to any series of warrants that are offered by this prospectus will describe, among other things, the following terms to the extent they are applicable to that series of warrants:
| ● | the procedures and conditions relating to the exercise of the warrants; | |
| ● | the number of shares of our Class B common or preferred stock, if any, issued with the warrants; | |
| ● | the date, if any, on and after which the warrants and any related shares of our Class B common or preferred stock will be separately transferable; | |
| ● | the offering price of the warrants, if any; | |
| ● | the number of shares of our Class B common or preferred stock, debt securities or other securities which may be purchased upon exercise of the warrants and the price or prices at which such securities may be purchased upon exercise; | |
| ● | the date on which the right to exercise the warrants will begin and the date on which the right will expire; | |
| ● | a discussion of any material United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the exercise of the warrants; | |
| ● | anti-dilution provisions of the warrants, if any; | |
| ● | call provisions of the warrants, if any; and | |
| ● | any other material terms of the warrants. |
Each warrant may entitle the holder to purchase for cash, or, in limited circumstances, by effecting a cashless exercise for, the number of shares of our Class B common or preferred stock at the exercise price that is described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Warrants will be exercisable during the period of time described in the applicable prospectus supplement. After that period, unexercised warrants will be void. Warrants may be exercised in the manner described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
A holder of a warrant will not have any of the rights of a holder of our Class B common or preferred stock before the stock is purchased upon exercise of the warrant. Therefore, before a warrant is exercised, the holder of the warrant will not be entitled to receive any dividend payments or exercise any voting or other rights associated with shares of our Class B common or preferred stock which may be purchased when the warrant is exercised.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar, if any, for any warrants will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
We summarize below some of the provisions that will apply to the debt securities unless the applicable prospectus supplement provides otherwise. This summary may not contain all information that is important to you. The debt securities may be issued pursuant to, in the case of senior debt securities, a senior indenture, and in the case of subordinated debt securities, a subordinated indenture, in each case in the forms filed as exhibits to this registration statement, which we refer to as the “indentures.” The indentures will be entered into between us and a trustee to be named prior to the issuance of any debt securities, which we refer to as the “trustee.” The indentures will not limit the amount of debt securities that can be issued thereunder and will provide that the debt securities may be issued from time to time in one or more series pursuant to the terms of one or more securities resolutions or supplemental indentures creating such series.
The complete terms of the debt securities will be contained in the applicable indenture for the particular offering of debt securities itself which will describe the terms and definitions of the offered debt securities and contain additional information about such debt securities. You should also read the prospectus supplement, which will contain additional information and which may update or change some of the information below.
General
When we offer to sell a particular series of debt securities, we will describe the specific terms of the securities in a prospectus supplement. The prospectus supplement will set forth the following terms, as applicable, of the debt securities offered thereby:
| ● | the designation, aggregate principal amount, currency or composite currency and denominations; |
| ● | the price at which such debt securities will be issued and, if an index formula or other method is used, the method for determining amounts of principal or interest; |
| ● | the maturity date and other dates, if any, on which principal will be payable; |
| ● | whether or not the debt securities will be secured or unsecured, and the terms of any secured debt; |
| ● | whether the debt securities rank as senior debt, senior subordinated debt, subordinated debt or any combination thereof, and the terms of any subordination; |
| ● | the interest rate (which may be fixed or variable), if any; |
| ● | the date or dates from which interest will accrue and on which interest will be payable, and the record dates for the payment of interest; |
| ● | the manner of paying principal and interest; |
| ● | the place or places where principal and interest will be payable; |
| ● | the terms of any mandatory or optional redemption by us or any third party including any sinking fund; |
| ● | the terms of any conversion or exchange; |
| ● | the terms of any redemption at the option of holders or put by the holders; |
| ● | any tax indemnity provisions; |
| ● | if the debt securities provide that payments of principal or interest may be made in a currency other than that in which debt securities are denominated, the manner for determining such payments; |
| ● | the portion of principal payable upon acceleration of a Discounted Debt Security (as defined below); |
| ● | whether and upon what terms debt securities may be defeased; |
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| ● | any events of default or covenants in addition to or in lieu of those set forth in the indentures; |
| ● | provisions for electronic issuance of debt securities or for debt securities in uncertificated form; and |
| ● | any additional provisions or other special terms not inconsistent with the provisions of the indentures, including any terms that may be required or advisable under United States or other applicable laws or regulations, or advisable in connection with the marketing of the debt securities. |
Debt securities of any series may be issued as registered debt securities or uncertificated debt securities, in such denominations as specified in the terms of the series.
Securities may be issued under the indentures as Discounted Debt Securities to be offered and sold at a substantial discount from the principal amount thereof. Special United States federal income tax and other considerations applicable thereto will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to such Discounted Debt Securities. “Discounted Debt Security” means a security where the amount of principal due upon acceleration is less than the stated principal amount.
We are not obligated to issue all debt securities of one series at the same time and, unless otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement, we may reopen a series, without the consent of the holders of the debt securities of that series, for the issuance of additional debt securities of that series. Additional debt securities of a particular series will have the same terms and conditions as outstanding debt securities of such series, except for the date of original issuance and the offering price, and will be consolidated with, and form a single series with, such outstanding debt securities.
Ranking
The senior debt securities will rank equally with all of our other senior and unsubordinated debt. Our secured debt, if any, will be effectively senior to the senior debt securities to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt. The subordinated debt securities will be subordinate and junior in right of payment to all of our present and future senior indebtedness to the extent and in the manner described in the prospectus supplement and as set forth in the board resolution, officer’s certificate or supplemental indenture relating to such offering.
Holders of our debt securities will be our creditors and not creditors of any of our subsidiaries. As a result, all the existing and future liabilities of our subsidiaries, including any claims of their creditors, will effectively be senior to the debt securities with respect to the assets of our subsidiaries. In addition, to the extent that we issue any secured debt, the debt securities will be effectively subordinated to such secured debt to the extent of the value of the assets securing such secured debt.
The debt securities will be obligations exclusively of Aptera Motors Corp. To the extent that our ability to service our debt, including the debt securities, may be dependent upon the earnings of our subsidiaries, our ability to do so will be dependent on the ability of our subsidiaries to distribute those earnings to us as dividends, loans or other payments.
Certain Covenants
Any covenants that may apply to a particular series of debt securities will be described in the prospectus supplement relating thereto.
Successor Obligor
The indentures provide that, unless otherwise specified in the securities resolution or supplemental indenture establishing a series of debt securities, we shall not consolidate with or merge into, or transfer all or substantially all of our assets to, any person in any transaction in which we are not the survivor, unless:
| ● | the person is organized under the laws of the United States or a jurisdiction within the United States; |
| ● | the person assumes by supplemental indenture all of our obligations under the relevant indenture, the debt securities and any coupons; |
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| ● | immediately after the transaction no Default (as defined below) exists; and |
| ● | we deliver to the trustee an officers’ certificate and opinion of counsel stating that the transaction complies with the foregoing requirements. |
In such event, the successor will be substituted for us, and thereafter all of our obligations under the relevant indenture, the debt securities and any coupons will terminate.
Exchange of Debt Securities
Registered debt securities may be exchanged for an equal aggregate principal amount of registered debt securities of the same series and date of maturity in such authorized denominations as may be requested upon surrender of the registered debt securities at an agency of the Company maintained for such purpose and upon fulfillment of all other requirements of such agent.
Defaults and Remedies
Unless the securities resolution or supplemental indenture establishing the series otherwise provides (in which event the prospectus supplement will so state), an “Event of Default” with respect to a series of debt securities will occur if:
| (1) | we default in any payment of interest on any debt securities of such series when the same becomes due and payable and the default continues for a period of 30 days; |
| (2) | we default in the payment of the principal and premium, if any, of any debt securities of such series when the same becomes due and payable at maturity or upon redemption, acceleration or otherwise and such default shall continue for five or more days; |
| (3) | we default in the performance of any of our other agreements applicable to the series and the default continues for 30 days after the notice specified below; |
| (4) | a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law (as defined below) that: |
(A) is for relief against us in an involuntary case,
(B) appoints a Custodian (as defined below) for us or for all or substantially all of our property, or
(C) orders the liquidation of us, and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 90 days;
| (5) | we pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law: |
(A) commence a voluntary case,
(B) consent to the entry of an order for relief against us in an involuntary case,
(C) consent to the appointment of a Custodian for us or for all or substantially all of our property, or
(D) make a general assignment for the benefit of our creditors; or
| (6) | there occurs any other Event of Default provided for in such series. |
The term “Bankruptcy Law” means Title 11 of the United States Code or any similar Federal or State law for the relief of debtors. The term “Custodian” means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator or a similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.
“Default” means any event which is, or after notice or passage of time would be, an Event of Default. A Default under subparagraph (3) above is not an Event of Default until the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the series notify us of the Default and we do not cure the Default within the time specified after receipt of the notice.
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The trustee may require indemnity satisfactory to it before it enforces the indentures or the debt securities of the series. Subject to certain limitations, holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of the series may direct the trustee in its exercise of any trust or power with respect to such series. Except in the case of Default in payment on a series, the trustee may withhold from securityholders of such series notice of any continuing Default if the trustee determines that withholding notice is in the interest of such securityholders. We are required to furnish the trustee annually a brief certificate as to our compliance with all conditions and covenants under the indentures.
The indentures do not have cross-default provisions. Thus, a default by us on any other debt, including any other series of debt securities, would not constitute an Event of Default.
Amendments and Waivers
The indentures and the debt securities or any coupons of the series may be amended, and any Default may be waived as follows:
Unless the securities resolution or supplemental indenture otherwise provides (in which event the applicable prospectus supplement will so state), the debt securities and the indentures may be amended with the consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of all series affected voting as one class. Unless the securities resolution or supplemental indenture otherwise provides (in which event the applicable prospectus supplement will so state), a Default other than a Default in payment on a particular series may be waived with the consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of the series. However, without the consent of each securityholder affected, no amendment or waiver may:
| ● | change the fixed maturity of or the time for payment of interest on any debt security; |
| ● | reduce the principal, premium or interest payable with respect to any debt security; |
| ● | change the place of payment of a debt security or the currency in which the principal or interest on a debt security is payable; |
| ● | change the provisions for calculating any redemption or repurchase price with respect to any debt security; |
| ● | reduce the amount of debt securities whose holders must consent to an amendment or waiver; |
| ● | make any change that materially adversely affects the right to convert any debt security; |
| ● | waive any Default in payment of principal of or interest on a debt security; or |
| ● | adversely affect any holder’s rights with respect to redemption or repurchase of a debt security. |
Without the consent of any securityholder, the indentures or the debt securities may be amended to:
| ● | provide for assumption of our obligations to securityholders in the event of a merger or consolidation requiring such assumption; |
| ● | to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency; |
| ● | to conform the terms of the debt securities to the description thereof in the prospectus and prospectus supplement offering such debt securities; |
| ● | to create a series and establish its terms; |
| ● | to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any securityholder; |
| ● | to add to our covenants; or |
| ● | to make any other change to the indentures so long as no debt securities are outstanding. |
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Conversion Rights
Any securities resolution or supplemental indenture establishing a series of debt securities may provide that the debt securities of such series will be convertible at the option of the holders thereof into or for our Class B common stock or other equity or debt instruments. The securities resolution or supplemental indenture may establish, among other things, (1) the number or amount of shares of Class B common stock or other equity or debt instruments for which $1,000 aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of the series is convertible, as may be adjusted pursuant to the terms of the relevant indenture and the securities resolution; and (2) provisions for adjustments to the conversion rate and limitations upon exercise of the conversion right. The indentures provide that we will not be required to make an adjustment in the conversion rate unless the adjustment would require a cumulative change of at least 1% in the conversion rate. However, we will carry forward any adjustments that are less than 1% of the conversion rate and take them into account in any subsequent adjustment of the conversion rate.
Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance
Debt securities of a series may be defeased in accordance with their terms and, unless the securities resolution or supplemental indenture establishing the terms of the series otherwise provides, as set forth below. We at any time may terminate as to a series all of our obligations (except for certain obligations, including obligations with respect to the defeasance trust and obligations to register the transfer or exchange of a debt security, to replace destroyed, lost or stolen debt securities and coupons and to maintain paying agencies in respect of the debt securities) with respect to the debt securities of the series and any related coupons and the relevant indenture, which we refer to as legal defeasance. We at any time may terminate as to a series our obligations with respect to any restrictive covenants which may be applicable to a particular series, which we refer to as covenant defeasance.
We may exercise our legal defeasance option notwithstanding our prior exercise of our covenant defeasance option. If we exercise our legal defeasance option, a series may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default. If we exercise our covenant defeasance option, a series may not be accelerated by reference to any covenant which may be applicable to a series.
To exercise either defeasance option as to a series, we must (1) irrevocably deposit in trust with the trustee (or another trustee) money or U.S. Government Obligations (as defined below), deliver a certificate from a nationally recognized firm of independent accountants expressing their opinion that the payments of principal and interest when due on the deposited U.S. Government Obligations, without reinvestment, plus any deposited money without investment will provide cash at such times and in such amounts as will be sufficient to pay the principal and interest when due on all debt securities of such series to maturity or redemption, as the case may be; and (2) comply with certain other conditions. In particular, we must obtain an opinion of tax counsel that the defeasance will not result in recognition of any gain or loss to holders for federal income tax purposes.
“U.S. Government Obligations” means direct obligations of the United States or any agency or instrumentality of the United States, the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed by the United States, which, in either case, have the full faith and credit of the United States pledged for payment and which are not callable at the issuer’s option, or certificates representing an ownership interest in such obligations.
Regarding the Trustee
Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement, the trustee will also act as depository of funds, transfer agent, paying agent and conversion agent, as applicable, with respect to the debt securities. In certain circumstances, we or the securityholders may remove the trustee as the trustee under a given indenture. The indenture trustee may also provide additional unrelated services to us as a depository of funds, registrar, trustee and similar services.
Governing Law
The indentures and the debt securities will be governed by New York law, except to the extent that the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 is applicable.
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DESCRIPTION OF SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS
We may issue subscription rights to purchase our Class B common stock, preferred stock or debt securities. These subscription rights may be offered independently or together with any other security offered hereby and may or may not be transferable by the stockholder receiving the subscription rights in such offering. In connection with any offering of subscription rights, we may enter into a standby arrangement with one or more underwriters or other purchasers pursuant to which the underwriters or other purchasers may be required to purchase any securities remaining unsubscribed for after such offering.
The prospectus supplement relating to any subscription rights we offer, if any, will, to the extent applicable, include specific terms relating to the offering, including some or all of the following:
| ● | the price, if any, for the subscription rights; |
| ● | the exercise price payable for our Class B common stock, preferred stock or debt securities upon the exercise of the subscription rights; |
| ● | the number of subscription rights to be issued to each stockholder; |
| ● | the number and terms of our Class B common stock, preferred stock or debt securities which may be purchased per each subscription right; |
| ● | the extent to which the subscription rights are transferable; |
| ● | any other terms of the subscription rights, including the terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the subscription rights; |
| ● | the date on which the right to exercise the subscription rights shall commence, and the date on which the subscription rights shall expire; |
| ● | the extent to which the subscription rights may include an over-subscription privilege with respect to unsubscribed securities or an over-allotment privilege to the extent the securities are fully subscribed; and |
| ● | if applicable, the material terms of any standby underwriting or purchase arrangement which may be entered into by Aptera in connection with the offering of subscription rights. |
| S-18 |
We may issue units comprised of one or more of the other securities described in this prospectus in any combination. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security (but, to the extent convertible securities are included in the units, the holder of the units will be deemed the holder of the convertible securities and not the holder of the underlying securities). The unit agreement under which a unit is issued may provide that the securities included in the unit may not be held or transferred separately, at any time or at any time before a specified date. The applicable prospectus supplement may describe:
| ● | the designation and terms of the units and of the securities comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances those securities may be held or transferred separately; |
| ● | any provisions for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units or of the securities comprising the units; |
| ● | the terms of the unit agreement governing the units; |
| ● | United States federal income tax considerations relevant to the units; and |
| ● | whether the units will be issued in fully registered global form. |
This summary of certain general terms of units and any summary description of units in the applicable prospectus supplement do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to all provisions of the applicable unit agreement and, if applicable, collateral arrangements and depositary arrangements relating to such units. The forms of the unit agreements and other documents relating to a particular issue of units will be filed with the SEC each time we issue units, and you should read those documents for provisions that may be important to you.
| S-19 |
Each debt security and, to the extent applicable, warrant, subscription right and unit, will be represented either by a certificate issued in definitive form to a particular investor or by one or more global securities representing the entire issuance of securities. Certificated securities in definitive form and global securities will be issued in registered form. Definitive securities name you or your nominee as the owner of the security, and in order to transfer or exchange these securities or to receive payments other than interest or other interim payments, you or your nominee must physically deliver the securities to the trustee, registrar, paying agent or other agent, as applicable. Global securities name a depositary or its nominee as the owner of the debt securities or warrants represented by these global securities. The depositary maintains a computerized system that will reflect each investor’s beneficial ownership of the securities through an account maintained by the investor with its broker/dealer, bank, trust company or other representative, as we explain more fully below.
Global Securities
Registered Global Securities. We may issue the registered debt securities and, to the extent applicable, warrants, subscription rights and units in the form of one or more fully registered global securities that will be deposited with a depositary or its nominee identified in the applicable prospectus supplement and registered in the name of that depositary or nominee. In those cases, one or more registered global securities will be issued in a denomination or aggregate denominations equal to the portion of the aggregate principal or face amount of the securities to be represented by registered global securities. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole for securities in definitive registered form, a registered global security may not be transferred except as a whole by and among the depositary for the registered global security, the nominees of the depositary or any successors of the depositary or those nominees.
If not described below, any specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to any securities to be represented by a registered global security will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to those securities. We anticipate that the following provisions will apply to all depositary arrangements.
Ownership of beneficial interests in a registered global security will be limited to persons, called participants, that have accounts with the depositary or persons that may hold interests through participants. Upon the issuance of a registered global security, the depositary will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the participants’ accounts with the respective principal or face amounts of the securities beneficially owned by the participants. Any dealers, underwriters or agents participating in the distribution of the securities will designate the accounts to be credited. Ownership of beneficial interests in a registered global security will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary, with respect to interests of participants, and on the records of participants, with respect to interests of persons holding through participants. The laws of some states may require that some purchasers of securities take physical delivery of these securities in definitive form. These laws may impair your ability to own, transfer or pledge beneficial interests in registered global securities.
So long as the depositary, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a registered global security, that depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the securities represented by the registered global security for all purposes under the applicable indenture or warrant agreement. Except as described below, owners of beneficial interests in a registered global security will not be entitled to have the securities represented by the registered global security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the securities in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders of the securities under the applicable indenture or warrant agreement. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a registered global security must rely on the procedures of the depositary for that registered global security and, if that person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which the person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the applicable indenture or warrant agreement. We understand that under existing industry practices, if we request any action of holders or if an owner of a beneficial interest in a registered global security desires to give or take any action that a holder is entitled to give or take under the applicable indenture or warrant agreement, the depositary for the registered global security would authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take that action, and the participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through them to give or take that action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners holding through them.
Principal, premium, if any, and interest payments on debt securities and any payments to holders with respect to warrants represented by a registered global security registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee will be made to the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of the registered global security. None of Aptera, the trustees, the warrant agents or any other agent of Aptera, agent of the trustees or agent of the warrant agents will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the registered global security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to those beneficial ownership interests.
We expect that the depositary for any of the securities represented by a registered global security, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium, interest or other distribution of underlying securities or other property to holders on that registered global security, will immediately credit participants’ accounts in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in that registered global security as shown on the records of the depositary. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in a registered global security held through participants will be governed by standing customer instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name,” and will be the responsibility of those participants.
If the depositary for any of these securities represented by a registered global security is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, and a successor depositary registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act is not appointed by us within 90 days, we will issue securities in definitive form in exchange for the registered global security that had been held by the depositary. Any securities issued in definitive form in exchange for a registered global security will be registered in the name or names that the depositary gives to the relevant trustee or warrant agent or other relevant agent of ours or theirs. It is expected that the depositary’s instructions will be based upon directions received by the depositary from participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in the registered global security that had been held by the depositary.
| S-20 |
We may sell the securities being offered pursuant to this prospectus through underwriters or dealers, through agents, or directly to one or more purchasers or through a combination of these methods. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the offering of the securities, including:
| ● | the name or names of any underwriters, if any, and if required, any dealers or agents; | |
| ● | the purchase price of the securities and the proceeds we will receive from the sale; | |
| ● | any underwriting discounts and other items constituting underwriters’ compensation; | |
| ● | any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; and | |
| ● | any securities exchange or market on which the securities may be listed. | |
We may distribute the securities from time to time in one or more transactions at:
| ● | a fixed price or prices, which may be changed; | |
| ● | market prices prevailing at the time of sale; | |
| ● | prices related to such prevailing market prices; or | |
| ● | negotiated prices. |
Only underwriters named in the prospectus supplement are underwriters of the securities offered by the prospectus supplement.
If underwriters are used in an offering, we will execute an underwriting agreement with such underwriters and will specify the name of each underwriter and the terms of the transaction (including any underwriting discounts and other terms constituting compensation of the underwriters and any dealers) in a prospectus supplement. The securities may be offered to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters or directly by one or more investment banking firms or others, as designated. If an underwriting syndicate is used, the managing underwriter(s) will be specified on the cover of the prospectus supplement. If underwriters are used in the sale, the offered securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own accounts and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. Any public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time. Unless otherwise set forth in the prospectus supplement, the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the offered securities will be subject to conditions precedent and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the offered securities if any are purchased.
We may grant to the underwriters options to purchase additional securities to cover over-allotments, if any, at the public offering price, with additional underwriting commissions or discounts, as may be set forth in a related prospectus supplement. The terms of any over-allotment option will be set forth in the prospectus supplement for those securities.
If we use a dealer in the sale of the securities being offered pursuant to this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, we will sell the securities to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell the securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by the dealer at the time of resale. The names of the dealers and the terms of the transaction will be specified in a prospectus supplement.
We may sell the securities directly or through agents we designate from time to time. We will name any agent involved in the offering and sale of securities and we will describe any commissions we will pay the agent in the prospectus supplement. Unless the prospectus supplement states otherwise, any agent will act on a best-efforts basis for the period of its appointment.
We may authorize agents or underwriters to solicit offers by institutional investors to purchase securities from us at the public offering price set forth in the prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. We will describe the conditions to these contracts and the commissions we must pay for solicitation of these contracts in the prospectus supplement.
| S-21 |
In connection with the sale of the securities, underwriters, dealers or agents may receive compensation from us or from purchasers of the securities for whom they act as agents in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions. Underwriters may sell the securities to or through dealers, and those dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agents. Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of the securities, and any institutional investors or others that purchase securities directly and then resell the securities, may be deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts or commissions received by them from us and any profit on the resale of the securities by them may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act.
We may provide agents and underwriters with indemnification against particular civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or contribution with respect to payments that the agents or underwriters may make with respect to such liabilities. Agents and underwriters may engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us in the ordinary course of business.
In addition, we may enter into derivative transactions with third parties (including the writing of options), or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with such a transaction, the third parties may, pursuant to this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement. If so, the third party may use securities borrowed from us or others to settle such sales and may use securities received from us to close out any related short positions. We may also loan or pledge securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement to third parties, who may sell the loaned securities or, in an event of default in the case of a pledge, sell the pledged securities pursuant to this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement. The third party in such sale transactions will be an underwriter and will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement or in a post-effective amendment.
To facilitate an offering of a series of securities, persons participating in the offering may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain, or otherwise affect the market price of the securities. This may include over-allotments or short sales of the securities, which involves the sale by persons participating in the offering of more securities than have been sold to them by us. In those circumstances, such persons would cover such over-allotments or short positions by purchasing in the open market or by exercising the over-allotment option granted to those persons. In addition, those persons may stabilize or maintain the price of the securities by bidding for or purchasing securities in the open market or by imposing penalty bids, whereby selling concessions allowed to underwriters or dealers participating in any such offering may be reclaimed if securities sold by them are repurchased in connection with stabilization transactions. The effect of these transactions may be to stabilize or maintain the market price of the securities at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market. Such transactions, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time. We make no representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above, if implemented, may have on the price of our securities.
All securities we may offer, other than Class B common stock, will be new issues of securities with no established trading market. Any agents or underwriters may make a market in these securities, but will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. We cannot guarantee the liquidity of the trading markets for any securities. There is currently no market for any of the offered securities, other than our Class B common stock which is listed on Nasdaq. We have no current plans for listing of the preferred stock, warrants, units or subscription rights on any securities exchange or quotation system; any such listing with respect to any particular preferred stock, warrants, units or subscription rights will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement or other offering materials, as the case may be. Any underwriters to whom securities are sold by us for public offering and sale may make a market in the securities, but such underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice.
In order to comply with the securities laws of some states, if applicable, the securities offered pursuant to this prospectus will be sold in those states only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, in some states securities may not be sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in the applicable state or an exemption from the registration or qualification requirement is available and complied with.
| S-22 |
Rule 15c6-1 under the Exchange Act generally requires that trades in the secondary market settle in one business day unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Your prospectus supplement may provide that the original issue date for your securities may be more than one scheduled business day after the trade date for your securities. Accordingly, in such a case, if you wish to trade securities on any date prior to the first business day before the original issue date for your securities, you will be required, by virtue of the fact that your securities initially are expected to settle in more than one scheduled business day after the trade date for your securities, to make alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.
This prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement and any applicable pricing supplement in electronic format may be made available on the Internet sites of, or through other online services maintained by, us and/or one or more of the agents and/or dealers participating in an offering of securities, or by their affiliates. In those cases, prospective investors may be able to view offering terms online and, depending upon the particular agent or dealer, prospective investors may be allowed to place orders online.
Other than this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement and any applicable pricing supplement in electronic format, the information on our website or the website of any agent or dealer, and any information contained in any other website maintained by any agent or dealer:
| ● | is not part of this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any applicable pricing supplement or the registration statement of which they form a part; | |
| ● | has not been approved or endorsed by us or by any agent or dealer in its capacity as an agent or dealer, except, in each case, with respect to the respective website maintained by such entity; and | |
| ● | should not be relied upon by investors. |
There can be no assurance that we will sell all or any of the securities offered by this prospectus.
This prospectus may also be used in connection with any issuance of Class B common stock or preferred stock upon exercise of a warrant if such issuance is not exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.
In addition, we may issue the securities as a dividend or distribution or in a subscription rights offering to our existing securityholders. In some cases, we or dealers acting with us or on our behalf may also purchase securities and reoffer them to the public by one or more of the methods described above. This prospectus may be used in connection with any offering of our securities through any of these methods or other methods described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
| S-23 |
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the validity of the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Lowenstein Sandler LLP, New York, New York. If the validity of the securities offered hereby in connection with offerings made pursuant to this prospectus are passed upon by counsel for the underwriters, dealers or agents, if any, such counsel will be named in the prospectus supplement relating to such offering.
The financial statements of Aptera Motors Corp. as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, and for the years then ended, appearing in Aptera Motors Corp.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, have been audited by dbbmckennon, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon and incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report of dbbmckennon pertaining to such financial statements given on the authority of such firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
| S-24 |
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act for the securities being offered by this prospectus. This prospectus, which is part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement and the exhibits. For further information about us and the securities offered by this prospectus, you should refer to the registration statement and its exhibits. References in this prospectus to any of our contracts or other documents are not necessarily complete, and you should refer to the exhibits attached to the registration statement for copies of the actual contract or document. SEC filings are also available to the public at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
We are subject to the reporting and information requirements of the Exchange Act and, as a result, we file periodic and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. We make our periodic reports and other information filed with or furnished to the SEC, available, free of charge, through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after those reports and other information are filed with or furnished to the SEC. Additionally, these periodic reports, proxy statements and other information are available for inspection and copying at the public reference room and website of the SEC referred to above.
In addition, we maintain a website at the following address: https://aptera.us. The information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this prospectus. We also make available on or through our website certain reports and amendments to those reports that we file with or furnish to the SEC in accordance with the Exchange Act. These include our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our Current Reports on Form 8-K. We make this information available on our website free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file the information with, or furnish it to, the SEC. In addition, we routinely post on the “Investors” page of our website news releases, announcements and other statements about our business and results of operations, some of which may contain information that may be deemed material to investors. Therefore, we encourage investors to monitor the “Investors” page of our website and review the information we post on that page.
| S-25 |
INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
We have filed a registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC under the Securities Act. This prospectus is part of the registration statement but the registration statement includes and incorporates by reference additional information and exhibits. The SEC permits us to “incorporate by reference” the information contained in documents we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents rather than by including them in this prospectus. Information that is incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus and you should read it with the same care that you read this prospectus. Information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede the information that is either contained, or incorporated by reference, in this prospectus, and will be considered to be a part of this prospectus from the date those documents are filed. We have filed with the SEC, and incorporate by reference in this prospectus:
| ● | our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed on March 30, 2026; | |
| ● | our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2026 and June 30, 2026, filed on May 13, 2026 and August 12, 2026, respectively; | |
| ● | our Current Reports on Form 8-K, filed January 26, 2026, March 12, 2026, April 14, 2026, July 7, 2026, July 13, 2026, August 14, 2026, August 20, 2026 and October 1, 2026 (other than any portions deemed furnished and not filed); and | |
| ● | the description of our common stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed with the SEC on September 30, 2025, including any amendments thereto or reports filed for the purposes of updating this description, including Exhibit 4.12 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the SEC on March 30, 2026. |
We also incorporate by reference all additional documents that we file with the SEC under the terms of Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, that are made after the initial filing date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part until the offering of the particular securities covered by a prospectus supplement or term sheet has been completed. We are not, however, incorporating, in each case, any documents or information that we are deemed to furnish and not file in accordance with SEC rules.
You may request, and we will provide you with, a copy of these filings, at no cost, by contacting us at:
Investor Relations Department
Aptera Motors Corp.
5818 El Camino Real
Carlsbad, California 92008
Telephone number: (858) 371-3151
| S-26 |
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities under this prospectus until the registration statement of which it is a part and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED OCTOBER 1, 2026
Up to $19,000,000
APTERA MOTORS CORP.
Class B Common Stock
We have entered into a Controlled Equity OfferingSM Sales Agreement with Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (“Cantor”), dated October 1, 2026 (the “Sales Agreement”) relating to shares of our Class B common stock, $0.0001 par value per share (“Class B common stock”), offered by this prospectus. In accordance with the terms of the Sales Agreement, from time to time we may offer and sell shares of our Class B common stock having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $19,000,000 to or through Cantor, acting as principal and/or the sole designated sales agent, pursuant to this prospectus.
Sales of our Class B common stock, if any, under this prospectus may be made in sales deemed to be an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415(a)(4) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Subject to the terms of the Sales Agreement, Cantor is not required to sell any specific number or dollar amounts of our Class B common stock but will use commercially reasonable efforts consistent with its normal trading and sales practices, on mutually agreed terms between Cantor and us. There is no current arrangement for funds to be received in any escrow, trust or similar arrangement.
Cantor will be entitled to compensation under the terms of the Sales Agreement at a commission rate equal to 3.0% of the gross proceeds from each sale of our Class B common stock. In connection with the sales of our Class B common stock on our behalf, Cantor will be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act and the compensation of Cantor will be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts. We have also agreed to provide indemnification and contributions to Cantor against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).
As of September 28, 2026, the aggregate market value of our outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates, or the public float, was approximately $58.4 million, which was calculated based on 23,648,868 shares of our outstanding Class A common stock and Class B common stock held by non-affiliates at a price of $2.47 per share, the closing price of our Class B common stock on August 21, 2026. Pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3, in no event will we sell shares pursuant to this prospectus with a value of more than one-third of the aggregate market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates in any 12-month period, so long as the aggregate market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates is less than $75,000,000. During the 12 calendar months prior to, and including, the date of this prospectus, we have not sold any securities pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3.
Our Class B common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “SEV.”
On September 28, 2026, the last reported sale price of our Class B common stock on Nasdaq was $1.98 per share.
Investing in our Class B common stock involves significant risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 7 of this prospectus and the risk factors that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus from our filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) pursuant to the Exchange Act for a discussion of the factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in our Class B common stock.
Neither the SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of our Class B common stock or determined if this prospectus is accurate, truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Cantor
The date of this prospectus is , 2026.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| i |
This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the SEC using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may from time to time sell shares of our Class B common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $19,000,000 under this prospectus at prices and on terms to be determined by market conditions at the time of the offering.
Before investing in our Class B common stock offered by this prospectus, we urge you to carefully read this prospectus, together with the information incorporated by reference as described under “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Documents by Reference” in this prospectus. These documents contain important information that you should consider when making your investment decision.
To the extent the information contained in this prospectus differs from or conflicts with the information contained in any document incorporated by reference, the information in this prospectus will control. If any statement in one of these documents is inconsistent with a statement in another document having a later date – for example, a document incorporated by reference into this prospectus – the statement in the document having the later date modifies or supersedes the earlier statement.
In deciding whether or not to invest in our Class B common stock, you should rely only on the information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this prospectus and any related free writing prospectus that we have authorized for use in connection with this offering. Neither we nor Cantor has authorized anyone to provide you with different information or to make any representation other than those contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this prospectus and any related free writing prospectus. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information or representation, you should not rely on them. This prospectus, and any accompanying supplement to this prospectus, does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy our Class B common stock in any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus and any related free writing prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference is accurate only as of their respective dates, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any related free writing prospectus or any sale of our Class B common stock. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed materially since those dates.
We further note that the representations, warranties and covenants made by us in any agreement that is filed as an exhibit to any document that is incorporated by reference into this prospectus was made solely for the benefit of the parties to such agreement, including, in some cases, for the purpose of allocating risk among the parties to such agreements, and should not be deemed to be a representation, warranty or covenant to you. Moreover, such representations, warranties or covenants were accurate only as of the date when made. Accordingly, such representations, warranties and covenants should not be relied on as accurately representing the current state of our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects.
You should not consider any information in this prospectus to be investment, legal or tax advice. You should consult your own counsel, accountants and other advisers for legal, tax, business, financial and related advice regarding the purchase of our Class B common stock offered by this prospectus.
Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this prospectus to “Aptera,” the “Company,” the “Registrant,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Aptera Motors Corp. together with its consolidated subsidiaries.
| 1 |
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Except for historical information, this prospectus and the documents incorporated herein by reference contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions and future performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control, and which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be forward-looking statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements through our use of words such as “may,” “can,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “should,” “indicate,” “would,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “expect,” “seek,” “estimate,” “continue,” “plan,” “point to,” “project,” “predict,” “could,” “intend,” “target,” “potential” and other similar words and expressions of the future.
There are a number of important factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement made by us. These factors include, but are not limited to:
| ● | our future financial performance, including our expectations regarding our revenue, cost of revenue, gross profit, operating expenses including changes in research and development, sales and marketing, and general and administrative expenses (including any components of the foregoing), and our ability to maintain future profitability; |
| ● | our plans to raise capital to fund our operations; |
| ● | our ability to continue as a going concern; |
| ● | our business plan and our ability to effectively manage our growth; |
| ● | our ability to compete with well-established competitors and new entrants; |
| ● | our ability to navigate the regulatory environment applicable to our operations and industry; |
| ● | our ability to begin manufacturing our vehicles at scale; |
| ● | our ability to attract and retain qualified employees and key personnel; |
| ● | our ability to execute our strategy; |
| ● | beliefs and objectives for future operations; |
| ● | our ability to maintain, protect, and enhance our brand and intellectual property; |
| ● | our ability to stay in compliance with laws and regulations that currently apply or become applicable to our business; |
| ● | economic and industry trends, projected growth, or trend analysis; |
| ● | increased expenses associated with being a public company; |
| ● | our intended use of proceeds from sales of shares of our Class B common stock under this prospectus; |
| ● | the potential dilutive effect of shares of our Class B common stock sold pursuant to the Sales Agreement; |
| ● | the volatility of the trading price of our Class B common stock; and |
| ● | the factors listed under the heading “Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, our most recent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and other reports that we file with the SEC from time to time. |
We caution you that the foregoing list may not contain all of the forward-looking statements made in this prospectus.
Because forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified and some of which are beyond our control, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The events and circumstances reflected in our forward-looking statements may not be achieved or occur and actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. You should refer to the “Risk Factors” section of this prospectus and the documents we incorporate by reference for a discussion of important factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. Moreover, we operate in an evolving environment. New risk factors and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all risk factors and uncertainties. As a result of these factors, we cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements in this prospectus and the documents we incorporate by reference will prove to be accurate. Except as required by applicable law, we do not plan to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of any new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise. You should, however, review the factors and risks and other information we describe in the reports we will file from time to time with the SEC after the date of this prospectus.
You should read this prospectus and the documents that we incorporate by reference in this prospectus and have filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.
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This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein. This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider before deciding to invest in our securities. You should read this entire prospectus carefully, including the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 7, our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and the other information incorporated by reference into this prospectus before making an investment decision.
Company Overview
We are a Delaware public benefit corporation and development stage company focused on the development and commercialization of solar electric vehicles (SEVs). Our flagship vehicle, the Aptera, is a three-wheeled, two-passenger vehicle designed for efficiency and sustainability. We believe Aptera’s unique design, incorporating solar charging capabilities and aerodynamic efficiency, will offer a compelling alternative to conventional vehicles. We completed a direct listing of our Class B common stock on Nasdaq in October 2025.
Our Business Model
We intend to generate revenue primarily through the sale of our SEVs. Our current focus is on completing the development, validation, and commencing production of the Aptera. We have not commenced production or generated any revenue from the sale of our products. During the past three years, we engaged with strategic partners to supply validated production parts, and we are currently executing our validation vehicle program. We plan to offer various Aptera models with different features and price points. We may also explore other revenue streams in the future, such as providing charging infrastructure or developing related technologies.
The Aptera
The Aptera is designed to be a highly efficient vehicle, minimizing energy consumption through its aerodynamic design and lightweight construction. Its integrated solar panels are intended to supplement battery charging, potentially allowing drivers to travel significant distances using only solar power. The Aptera is designed to be a practical and sustainable transportation solution for daily commuting and other driving needs.
Competitive Advantages
We believe the Aptera offers several competitive advantages, including:
| ● | High Efficiency: The Aptera’s aerodynamic design and lightweight construction contribute to its high energy efficiency. |
| ● | Solar Charging: Integrated solar panels provide supplemental charging, potentially reducing reliance on traditional charging infrastructure. |
| ● | Unique Design: The Aptera’s distinctive three-wheeled design differentiates it from conventional vehicles. |
| ● | Sustainability: The Aptera’s electric powertrain and solar charging capabilities contribute to a reduced environmental footprint. |
Challenges
We face numerous challenges in developing and commercializing the Aptera, including:
| ● | Production: We have not yet commenced commercial production of the Aptera, and face risks associated with scaling production. |
| ● | Competition: The passenger vehicle industry is highly competitive, and we face competition from established automakers and other electric vehicle manufacturers. |
| ● | Technology: The development of advanced technologies, such as solar charging and battery systems, involves technical risks. |
| ● | Funding: We will require significant additional capital to fund our operations and achieve our business objectives. |
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Recent Developments
We have achieved several key operational and regulatory milestones, including the following:
| ● | Validation Vehicles: In May 2026, we drove the first five validation vehicles off our newly established low-volume validation assembly line at our Carlsbad facility. |
| ● | Solar Performance: In June 2026, during real-world validation testing, our solar electric vehicle achieved more than 4 kilowatt-hours of daily solar generation, exceeding our internal solar charging targets. |
| ● | EPA Certification: On June 18, 2026, we received a Certificate of Conformity from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the 2026 Aptera Launch Edition, one of the two primary federal certifications required before a vehicle can be legally sold in the United States. The remaining federal requirement before we can begin customer deliveries is compliance with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards using vehicles built on our low-volume validation assembly line. |
| ● | Capital Raises: We have pursued multiple capital-raising strategies over the past year. In October 2025, we established an equity line of credit, which we drew on between mid-November 2025 and June 2026 to raise approximately $4.3 million. During the first quarter of 2026, we raised roughly $17.1 million in gross proceeds through a $9.0 million follow-on public offering in January 2026 and $8.1 million from warrant exercises, including a March 2026 warrant inducement transaction. On July 13, 2026, we closed another warrant inducement transaction, generating approximately $6.0 million in gross cash proceeds. |
| ● | Launch Strategic Partnership: On August 14, 2026, we entered into a Strategic Partnership Agreement with Shanghai Launch Automotive Technology Co., Ltd. (“Launch”) for manufacturing and contract engineering support, as described in work orders agreed upon by the parties from time to time. In consideration of Launch’s services, we agreed to pay Launch up to RMB 300,000,000, consisting of (i) two-thirds of each approved work order invoice payable in cash, up to RMB 200,000,000 in the aggregate, and (ii) one-third of each approved work order invoice payable through the issuance of warrants to purchase shares of our Class B common stock, up to RMB 100,000,000 in the aggregate. On the effective date of the agreement, we issued to Launch 3,369,629 warrants worth RMB 50,000,000, which are not exercisable upon issuance and become exercisable only as and to the extent they are credited against invoices approved by us. |
| ● | Revised Capital Plan: On October 1, 2026, we announced revised capital requirements, estimating approximately $25 million to reach start of production (down from $40 to $45 million previously estimated) and approximately $115 million for our full plan through high-volume production (down from $180 to $205 million previously estimated). These reductions primarily reflect anticipated benefits of our strategic partnership with Launch, including design-for-manufacturing refinements, expected access to Launch’s international supplier network, and a rebuilt bill of materials. We plan to begin building our first 40 production vehicles by the end of 2026 and to begin customer deliveries in early 2027, subject to timely financing. |
Corporate Information
Aptera Motors Corp. was formed on March 4, 2019, under the laws of the state of Delaware, and is a public benefit corporation in Delaware. Our headquarters are located in Carlsbad, California. Our website address is www.aptera.us. The information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this prospectus. Investors should not rely on any such information in deciding whether to purchase our securities.
Our Capital Structure
We have two classes of authorized common stock - Class A common stock and Class B common stock. The rights of the holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock are identical, except that our Class B common stock is non-voting and is not entitled to any votes on any matter that is submitted to a vote of our stockholders, except as required by Delaware law. Each share of Class A common stock is entitled to one vote and is convertible at any time into one share of Class B common stock. The Class B common stock has no voting rights, except as required by Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”). However, upon and following the Final Conversion Date, defined as the date that no shares of Class A common stock remain outstanding, holders of Class B common stock will be entitled to one vote per share. 20,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series by a resolution of the Board of Directors establishing the number of shares to be included in such series, and fixing the voting powers, full or limited, or no voting power of the shares of such series, and the designation, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, of the shares of each series. See “Description of Capital Stock - Common Stock - Voting Rights” and “Description of Capital Stock - Preferred Stock”.
Channels for Disclosure of Information
We intend to announce material information to the public through filings with the SEC, the investor relations page on our website (www.aptera.us), press releases, public conference calls, public webcasts, and our social media pages. The information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this prospectus. Investors should not rely on any such information in deciding whether to purchase our securities.
The information disclosed by the foregoing channels could be deemed to be material information. As such, we encourage investors, the media, and others to follow the channels listed above and to review the information disclosed through such channels.
Any updates to the list of disclosure channels through which we will announce information will be posted on the investor relations page on our website.
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Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company
As a company with less than $1.235 billion in revenue during our most recently completed fiscal year, we qualify as an “emerging growth company” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act. As an emerging growth company, we may take advantage of specified reduced disclosure and other requirements that are otherwise applicable, in general, to public companies that are not emerging growth companies. These provisions include, but are not limited to:
| ● | being permitted to present only two years of audited financial statements and only two years of related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations; |
| ● | an exemption from compliance with the auditor attestation requirement on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; |
| ● | an exemption from the requirement that critical audit matters be discussed in our independent auditor’s reports on our audited financial statements or any other requirements that may be adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board unless the SEC determines that the application of such requirements to emerging growth companies is in the public interest; |
| ● | reduced disclosure obligations about our executive compensation arrangements; |
| ● | exemptions from the requirements to obtain a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation or a stockholder approval of any golden parachute arrangements; and |
| ● | extended transition periods for complying with new or revised accounting standards. |
We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest to occur of: (1) the last day of the fiscal year in which we have more than $1.235 billion in annual revenue; (2) the date we qualify as a “large accelerated filer,” with at least $700 million of equity securities held by non-affiliates; (3) the date on which we have issued, in any three-year period, more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities; and (4) the last day of the fiscal year ending after the fifth anniversary of the date of our first public equity sale.
We may take advantage of these exemptions until such time as we are no longer an emerging growth company. Accordingly, the information contained herein may be different than the information you receive from other public companies in which you hold stock. Further, pursuant to Section 107 of the JOBS Act, as an emerging growth company, we have elected to take advantage of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. As a result, our operating results and financial statements may not be comparable to the operating results and financial statements of other companies that have adopted the new or revised accounting standards. It is possible that some investors will find our Class B common stock less attractive as a result, which may result in a less active trading market for our Class B common stock and higher volatility in the stock price of our Class B common stock.
Implications of Being a Smaller Reporting Company
We are also a “smaller reporting company” as defined in Rule 12b-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act, meaning that our annual revenue was less than $100.0 million during the most recently completed fiscal year and the market value of our Class B common stock held by non-affiliates was less than $700.0 million measured on the last business day of our second fiscal quarter. Accordingly, we may provide certain reduced disclosures available to smaller reporting companies, and the information that we provide to our stockholders may be different than information you might receive from other public reporting companies.
We will qualify as a smaller reporting company until the fiscal year following the determination that the market value of our stock held by non-affiliates is more than $250 million measured on the last business day of our second fiscal quarter, or if our annual revenues are less than $100 million during the most recently completed fiscal year, until the fiscal year following the determination that the market value of our stock held by non-affiliates is more than $700 million measured on the last business day of our second fiscal quarter.
We have elected to take advantage of certain of the reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in this prospectus and may elect to take advantage of other reduced reporting requirements in future filings with the SEC. As a result, the information that we provide to our stockholders may be different from the information you receive from other public reporting companies.
Public Benefit Corporation Status
As a demonstration of our long-term commitment to promote solar mobility and to work towards positively impacting the communities in which we operate, we are treated as a public benefit corporation under Delaware law. As provided in the Amended & Restated Certificate of Incorporation (our “Amended Charter”), the public benefits that we promote, and pursuant to which we manage our Company, are to break the chains of energy dependence by championing solar mobility-liberating communities, restoring sustainability, and forging a future where power belongs to the people. Being a public benefit corporation underscores our commitment to our purpose and our stakeholders, including consumers and customers, communities, and stockholders. See the section titled “Description of Capital Stock-Public Benefit Corporation Status” for additional information.
Nasdaq Listing
Our Class B common stock is listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “SEV.”
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| Issuer | Aptera Motors Corp., a Delaware corporation. | |
| Class B common stock offered by us | Shares of our Class B common stock having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $19,000,000. | |
| Class B common stock to be outstanding following this Offering | Up to 38,545,447 shares of Class B common stock, including the sale of 9,595,959 shares of our Class B common stock, in this offering assuming the sale of $19,000,000 of shares of our Class B common stock in this offering at an assumed offering price of $1.98 per share, which was the last reported sale price of our Class B common stock on Nasdaq on September 28, 2026. The actual number of shares of our Class B common stock issued will vary depending on how many shares of our Class B common stock we choose to sell and the sale prices at which such sales occur. | |
| Manner of Offering | Sales of our Class B common stock, if any, will be made from time to time in sales deemed to be an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act to or through Cantor acting as the principal and/or the sole designated sales agent. Cantor will use commercially reasonable efforts to sell on our behalf all of the Class B common stock requested to be sold by us, consistent with its normal trading and sales practices. See “Plan of Distribution” beginning on page 11 of this prospectus. | |
| Use of Proceeds | We may use the net proceeds from the sale of shares of our Class B common stock, if any, for general corporate purposes, ongoing product validation and manufacturing readiness activities, including vehicle validation testing, advancement of design-for-manufacturability and production planning efforts, initiation of production supplier engagements, and commencement of long-lead tooling in support of our production plans. Our management will retain broad discretion over the allocation of the net proceeds from the sale of the shares of our Class B common stock offered by this prospectus. See “Use of Proceeds” beginning on page 9 of this prospectus. | |
| Risk Factors | See the section titled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 7 of this prospectus and in the documents incorporated herein by reference for a discussion of certain factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in shares of our Class B common stock. | |
| Nasdaq Symbol | Our Class B common stock is listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “SEV.” |
The number of shares of our Class B common stock expected to be outstanding immediately after this offering is based on 28,949,488 shares of our Class B common stock outstanding as of September 28, 2026, and excludes the following:
| ● | 7,027,668 shares of Class B common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options at a weighted average exercise price of $14.39; | |
| ● | 506,531 shares of Class B common stock issuable upon the vesting of outstanding restricted stock units; | |
| ● | 11,195,966 shares of Class B common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants at a weighted average exercise price of $3.46 per share, including 3,369,629 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants that become exercisable only as and to the extent credited against invoices approved by us under our Strategic Partnership Agreement; | |
| ● | 10,083,691 shares of Class B common stock available for future issuance under our 2025 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan; and | |
| ● | 3,841,846 shares of Class B common stock issuable pursuant to our Share Purchase Agreement with New Circle Principal Investments LLC, dated October 13, 2025 (the “Equity Line of Credit”). |
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Investing in our Class B common stock involves a high degree of risk. Before deciding to invest in our Class B common stock, you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below together with all of the other information contained in this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference herein, including the risks described in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC, as such risk factors may be amended, supplemented or superseded from time to time by other reports we file with the SEC, including subsequent Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. If any of these risks actually occur, our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition could suffer materially. In such event, the trading price of our Class B common stock could decline and you might lose all or part of your investment.
Risks Related to this Offering
Management will have broad discretion as to the allocation of the net proceeds from the sale of the shares of our Class B common stock offered by this prospectus, and we may not use the net proceeds effectively.
Because we have not designated the amount of net proceeds from the sale of the shares of our Class B common stock offered by this prospectus to be used for any particular purpose, our management will have broad discretion as to the allocation of the net proceeds from this offering and could use them for purposes other than those contemplated at the time of the offering. See “Use of Proceeds” beginning on page 9 of this prospectus. Our management may use the net proceeds, if any, for corporate purposes that may not improve our financial condition or market price of our Class B common stock.
You may experience immediate and substantial dilution in the net tangible book value per share of our Class B common stock you purchase.
The offering price per share of our Class B common stock in this offering may exceed the net tangible book value per share of our Class B common stock outstanding prior to this offering. Assuming that all of our Class B common stock in the aggregate amount of $19,000,000 is sold pursuant to this prospectus at a price of $1.98 per share, which was the last reported sale price of our Class B common stock on Nasdaq on September 28, 2026, after deducting estimated commissions and estimated aggregate offering expenses payable by us, you would experience immediate dilution of $1.07 per share, representing the difference between our as adjusted net tangible book value per share as of June 30, 2026 after giving effect to this offering and the assumed offering price.
You may experience future dilution as a result of future equity offerings.
In order to raise additional capital, we may in the future offer additional shares of our Class B common stock or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for our Class B common stock at prices that may not be the same as the price per share of our Class B common stock in this offering. We may sell shares of our Class B common stock or other securities in any other offering at a price per share that is less than the price per share paid by investors in this offering, and investors purchasing shares of our Class B common stock or other securities in the future could have rights superior to existing stockholders. The price per share at which we sell additional shares of our Class B common stock, or securities convertible into or exchangeable for our Class B common stock, in future transactions may be higher or lower than the price per share paid by investors in this offering.
In addition, the sale of shares of our Class B common stock in this offering and any future sales of a substantial number of shares of our Class B common stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales may occur, could adversely affect the price of our Class B common stock. We cannot predict the effect, if any, that market sales of those shares of our Class B common stock, or the perception that those shares may be sold, will have on the market price of our Class B common stock.
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We plan to sell shares of our Class B common stock in “at the market offerings”, and investors who purchase shares of our Class B common stock at different times will likely pay different prices.
Investors who purchase shares of our Class B common stock in this offering at different times will likely pay different prices and may experience different outcomes in their investment results. We will have discretion, subject to the effect of market conditions, to vary the timing, prices and numbers of shares of our Class B common stock sold in this offering. Investors may experience a decline in the value of their shares of our Class B common stock. Many factors could have an impact on the market price of our Class B common stock, including the factors described above and those disclosed under “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, as updated in subsequent reports filed with the SEC.
The sale or availability for sale of a substantial number of shares of our Class B common stock could adversely affect the market price of such shares.
Sales of a substantial number of shares of our Class B common stock in the public market, or the perception or indication that these sales could occur, could adversely affect the market price of such shares and could materially impair our ability to raise capital through equity offerings in the future or cause the trading price of our Class B common stock to decline. We are unable to predict what effect, if any, sales of securities in this offering or by our significant stockholders, directors or officers will have on the market price of our Class B common stock.
The actual number of shares we will issue under the Sales Agreement, at any one time or in total, is uncertain.
Subject to certain limitations in the Sales Agreement and compliance with applicable law, we have the discretion to deliver instructions to Cantor to sell shares of our Class B common stock at any time throughout the term of the Sales Agreement. The number of shares that are sold to or through Cantor after our instruction will fluctuate based on a number of factors, including the market price of our Class B common stock during the sales period, the limits we set with Cantor in any instruction to sell shares, and the demand for our Class B common stock during the sales period. Because the price per share of each share sold will fluctuate during this offering, it is not currently possible to predict the number of shares that will be sold or the gross proceeds to be raised in connection with those sales.
We do not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future.
In the past, we have not paid dividends on our Common Stock. We do not currently intend to pay dividends on our Common Stock and we currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings for use in the operation of our business and do not anticipate paying any dividends on our capital stock in the foreseeable future. In addition, the terms of future debt agreements may preclude us from paying dividends. As a result,
capital appreciation, if any, of our Common Stock may be your sole source of gain for the foreseeable future.
There is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, and we will require additional capital beyond the proceeds of this offering.
As disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q incorporated by reference in this prospectus, our recurring losses and need for additional capital raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The proceeds of this offering, if any, will not be sufficient to fund the commencement of production of our vehicles, and we will need to raise substantial additional capital through further equity or debt financings, strategic transactions or other sources, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all. Any such financing may be dilutive to holders of our Class B common stock.
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We may issue and sell from time to time shares of our Class B common stock having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $19,000,000. Because there is no minimum offering amount required as a condition to close this offering, the actual total public offering amount, commissions and proceeds to us, if any, are not determinable at this time. There can be no assurance that we will sell any shares of our Class B common stock under or fully utilize the Sales Agreement with Cantor as a source of financing.
We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering, if any, to support general corporate purposes, ongoing product validation and manufacturing readiness activities, including vehicle validation testing, advancement of design-for-manufacturability and production planning efforts, initiation of production supplier engagements, and commencement of long-lead tooling in support of our production plans.
This represents our best estimate of the manner in which we will use the net proceeds we receive from this offering based upon the current status of our business, but we have not reserved or allocated amounts for specific purposes and we cannot specify with certainty how or when we will use any of the net proceeds. Amounts and timing of our actual expenditures will depend on numerous factors. Our management will have broad discretion in applying the net proceeds from this offering.
Pending application of the net proceeds as described above, we intend to invest the proceeds to us in investment-grade, interest-bearing securities such as money market funds, certificates of deposit, or direct or guaranteed obligations of the U.S. government, or hold as cash. We cannot predict whether the proceeds invested will yield a favorable, or any, return.
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If you invest in our Class B common stock, your interest will be diluted to the extent of the difference between the price per share you pay in this offering and the net tangible book value per share of our Class B common stock immediately after this offering. Our net tangible book value as of June 30, 2026 was approximately $24.4 million, or approximately $0.65 per share based upon 37,422,663 shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock outstanding. Net tangible book value per share is equal to our total tangible assets, less our total liabilities, divided by the total number of shares outstanding as of June 30, 2026.
After giving effect to the sale of our Class B common stock in this offering in the aggregate amount of $19,000,000 at an assumed offering price of $1.98 per share, the last reported sale price of our Class B common stock on Nasdaq on September 28, 2026, and after deducting commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our as adjusted net tangible book value as of June 30, 2026 would have been $42.7 million, or $0.91 per share. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of $0.26 per share to our existing stockholders and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of $1.07 per share to new investors in this offering.
The following table illustrates this calculation on a per share basis. The as adjusted information is illustrative only and will adjust based on the actual price to the public, the actual number of shares sold and other terms of the offering determined at the time shares of our Class B common stock are sold pursuant to this prospectus. The as adjusted information assumes that all of our Class B common stock in the aggregate amount of $19,000,000 is sold at the assumed offering price of $1.98 per share, the last reported sale price of our Class B common stock on Nasdaq on September 28, 2026. The shares sold in this offering, if any, will be sold from time to time at various prices.
| Assumed public offering price per share | $ | 1.98 | ||||||
| Net tangible book value per share as of June 30, 2026 | $ | 0.65 | ||||||
| Increase in net tangible book value per share attributable to this offering | $ | 0.26 | ||||||
| As adjusted net tangible book value per share after giving effect to this offering | $ | 0.91 | ||||||
| Dilution per share to new investors participating in this offering | $ | 1.07 |
The table and calculations above are based on 37,422,663 shares of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2026, and exclude the following:
| ● | 6,847,074 shares of Class B common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options at a weighted average exercise price of $14.84; | |
| ● | 637,895 shares of Class B common stock issuable upon the vesting of outstanding restricted stock units; | |
| ● | 6,386,337 shares of Class B common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants at a weighted average exercise price of $4.96 per share; | |
| ● | 10,428,023 shares of Class B common stock available for future issuance under our 2025 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan; and | |
| ● | 4,301,846 shares of Class B common stock issuable pursuant to our Equity Line of Credit. |
An increase of $1.00 per share in the price at which the shares are sold from the assumed offering price of $1.98 per share shown in the table above would increase our adjusted net tangible book value per share after the offering to $0.97 per share and would increase the dilution in net tangible book value per share to new investors in this offering to $2.01 per share, after deducting commissions and estimated aggregate offering expenses payable by us. A decrease of $1.00 per share in the price at which the shares are sold from the assumed offering price of $1.98 per share shown in the table above would decrease our adjusted net tangible book value per share after the offering to $0.75 per share and would decrease the dilution in net tangible book value per share to new investors in this offering to $0.23 per share, after deducting commissions and estimated aggregate offering expenses payable by us. This information is supplied for illustrative purposes only.
To the extent that outstanding warrants and options are exercised or outstanding restricted stock units vest, you will experience further dilution. In addition, we may choose to raise additional capital due to market conditions or strategic considerations even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans. To the extent that additional capital is raised through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the issuance of such securities may result in further dilution to our stockholders.
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our capital stock. Our obligation to pay a dividend on our Class A common stock or Class B common stock is subject to our board of directors declaring such a payment. We are not obligated to pay any dividends on our Class A common stock or Class B common stock and we currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings for use in the operation of our business and do not anticipate paying any dividends on our capital stock in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to declare dividends will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our financial condition, operating results, capital requirements, general business conditions, and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.
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We have entered into a Controlled Equity OfferingSM Sales Agreement, or the Sales Agreement, with Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., or Cantor. Pursuant to this prospectus, we may offer and sell shares of our Class B common stock having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $19,000,000 from time to time to or through Cantor acting as principal and/or the sales agent. A copy of the Sales Agreement has been filed as an exhibit to our registration statement on Form S-3 of which this prospectus forms a part.
Upon delivery of a placement notice and subject to the terms and conditions of the Sales Agreement, Cantor may sell shares of our Class B common stock by any method permitted by law deemed to be an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415(a)(4) promulgated under the Securities Act. We may instruct Cantor not to sell shares of our Class B common stock if the sales cannot be effected at or above the price designated by us from time to time. We or Cantor may suspend the offering of shares of our Class B common stock upon notice and subject to other conditions.
We will pay Cantor commissions, in cash, for its service in acting as agent in the sale of shares of our Class B common stock. Cantor will be entitled to compensation at a commission rate equal to 3.0% of the gross sales price per share sold under the Sales Agreement. Because there is no minimum offering amount required as a condition of this offering, the actual total public offering amount, commissions and proceeds to us, if any, are not determinable at this time. We have also agreed to reimburse Cantor for certain specified fees and expenses, including the fees and disbursements of its legal counsel in an amount not to exceed (a) $125,000 in connection with the execution of the Sales Agreement, (b) $25,000 per calendar quarter thereafter payable in connection with each representation date with respect to which the Company is obligated to deliver a certificate pursuant to the terms of the Sales Agreement, and (c) $40,000 for each program “refresh” (filing of a new registration statement, prospectus or prospectus supplement relating to the shares of Class B common stock and/or an amendment of the Sales Agreement) executed pursuant to the Sales Agreement.
Settlement for sales of shares of our Class B common stock will occur on the business day immediately following the date on which any sales are made, or on some other date that is agreed upon by us and Cantor in connection with a particular transaction, in return for payment of the net proceeds to us. Sales of our Class B common stock as contemplated in this prospectus will be settled through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company or by such other means as we and Cantor may agree upon. There is no arrangement for funds to be received in an escrow, trust or similar arrangement.
Cantor will use its commercially reasonable efforts, consistent with its sales and trading practices and applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations and Nasdaq rules, to sell the shares of Class B common stock under the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Sales Agreement. In connection with the sale of the Class B common stock on our behalf, Cantor will be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act and Cantor’s compensation will be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts. We have agreed to provide indemnification and contribution to Cantor and specified other persons against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act.
We will report in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q to be filed with the SEC from time to time the number of shares of our Class B common stock sold through Cantor under the Sales Agreement and the net proceeds to us in connection with such sales of shares of our Class B common stock.
The offering of shares of our Class B common stock pursuant to the Sales Agreement will terminate upon the termination of the Sales Agreement as permitted therein. We and Cantor may each terminate the Sales Agreement at any time upon ten days’ prior notice.
Cantor and its affiliates have provided and may in the future provide various investment banking, fiduciary and advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, market making, brokerage and other financial and non-financial activities and services for us and our affiliates, for which services they may in the future receive customary fees. To the extent required by Regulation M, Cantor will not engage in any market making activities involving our Class B common stock while the offering is ongoing under this prospectus.
In the ordinary course of their various business activities, Cantor and its affiliates, officers, directors and employees may purchase, sell or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade securities, derivatives, loans, commodities, currencies, credit default swaps and other financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers, and such investment and trading activities may involve or relate to our assets, securities and/or instruments (directly, as collateral securing other obligations or otherwise) and/or persons and entities with relationships with us. Cantor and its affiliates may also communicate independent investment recommendations, market color or trading ideas and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such assets, securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they should acquire, long and/or short positions in such assets, securities and instruments.
This prospectus and the accompanying prospectus may be made available in electronic format on a website maintained by Cantor, and Cantor may distribute this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus electronically.
| 11 |
Certain legal matters will be passed upon for us by Lowenstein Sandler LLP, New York, New York. Cantor is being represented in connection with this offering by DLA Piper LLP (US), New York, New York.
The financial statements of Aptera Motors Corp. as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, and for the years then ended, appearing in Aptera Motors Corp.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, have been audited by dbbmckennon, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon and incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report of dbbmckennon pertaining to such financial statements given on the authority of such firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
| 12 |
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act for the securities being offered by this prospectus. This prospectus, which is part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement and the exhibits. For further information about us and the securities offered by this prospectus, you should refer to the registration statement and its exhibits. References in this prospectus to any of our contracts or other documents are not necessarily complete, and you should refer to the exhibits attached to the registration statement for copies of the actual contract or document. SEC filings are also available to the public at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
We are subject to the reporting and information requirements of the Exchange Act and, as a result, we file periodic and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. We make our periodic reports and other information filed with or furnished to the SEC, available, free of charge, through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after those reports and other information are filed with or furnished to the SEC. Additionally, these periodic reports, proxy statements and other information are available for inspection and copying at the public reference room and website of the SEC referred to above.
In addition, we maintain a website at the following address: https://aptera.us. The information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this prospectus. We also make available on or through our website certain reports and amendments to those reports that we file with or furnish to the SEC in accordance with the Exchange Act. These include our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our Current Reports on Form 8-K. We make this information available on our website free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file the information with, or furnish it to, the SEC. In addition, we routinely post on the “Investors” page of our website news releases, announcements and other statements about our business and results of operations, some of which may contain information that may be deemed material to investors. Therefore, we encourage investors to monitor the “Investors” page of our website and review the information we post on that page.
| 13 |
INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
We have filed a registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC under the Securities Act. This prospectus is part of the registration statement but the registration statement includes and incorporates by reference additional information and exhibits. The SEC permits us to “incorporate by reference” the information contained in documents we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents rather than by including them in this prospectus. Information that is incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus and you should read it with the same care that you read this prospectus. Information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede the information that is either contained, or incorporated by reference, in this prospectus, and will be considered to be a part of this prospectus from the date those documents are filed. We have filed with the SEC, and incorporate by reference in this prospectus:
| ● | our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed on March 30, 2026; | |
| ● | our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2026 and June 30, 2026, filed on May 13, 2026 and August 12, 2026, respectively; | |
| ● | our Current Reports on Form 8-K, filed January 26, 2026, March 12, 2026, April 14, 2026, July 7, 2026, July 13, 2026, August 14, 2026, August 20, 2026 and October 1, 2026 (other than any portions deemed furnished and not filed); and | |
| ● | the description of our common stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed with the SEC on September 30, 2025, including any amendments thereto or reports filed for the purposes of updating this description, including Exhibit 4.12 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the SEC on March 30, 2026. |
We also incorporate by reference all additional documents that we file with the SEC under the terms of Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, that are made after the initial filing date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part until the offering of the particular securities covered by a prospectus supplement or term sheet has been completed. We are not, however, incorporating, in each case, any documents or information that we are deemed to furnish and not file in accordance with SEC rules.
You may request, and we will provide you with, a copy of these filings, at no cost, by contacting us at:
Investor Relations Department
Aptera Motors Corp.
5818 El Camino Real
Carlsbad, California 92008
Telephone number: (858) 371-3151
| 14 |
Up to $19,000,000
APTERA MOTORS CORP.
Class B Common Stock
Preliminary Prospectus
Cantor
, 2026
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
The expenses in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, are estimated below:
| SEC registration fee | $ | 21,750 | ||
| FINRA filing fee | * | |||
| Legal fees and expenses | * | |||
| Accounting fees and expenses | * | |||
| Printing and engraving expenses | * | |||
| Miscellaneous expenses | * | |||
| Total | $ | * |
| * | These fees are calculated based on the number of issuances and the amount of securities offered and accordingly cannot be estimated at this time. An estimate of the aggregate expenses in connection with the sale of securities being offered will be included in the applicable prospectus supplement. |
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or DGCL, authorizes a court to award, or a corporation’s board of directors to grant, indemnity to directors and officers under certain circumstances and subject to certain limitations. The terms of Section 145 of the DGCL are sufficiently broad to permit indemnification under certain circumstances for liabilities, including reimbursement of expenses incurred, arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act.
As permitted by the DGCL, the registrant’s Amended Charter contains provisions that eliminate the personal liability of its directors and officers for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duties as a director or officer, as applicable, except liability for the following:
| ● | any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the registrant or its stockholders; |
| ● | acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; |
| ● | under Section 174 of the DGCL (regarding unlawful dividends and stock purchases); or |
| ● | any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. |
As permitted by the DGCL, the registrant’s Bylaws provide that:
| ● | the registrant is required to indemnify its directors and executive officers to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, subject to very limited exceptions; |
| ● | the registrant may indemnify its other employees and agents as set forth in the DGCL; |
| ● | the registrant is required to advance expenses, as incurred, to its directors and executive officers in connection with a legal proceeding to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, subject to very limited exceptions; and |
| ● | the rights conferred in the Bylaws are not exclusive. |
The indemnification provisions in the registrant’s Amended Charter and Bylaws may be sufficiently broad to permit indemnification of the registrant’s directors and executive officers for liabilities arising under the Securities Act.
We plan to enter into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers. These agreements require us to indemnify these individuals to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law against liabilities that may arise by reason of their service to us, and to advance expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified. We also intend to enter into indemnification agreements with our future directors and executive officers.
| II-1 |
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS
| a) | Exhibits. |
* Filed herewith.
** To be filed, if applicable, as an exhibit to a post-effective amendment to this registration statement or as an exhibit to a report filed under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and incorporated herein by reference.
*** To be filed pursuant to Section 305 (b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.
| II-2 |
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;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of this 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 this registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in the volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of the securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in this registration statement or any material change to such information in this registration statement;
provided, however, that the undertakings set forth in paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) above do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in this registration statement or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of this registration statement;
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser:
(i) Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and
(ii) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 (b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii) or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date of 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; or
| II-3 |
(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities:
The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;
(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;
(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and
(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.
(b) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the forgoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
(d) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Act.
| II-4 |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing of the Registration Statement on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Form S-3 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Carlsbad, California, on the day of October 1, 2026.
| APTERA MOTORS CORP. | ||
| Date: October 1, 2026 | By: | /s/ Chris Anthony |
| Chris Anthony | ||
| Co-Chief Executive Officer | ||
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS:
We, the undersigned officers and directors of Aptera Motors Corp., hereby severally constitute and appoint Chris Anthony and Tom DaPolito, and each of them singly (with full power to each of them to act alone), to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement (or any other registration statement for the same offering that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933), and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and 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 or necessary to be done in and about the premises, as full to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| Signature | Title | Date | ||
| /s/ Chris Anthony | Co-Chief Executive Officer | October 1, 2026 | ||
| Chris Anthony | (Principal Executive Officer) | |||
| /s/ Tom DaPolito | Interim Chief Financial Officer | October 1, 2026 | ||
| Tom DaPolito | (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) | |||
| /s/ Steve Fambro | Co-Chief Executive Officer and Director | October 1, 2026 | ||
| Steve Fambro | ||||
| /s/ Tony Kirton | Chairman of the Board of Directors | October 1, 2026 | ||
| Tony Kirton | ||||
| /s/ Todd Butz | Director | October 1, 2026 | ||
| Todd Butz | ||||
| /s/ Wellington J. Reiter | Director | October 1, 2026 | ||
| Wellington J. Reiter |
| II-5 |
Exhibit 1.2
Aptera
Motors Corp.
Shares of Class B Common Stock
(par value $0.0001 per share)
Controlled Equity OfferingSM
Sales Agreement
October 1, 2026
Cantor
Fitzgerald & Co.
110 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Aptera Motors Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), confirms its agreement (this “Agreement”) with Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (the “Agent”), as follows:
| 1. | Issuance and Sale of Shares. The Company agrees that, from time to time during the term of this Agreement, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein, it may issue and sell to or through the Agent, as sales agent or principal, shares of Class B common stock (the “Placement Shares”) of the Company, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”); provided, however, that in no event shall the Company issue or sell through the Agent such number or dollar amount of Placement Shares that would (a) exceed the number or dollar amount of shares of Common Stock registered on the effective Registration Statement (defined below) pursuant to which the offering is being made, (b) exceed the number of authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock (less shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise, conversion or exchange of any outstanding securities of the Company or otherwise reserved from the Company’s authorized capital stock), (c) exceed the number or dollar amount of shares of Common Stock permitted to be sold under Form S-3 (including General Instruction I.B.6 thereof, if applicable) or (d) exceed the number or dollar amount of shares of Common Stock for which the Company has filed a Prospectus (defined below) (the lesser of (a), (b), (c) and (d), the “Maximum Amount”). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the parties hereto agree that compliance with the limitations set forth in this Section 1 on the amount of Placement Shares issued and sold under this Agreement shall be the sole responsibility of the Company and that the Agent shall have no obligation in connection with such compliance. The offer and sale of Placement Shares through the Agent will be effected pursuant to the Registration Statement (as defined below) filed by the Company and which has been or will be declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”), although nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as requiring the Company to use the Registration Statement to issue Common Stock. |
The Company has prepared and filed, in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (the “Securities Act”), with the Commission a registration statement on Form S-3, including a base prospectus, relating to certain securities, including the Placement Shares to be issued from time to time by the Company, and which incorporates by reference documents that the Company has filed or will file in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (the “Exchange Act”). The Company has prepared a prospectus or a prospectus supplement to the base prospectus included as part of the registration statement, which prospectus or prospectus supplement relates to the Placement Shares to be issued from time to time by the Company. Except where the context otherwise requires, such registration statement(s), including all documents filed as part thereof or incorporated by reference therein, and including any information contained in any Prospectus (as defined below) subsequently filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act or deemed to be a part of such registration statement pursuant to Rule 430B of the Securities Act, and any one or more additional effective registration statements on Form S-3 from time to time that will contain a base prospectus and, if applicable, a related prospectus or prospectus supplement (which shall be a “Prospectus Supplement”) with respect to the Placement Shares, is herein called the “Registration Statement.” The Registration Statement at the time it originally became effective is herein called the “Original Registration Statement.” The base prospectus, including all documents incorporated therein by reference, included in the Registration Statement, as it may be supplemented, if necessary, by one or more prospectus supplements relating to the Placement Shares to be issued from time to time by the Company, in the form in which such prospectus supplement(s) have most recently been filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act, together with the then issued Issuer Free Writing Prospectus(es) (as defined below), is herein called the “Prospectus.”
Any reference herein to the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include the documents, if any, incorporated by reference therein (the “Incorporated Documents”), including, unless the context otherwise requires, the documents, if any, filed as exhibits to such Incorporated Documents. Any reference herein to the terms “amend,” “amendment” or “supplement” with respect to the Registration Statement, any Prospectus Supplement, the Prospectus or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include the filing of any document under the Exchange Act on or after the most-recent effective date of the Registration Statement, or the date of the Prospectus Supplement, Prospectus or such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, as the case may be, and incorporated therein by reference. For purposes of this Agreement, all references to the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or to any amendment or supplement thereto shall be deemed to include the most recent copy filed with the Commission pursuant to its Electronic Data Gathering Analysis and Retrieval system, or if applicable, the Interactive Data Electronic Application system when used by the Commission (collectively, “EDGAR”).
All references in this Agreement to financial statements and schedules and other information that is “contained,” “included” or “stated” in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus (and all other references of like import) shall be deemed to mean and include all such financial statements and schedules and other information that is incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, as the case may be.
All references in this Agreement to the Registration Statement, any Prospectus Supplement, the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing shall be deemed to include the copy filed with the Commission pursuant to EDGAR; all references in this Agreement to any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus (other than any Issuer Free Writing Prospectuses that, pursuant to Rule 433, are not required to be filed with the Commission) shall be deemed to include the copy thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to EDGAR; and all references in this Agreement to “supplements” to the Prospectus shall include, without limitation, any supplements, “wrappers” or similar materials prepared in connection with any offering, sale or private placement of any Placement Shares by the Agent outside of the United States.
| 2 |
| 2. | Placements. Each time that the Company wishes to issue and sell Placement Shares hereunder (each, a “Placement”), it will notify the Agent by email notice (or other method mutually agreed to by the parties) of the number of Placement Shares to be issued or the gross proceeds to be raised in any given time period, the time period during which sales are requested to be made, any limitation on the number or amount of Placement Shares that may be sold in any one day and any minimum price below which sales of Placement Shares may not be made (a “Placement Notice”), the form of which is attached hereto as Schedule 1. The Placement Notice shall originate from any of the individuals authorized to act on behalf of the Company, which individuals have been identified by the Company on Schedule 3, (with a copy to each of the other individuals identified by the Company on such schedule), and shall be addressed to each of the individuals identified by the Agent on Schedule 3, as such Schedule 3 may be updated by either party from time to time by sending a written notice containing a revised Schedule 3 to the other party in the manner provided in Section 13. The Placement Notice shall be effective unless and until (i) in accordance with the notice requirements set forth in Section 4, the Agent declines to accept the terms contained therein for any reason, in its sole discretion, (ii) all of the Placement Shares authorized to be sold under such Placement Notice have been sold, (iii) in accordance with the notice requirements set forth in Section 4, the Company suspends or terminates the Placement Notice, (iv) the Company issues a subsequent Placement Notice, (v) in accordance with the notice requirements set forth in Section 4, the Company suspends sales under or terminates the Placement Notice for any reason in its sole discretion, or (vi) this Agreement has been terminated under the provisions of Section 12. The amount of any discount, commission or other compensation to be paid by the Company to the Agent in connection with the sale of the Placement Shares shall be calculated in accordance with the terms set forth in Schedule 2. It is expressly acknowledged and agreed that neither the Company nor the Agent will have any obligation whatsoever with respect to a Placement or any Placement Shares unless and until the Company delivers a Placement Notice to the Agent and the Agent does not decline such Placement Notice pursuant to the terms set forth above, and then only upon the terms specified therein and herein. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the terms of a Placement Notice, the terms of the Placement Notice will control. Subject to the provisions of Section 5(a), the Agent, for the period specified in the Placement Notice, will use its commercially reasonable efforts consistent with its normal trading and sales practices and applicable state and federal laws, rules and regulations and the rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (the “Exchange”), to sell the Placement Shares up to the amount specified in, and otherwise in accordance with the terms of, such Placement Notice. The Agent will provide written confirmation to the Company no later than the opening of the Trading Day (as defined below) immediately following the Trading Day on which it has made sales of Placement Shares hereunder setting forth the number of Placement Shares sold on such day, the compensation payable by the Company to the Agent pursuant to Section 2 with respect to such sales, and the Net Proceeds (as defined below) payable to the Company, with an itemization of the deductions made by the Agent (as set forth in Section 5(c)) from the gross proceeds that it receives from such sales. Subject to the terms of the Placement Notice, the Agent may sell Placement Shares by any method permitted by law deemed to be an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415(a)(4) of the Securities Act. “Trading Day” means any day on which Common Stock is traded on the Exchange. |
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| 3. | Sale of Placement Shares by the Agent. The Agent will provide written confirmation to the Company no later than the opening of the Trading Day immediately following the Trading Day on which it has made sales of Placement Shares hereunder setting forth the number of Placement Shares sold on such day, the compensation payable by the Company to the Agent pursuant to Section 2 with respect to such sales, and the Net Proceeds (as defined below) payable to the Company, with an itemization of the deductions made by the Agent (as set forth in Section 5(c)) from the gross proceeds that it receives from such sales. Subject to the terms of the Placement Notice, the Agent may sell Placement Shares (i) in privately negotiated transactions with the consent of the Company; (ii) as block transactions; or (iii) by any other method permitted by law deemed to be an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415(a)(4) of the Securities Act, including sales made directly on the Exchange or sales made into any other existing trading market of the Common Stock. The Company acknowledges and agrees that (i) there can be no assurance that the Agent will be successful in selling Placement Shares, (ii) the Agent will incur no liability or obligation to the Company or any other person or entity if it does not sell Placement Shares for any reason other than a failure by the Agent to use its commercially reasonable efforts consistent with its normal trading and sales practices to sell such Placement Shares as required under this Agreement and (iii) the Agent shall be under no obligation to purchase Placement Shares on a principal basis pursuant to this Agreement. |
| 4. | Suspension of Sales. The Company or the Agent may, upon notice to the other party in writing (including by email correspondence to each of the individuals of the other party set forth on Schedule 3, if receipt of such correspondence is actually acknowledged by any of the individuals to whom the notice is sent, other than via auto-reply) or by telephone (confirmed immediately by verifiable facsimile transmission or email correspondence to each of the individuals of the other party set forth on Schedule 3), suspend any sale of Placement Shares (a “Suspension”); provided, however, that such Suspension shall not affect or impair any party’s obligations with respect to any Placement Shares sold hereunder prior to the receipt of such notice. While a Suspension is in effect any obligation under Sections 7(l), 7(m), and 7(n) with respect to the delivery of certificates, opinions, or comfort letters to the Agent, shall be waived. Each of the parties agrees that no such notice under this Section 4 shall be effective against any other party unless it is made to one of the individuals identified on Schedule 3, as such Schedule may be updated by either party from time to time by sending a written notice containing a revised Schedule 3 to the other party in the manner provided in Section 13. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, during any period in which the Company is in possession of material non-public information, the Company and the Agent agree that (i) no sale of Placement Shares will take place, (ii) the Company shall not request the sale of any Placement Shares and shall cancel any effective Placement Notices instructing the Agent to make any sales and take commercially reasonable steps to mitigate market signaling or leakage relating to the issuance of any Placement Shares, and (iii) the Agent shall not be obligated to sell or offer to sell any Placement Shares. |
| 5. | Settlement; Delivery to the Agent. |
| (a) | Settlement of Placement Shares. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Placement Notice, settlement for sales of Placement Shares will occur on the first (1st) Trading Day (or such earlier day as is industry practice or as is required for regular-way trading) following the date on which such sales are made (each, a “Settlement Date”). The amount of proceeds to be delivered to the Company on a Settlement Date against receipt of the Placement Shares sold (the “Net Proceeds”) will be equal to the aggregate sales price received by the Agent, after deduction for (i) the Agent’s commission, discount or other compensation for such sales payable by the Company pursuant to Section 2 hereof, (ii) any other amounts due and payable by the Company to the Agent hereunder pursuant to Section 8 hereof and (iii) any transaction fees imposed by any Governmental Authority in respect of such sales. |
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| (b) | Delivery of Placement Shares. On or before each Settlement Date, the Company will, or will cause its transfer agent to, electronically transfer the Placement Shares being sold by crediting the Agent’s or its designee’s account (provided the Agent shall have given the Company written notice of such designee on or prior to the Settlement Date) at The Depository Trust Company through its Deposit and Withdrawal at Custodian System or by such other means of delivery as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties hereto which in all cases shall be freely tradable, transferable, registered shares in good deliverable form. On each Settlement Date, the Agent will deliver the related Net Proceeds in same day funds to an account designated by the Company on, or prior to, the Settlement Date. The Company agrees that if the Company, or its transfer agent (if applicable), defaults in its obligation to deliver Placement Shares on a Settlement Date, in addition to and in no way limiting the rights and obligations set forth in Section 10(a) hereto, the Company will (i) hold the Agent harmless against any loss, claim, damage, or expense (including reasonable legal fees and expenses), as incurred, arising out of or in connection with such default by the Company or its transfer agent (as applicable), (ii) pay to the Agent any commission, discount, or other compensation to which it would otherwise have been entitled absent such default and (iii) take all necessary action to cause the full amount of any Net Proceeds that were delivered to the Company’s account with respect to such settlement, together with any costs incurred by the Agent and/or its clearing firm in connection with recovering such Net Proceeds, to be immediately returned to the Agent or its clearing firm no later than 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on such Settlement Date, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by the Agent or its clearing firm. |
| (c) | Denominations; Registration. Certificates for the Placement Shares, if any, shall be in such denominations and registered in such names as the Agent may request in writing at least one full Business Day (as defined below) before the applicable Settlement Date. The certificates for the Placement Shares, if any, will be made available by the Company for examination and packaging by the Agent in The City of New York not later than noon (New York time) on the Business Day prior to the applicable Settlement Date. The Company and the Agent each acknowledge and agree that the Placement Shares shall, unless agreed to by the Company and the Agent or required by applicable law, not be issued in certificated form. |
| (d) | Limitations on Offering Size. Under no circumstances shall the Company cause or request the offer or sale of any Placement Shares if, after giving effect to the sale of such Placement Shares, the aggregate gross sales proceeds of Placement Shares sold pursuant to this Agreement would exceed the lesser of (A) the Maximum Amount and (B) the amount authorized from time to time to be issued and sold under this Agreement by the Company’s board of directors, a duly authorized committee thereof or a duly authorized executive committee (such entity, the “Company Authorization Body”). Under no circumstances shall the Company cause or request the offer or sale of any Placement Shares pursuant to this Agreement at a price lower than the minimum price authorized from time to time by the Company Authorization Body. |
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| 6. | Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company represents and warrants to, and agrees with the Agent that as of the date of this Agreement and as of each Applicable Time (as defined below): |
| (a) | Registration Statement and Prospectus. The Company and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement meet the requirements for and comply with the applicable conditions set forth in Form S-3 (including General Instructions I.A and I.B) under the Securities Act. The Registration Statement has been or will be filed with the Commission and has been or will be declared effective by the Commission under the Securities Act prior to the issuance of any Placement Notices by the Company. Prior to the delivery of the first Placement Notice and as of each Applicable Time thereafter, the Registration Statement is and will be effective. The Prospectus will name the Agent as the agent in the section entitled “Plan of Distribution.” The Company has not received, and has no notice of, any order of the Commission preventing or suspending the use of the Registration Statement, or threatening or instituting proceedings for that purpose. The Registration Statement and the offer and sale of Placement Shares as contemplated hereby meet the requirements of Rule 415 under the Securities Act and comply in all material respects with said Rule. Any statutes, regulations, contracts or other documents that are required to be described in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement have been so described or filed. Copies of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, and any such amendments or supplements and all Incorporated Documents that were filed with the Commission on or prior to the date of this Agreement have been delivered, or are available through EDGAR, to the Agent and its counsel. The Company has not distributed and, prior to the later to occur of each Settlement Date and completion of the distribution of the Placement Shares, will not distribute any offering material in connection with the offering or sale of the Placement Shares other than the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus to which the Agent has consented. |
| (b) | No Misstatement or Omission. The Registration Statement, when it became or becomes effective, and the Prospectus, and any amendment or supplement thereto, on the date of such Prospectus or amendment or supplement, conformed and will conform in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act. At each Settlement Date, the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, as of such date, will conform in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act. The Registration Statement, when it became or becomes effective, did not, and will not, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. The Prospectus and any amendment and supplement thereto, on the date thereof and at each Applicable Time, did not or will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The Incorporated Documents did not, and will not, when filed with the Commission, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated in such document or necessary in order to make the statements in such document, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The foregoing shall not apply to statements in, or omissions from, any such document made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information furnished to the Company by the Agent in writing specifically for use in the preparation thereof, it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by the Agent to the Company consists of the Agent Information (as defined below). |
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| (c) | Conformity with the Securities Act and Exchange Act. The Registration Statement, the Prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, and Incorporated Documents, when such documents were or are filed with the Commission under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act or became or become effective under the Securities Act, as the case may be, conformed or will conform in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, as applicable. |
| (d) | Exchange Matters. The Company is subject to and in compliance in all material respects with the reporting requirements of Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. The Common Stock is registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and is currently listed on the Exchange. The Company has taken no action designed to, or likely to have the effect of, terminating the registration of the Common Stock under the Exchange Act, delisting the Common Stock from the Exchange, nor has the Company received any notification that the Commission or the Exchange is contemplating terminating such registration or listing. To the Company’s knowledge, it is in compliance with all applicable listing requirements of the Exchange. The Company has filed a Notification of Listing of Additional Shares with the Exchange with respect to the Placement Shares. |
| (e) | Financial Information. The consolidated financial statements of the Company included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus together with the related notes and schedules, present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company and the Subsidiaries (as defined below) as of the dates indicated and the consolidated results of operations, cash flows and changes in stockholders’ equity of the Company and the Subsidiaries for the periods specified and have been prepared in compliance with the requirements of the Securities Act and Exchange Act and in conformity with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved. To the extent applicable, any pro forma financial statements, information or data included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus comply with the requirements of Regulation S-X of the Securities Act, including, without limitation, Article 8 thereof, fairly present the information set forth herein, and the assumptions used in the preparation of such pro forma financial statements and data are reasonable, the pro forma adjustments used therein are appropriate to give effect to the circumstances referred to therein and the pro forma adjustments have been properly applied to the historical amounts in the compilation of those statements and data. The other financial and statistical data with respect to the Company and the Subsidiaries (as defined below) contained or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus are accurately and fairly presented and prepared on a basis consistent with the financial statements and books and records of the Company. There are no financial statements (historical or pro forma) that are required to be included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, or the Prospectus that are not included or incorporated by reference therein as required. The Company and the Subsidiaries (as defined below) do not have any material liabilities or obligations, direct or contingent (including any off-balance sheet obligations), not described in the Registration Statement (excluding the exhibits thereto), and the Prospectus. All disclosures contained or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus regarding “non-GAAP financial measures” (as such term is defined by the rules and regulations of the Commission) comply with Regulation G of the Exchange Act and Item 10 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, to the extent applicable. The interactive data in eXtensible Business Reporting Language included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus fairly presents the information called for in all material respects and has been prepared in accordance with the Commission’s rules and guidelines applicable thereto. |
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| (f) | Conformity with EDGAR Filing. The Prospectus delivered to the Agent for use in connection with the sale of the Placement Shares pursuant to this Agreement will be identical to the versions of the Prospectus created to be transmitted to the Commission for filing via EDGAR, except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T. |
| (g) | Organization. The Company is duly organized, validly existing as a public benefit corporation and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation. The Company is duly licensed or qualified as a foreign corporation for transaction of business and in good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction in which its respective ownership or lease of property or the conduct of its respective business requires such license or qualification, and has all corporate power and authority necessary to own or hold its respective properties and to conduct its respective businesses as described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing or have such power or authority would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect or would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on or affecting the assets, business, operations, earnings, properties, condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, results of operations, business, prospects, properties, assets, liabilities or stockholders’ equity of the Company and the Subsidiaries (as defined below) taken as a whole, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business, or prevent or materially interfere with consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby (a “Material Adverse Effect”). |
| (h) | Subsidiaries. Each of the Company’s “subsidiaries” (for purposes of this Agreement, as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) (each, a “Subsidiary” and collectively, the “Subsidiaries”) is duly organized, validly existing as a corporation and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, is duly licensed or qualified as a foreign corporation for transaction of business and in good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction in which its respective ownership or lease of property or the conduct of its respective business requires such license or qualification, and has all corporate power and authority necessary to own or hold its respective properties and to conduct its respective businesses as described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing or have such power or authority would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth in the Registration Statement and in the Prospectus, the Company owns, directly or indirectly, all of the equity interests of the Subsidiaries free and clear of any lien, charge, security interest, encumbrance, right of first refusal or other restriction, and all the equity interests of the Subsidiaries are validly issued and are fully paid, nonassessable and free of preemptive and similar rights. No Subsidiary is currently prohibited, directly or indirectly, from paying any dividends to the Company, from making any other distribution on such Subsidiary’s capital stock, from repaying to the Company any loans or advances to such Subsidiary from the Company or from transferring any of such Subsidiary’s property or assets to the Company or any other Subsidiary of the Company. Except for the entities identified in Exhibit 21 to the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company does not own or control, directly or indirectly, any corporation, association or other entity, which constitutes a “significant subsidiary” within the meaning of Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X under the Exchange Act. |
| (i) | No Violation or Default. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is (i) in violation of its charter or by-laws or similar organizational documents; (ii) in default, and no event has occurred that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute such a default, in the due performance or observance of any term, covenant or condition contained in any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is bound or to which any of the property or assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries are subject; or (iii) in violation of any law or statute or any judgment, order, rule or regulation of any Governmental Authority, except, in the case of each of clauses (ii) and (iii) above, for any such violation or default that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. To the Company’s knowledge, no other party under any material contract or other agreement to which it or any of its Subsidiaries is a party is in default in any respect thereunder where such default would have a Material Adverse Effect. |
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| (j) | No Material Adverse Change. Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the Issuer Free Writing Prospectuses, if any (including any document deemed incorporated by reference therein), there has not been (i) any Material Adverse Effect or the occurrence of any development that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (ii) any transaction which is material to the Company and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (iii) any obligation or liability, direct or contingent (including any off-balance sheet obligations), incurred by the Company or any Subsidiary, which is material to the Company and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (iv) any material change in the capital stock or outstanding long-term indebtedness of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (v) any dividend or distribution of any kind declared, paid or made on the capital stock of the Company or any Subsidiary, other than in each case above in the ordinary course of business or as otherwise disclosed in the Registration Statement or Prospectus (including any document deemed incorporated by reference therein). |
| (k) | Capitalization. The issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company have been validly issued, are fully paid and nonassessable and have been issued in compliance with all federal, state and local securities laws and are free and clear of any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance or adverse claim. None of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company were issued in violation of any preemptive rights, rights of first refusal or other similar rights to subscribe for or purchase securities of the Company. The Company has an authorized, issued and outstanding capitalization as set forth in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus as of the dates referred to therein (other than the grant of additional options under the Company’s existing stock option plans, or changes in the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company due to the issuance of shares upon the exercise or conversion of securities exercisable for, or convertible into, Common Stock outstanding on the date hereof) and such authorized capital stock conforms to the description thereof set forth in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus. The description of the securities of the Company in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus is complete and accurate in all material respects. Except as disclosed in or contemplated by the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, as of the date referred to therein, the Company does not have outstanding any options to purchase, or any rights or warrants to subscribe for, or any securities or obligations convertible into, or exchangeable for, or any contracts or commitments to issue or sell, any shares of capital stock or other securities. |
| (l) | Authorization; Enforceability. The Company has full legal right, power and authority to enter into this Agreement and perform the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and is a legal, valid and binding agreement of the Company enforceable in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general equitable principles. |
| (m) | Authorization of Placement Shares. The Placement Shares, when issued and delivered pursuant to the terms approved by the board of directors of the Company or a duly authorized committee thereof, or a duly authorized executive committee, against payment therefor as provided herein, will be duly and validly authorized and issued and fully paid and nonassessable, free and clear of any pledge, lien, encumbrance, security interest or other claim, including any statutory or contractual preemptive rights, resale rights, rights of first refusal or other similar rights, and will be registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act. The Placement Shares, when issued, will conform to the description thereof set forth in or incorporated into the Prospectus. |
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| (n) | No Consents Required. No consent, approval, license, permit, authorization, order, registration or qualification of or with any Governmental Authority is required for the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement, the issuance and sale by the Company of the Placement Shares, except for such consents, approvals, licenses, permits, authorizations, orders and registrations or qualifications as have already been obtained or as may be required under applicable state securities laws or by the by-laws and rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) or the Exchange in connection with the sale of the Placement Shares by the Agent. |
| (o) | No Preferential Rights. Except as set forth in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, (i) no person, as such term is defined in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Act (each, a “Person”), has the right, contractual or otherwise, to cause the Company to issue or sell to such Person any Common Stock or shares of any other capital stock or other securities of the Company, (ii) no Person has any preemptive rights, resale rights, rights of first refusal, rights of co-sale, or any other rights (whether pursuant to a “poison pill” provision or otherwise) to purchase any Common Stock or shares of any other capital stock or other securities of the Company, (iii) no Person has the right to act as an underwriter or as a financial advisor to the Company in connection with the offer and sale of the Placement Shares hereunder, and (iv) no Person has the right, contractual or otherwise, to require the Company to register under the Securities Act any Common Stock or shares of any other capital stock or other securities of the Company, or to include any such shares or other securities in the Registration Statement or the offering contemplated thereby, whether as a result of the filing or effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the sale of the Placement Shares as contemplated thereby or otherwise. |
| (p) | Independent Public Accounting Firm. DBBMcKennon, LLC (the “Accountant”), whose report on the consolidated financial statements of the Company is filed with the Commission as part of the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission and incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, is and, during the periods covered by its report, was an independent registered public accounting firm within the meaning of the Securities Act and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). To the Company’s knowledge, the Accountant is not in violation of the auditor independence requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) with respect to the Company. The Accountant has not been engaged by the Company to perform any “prohibited activities” or provided to the Company any “non-audit services” (as defined in Section 10A of the Exchange Act). |
| (q) | Enforceability of Agreements. All agreements between the Company and third parties expressly referenced in the Registration Statement and Prospectus are legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company enforceable in accordance with their respective terms, except to the extent that (i) enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general equitable principles and (ii) the indemnification provisions of certain agreements may be limited by federal or state securities laws or public policy considerations in respect thereof. |
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| (r) | No Litigation. Except as set forth in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, and except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect, there are no actions, suits or proceedings by or before any Governmental Authority pending, nor, to the Company’s knowledge, any audits or investigations by or before any Governmental Authority to which the Company or a Subsidiary is a party or to which any property of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is the subject and, to the Company’s knowledge, no such actions, suits, proceedings, audits or investigations are threatened or contemplated by any Governmental Authority or threatened by others; and (i) to the Company’s knowledge, there are no current or pending audits or investigations, actions, suits or proceedings by or before any Governmental Authority that are required under the Securities Act to be described in the Registration Statement and Prospectus that are not so described; and (ii) there are no contracts or other documents that are required under the Securities Act to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement that are not described in all material respects or filed as required. |
| (s) | Consents and Permits. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, the Company and its Subsidiaries have made all filings, applications and submissions required by, possess and are operating in compliance with, all approvals, licenses, certificates, certifications, clearances, consents, grants, exemptions, marks, notifications, orders, permits and other authorizations issued by the appropriate federal, state, local or foreign Governmental Authority necessary for the ownership or lease of their respective properties or to conduct their businesses as described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (collectively, “Permits”), except for such Permits the failure of which to possess, obtain or make the same would not have a Material Adverse Effect; the Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with the terms and conditions of all such Permits, except where the failure to be in compliance would not have a Material Adverse Effect; all of the Permits are valid and in full force and effect, except where any invalidity, individually or in the aggregate, would not be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written notice relating to the limitation, revocation, cancellation, suspension, modification or non-renewal of any such Permit which, singly or in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, would have a Material Adverse Effect, or has any reason to believe that any such license, certificate, permit or authorization will not be renewed in the ordinary course. |
| (t) | Intellectual Property. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, the Company and its Subsidiaries own, possess, license or have other rights to use all foreign and domestic patents, patent applications, trade and service marks, trade and service mark registrations, trade names, copyrights, licenses, inventions, trade secrets, technology, Internet domain names, know-how (including unpatented and/or unpatentable proprietary or confidential information, systems or procedures) and other intellectual property (collectively, the “Intellectual Property”), necessary for the conduct of their respective businesses as now conducted except to the extent that the failure to own, possess, license or otherwise hold adequate rights to use such Intellectual Property would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (i) there are no rights of third parties to any such Intellectual Property owned by the Company and its Subsidiaries; (ii) to the Company’s knowledge, there is no infringement by third parties of any such Intellectual Property; (iii) there is no pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim by others challenging the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ rights in or to any such Intellectual Property, and the Company is unaware of any facts which could form a reasonable basis for any such action, suit, proceeding or claim; (iv) there is no pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim by others challenging the validity or scope of any such Intellectual Property; (v) there is no pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim by others that the Company and its Subsidiaries infringe or otherwise violate any patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret or other proprietary rights of others; (vi) to the Company’s knowledge, there is no third-party U.S. patent or published U.S. patent application which contains claims for which an Interference Proceeding (as defined in 35 U.S.C. § 135) has been commenced against any patent or patent application described in the Prospectus as being owned by or licensed to the Company; (vii) all employees or contractors engaged in the development of Intellectual Property on behalf of the Company or its Subsidiaries have executed or have an obligation to execute an invention assignment agreement whereby such employees or contractors presently assign all of their right, title and interest in and to such Intellectual Property to the Company or the applicable subsidiary, and to the Company’s knowledge no such agreement has been breached or violated; (viii) the Company and its Subsidiaries use, and have used, commercially reasonable efforts to appropriately maintain all information intended to be maintained as a trade secret; and (ix) the Company and its Subsidiaries have complied with the terms of each agreement pursuant to which Intellectual Property has been licensed to the Company or such Subsidiary, and all such agreements are in full force and effect, except, in the case of any of clauses (i)-(ix) above, for any such infringement by third parties or any such pending or threatened suit, action, proceeding or claim as would not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Effect. |
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| (u) | Market Capitalization. At the time the Registration Statement will be originally declared effective and at the time the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K was filed with the Commission, the Company will meet the then applicable requirements for the use of Form S-3 under the Securities Act, including, but not limited to, General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3. The aggregate market value of the outstanding voting and non-voting common equity (as defined in Securities Act Rule 405) of the Company held by persons other than affiliates of the Company (pursuant to Securities Act Rule 144, those that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, control, or are controlled by, or are under common control with, the Company) (the “Non-Affiliate Shares”), was equal to or greater than $[•] million (calculated by multiplying (x) the highest price at which the common equity of the Company closed on the Exchange within 60 days of the date of this Agreement times (y) the number of Non-Affiliate Shares). The Company is not a shell company (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) and has not been a shell company for at least 12 calendar months previously and if it has been a shell company at any time previously, has filed current Form 10 information (as defined in Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3) with the Commission at least 12 calendar months previously reflecting its status as an entity that is not a shell company. |
| (v) | FINRA Matters. Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries is required to register as a “broker” or “dealer” in accordance with the provisions of the Exchange Act and do not, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, control or have any other association with (within the meaning of Article I of the By-laws of FINRA) any member firm of FINRA. No relationship, direct or indirect, exists between or among the Company, on the one hand, and the directors, officers or shareholders of the Company, on the other hand, which is required by the rules of FINRA to be described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, which is not so described. The information provided to the Agent by the Company, its counsel, and its officers and directors for purposes of the Agent’s compliance with applicable FINRA rules in connection with the offering of the Placement Shares is true, complete, and correct and compliant with FINRA’s rules. |
| (w) | No Material Defaults. Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has defaulted on any installment on indebtedness for borrowed money or on any rental on one or more long-term leases, which defaults, individually or in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company has not filed a report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act since the filing of its last Annual Report on Form 10-K, indicating that it (i) has failed to pay any dividend or sinking fund installment on preferred stock or (ii) has defaulted on any installment on indebtedness for borrowed money or on any rental on one or more long-term leases, which defaults, individually or in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect. |
| (x) | Certain Market Activities. Neither the Company, nor any of the Subsidiaries, nor any of their respective directors, officers or controlling persons has taken, directly or indirectly, (i) any action designed to, or that has constituted or would reasonably be expected to cause or result in, under the Exchange Act or otherwise, the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Placement Shares or (ii) any action designed to or that might constitute or reasonably be expected to cause or result in a violation of Regulation M under the Exchange Act. |
| (y) | No Reliance. The Company has not relied upon the Agent or legal counsel for the Agent for any legal, tax or accounting advice in connection with the offering and sale of Placement Shares. |
| (z) | Taxes. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries have filed all federal, state, local and foreign tax returns which have been required to be filed and paid all taxes shown thereon through the date hereof, to the extent that such taxes have become due and are not being contested in good faith, except where the failure to so file or pay would not have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as otherwise disclosed in or contemplated by the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, no tax deficiency has been determined adversely to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries which has had, or would have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. The Company has no knowledge of any federal, state or other governmental tax deficiency, penalty or assessment which has been or might be asserted or threatened against it which would have a Material Adverse Effect. The charges, accruals and reserves on the books of the Company and its Subsidiaries in respect of any income or other tax liability for any years not finally determined are adequate to meet any assessments or re-assessments for additional tax for any years not finally determined, except to the extent of any inadequacy that would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. |
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| (aa) | Title to Real and Personal Property. Except as set forth in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, the Company and its Subsidiaries have good and marketable title in fee simple to all items of real property owned by them, good and valid title to all personal property described in the Registration Statement or Prospectus as being owned by them, in each case free and clear of all liens, encumbrances and claims, except those matters that (i) do not materially interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property by the Company and any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. Any real or personal property described in the Registration Statement or Prospectus as being leased by the Company and any of its Subsidiaries is held by them under valid, existing and enforceable leases, except those that (A) do not materially interfere with the use made or proposed to be made of such property by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (B) would not be reasonably expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect. Each of the properties of the Company and its Subsidiaries complies with all applicable codes, laws and regulations (including, without limitation, building and zoning codes, laws and regulations and laws relating to access to such properties), except if and to the extent disclosed in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or except for such failures to comply that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to interfere in any material respect with the use made and proposed to be made of such property by the Company and its Subsidiaries or otherwise have a Material Adverse Effect. None of the Company or its Subsidiaries has received from any Governmental Authorities any notice of any condemnation of, or zoning change affecting, the properties of the Company and its Subsidiaries, and to the Company’s knowledge, there is no such condemnation or zoning change which is threatened, except for such that would not reasonably be expected to interfere in any material respect with the use made and proposed to be made of such property by the Company and its Subsidiaries or otherwise have a Material Adverse Effect, individually or in the aggregate. |
| (bb) | Environmental Laws. Except as set forth in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, the Company and its Subsidiaries (i) are in compliance with any and all applicable federal, state, local and foreign laws, rules, regulations, decisions and orders relating to the protection of human health and safety, the environment or hazardous or toxic substances or wastes, pollutants or contaminants (collectively, “Environmental Laws”); (ii) have received and are in compliance with all permits, licenses or other approvals required of them under applicable Environmental Laws to conduct their respective businesses as described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus; and (iii) have not received notice of any actual or potential liability for the investigation or remediation of any disposal or release of hazardous or toxic substances or wastes, pollutants or contaminants, except, in the case of any of clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) above, for any such failure to comply or failure to receive required permits, licenses, other approvals or liability as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. |
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| (cc) | Disclosure Controls. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries maintain systems of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP and to maintain asset accountability; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences. Except as set forth in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective and the Company is not aware of any material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting. Since the date of the latest audited financial statements of the Company included in the Prospectus, there has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (other than as set forth in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus). The Company has established disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15) for the Company and designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the Company and each of its Subsidiaries is made known to the certifying officers by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as the case may be, is being prepared. The Company’s certifying officers have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year most recently ended (such date, the “Evaluation Date”). The Company presented in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year most recently ended the conclusions of the certifying officers about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on their evaluations as of the Evaluation Date and the disclosure controls and procedures are effective. Since the Evaluation Date, there have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls (as such term is defined in Item 307(b) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act) or, to the Company’s knowledge, in other factors that could significantly affect the Company’s internal controls. |
| (dd) | Sarbanes-Oxley. There is and has been no failure on the part of the Company or any of the Company’s directors or officers, in their capacities as such, to comply in all material respects with any applicable provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. Each of the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer of the Company (or each former principal executive officer of the Company and each former principal financial officer of the Company as applicable) has made all certifications required by Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act with respect to all reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents required to be filed by it or furnished by it to the Commission. For purposes of the preceding sentence, “principal executive officer” and “principal financial officer” shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. |
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| (ee) | Finder’s Fees. Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has incurred any liability for any finder’s fees, brokerage commissions or similar payments in connection with the transactions herein contemplated, except as may otherwise exist with respect to the Agent pursuant to this Agreement. |
| (ff) | Labor Disputes. No labor disturbance by or dispute with employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries exists or, to the knowledge of the Company, is threatened or imminent, and the Company is not aware of any existing, threatened or imminent labor disturbance by the employees of any of its principal suppliers, manufacturers or contractors which would, singly or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Effect on the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. |
| (gg) | Investment Company Act. Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries is or, after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Placement Shares, will be an “investment company” or an entity “controlled” by an “investment company,” as such terms are defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”). The Company shall conduct its business in a manner so that it will not become an “investment company” subject to registration under the Investment Company Act. |
| (hh) | Operations. The operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable financial record keeping and reporting requirements of the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, the money laundering statutes of all jurisdictions to which the Company or its Subsidiaries are subject, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any Governmental Authority (collectively, the “Money Laundering Laws”); and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any Governmental Authority involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened. |
| (ii) | Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. There are no transactions, arrangements and other relationships between and/or among the Company, and/or any of its affiliates and any unconsolidated entity, including, but not limited to, any structured finance, special purpose or limited purpose entity (each, an “Off-Balance Sheet Transaction”) that could reasonably be expected to affect materially the Company’s liquidity or the availability of or requirements for its capital resources, including those Off-Balance Sheet Transactions described in the Commission’s Statement about Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations (Release Nos. 33-8056; 34-45321; FR-61), required to be described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus which have not been described as required. |
| (jj) | Other Underwriter Agreements. Except for the Share Purchase Agreement, dated October 13, 2025, between the Company and New Circle Principal Investments LLC (the “ELOC Agreement”), the Company is not a party to any agreement with an agent or underwriter for any other “at the market”, equity line of credit or other continuous equity transaction. |
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| (kk) | ERISA. To the knowledge of the Company, each material employee benefit plan, within the meaning of Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), that is maintained, administered or contributed to by the Company or any of its affiliates for employees or former employees of the Company and any of its Subsidiaries has been maintained in material compliance with its terms and the requirements of any applicable statutes, orders, rules and regulations, including but not limited to ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”); no prohibited transaction, within the meaning of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, has occurred which would result in a material liability to the Company with respect to any such plan excluding transactions effected pursuant to a statutory or administrative exemption; and for each such plan that is subject to the funding rules of Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, no “accumulated funding deficiency” as defined in Section 412 of the Code has been incurred, whether or not waived, and the fair market value of the assets of each such plan (excluding for these purposes accrued but unpaid contributions) exceeds the present value of all benefits accrued under such plan determined using reasonable actuarial assumptions. |
| (ll) | Forward-Looking Statements. Each financial or operational projection or other forward-looking statement (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act) (a “Forward-Looking Statement”) contained in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (i) was so included by the Company in good faith and with a reasonable basis after due consideration by the Company of the underlying assumptions, estimates and other applicable facts and circumstances and (ii) as required, is accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements identifying those factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such Forward-Looking Statement. No Forward-Looking Statement was made with the knowledge of a director or executive officer of the Company that was false or misleading. |
| (mm) | Agent Purchases, Research Analyst Independence. The Company understands that the Agent is a full service securities firm and as such from time to time, subject to applicable securities laws, may effect transactions for its own account or the account of its customers and hold long or short positions in debt or equity securities of the companies that may be the subject of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The Company further acknowledges that the Agent’s research analysts and research departments are required to and should be independent from their respective investment banking divisions and are subject to certain regulations and internal policies, and as such the Agent’s research analysts may hold views and make statements or investment recommendations and/or publish research reports with respect to the Company or the offering contemplated by this Agreement that differ from the views of their respective investment banking divisions. |
| (nn) | Margin Rules. Neither the issuance, sale and delivery of the Placement Shares nor the application of the proceeds thereof by the Company as described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus will violate Regulation T, U or X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or any other regulation of such Board of Governors. |
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| (oo) | Insurance. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries carry, or are covered by, insurance in such amounts and covering such risks as the Company and each of its Subsidiaries reasonably believe are adequate for the conduct of their properties and as is customary for companies engaged in similar businesses in similar industries. Neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries has been refused any insurance coverage sought or applied for. Neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries has any reason to believe that it will not be able to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such coverage expires or to obtain similar coverage from similar insurers as may be necessary to continue its business at a cost that would not reasonably be expected to, singly or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. |
| (pp) | No Improper Practices. (i) Neither the Company nor the Subsidiaries, nor any director, officer, or employee of the Company or any Subsidiary nor, to the Company’s knowledge, any agent, affiliate or other person acting on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary has, in the past five years, made any unlawful contributions to any candidate for any political office (or failed fully to disclose any contribution in violation of applicable law) or made any contribution or other payment to any official of, or candidate for, any federal, state, municipal, or foreign office or other person charged with similar public or quasi-public duty in violation of any applicable law or of the character required to be disclosed in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus; (ii) no relationship, direct or indirect, exists between or among the Company or any Subsidiary or any affiliate of any of them, on the one hand, and the directors, officers and stockholders of the Company or any Subsidiary, on the other hand, that is required by the Securities Act to be described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus that is not so described; (iii) except as described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, there are no material outstanding loans or advances or material guarantees of indebtedness by the Company or any Subsidiary to or for the benefit of any of their respective officers or directors or any of the members of the families of any of them; and (iv) the Company has not offered, or caused any placement agent to offer, Common Stock to any person with the intent to influence unlawfully (A) a customer or supplier of the Company or any Subsidiary to alter the customer’s or supplier’s level or type of business with the Company or any Subsidiary or (B) a trade journalist or publication to write or publish favorable information about the Company or any Subsidiary or any of their respective products or services, and, (v) neither the Company nor any Subsidiary nor any director, officer or employee of the Company or any Subsidiary nor, to the Company’s knowledge, any agent, affiliate or other person acting on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary has (A) violated or is in violation of any applicable provision of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, the UK Bribery Act 2010, as amended, or any other applicable anti-bribery or anti-corruption law (collectively, “Anti-Corruption Laws”), (B) promised, offered, provided, attempted to provide or authorized the provision of anything of value, directly or indirectly, to any person for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business, influencing any act or decision of the recipient, or securing any improper advantage; or (C) made any payment of funds of the Company or any Subsidiary or received or retained any funds in violation of any Anti-Corruption Laws. The Company and its Subsidiaries and, to the knowledge of the Company, the Company’s affiliates have conducted their respective businesses in compliance with the Anti-Corruption Laws and have instituted and maintain policies and procedures designed to ensure, and which are reasonably expected to continue to ensure, continued compliance therewith. |
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| (qq) | Status Under the Securities Act. The Company was not and is not an ineligible issuer as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act at the times specified in Rules 164 and 433 under the Securities Act in connection with the offering of the Placement Shares. |
| (rr) | No Misstatement or Omission in an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus. Each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, as of its issue date and as of each Applicable Time, did not, does not and will not include any information that conflicted, conflicts or will conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, including any incorporated document deemed to be a part thereof that has not been superseded or modified. The foregoing sentence does not apply to statements in or omissions from any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus based upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by the Agent specifically for use therein. |
| (ss) | No Conflicts. Neither the execution of this Agreement, nor the issuance, offering or sale of the Placement Shares, nor the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated herein and therein, nor the compliance by the Company with the terms and provisions hereof and thereof will conflict with, or will result in a breach of, any of the terms and provisions of, or has constituted or will constitute a default under, or has resulted in or will result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Company pursuant to the terms of any contract or other agreement to which the Company may be bound or to which any of the property or assets of the Company is subject, except (i) such conflicts, breaches or defaults as may have been waived and (ii) such conflicts, breaches and defaults that would not have a Material Adverse Effect. |
| (tt) | Sanctions. (i) The Company represents that, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries (collectively, the “Entity”) or any director, officer, employee, agent, affiliate or representative of the Entity, is a government, individual, or entity (in this paragraph (Viv), “Person”) that is, or is owned or controlled by a Person that is: |
| (A) | the subject of any sanctions administered or enforced by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”), the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, His Majesty’s Treasury, or other relevant sanctions authorities, including, without limitation, designation on OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List or OFAC’s Foreign Sanctions Evaders List (as amended, collectively, “Sanctions”), nor |
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| (B) | located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is the subject of Sanctions that broadly prohibit dealings with that country or territory (including, without limitation, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic, the so-called Luhansk People’s Republic, the Crimea Region of Ukraine, the non-government controlled areas of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson Regions of Ukraine (or any other Covered Region of Ukraine identified pursuant to Executive Order 14065)) (the “Sanctioned Countries”). |
| (ii) | The Company represents and covenants that the Entity will not, directly or indirectly, use the proceeds of the offering, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person: |
| (A) | to fund or facilitate any activities or business of or with any Person or in any country or territory that, at the time of such funding or facilitation, is the subject of Sanctions or is a Sanctioned Country; or |
| (B) | in any other manner that will result in a violation of Sanctions by any Person (including any Person participating in the offering, whether as underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise). |
| (iii) | The Company represents and covenants that, except as detailed in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, during the applicable statute of limitations period, it has not engaged in, is not now engaging in, and will not engage in, any dealings or transactions with any Person, or in any country or territory, that at the time of the dealing or transaction is or was the subject of Sanctions or is or was a Sanctioned Country. |
| (uu) | Export Compliance. The Company and each of its subsidiaries has not, nor has any director, officer, agent, employee or other Person acting on behalf of the Company or any of its subsidiaries violated or failed to comply with any applicable law related to the export or reexport of goods (including hardware, software, technology and data), services and know-how except in such cases as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect. |
| (vv) | Stock Transfer Taxes. On each Settlement Date, all stock transfer or other taxes (other than income taxes) which are required to be paid in connection with the sale and transfer of the Placement Shares to be sold hereunder will be, or will have been, fully paid or provided for by the Company and all laws imposing such taxes will be or will have been fully complied with. |
| (ww) | Compliance with Laws. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries are in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and statutes (including all environmental laws and regulations) in the jurisdictions in which it carries on business; the Company has not received a notice of non-compliance, nor knows of, nor has reasonable grounds to know of, any facts that could give rise to a notice of non-compliance with any such laws, regulations and statutes, and is not aware of any pending change or contemplated change to any applicable law or regulation or governmental position; in each case that would materially adversely affect the business of the Company or the business or legal environment under which the Company operates. |
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| (xx) | Statistical and Market-Related Data. The statistical, demographic and market-related data included in the Registration Statement and Prospectus are based on or derived from sources that the Company believes to be reliable and accurate or represent the Company’s good faith estimates that are made on the basis of data derived from such sources and the Company has obtained the written consent to the use of such data from such sources to the extent required. |
| (yy) | Cybersecurity. The Company and its Subsidiaries’ information technology assets and equipment, computers, systems, networks, hardware, software, websites, applications, and databases (collectively, “IT Systems”) are adequate for, and operate and perform in all material respects as required in connection with the operation of the business of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries as currently conducted, free and clear of all material bugs, errors, defects, Trojan horses, time bombs, malware and other corruptants. The Company and its Subsidiaries have implemented and maintained commercially reasonable physical, technical and administrative controls, policies, procedures, and safeguards to maintain and protect their material confidential information and the integrity, continuous operation, redundancy and security of all IT Systems and data, including all “Personal Data” (defined below) and all sensitive, confidential or regulated data (“Confidential Data”) used in connection with their businesses. “Personal Data” means (i) a natural person’s name, street address, telephone number, e-mail address, photograph, social security number or tax identification number, driver’s license number, passport number, credit card number, bank information, or customer or account number; (ii) any information which would qualify as “personally identifying information” under the Federal Trade Commission Act, as amended; (iii) “personal data” as defined by GDPR; (iv) any information which would qualify as “protected health information” under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (collectively, “HIPAA”); (v) any “personal information” as defined by the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”); and (vi) any other piece of information that allows the identification of such natural person, or his or her family, or permits the collection or analysis of any data related to an identified person’s health or sexual orientation. There have been no breaches, violations, outages or unauthorized uses of or accesses to same, except for those that have been remedied without material cost or liability or the duty to notify any other person, nor any incidents under internal review or investigations relating to the same. The Company and its Subsidiaries are presently in material compliance with all applicable laws or statutes and all judgments, orders, rules and regulations of any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority, internal policies and contractual obligations relating to the privacy and security of IT Systems, Confidential Data, and Personal Data and to the protection of such IT Systems, Confidential Data, and Personal Data from unauthorized use, access, misappropriation or modification. |
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| (zz) | Compliance with Data Privacy Laws. The Company and its Subsidiaries are, and at all prior times were, in material compliance with all applicable state and federal data privacy and security laws and regulations, including without limitation HIPAA, CCPA, and the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) (EU 2016/679) (collectively, the “Privacy Laws”). To ensure compliance with the Privacy Laws, the Company has in place, complies with, and takes appropriate steps to ensure compliance in all material respects with their policies and procedures relating to data privacy and security and the collection, storage, use, processing, disclosure, handling, and analysis of Personal Data and Confidential Data (the “Policies”). The Company has at all times made all disclosures to users or customers required by applicable laws and regulatory rules or requirements, and none of such disclosures made or contained in any Policy have been inaccurate or in violation of any applicable laws and regulatory rules or requirements in any material respect. The Company further certifies that neither it nor any subsidiary: (i) has received notice of any actual or potential liability under or relating to, or actual or potential violation of, any of the Privacy Laws, and has no knowledge of any event or condition that would reasonably be expected to result in any such notice; (ii) is currently conducting or paying for, in whole or in part, any investigation, remediation, or other corrective action pursuant to any Privacy Law; or (iii) is a party to any order, decree, or agreement that imposes any obligation or liability under any Privacy Law. |
| (aaa) | Emerging Growth Company Status. From the time of the initial filing of the Company’s first registration statement with the Commission through the date hereof, the Company has been and is an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act (an “Emerging Growth Company”). |
| (bbb) | Outbound Investment Security Program. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a “covered foreign person”, as that term is defined in 31 C.F.R. § 850.209. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries currently engages, or has plans to engage, directly or indirectly, in a “covered activity”, as that term is defined in 31 C.F.R. § 850.208 (“Covered Activity”). The Company does not have any joint ventures that engage in or plan to engage in any Covered Activity. The Company also does not, directly or indirectly, hold a board seat on, have a voting or equity interest in, or have any contractual power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of any person or persons that engages or plans to engage in any Covered Activity. |
| (ccc) | Bankruptcy. The Company is not in or subject to a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding in any jurisdiction. |
Any certificate signed by an officer of the Company and delivered to the Agent or to counsel for the Agent pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty by the Company, as applicable, to the Agent as to the matters set forth therein.
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| 7. | Covenants of the Company. The Company covenants and agrees with the Agent that: |
| (a) | Registration Statement Amendments. After the date of this Agreement and during any period in which a Prospectus relating to any Placement Shares is required to be delivered by the Agent under the Securities Act (including in circumstances where such requirement may be satisfied pursuant to Rule 172 under the Securities Act or similar rule), (i) the Company will notify the Agent promptly of the time when any subsequent amendment to the Registration Statement has been filed with the Commission and/or has become effective, any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement has been filed with the Commission or any subsequent supplement to the Prospectus has been filed and of any request by the Commission for any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or Prospectus or for additional information (provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated to notify the Agent of the filing of any Incorporated Documents which do not discuss this Agreement, the Placement or the Agent), (ii) the Company will prepare and file with the Commission, promptly upon the Agent’s request, any amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement or Prospectus that, in the Agent’s reasonable opinion, may be necessary or advisable in connection with the distribution of the Placement Shares by the Agent (provided, however, that the failure of the Agent to make such request shall not relieve the Company of any obligation or liability hereunder, or affect the Agent’s right to rely on the representations and warranties made by the Company in this Agreement and provided, further, that the only remedy the Agent shall have with respect to the failure by the Company to make such filing (but without limiting the Agent’s rights under Section 10 hereof) shall be to cease making sales under this Agreement until such amendment or supplement is filed); (iii) the Company will not file any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or Prospectus or any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement relating to the Placement Shares or a security convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for the Placement Shares unless a copy thereof has been submitted to the Agent within a reasonable period of time before the filing and the Agent has not objected thereto (provided, however, that the failure of the Agent to make such objection shall not relieve the Company of any obligation or liability hereunder, or affect the Agent’s right to rely on the representations and warranties made by the Company in this Agreement and provided, further, that the only remedy the Agent shall have with respect to the failure by the Company to obtain such consent (but without limiting the Agent’s rights under Section 10 hereof) shall be to cease making sales under this Agreement) and the Company will furnish to the Agent at the time of filing thereof a copy of any Incorporated Documents, except for those documents available via EDGAR; and (iv) the Company will cause each amendment or supplement to the Prospectus to be filed with the Commission as required pursuant to the applicable paragraph of Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act or, in the case of Incorporated Documents, to be filed with the Commission as required pursuant to the Exchange Act, within the time period prescribed (the determination to file or not file any amendment or supplement with the Commission under this Section 7(a), based on the Company’s reasonable opinion or reasonable objections, shall be made exclusively by the Company). |
| (b) | Notice of Commission Stop Orders. The Company will advise the Agent, promptly after it receives notice or obtains knowledge thereof, of the issuance or threatened issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, of the suspension of the qualification of the Placement Shares for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, or of the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for any such purpose; and it will promptly use its commercially reasonable efforts to prevent the issuance of any stop order or to obtain its withdrawal if such a stop order should be issued. The Company will advise the Agent promptly after it receives any request by the Commission for any amendments to the Registration Statement or any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement or any amendment or supplements to the Prospectus or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or for additional information related to the offering of the Placement Shares or for additional information related to the Registration Statement, any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, the Prospectus or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus. |
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| (c) | Delivery of Prospectus; Subsequent Changes. During any period in which a Prospectus relating to the Placement Shares is required to be delivered by the Agent under the Securities Act with respect to the offer and sale of the Placement Shares, (including in circumstances where such requirement may be satisfied pursuant to Rule 172 under the Securities Act or a similar rule), the Company will comply with all requirements imposed upon it by the Securities Act, as from time to time in force, and will file on or before their respective due dates all reports and any definitive proxy or information statements required to be filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, 15(d) or any other provision of or under the Exchange Act. If the Company has omitted any information from the Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 430B under the Securities Act, it will use its best efforts to comply with the provisions of and make all requisite filings with the Commission pursuant to said Rule 430B and to notify the Agent promptly of all such filings and to notify the Agent promptly of all such filings if not available on EDGAR. If during such period any event occurs as a result of which the Prospectus as then amended or supplemented would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances then existing, not misleading, or if during such period it is necessary to amend or supplement the Registration Statement or Prospectus to comply with the Securities Act, the Company will promptly notify the Agent to suspend the offering of Placement Shares during such period and the Company will promptly amend or supplement the Registration Statement or Prospectus (at the expense of the Company) so as to correct such statement or omission or effect such compliance (provided, however, that the only remedy the Agent shall have with respect to the failure by the Company to file such amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or Prospectus (but without limiting the Agent’s rights under Section 10 hereof) shall be to cease making sales under this Agreement). |
| (d) | Listing of Placement Shares. During any period in which the Prospectus relating to the Placement Shares is required to be delivered by the Agent under the Securities Act with respect to a pending sale of the Placement Shares (including in circumstances where such requirement may be satisfied pursuant to Rule 172 under the Securities Act), the Company will use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Placement Shares to be listed on the Exchange. |
| (e) | Delivery of Registration Statement and Prospectus. The Company will furnish to the Agent and its counsel (at the expense of the Company) copies of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus (including all Incorporated Documents) and all amendments and supplements to the Registration Statement or Prospectus that are filed with the Commission during any period in which a Prospectus relating to the Placement Shares is required to be delivered under the Securities Act (including all Incorporated Documents), in each case as soon as reasonably practicable and in such quantities as the Agent may from time to time reasonably request and, at the Agent’s request, will also furnish copies of the Prospectus to each exchange or market on which sales of the Placement Shares may be made; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to furnish any document (other than the Prospectus) to the Agent to the extent such document is available on EDGAR. |
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| (f) | Earning Statement. The Company will make generally available to its security holders and to the Agent as soon as practicable, but in any event not later than 15 months after the end of the Company’s current fiscal quarter, an earnings statement covering a 12-month period that satisfies the provisions of Section 11(a) of and Rule 158 under the Securities Act. |
| (g) | Use of Proceeds. The Company will use the Net Proceeds as described in the Prospectus in the section entitled “Use of Proceeds.” |
| (h) | Notice of Other Sales. Without the prior written consent of the Agent, the Company will not, directly or indirectly, offer to sell, sell, contract to sell, grant any option to sell or otherwise dispose of any Common Stock (other than the Placement Shares offered pursuant to this Agreement) or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Common Stock, warrants or any rights to purchase or acquire, Common Stock during the period beginning on the fifth (5th) Trading Day immediately prior to the date on which any Placement Notice is delivered to the Agent hereunder and ending on the fifth (5th) Trading Day immediately following the final Settlement Date with respect to Placement Shares sold pursuant to such Placement Notice (or, if the Placement Notice has been terminated or suspended prior to the sale of all Placement Shares covered by a Placement Notice, the date of such suspension or termination); and will not directly or indirectly in any other “at the market”, equity line of credit or other continuous equity transaction offer to sell, sell, contract to sell, grant any option to sell or otherwise dispose of any Common Stock (other than the Placement Shares offered pursuant to this Agreement) or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Common Stock, warrants or any rights to purchase or acquire, Common Stock prior to the sixtieth (60th) day immediately following the termination of this Agreement; provided, however, that such restrictions will not be required in connection with the Company’s issuance or sale of (i) Common Stock, options to purchase Common Stock or Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options, pursuant to any employee or director stock option or benefits plan, stock ownership plan or dividend reinvestment plan (but not Common Stock subject to a waiver to exceed plan limits in its dividend reinvestment plan) of the Company whether now in effect or hereafter implemented, (ii) Common Stock issuable upon conversion of securities or the exercise of warrants, options or other rights in effect or outstanding, and disclosed in filings by the Company available on EDGAR or otherwise in writing to the Agent and (iii) Common Stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares of Common Stock as consideration for mergers, acquisitions, other business combinations or strategic alliances occurring after the date of this Agreement which are not issued for capital raising purposes. |
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| (i) | Change of Circumstances. The Company will, at any time during a fiscal quarter in which the Company intends to tender a Placement Notice or sell Placement Shares, advise the Agent promptly after it shall have received notice or obtained knowledge thereof, of any information or fact that would alter or affect in any material respect any opinion, certificate, letter or other document provided or required to be provided to the Agent pursuant to this Agreement. |
| (j) | Due Diligence Cooperation. The Company will cooperate with any reasonable due diligence review conducted by the Agent or its representatives in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, including, without limitation, providing information and making available documents and senior corporate officers, during regular business hours and at the Company’s principal offices or via remote digital access, as the Agent may reasonably request. |
| (k) | Required Filings Relating to Placement of Placement Shares. The Company shall disclose, in its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in its Annual Report on Form 10-K to be filed by the Company with the Commission from time to time, the number of the Placement Shares sold through the Agent under this Agreement, and the net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the Placement Shares pursuant to this Agreement during the relevant quarter or, in the case of an Annual Report on Form 10-K, during the fiscal year covered by such Annual Report and the fourth quarter of such fiscal year. The Company agrees that on such dates as the Securities Act shall require, the Company will (i) file a prospectus supplement with the Commission under the applicable paragraph of Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act (each and every filing date under Rule 424(b), a “Filing Date”), which prospectus supplement will set forth, within the relevant period, the amount of Placement Shares sold through the Agent, the Net Proceeds to the Company and the compensation payable by the Company to the Agent with respect to such Placement Shares, and (ii) deliver such number of copies of each such prospectus supplement to each exchange or market on which such sales were effected as may be required by the rules or regulations of such exchange or market. |
| (l) | Representation Dates; Certificate. (1) Prior to the date of the first Placement Notice and (2) each time the Company: |
| (i) | files the Prospectus relating to the Placement Shares or amends or supplements (other than a prospectus supplement relating solely to an offering of securities other than the Placement Shares) the Registration Statement or the Prospectus relating to the Placement Shares by means of a post-effective amendment, sticker, or supplement but not by means of incorporation of documents by reference into the Registration Statement or the Prospectus relating to the Placement Shares; |
| (ii) | files an Annual Report on Form 10-K under the Exchange Act (including any Form 10-K/A containing amended financial information or a material amendment to the previously filed Form 10-K); |
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| (iii) | files its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q under the Exchange Act (including any Form 10-Q/A containing amended financial information or a material amendment to the previously filed Form 10-Q); or |
| (iv) | files a Current Report on Form 8-K containing (x) amended financial information (other than information “furnished” pursuant to Items 2.02 or 7.01 of a Current Report on Form 8-K or to provide disclosure pursuant to Item 8.01 of a Current Report on Form 8-K relating to the reclassification of certain properties as discontinued operations in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144) or (y) disclosing any material transaction requiring the filing of historical or pro forma financial statements under Item 9.01 of Form 8-K and subject to the guidance set forth in Section 2050.3 of the Financial Reporting Manual of the Commission under the Exchange Act (each date of filing of one or more of the documents referred to in clauses (i) through (iv) shall be a “Representation Date”); |
the Company shall furnish the Agent (but in the case of clause (iv) above only if the Agent reasonably determines that the information contained in such Form 8-K is material) with a certificate dated the Representation Date, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 7(l), modified, as necessary, to relate to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus as amended or supplemented. The requirement to provide a certificate under this Section 7(l) shall be waived for any Representation Date occurring at a time when no Placement Notice is outstanding or a Suspension is in effect, which waiver shall continue until the earlier to occur of the date the Company delivers a Placement Notice hereunder (which for such calendar quarter shall be considered a Representation Date) and the next occurring Representation Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company subsequently decides to sell Placement Shares following a Representation Date when a Suspension was in effect and did not provide the Agent with a certificate under this Section 7(l), then before the Company delivers a Placement Notice or the Agent sells any Placement Shares pursuant to such instructions, the Company shall provide the Agent with a certificate in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 7(l) dated as of the date that the Placement Notice is delivered.
| (m) | Legal Opinion. (1) Prior to the date of the first Placement Notice and (2) on each Representation Date with respect to which the Company is obligated to deliver a certificate pursuant to Section 7(l) for which no waiver is applicable and excluding the date of this Agreement, the Company shall cause to be furnished to the Agent a written opinion and negative assurance letter of Lowenstein Sandler LLP, or other counsel satisfactory to the Agent in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent and its counsel, substantially similar to the form previously provided to the Agent and its counsel, modified, as necessary, to relate to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus as then amended or supplemented; provided, that in lieu of such opinions and negative assurance letters for subsequent periodic filings under the Exchange Act, counsel may furnish the Agent with a letter (a “Reliance Letter”) to the effect that the Agent may rely on a prior opinion or negative assurance letter delivered under this Section 7(m) to the same extent as if it were dated the date of such letter (except that statements in such prior opinion or negative assurance letter shall be deemed to relate to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus as amended or supplemented as of the date of the Reliance Letter). |
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| (n) | Comfort Letter. (1) Prior to the date of the first Placement Notice and (2) on each Representation Date with respect to which the Company is obligated to deliver a certificate pursuant to Section 7(l) for which no waiver is applicable and excluding the date of this Agreement, the Company shall cause its independent registered public accounting firm (and any other independent accountants whose report is included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus) to furnish the Agent letters (the “Comfort Letters”), dated the date the Comfort Letter is delivered, which shall meet the requirements set forth in this Section 7(n). If requested by the Agent, the Company shall also cause a Comfort Letter to be furnished to the Agent on the date of occurrence of any material transaction or event that necessitates the filing of additional, pro forma, amended or revised financial statements (including any restatement of previously issued financial statements) or that requires the filing of a Current Report on Form 8-K containing material amended financial information of the Company. The Comfort Letter from the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm shall be in a form and substance satisfactory to the Agent, (i) confirming that they are an independent registered public accounting firm within the meaning of the Securities Act and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”), (ii) stating, as of such date, the conclusions and findings of such firm with respect to the financial information and other matters ordinarily covered by accountants’ “comfort letters” to underwriters in connection with registered public offerings (the first such letter, the “Initial Comfort Letter”) and (iii) updating the Initial Comfort Letter with any information that would have been included in the Initial Comfort Letter had it been given on such date and modified as necessary to relate to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, as amended and supplemented to the date of such letter. |
| (o) | Market Activities; Compliance with Regulation M. The Company will not, directly or indirectly, (i) take any action designed to cause or result in, or that constitutes or would reasonably be expected to constitute, the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of Common Stock or (ii) sell, bid for, or purchase Common Stock in violation of Regulation M, or pay anyone any compensation for soliciting purchases of the Placement Shares other than the Agent. |
| (p) | Investment Company Act. The Company will conduct its affairs in such a manner so as to reasonably ensure that neither it nor any of its Subsidiaries will be or become, at any time prior to the termination of this Agreement, an “investment company,” as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act. |
| (q) | Securities Act and Exchange Act Compliance. The Company will use its best efforts to comply with all requirements imposed upon it by the Securities Act and the Exchange Act as from time to time in force, so far as necessary to permit the sales of, or dealings in, the Placement Shares as contemplated by the provisions hereof and the Prospectus. |
| (r) | No Offer to Sell. Other than an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus approved in advance by the Company and the Agent in its capacity as agent hereunder, neither the Agent nor the Company (including its agents and representatives, other than the Agent in its capacity as such) will, directly or indirectly, make, use, prepare, authorize, approve or refer to any written communication (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act), required to be filed with the Commission, that constitutes an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy Placement Shares hereunder. |
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| (s) | Blue Sky and Other Qualifications. The Company will use its commercially reasonable efforts, in cooperation with the Agent, to qualify the Placement Shares for offering and sale, or to obtain an exemption for the Placement Shares to be offered and sold, under the applicable securities laws of such states and other jurisdictions (domestic or foreign) as the Agent may designate and to maintain such qualifications and exemptions in effect for so long as required for the distribution of the Placement Shares (but in no event for less than one year from the date of this Agreement); provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated to file any general consent to service of process or to qualify as a foreign corporation or as a dealer in securities in any jurisdiction in which it is not so qualified or to subject itself to taxation in respect of doing business in any jurisdiction in which it is not otherwise so subject. In each jurisdiction in which the Placement Shares have been so qualified or exempt, the Company will file such statements and reports as may be required by the laws of such jurisdiction to continue such qualification or exemption, as the case may be, in effect for so long as required for the distribution of the Placement Shares (but in no event for less than one year from the date of this Agreement). |
| (t) | Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Company and the Subsidiaries will maintain and keep accurate books and records reflecting their assets and maintain internal accounting controls in a manner designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP and including those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company, (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP, (iii) that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with management’s and the Company’s directors’ authorization, and (iv) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on its financial statements. The Company and the Subsidiaries will maintain such controls and other procedures, including, without limitation, those required by Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and the applicable regulations thereunder that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms, including, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and to ensure that material information relating to the Company or the Subsidiaries is made known to them by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which such periodic reports are being prepared. |
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| (u) | Secretary’s Certificate; Further Documentation. Prior to the date of the first Placement Notice, the Company shall deliver to the Agent a certificate of the Secretary of the Company and attested to by an executive officer of the Company, dated as of such date, certifying as to (i) the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, (ii) the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, (iii) the resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Company and any other authorized committee authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the issuance of the Placement Shares and (iv) the incumbency of the officers duly authorized to execute this Agreement and the other documents contemplated by this Agreement. Within five (5) Trading Days of each Representation Date, the Company shall have furnished to the Agent such further information, certificates and documents as the Agent may reasonably request. |
| (v) | Emerging Growth Company Status. The Company will promptly notify the Agent if the Company ceases to be an Emerging Growth Company prior to December 31, 2030. |
| 8. | Payment of Expenses. The Company will pay all expenses incident to the performance of its obligations under this Agreement, including (i) the preparation and filing of the Registration Statement, including any fees required by the Commission, and the printing or electronic delivery of the Prospectus as originally filed and of each amendment and supplement thereto, in such number as the Agent shall deem necessary, (ii) the printing and delivery to the Agent of this Agreement and such other documents as may be required in connection with the offering, purchase, sale, issuance or delivery of the Placement Shares, (iii) the preparation, issuance and delivery of the certificates, if any, for the Placement Shares to the Agent, including any stock or other transfer taxes and any capital duties, stamp duties or other duties or taxes payable upon the sale, issuance or delivery of the Placement Shares to the Agent, (iv) the fees and disbursements of the counsel, accountants and other advisors to the Company, (v) the fees and expenses of the Agent including but not limited to the fees and expenses of the counsel to the Agent, payable upon the execution of this Agreement, (a) in an amount not to exceed $125,000 in connection with the execution of this Agreement, (b) in an amount not to exceed $25,000 per calendar quarter thereafter payable in connection with each Representation Date with respect to which the Company is obligated to deliver a certificate pursuant to Section 7(l) for which no waiver is applicable and excluding the date of this Agreement, and (c) in an amount not to exceed $40,000 for each program “refresh” (filing of a new registration statement, prospectus or prospectus supplement relating to the Placement Shares and/or an amendment of this Agreement) executed pursuant to this Agreement, (vi) the qualification or exemption of the Placement Shares under state securities laws in accordance with the provisions of Section 7(r) hereof, including filing fees, but excluding fees of the Agent’s counsel, (vii) the printing and delivery to the Agent of copies of any Permitted Issuer Free Writing Prospectus and the Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto in such number as the Agent shall deem necessary, (viii) the preparation, printing and delivery to the Agent of copies of the blue sky survey, (ix) the fees and expenses of the transfer agent and registrar for the Common Stock, (x) the filing and other fees incident to any review by FINRA of the terms of the sale of the Placement Shares including the fees of the Agent’s counsel (subject to the cap, set forth in clause (v) above), and (xi) the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of the Placement Shares on the Exchange. The Company agrees to pay the fees and expenses of counsel to the Agent set forth in clause (v) above by wire transfer of immediately available funds directly to such counsel upon presentation of an invoice containing the requisite payment information prepared by such counsel, and such counsel shall be a third-party beneficiary of the expense reimbursement obligations set forth in this Section 8. |
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| 9. | Conditions to Agent’s Obligations. The obligations of the Agent hereunder with respect to a Placement will be subject to the continuing accuracy and completeness of the representations and warranties made by the Company herein, to the due performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder, to the completion by the Agent of a due diligence review satisfactory to it in its reasonable judgment, and to the continuing satisfaction (or waiver by the Agent in its sole discretion) of the following additional conditions: |
| (a) | Registration Statement Effective. The Registration Statement shall be effective and shall be available for the (i) resale of all Placement Shares issued to the Agent and not yet sold by the Agent and (ii) sale of all Placement Shares contemplated to be issued by any Placement Notice. |
| (b) | No Material Notices. None of the following events shall have occurred and be continuing: (i) receipt by the Company of any request for additional information from the Commission or any other federal or state Governmental Authority during the period of effectiveness of the Registration Statement, the response to which would require any post-effective amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus; (ii) the issuance by the Commission or any other federal or state Governmental Authority of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose; (iii) receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification or exemption from qualification of any of the Placement Shares for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose; or (iv) the occurrence of any event that makes any statement of a material fact made in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein by reference untrue or that requires the making of any changes in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or documents so that, in the case of the Registration Statement, it will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading and, that in the case of the Prospectus, it will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. |
| (c) | No Misstatement or Omission. The Agent shall not have advised the Company that the Registration Statement or Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, contains an untrue statement of fact that in the Agent’s reasonable opinion is material, or omits to state a fact that in the Agent’s reasonable opinion is material and is required to be stated therein or is necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. |
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| (d) | Material Changes. Except as contemplated in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, or disclosed in the Company’s reports filed with the Commission, there shall not have been any material adverse change in the authorized capital stock of the Company or any Material Adverse Effect or any development that would cause a Material Adverse Effect, or a downgrading in or withdrawal of the rating assigned to any of the Company’s securities (other than asset backed securities) by any rating organization or a public announcement by any rating organization that it has under surveillance or review its rating of any of the Company’s securities (other than asset backed securities), the effect of which, in the case of any such action by a rating organization described above, in the reasonable judgment of the Agent (without relieving the Company of any obligation or liability it may otherwise have), is so material as to make it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the offering of the Placement Shares on the terms and in the manner contemplated in this Agreement and in the Prospectus. |
| (e) | Legal Opinions and Negative Assurance Letters. The Agent shall have received the opinions and negative assurance letters required to be delivered pursuant to Section 7(m) on or before the date on which such delivery of such opinions and negative assurance letters is required pursuant to Section 7(m). |
| (f) | Comfort Letter. The Agent shall have received the Comfort Letter required to be delivered pursuant to Section 7(n) on or before the date on which such delivery of such Comfort Letter is required pursuant to Section 7(n). |
| (g) | Representation Certificate. The Agent shall have received the certificate required to be delivered pursuant to Section 7(l) on or before the date on which delivery of such certificate is required pursuant to Section 7(l). |
| (h) | Secretary’s Certificate. The Agent shall have received the certificate required to be delivered pursuant to Section 7(u) on or before the date on which delivery of such certificate is required pursuant to Section 7(u). |
| (i) | No Suspension. Trading in the Common Stock shall not have been suspended on the Exchange and the Common Stock shall not have been delisted from the Exchange. |
| (j) | Other Materials. On each date on which the Company is required to deliver a certificate pursuant to Section 7(l), the Company shall have furnished to the Agent such appropriate further information, opinions, certificates, letters and other documents as the Agent may reasonably request. All such opinions, certificates, letters and other documents will be in compliance with the provisions hereof. |
| (k) | Securities Act Filings Made. All filings with the Commission required by Rule 424 or Rule 433 under the Securities Act to have been filed prior to the issuance of any Placement Notice hereunder shall have been made within the applicable time period prescribed for such filing by Rule 424 or Rule 433, as applicable. |
| (l) | Approval for Listing. The Placement Shares shall either have been (i) approved for listing on the Exchange, subject only to notice of issuance, or (ii) the Company shall have filed an application for listing of the Placement Shares on the Exchange at, or prior to, the issuance of any Placement Notice and the Exchange shall have reviewed such application and not provided any objections thereto. |
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| (m) | FINRA. If applicable, FINRA shall have raised no objection to the terms of this offering and the amount of compensation allowable or payable to the Agent as described in the Prospectus. |
| (n) | No Termination Event. There shall not have occurred any event that would permit the Agent to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 12(a). |
| 10. | Indemnification and Contribution. |
| (a) | Company Indemnification. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Agent, its affiliates and their respective partners, members, directors, officers, employees and agents and each person, if any, who (i) controls the Agent or any affiliate within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, (ii) is controlled by or is under common control with the Agent, or (iii) may become subject to liability under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or other federal or state statutory law or regulation, at common law or otherwise, in each case as follows: |
| (i) | against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense whatsoever, as incurred, joint or several, arising out of or based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto), or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or arising out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact included in any related Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading or any breach by the Company of any of its respective representations, warranties or agreements contained in this Agreement; |
| (ii) | against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense whatsoever, as incurred, joint or several, to the extent of the aggregate amount paid in settlement of any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any Governmental Authority, commenced or threatened, or of any claim whatsoever based upon any such untrue statement or omission, or any such alleged untrue statement or omission; provided that (subject to Section 10(d) below) any such settlement is effected with the written consent of the Company, which consent shall not unreasonably be delayed or withheld; and |
| (iii) | against any and all expense whatsoever, as incurred (including the fees and disbursements of counsel), reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any Governmental Authority, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever based upon any such untrue statement or omission, or any such alleged untrue statement or omission (whether or not a party), to the extent that any such expense is not paid under (i) or (ii) above, |
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provided, however, that this indemnity agreement shall not apply to any loss, liability, claim, damage or expense to the extent arising out of any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made solely in reliance upon and in conformity with the Agent Information (as defined below). The indemnity agreement set forth in this Section 10(a) shall be in addition to any liabilities that the Company may otherwise have.
| (b) | Agent Indemnification. Agent agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and its directors and each officer of the Company who signed the Registration Statement, and each person, if any, who (i) controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act or (ii) is controlled by or is under common control with the Company against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense described in the indemnity contained in Section 10(a), as incurred, but only with respect to untrue statements or omissions, or alleged untrue statements or omissions, made in the Registration Statement (or any amendments thereto), the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to the Agent and furnished to the Company in writing by the Agent expressly for use therein. The Company hereby acknowledges that the only information that the Agent has furnished to the Company expressly for use in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) are the statements set forth in the eighth and tenth paragraphs under the caption “Plan of Distribution” in the Prospectus (the “Agent Information”). |
| (c) | Procedure. Any party that proposes to assert the right to be indemnified under this Section 10 will, promptly after receipt of notice of commencement of any action against such party in respect of which a claim is to be made against an indemnifying party or parties under this Section 10, notify each such indemnifying party of the commencement of such action, enclosing a copy of all papers served, but the omission so to notify such indemnifying party will not relieve the indemnifying party from (i) any liability that it might have to any indemnified party otherwise than under this Section 10 and (ii) any liability that it may have to any indemnified party under the foregoing provision of this Section 10 unless, and only to the extent that, such omission results in the forfeiture of substantive rights or defenses by the indemnifying party. If any such action is brought against any indemnified party and it notifies the indemnifying party of its commencement, the indemnifying party will be entitled to participate in and, to the extent that it elects by delivering written notice to the indemnified party promptly after receiving notice of the commencement of the action from the indemnified party, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, to assume the defense of the action, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party, and after notice from the indemnifying party to the indemnified party of its election to assume the defense, the indemnifying party will not be liable to the indemnified party for any other legal expenses except as provided below and except for the reasonable costs of investigation subsequently incurred by the indemnified party in connection with the defense. The indemnified party will have the right to employ its own counsel in any such action, but the fees, expenses and other charges of such counsel will be at the expense of such indemnified party unless (1) the employment of counsel by the indemnified party has been authorized in writing by the indemnifying party, (2) the indemnified party has reasonably concluded (based on advice of counsel) that there may be legal defenses available to it or other indemnified parties that are different from or in addition to those available to the indemnifying party, (3) a conflict or potential conflict exists (based on advice of counsel to the indemnified party) between the indemnified party and the indemnifying party (in which case the indemnifying party will not have the right to direct the defense of such action on behalf of the indemnified party) or (4) the indemnifying party has not in fact employed counsel to assume the defense of such action or counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party, in each case, within a reasonable time after receiving notice of the commencement of the action; in each of which cases the reasonable fees, disbursements and other charges of counsel will be at the expense of the indemnifying party or parties. It is understood that the indemnifying party or parties shall not, in connection with any proceeding or related proceedings in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the reasonable fees, disbursements and other charges of more than one separate firm (plus local counsel) admitted to practice in such jurisdiction at any one time for all such indemnified party or parties. All such fees, disbursements and other charges will be reimbursed by the indemnifying party promptly as they are incurred. An indemnifying party will not, in any event, be liable for any settlement of any action or claim effected without its written consent. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of each indemnified party, settle or compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment in any pending or threatened claim, action or proceeding relating to the matters contemplated by this Section 10 (whether or not any indemnified party is a party thereto), unless such settlement, compromise or consent (1) includes an express and unconditional release of each indemnified party, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party, from all liability arising out of such litigation, investigation, proceeding or claim and (2) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any indemnified party. |
| (d) | Settlement Without Consent if Failure to Reimburse. If an indemnified party shall have requested an indemnifying party to reimburse the indemnified party for reasonable fees and expenses of counsel, such indemnifying party agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of the nature contemplated by Section 10(a)(ii) effected without its written consent if (1) such settlement is entered into more than 45 days after receipt by such indemnifying party of the aforesaid request, (2) such indemnifying party shall have received notice of the terms of such settlement at least 30 days prior to such settlement being entered into and (3) such indemnifying party shall not have reimbursed such indemnified party in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement. |
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| (e) | Contribution. In order to provide for just and equitable contribution in circumstances in which the indemnification provided for in the foregoing paragraphs of this Section 10 is applicable in accordance with its terms but for any reason is held to be unavailable or insufficient from the Company or the Agent, the Company and the Agent will contribute to the total losses, claims, liabilities, expenses and damages (including any investigative, legal and other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with, and any amount paid in settlement of, any action, suit or proceeding or any claim asserted) to which the Company and the Agent may be subject in such proportion as shall be appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Agent on the other hand. The relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Agent on the other hand shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the total net proceeds from the sale of the Placement Shares (before deducting expenses) received by the Company bear to the total compensation received by the Agent from the sale of Placement Shares on behalf of the Company. If, but only if, the allocation provided by the foregoing sentence is not permitted by applicable law, the allocation of contribution shall be made in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in the foregoing sentence but also the relative fault of the Company, on the one hand, and the Agent, on the other hand, with respect to the statements or omission that resulted in such loss, claim, liability, expense or damage, or action in respect thereof, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations with respect to such offering. Such relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company or the Agent, the intent of the parties and their relative knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The Company and the Agent agree that it would not be just and equitable if contributions pursuant to this Section 10(e) were to be determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not take into account the equitable considerations referred to herein. The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the loss, claim, liability, expense, or damage, or action in respect thereof, referred to above in this Section 10(e) shall be deemed to include, for the purpose of this Section 10(e), any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim to the extent consistent with Section 10(c) hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 10(e), the Agent shall not be required to contribute any amount in excess of the commissions received by it under this Agreement and no person found guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) will be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. For purposes of this Section 10(e), any person who controls a party to this Agreement within the meaning of the Securities Act, any affiliates of the Agent and any officers, directors, partners, employees or agents of the Agent or any of its affiliates, will have the same rights to contribution as that party, and each director of the Company and each officer of the Company who signed the Registration Statement will have the same rights to contribution as the Company, subject in each case to the provisions hereof. Any party entitled to contribution, promptly after receipt of notice of commencement of any action against such party in respect of which a claim for contribution may be made under this Section 10(e), will notify any such party or parties from whom contribution may be sought, but the omission to so notify will not relieve that party or parties from whom contribution may be sought from any other obligation it or they may have under this Section 10(e) except to the extent that the failure to so notify such other party materially prejudiced the substantive rights or defenses of the party from whom contribution is sought. Except for a settlement entered into pursuant to the last sentence of Section 10(c) hereof, no party will be liable for contribution with respect to any action or claim settled without its written consent if such consent is required pursuant to Section 10(c) hereof. |
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| 11. | Representations and Agreements to Survive Delivery. The indemnity and contribution agreements contained in Section 10 of this Agreement and all representations and warranties of the Company herein or in certificates delivered pursuant hereto shall survive, as of their respective dates, regardless of (i) any investigation made by or on behalf of the Agent, any controlling persons, or the Company (or any of their respective officers, directors, employees or controlling persons), (ii) delivery and acceptance of the Placement Shares and payment therefor or (iii) any termination of this Agreement. |
| 12. | Termination. |
| (a) | The Agent may terminate this Agreement, by notice to the Company, as hereinafter specified at any time (1) if any Material Adverse Effect, or any development that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, has occurred, which individually or in the aggregate, in the sole judgment of the Agent makes it impractical or inadvisable to market the Placement Shares or to enforce contracts for the sale of the Placement Shares, (2) the Company shall have failed, refused or been unable to perform any agreement on its part to be performed hereunder (3) if there has occurred any material adverse change in the financial markets in the United States or the international financial markets, any outbreak of hostilities or escalation thereof or other calamity or crisis or any change or development involving a prospective change in national or international political, financial or economic conditions, in each case the effect of which is such as to make it, in the judgment of the Agent, impracticable or inadvisable to market the Placement Shares or to enforce contracts for the sale of the Placement Shares, (4) if trading in the Common Stock has been suspended or limited by the Commission or the Exchange, or if trading generally on the Exchange has been suspended or limited, or minimum prices for trading have been fixed on the Exchange, (5) if any suspension of trading of any securities of the Company on any exchange or in the over-the-counter market shall have occurred and be continuing, (6) if a major disruption of securities settlements or clearance services in the United States shall have occurred and be continuing, or (7) if a banking moratorium has been declared by either U.S. Federal or New York authorities. Any such termination shall be without liability of any party to any other party except that the provisions of Section 8 (Payment of Expenses), Section 10 (Indemnification and Contribution), Section 11 (Representations and Agreements to Survive Delivery), Section 18 (Governing Law and Time; Waiver of Jury Trial) and Section 19 (Consent to Jurisdiction) hereof shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding such termination. If the Agent elects to terminate this Agreement as provided in this Section 12(a), the Agent shall provide the required notice as specified in Section 13 (Notices). |
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| (b) | The Company shall have the right, by giving ten (10) Business Days’ notice as hereinafter specified to terminate this Agreement in its sole discretion at any time after the date of this Agreement. Any such termination shall be without liability of any party to any other party except that the provisions of Section 8, Section 10, Section 11, Section 18 and Section 19 hereof shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding such termination. |
| (c) | The Agent shall have the right, by giving ten (10) Business Days’ notice as hereinafter specified to terminate this Agreement in its sole discretion at any time after the date of this Agreement. Any such termination shall be without liability of any party to any other party except that the provisions of Section 8, Section 10, Section 11, Section 18 and Section 19 hereof shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding such termination. |
| (d) | This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect unless terminated pursuant to Sections 12(a), (b), or (c) above or otherwise by mutual agreement of the parties; provided, however, that any such termination by mutual agreement shall in all cases be deemed to provide that Section 8, Section 10, Section 11, Section 18 and Section 19 shall remain in full force and effect. |
| (e) | Any termination of this Agreement shall be effective on the date specified in such notice of termination; provided, however, that such termination shall not be effective until the close of business on the date of receipt of such notice by the Agent or the Company, as the case may be. If such termination shall occur prior to the Settlement Date for any sale of Placement Shares, such Placement Shares shall settle in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. |
| 13. | Notices. All notices or other communications required or permitted to be given by any party to any other party pursuant to the terms of this Agreement shall be in writing, unless otherwise specified, and if sent to the Agent, shall be delivered to: |
Cantor
Fitzgerald & Co.
110 East 59th Street
New York, New York 10022
Attention: Capital Markets
Email: [*****]
and:
Cantor
Fitzgerald & Co.
110 East 59th Street
New York, New York 10022
Attention: General Counsel
Email: [*****]
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with a copy to:
DLA
Piper LLP (US)
1251 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
Attention: Stephen P. Alicanti and Gina H. Lee
E-mail: [*****]
and if to the Company, shall be delivered to:
Aptera
Motors Corp.
5818 El Camino Real
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Attention: Chris Anthony; Tom DaPolito
E-mail: [*****]
with a copy to:
Lowenstein
Sandler LLP
1251 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
Attention: Daniel Forman
E-mail: [*****]
Each party to this Agreement may change such address for notices by sending to the parties to this Agreement written notice of a new address for such purpose. Each such notice or other communication shall be deemed given (i) when delivered personally or by verifiable facsimile transmission (with an original to follow) on or before 4:30 p.m., New York City time, on a Business Day or, if such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day, (ii) by Electronic Notice, as set forth below, (iii) on the next Business Day after timely delivery to a nationally-recognized overnight courier and (iv) on the Business Day actually received if deposited in the U.S. mail (certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid). For purposes of this Agreement, “Business Day” shall mean any day on which the Exchange and commercial banks in the City of New York are open for business.
An electronic communication (“Electronic Notice”) shall be deemed written notice for purposes of this Section 13 if sent to the electronic mail address specified by the receiving party under separate cover. Electronic Notice shall be deemed received at the time the party sending Electronic Notice receives verification of receipt by the receiving party. Any party receiving Electronic Notice may request and shall be entitled to receive the notice on paper, in a nonelectronic form (“Nonelectronic Notice”) which shall be sent to the requesting party within ten (10) days of receipt of the written request for Nonelectronic Notice.
| 14. | Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and the Agent and their respective successors and the parties referred to in Section 10 hereof. References to any of the parties contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to include the successors and permitted assigns of such party. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any party other than the parties hereto or their respective successors and permitted assigns any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement, except as expressly provided in this Agreement. Neither party may assign its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other party; provided, however, that the Agent may assign its rights and obligations hereunder to an affiliate thereof without obtaining the Company’s consent. |
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| 15. | Adjustments for Stock Splits. The parties acknowledge and agree that all share-related numbers contained in this Agreement shall be adjusted to take into account any stock split, stock dividend or similar event effected with respect to the Placement Shares. |
| 16. | Entire Agreement; Amendment; Severability; Waiver. This Agreement (including all schedules and exhibits attached hereto, any side letters and Placement Notices issued pursuant hereto) constitute the entire agreement and supersede all other prior and contemporaneous agreements and undertakings, both written and oral, among the parties hereto with regard to the subject matter hereof. Neither this Agreement nor any term hereof may be amended except pursuant to a written instrument executed by the Company and the Agent. In the event that any one or more of the provisions contained herein, or the application thereof in any circumstance, is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable as written by a court of competent jurisdiction, then such provision shall be given full force and effect to the fullest possible extent that it is valid, legal and enforceable, and the remainder of the terms and provisions herein shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable term or provision was not contained herein, but only to the extent that giving effect to such provision and the remainder of the terms and provisions hereof shall be in accordance with the intent of the parties as reflected in this Agreement. No implied waiver by a party shall arise in the absence of a waiver in writing signed by such party. No failure or delay in exercising any right, power, or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any right, power, or privilege hereunder. |
| 17. | Recognition of U.S. Special Resolutions Regimes. In the event that the Agent is a Covered Entity and becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, the transfer from the Agent of this Agreement, and any interest and obligation in or under this Agreement, will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement, and any such interest and obligation, were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. In the event that the Agent is a Covered Entity and the Agent or a BHC Act Affiliate of the Agent becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under this Agreement that may be exercised against the Agent are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. For purposes of this Agreement, (A) “BHC Act Affiliate” has the meaning assigned to the term “affiliate” in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. § 1841(k); (B) “Covered Entity” means any of the following: (i) a “covered entity” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b); (ii) a “covered bank” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or (iii) a “covered FSI” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b); (C) “Default Right” has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable; and (D) “U.S. Special Resolution Regime” means each of (i) the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder and (ii) Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder. |
| 18. | GOVERNING LAW AND TIME; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS. SPECIFIED TIMES OF DAY REFER TO NEW YORK CITY TIME. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. |
| 38 |
| 19. | CONSENT TO JURISDICTION. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE STATE AND FEDERAL COURTS SITTING IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK, BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN, FOR THE ADJUDICATION OF ANY DISPUTE HEREUNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, AND HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, AND AGREES NOT TO ASSERT IN ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING, ANY CLAIM THAT IT IS NOT PERSONALLY SUBJECT TO THE JURISDICTION OF ANY SUCH COURT, THAT SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING IS BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM OR THAT THE VENUE OF SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING IS IMPROPER. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES PERSONAL SERVICE OF PROCESS AND CONSENTS TO PROCESS BEING SERVED IN ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BY MAILING A COPY THEREOF (CERTIFIED OR REGISTERED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED) TO SUCH PARTY AT THE ADDRESS IN EFFECT FOR NOTICES TO IT UNDER THIS AGREEMENT AND AGREES THAT SUCH SERVICE SHALL CONSTITUTE GOOD AND SUFFICIENT SERVICE OF PROCESS AND NOTICE THEREOF. NOTHING CONTAINED HEREIN SHALL BE DEEMED TO LIMIT IN ANY WAY ANY RIGHT TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW. |
| 20. | Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Delivery of an executed Agreement by one party to the other may be made by facsimile, electronic mail (including any electronic signature covered by the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, the Electronic Signatures and Records Act or other applicable law, e.g., www.docusign.com) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes. |
| 21. | Construction. The section and exhibit headings herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof. References herein to any law, statute, ordinance, code, regulation, rule or other requirement of any Governmental Authority shall be deemed to refer to such law, statute, ordinance, code, regulation, rule or other requirement of any Governmental Authority as amended, reenacted, supplemented or superseded in whole or in part and in effect from time to time and also to all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. |
| 22. | Permitted Free Writing Prospectuses. The Company represents, warrants and agrees that, unless it obtains the prior written consent of the Agent, and the Agent represents, warrants and agrees that, unless it obtains the prior written consent of the Company, it has not made and will not make any offer relating to the Placement Shares that would constitute an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, or that would otherwise constitute a “free writing prospectus,” as defined in Rule 405, required to be filed with the Commission. Any such free writing prospectus consented to by the Agent or by the Company, as the case may be, is hereinafter referred to as a “Permitted Free Writing Prospectus.” The Company represents and warrants that it has treated and agrees that it will treat each Permitted Free Writing Prospectus as an “issuer free writing prospectus,” as defined in Rule 433, and has complied and will comply with the requirements of Rule 433 applicable to any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, including timely filing with the Commission where required, legending and record keeping. For the purposes of clarity, the parties hereto agree that all free writing prospectuses, if any, listed in Exhibit 21 hereto are Permitted Free Writing Prospectuses. |
| 39 |
| 23. | Absence of Fiduciary Relationship. The Company acknowledges and agrees that: |
| (a) | the Agent is acting solely as agent in connection with the public offering of the Placement Shares and in connection with each transaction contemplated by this Agreement and the process leading to such transactions, and no fiduciary or advisory relationship between the Company or any of its respective affiliates, stockholders (or other equity holders), creditors or employees or any other party, on the one hand, and the Agent, on the other hand, has been or will be created in respect of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, irrespective of whether or not the Agent has advised or is advising the Company on other matters, and the Agent has no obligation to the Company with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement except the obligations expressly set forth in this Agreement; |
| (b) | it is capable of evaluating and understanding, and understands and accepts, the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; |
| (c) | neither the Agent nor its affiliates have provided any legal, accounting, regulatory or tax advice with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and it has consulted its own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent it has deemed appropriate; |
| (d) | it is aware that the Agent and its affiliates are engaged in a broad range of transactions which may involve interests that differ from those of the Company and the Agent and its affiliates have no obligation to disclose such interests and transactions to the Company by virtue of any fiduciary, advisory or agency relationship or otherwise; and |
| (e) | it waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any claims it may have against the Agent or its affiliates for breach of fiduciary duty or alleged breach of fiduciary duty in connection with the sale of Placement Shares under this Agreement and agrees that the Agent and its affiliates shall not have any liability (whether direct or indirect, in contract, tort or otherwise) to it in respect of such a fiduciary duty claim or to any person asserting a fiduciary duty claim on its behalf or in right of it or the Company, employees or creditors of Company. |
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| 24. | Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the respective meanings set forth below: |
“Applicable Time” means (i) each Representation Date, (ii) each date on which a Placement Notice is given (iii) the time of each sale of any Placement Shares pursuant to this Agreement and (iv) each Settlement Date.
“Governmental Authority” means (i) any federal, provincial, state, local, municipal, national or international government or governmental authority, regulatory or administrative agency, governmental commission, department, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality, court, tribunal, arbitrator or arbitral body (public or private); (ii) any self-regulatory organization; or (iii) any political subdivision of any of the foregoing.
“Issuer Free Writing Prospectus” means any “issuer free writing prospectus,” as defined in Rule 433, relating to the Placement Shares that (1) is required to be filed with the Commission by the Company, (2) is a “road show” that is a “written communication” within the meaning of Rule 433(d)(8)(i) whether or not required to be filed with the Commission, or (3) is exempt from filing pursuant to Rule 433(d)(5)(i) because it contains a description of the Placement Shares or of the offering that does not reflect the final terms, in each case in the form filed or required to be filed with the Commission or, if not required to be filed, in the form retained in the Company’s records pursuant to Rule 433(g) under the Securities Act.
“Rule 164,” “Rule 172,” “Rule 405,” “Rule 415,” “Rule 424,” “Rule 424(b),” “Rule 430B,” and “Rule 433” refer to such rules under the Securities Act.
“Rule 462(b) Registration Statement” means any registration statement filed by the Company pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act in connection with the offer and sale of Placement Shares.
[Signature Page Follows]
| 41 |
If the foregoing correctly sets forth the understanding between the Company and the Agent, please so indicate in the space provided below for that purpose, whereupon this Agreement shall constitute a binding agreement between the Company and the Agent.
| Very truly yours, | ||
| Aptera Motors Corp. | ||
| By: | /s/ Chris Anthony | |
| Name: | Chris Anthony | |
| Title: | Co-Chief Executive Officer | |
| ACCEPTED as of the date first-above written: | ||
| CANTOR FITZGERALD & CO. | ||
| By: | /s/ Sameer Vasudev | |
| Name: | Sameer Vasudev | |
| Title: | Managing Director | |
| 42 |
SCHEDULE 1
Form of Placement Notice
| From: | Aptera Motors Corp. |
| To: | Cantor
Fitzgerald & Co. |
| Attention: Sameer Vasudev (svasudev@cantor.com) |
| Subject: | Placement Notice |
| Date: | [●], 202[●] |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions contained in the Sales Agreement between Aptera Motors Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (“Agent”), dated October [●], 2026, the Company hereby requests that the Agent sell up to [●] shares of the Company’s Class B Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, at a minimum market price of $[●] per share, during the time period beginning [month, day, time] and ending [month, day, time].
| 43 |
SCHEDULE 2
Compensation
The Company shall pay to the Agent in cash, upon each sale of Placement Shares pursuant to this Agreement, an amount equal to 3.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds from each sale of Placement Shares.
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SCHEDULE 3
Notice Parties
The Company
[*****]
The Agent
[*****]
With copies to:
[*****]
| 45 |
SCHEDULE 4
Subsidiaries
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21 of the Company’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K.
| 46 |
Exhibit 7(l)
Form of Representation Date Certificate Pursuant to Section 7(l)
The undersigned, the duly qualified and elected [●], of Aptera Motors Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), does hereby certify in such capacity and on behalf of the Company, pursuant to Section 7(l) of the Sales Agreement, dated October [●], 2026 (the “Sales Agreement”), between the Company and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., that to the best of the knowledge of the undersigned:
(i) The representations and warranties of the Company in Section 6 of the Sales Agreement are true and correct on and as of the date hereof with the same force and effect as if expressly made on and as of the date hereof, except for those representations and warranties that speak solely as of a specific date and which were true and correct as of such date; provided, however, that such representations and warranties also shall be qualified by the disclosure included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and Prospectus; and
(ii) The Company has complied with all agreements and satisfied all conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied pursuant to the Sales Agreement at or prior to the date hereof.
Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Sales Agreement.
| Aptera Motors Corp. | ||
| By: | ||
| Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
Date: [ ●]
Exhibit 21
Permitted Free Writing Prospectus
None.
Exhibit 4.4
APTERA MOTORS CORP., as Issuer
and
●, as Trustee
INDENTURE
Dated as of ●
Senior Debt Securities
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET1
Provisions of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and the Indenture to be dated as of _________, 20___ between APTERA MOTORS CORP. and ___________________, as Trustee:
| Section of the Act | Section of Indenture | |
| 310(a)(1) and (2) | 5.08 | |
| 310(a)(3) and (4) | Inapplicable | |
| 310(b) | 5.09(a), (b) and (d) | |
| 310(c) | Inapplicable | |
| 311(a) | Inapplicable | |
| 311(b) | Inapplicable | |
| 311(c) | Inapplicable | |
| 312(a) | 3.05 | |
| 312(b)f | 3.05 | |
| 312(c) | 4.02(c) | |
| 313(a) | 5.12 | |
| 313(b)(1) | 5.12 | |
| 313(b)(2) | 5.12 | |
| 313(c) | 5.12 | |
| 313(d) | 5.12 | |
| 314(a) | 3.06 | |
| 314(b) | Inapplicable | |
| 314(c)(1) and (2) | 10.05 | |
| 314(c)(3) | Inapplicable | |
| 314(d) | Inapplicable | |
| 314(e) | 10.05 | |
| 314(f) | Inapplicable | |
| 315(a), (c) and (d) | 5.01 | |
| 315(b) | 4.11 | |
| 315(e) | 4.12 | |
| 316(a)(1) | 4.09 | |
| 316(a)(2) | Not required | |
| 316(a) (last sentence) | 6.04 | |
| 316(b) | 4.07 | |
| 317(a) | 4.02 | |
| 317(b) | 3.03(a) and (b) | |
| 318(a) | 10.07 |
| 1 | This Cross Reference Sheet is not part of the Indenture. |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page | ||
| Article 1 | DEFINITIONS | 1 |
| Section 1.01 | Certain Terms Defined | 1 |
| Article 2 | SECURITIES | 6 |
| Section 2.01 | Forms Generally | 6 |
| Section 2.02 | Form of Trustee’s Certification of Authentication | 6 |
| Section 2.03 | Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series | 6 |
| Section 2.04 | Authentication and Delivery of Securities | 7 |
| Section 2.05 | Execution of Securities | 8 |
| Section 2.06 | Certificate of Authentication | 8 |
| Section 2.07 | Denomination and Date of Securities; Payments of Interest | 8 |
| Section 2.08 | Registration, Transfer and Exchange | 9 |
| Section 2.09 | Mutilated, Defaced, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities | 10 |
| Section 2.10 | Cancellation of Securities; Destruction Thereof | 11 |
| Section 2.11 | Temporary Securities | 11 |
| Section 2.12 | Computation of Interest | 11 |
| Section 2.13 | CUSIP Numbers | 11 |
| Article 3 | COVENANTS OF THE ISSUER AND THE TRUSTEE | 12 |
| Section 3.01 | Payment of Principal and Interest | 12 |
| Section 3.02 | Offices for Payments, etc | 12 |
| Section 3.03 | Paying Agents | 12 |
| Section 3.04 | Certificate of the Issuer | 13 |
| Section 3.05 | List of Securityholders | 13 |
| Section 3.06 | Reports by the Issuer | 13 |
| Section 3.07 | Corporate Existence | 14 |
| Section 3.08 | Restrictions on Mergers, Sales and Consolidations | 14 |
| Section 3.09 | Further Assurances | 14 |
| Article 4 | REMEDIES OF THE TRUSTEE AND SECURITYHOLDERS ON EVENT OF DEFAULT | 14 |
| Section 4.01 | Event of Default Defined; Acceleration of Maturity; Waiver of Default | 14 |
| Section 4.02 | Collection of Indebtedness by Trustee; Trustee May Prove Debt | 16 |
| Section 4.03 | Application of Proceeds | 17 |
| Section 4.04 | Suits for Enforcement | 18 |
| Section 4.05 | Restoration of Rights on Abandonment of Proceedings | 18 |
| Section 4.06 | Limitations on Suits by Securityholder | 18 |
| Section 4.07 | Unconditional Right of Securityholders to Institute Certain Suits | 18 |
| Section 4.08 | Powers and Remedies Cumulative; Delay or Omission Not Waiver of Default | 18 |
| Section 4.09 | Control by Securityholders | 19 |
| Section 4.10 | Waiver of Past Defaults | 19 |
| Section 4.11 | Trustee to Give Notice of Default, But May Withhold in Certain Circumstances | 19 |
| Section 4.12 | Right of Court to Require Filing of Undertaking to Pay Costs | 19 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
| Page | ||
| Article 5 | CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE | 20 |
| Section 5.01 | Duties and Responsibilities of the Trustee | 20 |
| Section 5.02 | Certain Rights of the Trustee | 20 |
| Section 5.03 | Trustee Not Responsible for Recitals, Disposition of Securities or Application of Proceeds Thereof | 21 |
| Section 5.04 | Trustee and Agents May Hold Securities; Collections, etc | 22 |
| Section 5.05 | Monies Held by Trustee | 22 |
| Section 5.06 | Compensation and Indemnification of Trustee and Its Prior Claim | 22 |
| Section 5.07 | Right of Trustee to Rely on Officers’ Certificate, etc | 22 |
| Section 5.08 | Persons Eligible for Appointment as Trustee | 22 |
| Section 5.09 | Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor Trustee | 23 |
| Section 5.10 | Acceptance of Appointment by Successor | 23 |
| Section 5.11 | Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business of Trustee | 24 |
| Section 5.12 | Reports to the Trustee | 24 |
| Article 6 | CONCERNING THE SECURITYHOLDERS | 24 |
| Section 6.01 | Evidence of Action Taken by Securityholders | 24 |
| Section 6.02 | Proof of Execution of Instruments and of Holding of Securities; Record Date | 25 |
| Section 6.03 | Holders to be Treated as Owners | 25 |
| Section 6.04 | Securities Owned by Issuer Deemed Not Outstanding | 25 |
| Section 6.05 | Right of Revocation of Action Taken | 25 |
| Article 7 | SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES | 26 |
| Section 7.01 | Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Securityholders | 26 |
| Section 7.02 | Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Securityholders | 27 |
| Section 7.03 | Effect of Supplemental Indenture | 28 |
| Section 7.04 | Documents to Be Given to Trustee | 28 |
| Section 7.05 | Notation on Securities in Respect of Supplemental Indentures | 28 |
| Article 8 | CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE OR CONVEYANCE | 28 |
| Section 8.01 | Issuer May Consolidate, etc., on Certain Terms | 28 |
| Section 8.02 | Successor Corporation Substituted | 29 |
| Article 9 | DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE | 29 |
| Section 9.01 | Defeasance Within One Year of Payment | 29 |
| Section 9.02 | Defeasance | 30 |
| Section 9.03 | Covenant Defeasance | 30 |
| Section 9.04 | Application of Trust Money | 31 |
| Section 9.05 | Repayment to Issuer | 31 |
| Article 10 | MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS | 31 |
| Section 10.01 | Incorporators, Stockholders, Officers and Directors Exempt from Individual Liability | 31 |
| Section 10.02 | Provisions of Indenture for the Sole Benefit of Parties and Securityholders | 31 |
| Section 10.03 | Successors and Assigns of Issuer Bound by Indenture | 32 |
| Section 10.04 | Notices and Demands on Issuer, Trustee and Securityholders | 32 |
| Section 10.05 | Officers’ Certificates and Opinions of Counsel; Statements to be Contained Therein | 32 |
| Section 10.06 | Payments Due on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays | 33 |
| Section 10.07 | Conflict of Any Provision of Indenture with Trust Indenture Act of 1939 | 33 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
| Page | ||
| Section 10.08 | New York Law to Govern | 33 |
| Section 10.09 | Counterparts | 33 |
| Section 10.10 | Effect of Headings | 33 |
| Article 11 | REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES | 33 |
| Section 11.01 | Applicability of Article | 33 |
| Section 11.02 | Notice of Redemption; Partial Redemptions | 33 |
| Section 11.03 | Payment of Securities Called for Redemption | 34 |
| Section 11.04 | Exclusion of Certain Securities from Eligibility for Selection for Redemption | 34 |
| Section 11.05 | Conversion Arrangement On Call For Redemption | 35 |
| Article 12 | CONVERSION OF SECURITIES | 35 |
| Section 12.01 | Applicability of Article | 35 |
| Section 12.02 | Right of Securityholders to Convert Securities | 35 |
| Section 12.03 | Issuance of Shares of Capital Stock on Conversion | 36 |
| Section 12.04 | No Payment or Adjustment for Interest or Dividends | 36 |
| Section 12.05 | Adjustment of Conversion Rate | 37 |
| Section 12.06 | No Fractional Shares to Be Issued | 39 |
| Section 12.07 | Preservation of Conversion Rights Upon Consolidation, Merger, Sale or Conveyance | 39 |
| Section 12.08 | Notice to Security Holders of a Series Prior to Taking Certain Types of Action | 40 |
| Section 12.09 | Covenant to Reserve Shares for Issuance on Conversion of Securities | 40 |
| Section 12.10 | Compliance with Governmental Requirements | 40 |
| Section 12.11 | Payment of Taxes Upon Certificates for Shares Issued Upon Conversion | 40 |
| Section 12.12 | Trustee’s Duties with Respect to Conversion Provisions |
40 |
THIS INDENTURE, dated as of , between APTERA MOTORS CORP., a Delaware corporation (the “Issuer”) and ●, a ● corporation, as trustee (the “Trustee”).
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Issuer has duly authorized the issue from time to time of its senior debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness to be issued in one or more series (the “Securities”) up to such principal amount or amounts as may from time to time be authorized in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and to provide, among other things, for the authentication, delivery and administration thereof, the Issuer has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture; and
WHEREAS, all things necessary to make this Indenture a valid indenture and agreement according to its terms have been done;
NOW, THEREFORE:
In consideration of the premises and the purchases of the Securities by the Holders thereof, the Issuer and the Trustee mutually covenant and agree for the equal and proportionate benefit of the respective Holders from time to time of the Securities as follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.01 Certain Terms Defined. The following terms (except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise clearly requires) for all purposes of this Indenture and of any indenture supplemental hereto shall have the respective meanings specified in this Section. All other terms used in this Indenture that are defined in the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 or the definitions of which in the Securities Act of 1933 are referred to in the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, including terms defined therein by reference to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (except as herein otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise clearly requires), shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in said Trust Indenture Act and in said Securities Act as in force at the date of this Indenture. All accounting terms used herein and not expressly defined shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in accordance with GAAP. 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. The terms defined in this Article have the meanings assigned to them in this Article and include the plural as well as the singular.
“Affiliate” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control” when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing.
“Authorized Newspaper” means a newspaper in the English language or in an official language of the country of publication, customarily printed on each Business Day, whether or not published on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays, and of general circulation in the place in connection with which the term is used or in the financial community of such place. If, because of temporary suspension of publication or general circulation of any newspaper or for any other reason, it is impossible or impracticable to make any publication of any notice required by this Indenture in the manner herein provided, such publication or other notice in lieu thereof which is made at the written direction of the Issuer by the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient publication of such notice.
“Board of Directors” means either the Board of Directors of the Issuer or any committee of such Board duly authorized to act hereunder.
“Business Day” means, with respect to any Security, a day that in the city (or in all of the cities, if more than one) in which amounts are payable, as specified in the form of such Security, is not a day on which banking institutions are authorized by law or regulation to close.
“Capitalized Lease” means, as applied to any Person, any lease of any property (whether real, personal, or mixed) of which the discounted present value of the rental obligations of such Person as lessee, in conformity with GAAP, is required to be capitalized on the balance sheet of such Person; and “Capitalized Lease Obligation” is defined to mean the rental obligations, as aforesaid, under such lease.
“Capital Stock” means any and all shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated, whether voting or non-voting) of the Issuer’s capital stock or other ownership interests, whether now outstanding or issued after the date of this Indenture, including, without limitation, all Common Stock and Preferred Stock.
“Closing Price” on any day when used with respect to any class of Capital Stock means the closing sale price per share (or if no closing sale price is reported, the average of the bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and the average ask prices) on that date as reported by The Nasdaq Capital Market or, if such Capital Stock is not listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market, then on the principal U.S. national or regional securities exchange on which such Capital Stock is then listed. If such Capital Stock is not listed on either The Nasdaq Capital Market or on any U.S. national or regional securities exchange on the relevant date, the Closing Price will be the last quoted bid price for the Company’s Common Stock in the over-the-counter market on the relevant date as reported by the OTC Markets Group Inc. or similar organization. In the event that no such quotation is available for any day, the Board of Directors shall be entitled to determine in good faith the current market price on the basis of such quotations as it considers appropriate.
“Commission” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time to time constituted, created under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or if at any time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture such Commission is not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture Act, then the body performing such duties on such date.
“Common Stock” means any and all shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated, whether voting or non-voting) of the Issuer’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, whether now outstanding or issued after the date of the Indenture, including, without limitation, all series and classes of such common stock.
“Corporate Trust Office” means the office of the Trustee at which the corporate trust business of the Trustee shall, at any particular time, be principally administered, which office is, at the date as of which this Indenture is dated, located at ●.
“Currency Agreement” means any foreign exchange contract, currency swap agreement, or other similar agreement or arrangement designed to protect against the fluctuation in currency values.
“Default” means any Event of Default as defined in Section 4.01 and any event that is, or after notice or passage of time or both would be, an Event of Default.
“Depositary” means, with respect to the Securities of any series issuable or issued in the form of one or more Registered Global Securities, the Person designated as Depositary by the Issuer pursuant to Section 2.03 until a successor Depositary 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 Registered Global Securities of that series.
“Determination Date” has the meaning specified in Section 12.05.
“Event of Default” has the meaning specified in Section 4.01.
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“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America as in effect as of the date of determination, including, without limitation, those 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. All ratios and computations contained in this Indenture shall be computed in conformity with GAAP applied on a consistent basis.
“Guarantee” means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of any Person directly or indirectly guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of such Person:
(i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation of such other Person (whether arising by virtue of partnership arrangements, or by agreement to keep-well, to purchase assets, goods, securities, or services, to take-or-pay, or to maintain financial statement conditions or otherwise); or
(ii) entered into for purposes of assuring in any other manner the obligee of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part);
provided, that the term “Guarantee” shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business. The term “Guarantee” used as a verb has a corresponding meaning.
“Holder”, “Securityholder” or other similar terms mean the registered holder of any Security.
“Indebtedness” means, with respect to any Person at any date of determination (without duplication):
(i) all indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money;
(ii) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, or other similar instruments, in each case, for value received or settlement of claims;
(iii) all obligations of such Person in respect of letters of credit or other similar instruments (including reimbursement obligations with respect thereto);
(iv) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred and unpaid purchase price of property or services (but excluding trade accounts payable or accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business);
(v) all obligations of such Person as lessee under Capitalized Leases;
(vi) all Indebtedness of other Persons secured by a Lien on any asset of such Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such Person; provided that the amount of such Indebtedness shall be the lesser of:
(1) the fair market value of such asset at such date of determination; and
(2) the amount of such Indebtedness;
(vii) all Indebtedness of other Persons to the extent Guaranteed by such Person; and
(viii) to the extent not otherwise included in this definition, obligations under Currency Agreements and Interest Rate Agreements.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the term “Indebtedness” be deemed to include letters of credit or bonds that secure performance or surety bonds or similar instruments that are issued in the ordinary course of business.
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The amount of Indebtedness of any Person at any date shall be the outstanding balance at such date of all unconditional obligations as described above and, with respect to contingent obligations, the maximum liability upon the occurrence of the contingency giving rise to the obligation; provided that:
(x) the amount outstanding at any time of any Indebtedness issued with original issue discount is the face amount of such Indebtedness less the remaining unamortized portion of the original issue discount of such Indebtedness at such time as determined in conformity with GAAP; and
(y) Indebtedness shall not include any liability for federal, state, local, or other taxes.
“Indenture” means this instrument as originally executed and delivered or, if amended or supplemented as herein provided, as so amended or supplemented or both, and shall include the forms and terms of particular series of Securities established as contemplated hereunder.
“Interest” means, when used with respect to non-interest bearing Securities, interest payable after maturity. “Interest Rate Agreement” means any obligation of any Person pursuant to any interest rate swap, cap, collar or similar arrangement providing protection against fluctuations in interest rates. For purposes of the Indenture, the amount of such obligation shall be the amount determined in respect thereof as of the end of the then most recently ended fiscal quarter of such Person, based on the assumption that such obligation had terminated at the end of such fiscal quarter, and in making such determination, if any agreement relating to such obligation provides for the netting of amounts payable by and to such Person thereunder or if any such agreement provides for the simultaneous payment of amounts by and to such Person, then in each such case, the amount of such obligation shall be the net amount so determined, plus any premium due upon default by such Person.
“Issuer” means the Person identified as “Issuer” in the first paragraph hereof and, subject to Article 8, its successors and assigns.
“Lien” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or encumbrance of any kind, or any other type of preferential arrangement that has the practical effect of creating a security interest, in respect of such asset. For the purposes of this Indenture, the Issuer shall be deemed to own subject to a Lien any asset that it has acquired or holds subject to the interest of a vendor or lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or other title retention agreement relating to such asset.
“Officers’ Certificate” means a certificate signed by the chairman of the Issuer’s Board of Directors, its president or any vice president, and by its treasurer, any assistant treasurer, its secretary or any assistant secretary of the Issuer, and delivered to the Trustee. Each such certificate shall comply with Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and include the statements provided for in Section 10.05.
“Opinion of Counsel” means an opinion in writing signed by legal counsel who may be an employee of or counsel to the Issuer and who shall be satisfactory to the Trustee. Each such opinion shall comply with Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and include the statements provided for in Section 10.05, if and to the extent required hereby.
“Original Issue Date” of any Security (or portion thereof) means the earlier of (i) the date of such Security or (ii) the date of any Security (or portion thereof) for which such Security was issued (directly or indirectly) on registration of transfer, exchange or substitution.
“Original Issue Discount Security” means any Security that provides for an amount less than the Principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 4.01.
“Outstanding”, when used with reference to Securities, shall, subject to the provisions of Section 6.04, mean, as of any particular time, all Securities authenticated and delivered by the Trustee under this Indenture, except:
(i) Securities theretofore canceled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;
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(ii) Securities, or portions thereof, for the payment or redemption of which monies in the necessary amount shall have been deposited in trust with the Trustee or with any paying agent (other than the Issuer) or shall have been set aside, segregated and held in trust by the Issuer for the Holders of such Securities (if the Issuer shall act as its own paying agent), provided that if such Securities, or portions thereof, are to be redeemed prior to the maturity thereof, notice of such redemption shall have been given as herein provided, or provision satisfactory to the Trustee shall have been made for giving such notice; and
(iii) Securities in substitution for which other Securities shall have been authenticated and delivered, or which shall have been paid, pursuant to the terms of Section 2.09 (except with respect to any such Security as to which proof satisfactory to the Trustee is presented that such Security is held by a person in whose hands such Security is a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Issuer).
In determining whether the Holders of the requisite Principal amount of Outstanding Securities of any or all series have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, the Principal amount of an Original Issue Discount Security that shall be deemed to be Outstanding for such purposes 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 4.01.
“Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof or any other entity.
“Preferred Stock” means any and all shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated, whether voting or non-voting) of the Issuer’s preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share, whether now outstanding or issued after the date of the Indenture, including, without limitation, all series and classes of such preferred stock.
“Principal” means, with respect to the Securities or any Security or any portion thereof, the principal amount of such Securities, Security or portion thereof, and shall be deemed to include “and premium, if any”.
“record date” as used with respect to any interest payment date (except a date for payment of defaulted interest), has the meaning specified in Section 2.07.
“Registered Global Security” means a Security evidencing all or a part of a series of Registered Securities, issued to the Depositary for such series in accordance with Section 2.04, and bearing the legend prescribed in Section 2.04.
“Registered Security” means any Security registered on the register maintained by the Issuer pursuant to Section 2.08.
“Responsible Officer” when used with respect to the Trustee means any officer within the corporate trust department of the Trustee, including any vice president, assistant vice president, assistant secretary, assistant treasurer, trust officer or any other officer of the Trustee who customarily performs functions similar to those performed by the Persons who at the time shall be such officers, respectively, or to whom any corporate trust matter is referred because of such person’s knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject and who shall have direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture.
“Security” or “Securities” has the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture, or, as the case may be, Securities that have been authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.
“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, association or other business entity of which more than 50% of all votes represented by all classes of outstanding Voting Stock is owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person and one or more other Subsidiaries of such Person.
“Trustee” means the Person identified as “Trustee” in the first paragraph hereof and, subject to the provisions of Article 5, shall also include any successor trustee.
“Trust Indenture Act of 1939” (except as otherwise provided in Section 7.01 and 7.02) means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as in force at the date as of which this Indenture was originally executed.
“UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code, as in effect in each applicable jurisdiction.
“Unregistered Security” means any Security other than a Registered Security.
“U.S. Government Obligations” means securities that are (i) direct obligations of the United States of America for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged or (ii) obligations of an agency of instrumentality of the United States of America the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America, and shall also include a depository 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 depository receipt; provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government Obligation or the specific payment of interest on or principal of the U.S. Government Obligation evidenced by such depository receipt.
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“Voting Stock” means, with respect to any Person, capital stock of any class or kind ordinarily having the power to vote for the election of directors, managers or other voting members of the governing body of such Person.
“vice president” when used with respect to the Issuer or the Trustee, means any vice president, whether or not designated by a number or a word or words added before or after the title of “vice president”.
“Wholly-Owned” is defined to mean, with respect to any Subsidiary of any Person, such Subsidiary if all of the outstanding common stock or other similar equity ownership interests (but not including preferred stock) in such Subsidiary (other than any director’s qualifying shares or investments by foreign nationals mandated by applicable law) is owned directly or indirectly by such Person.
“Yield to Maturity” means the yield to maturity on a series of securities, calculated at the time of issuance of such series, or, if applicable, at the most recent redetermination of interest on such series, and calculated in accordance with accepted financial practice.
ARTICLE 2
SECURITIES
Section 2.01 Forms Generally. The Securities of each series shall be substantially in such form (not inconsistent with this Indenture) as shall be established by or pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors or in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in each case with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture and may have imprinted or otherwise reproduced thereon such legend or legends, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture, as may be required to comply with any law or with any rules or regulations pursuant thereto, or with any rules of any securities exchange or to conform to general usage, all as may be determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution of the Securities. The Issuer shall furnish any such legends to the Trustee in writing.
The definitive Securities shall be printed, lithographed or engraved on steel engraved borders or may be produced in any other manner, all as determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities.
Section 2.02 Form of Trustee’s Certification of Authentication. The Trustee’s certificate of authentication on all Securities shall be in substantially the following form:
This is one of the Securities of the series designated herein and referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
| ●, | ||
| as Trustee | ||
| By: | ||
| Authorized Signatory: | ||
Section 2.03 Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series. The aggregate Principal amount of Securities which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.
The Securities may be issued in one or more series. There shall be established in or pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors and set forth in an Officers’ Certificate, or established in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the issuance of Securities of any series:
(a) the title of the Securities of the series (which shall distinguish the Securities of the series from all other Securities);
(b) 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 registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Securities of the series pursuant to Section 2.08, 2.09, 2.11 or Section 12.03);
(c) the date or dates on which the Principal of the Securities of the series is payable;
(d) the rate or rates at which the Securities of the series shall bear interest, if any, or the method by which such rate shall be determined, the date or dates from which such interest shall accrue, the interest payment dates on which such interest shall be payable and the record dates for the determination of Holders to whom interest is payable;
(e) the place or places where the Principal of and any interest on Securities of the series shall be payable (if other than as provided in Section 3.02);
(f) the price or prices at which, the period or periods within 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 Issuer;
(g) the obligation, if any, of the Issuer to redeem, purchase or repay Securities of the series at the option of a Holder thereof and the price or prices at which, the period or periods within 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;
(h) the obligation, if any, of the Issuer to permit the conversion of the Securities of such series into Capital Stock, and the terms and conditions upon which such conversion shall be effected (including, without limitation, the initial conversion price or rate, the conversion period and any other provision in addition to or in lieu of those set forth in this Indenture relative to such obligation);
(i) if other than denominations of $1,000 and any multiple thereof, the denominations in which Securities of the series shall be issuable;
(j) if other than the Principal amount thereof, the portion of the Principal amount of Securities of the series which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 4.01 or provable in bankruptcy pursuant to Section 4.02;
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(k) if the Securities of the series are issuable in whole or in part as one or more Registered Global Securities, the identity of the Depositary for such Registered Global Security or Securities;
(l) any other terms of the series (which terms shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture); and
(m) any trustees, authenticating or paying agents, transfer agents or registrar or any other agents with respect to the Securities of such series.
All Securities of any one series shall be substantially identical except as to denomination and except as may otherwise be provided in or pursuant to such resolution of the Board of Directors or in any such indenture supplemental hereto.
Section 2.04 Authentication and Delivery of Securities. At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Issuer may deliver Securities of any series executed by the Issuer to the Trustee for authentication, and the Trustee shall thereupon authenticate and deliver such Securities to or upon the written order of the Issuer, such order to be signed by both (a) the chairman of its Board of Directors, its president or any vice president and by its treasurer, any assistant treasurer, its secretary or any assistant secretary, without any further action by the Issuer. In authenticating such Securities and accepting the additional responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Securities the Trustee shall receive, and (subject to Section 5.01) shall be fully protected in relying upon:
(a) a certified copy of any resolution or resolutions of the Board of Directors authorizing the action taken pursuant to the resolution or resolutions delivered under clause (b) below;
(b) a copy of any resolution or resolutions of the Board of Directors relating to such series, in each case certified by the secretary or an assistant secretary of the Issuer;
(c) an executed supplemental indenture, if any, and the documentation required to be delivered pursuant to Section 7.04;
(d) an Officers’ Certificate setting forth the form and terms of the Securities as required pursuant to Section 2.01 and 2.03, respectively and prepared in accordance with Section 10.05;
(e) an Opinion of Counsel, prepared in accordance with Section 10.05, to the effect:
(i) that the form or forms and terms of such Securities have been established by or pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors or by a supplemental indenture as permitted by Section 2.01 and 2.03 in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture; and
(ii) that such Securities, when authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and issued by the Issuer in the manner and subject to any conditions specified in such Opinion of Counsel, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Issuer enforceable against the Issuer in accordance with their terms, except to the extent that enforcement thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or similar laws now or hereafter in effect relating to creditors’ rights generally, and general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).
The Trustee shall have the right to decline to authenticate and deliver any Securities under this section if the Trustee, being advised by counsel, determines that such action may not lawfully be taken by the Issuer or if the Trustee in good faith by its board of directors or board of trustees, executive committee, or a trust committee of directors or trustees or Responsible Officers shall determine that such action would expose the Trustee to personal liability.
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If the Issuer shall establish pursuant to Section 2.03 that the Securities of a series or a portion thereof are to be issued in the form of one or more Registered Global Securities, then the Issuer shall execute (in accordance with Section 2.05) and the Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery one or more Registered Global Securities that (i) shall represent and shall be denominated in an amount equal to the aggregate Principal amount of all of the Securities of such series issued in such form and not yet canceled, (ii) shall be registered in the name of the Depositary for such Registered Global Security or Securities or the nominee of such Depositary, (iii) shall be delivered by the Trustee to such Depositary or its custodian or pursuant to such Depositary’s instructions and (iv) shall bear a legend substantially to the following effect: “Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for Securities in definitive registered form, this Security may not be transferred except as a whole 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.”
Section 2.05 Execution of Securities. The Securities shall be signed on behalf of the Issuer by the chairman of its Board of Directors, its president, any vice president, its treasurer or any assistant treasurer, under its corporate seal and attested by its secretary or any assistant secretary. Such signatures may be the manual or facsimile signatures of the present or any future such officers. The seal of the Issuer may be in the form of a facsimile thereof and may be impressed, affixed, imprinted or otherwise reproduced on the Securities. Typographical and other minor errors or defects in any such reproduction of the seal or any such signature shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any Security that has been duly authenticated and delivered by the Trustee.
In case any officer of the Issuer who shall have signed any of the Securities shall cease to be such officer before the Security so signed shall be authenticated and delivered by the Trustee or disposed of by the Issuer, such Security nevertheless may be authenticated and delivered or disposed of as though the person who signed such Security had not ceased to be such officer of the Issuer; and any Security may be signed on behalf of the Issuer by such persons as, at the actual date of the execution of such Security, shall be the proper officers of the Issuer, although at the date of the execution and delivery of this Indenture any such person was not such an officer.
Section 2.06 Certificate of Authentication. Only such Securities as shall bear thereon a certificate of authentication substantially in the form hereinbefore recited, executed by the Trustee by the manual signature of one of its authorized signatories, shall be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose. Such certificate by the Trustee upon any Security executed by the Issuer shall be conclusive evidence that the Security so authenticated has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder and that the Holder is entitled to the benefits of this Indenture.
Section 2.07 Denomination and Date of Securities; Payments of Interest. The Securities shall be issuable as registered securities without coupons and in denominations as shall be specified as contemplated by Section 2.03. In the absence of any such specification with respect to the Securities of any series, the Securities of such series shall be issuable in denominations of $1,000 and any multiple thereof. The Securities shall be numbered, lettered, or otherwise distinguished in such manner or in accordance with such plan as the officers of the Issuer executing the same may determine as evidenced by the execution and authentication thereof.
Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication, shall bear interest, if any, from the date and shall be payable on the dates, in each case, which shall be specified as contemplated by Section 2.03.
The person in whose name any Security of any series is registered at the close of business on any record date applicable to a particular series with respect to any interest payment date for such series shall be entitled to receive the interest, if any, payable on such interest payment date notwithstanding any transfer or exchange of such Security subsequent to the record date and prior to such interest payment date, except if and to the extent the Issuer shall default in the payment of the interest due on such interest payment date for such series, in which case such defaulted interest shall be paid to the persons in whose names Outstanding Securities for such series are registered at the close of business on a subsequent record date (which shall be not less than five Business Days prior to the date of payment of such defaulted interest) established by notice given by mail by or on behalf of the Issuer to the Holders of Securities not less than 15 days preceding such subsequent record date. The term “record date” as used with respect to any interest payment date (except a date for payment of defaulted interest) shall mean the date specified as such in the terms of the Securities of any particular series, or, if no such date is so specified, if such interest payment date is the first day of a calendar month, the fifteenth day of the next preceding calendar month or, if such interest payment date is the fifteenth day of a calendar month, the first day of such calendar month, whether or not such record date is a Business Day.
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Section 2.08 Registration, Transfer and Exchange. The Issuer will keep or cause to be kept at each office or agency to be maintained for the purpose as provided in Section 3.02 a register or registers in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, it will register, and will register the transfer of, Securities as in this Article provided. Such register shall be in written form in the English language or in any other form capable of being converted into such form within a reasonable time. At all reasonable times such register or registers shall be open for inspection by the Trustee.
At the option of the Holder thereof, Registered Securities of any series (other than a Registered Global Security, except as set forth below) may be exchanged for a Registered Security or Registered Securities of such series and tenor having authorized denominations and an equal aggregate Principal amount, upon surrender of such Registered Securities to be exchanged at the agency of the Issuer that shall be maintained for such purpose in accordance with Section 3.02 and upon payment, if the Issuer shall so require, of the charges hereinafter provided. If the Securities of any series are issued in both registered and unregistered form, except as otherwise established pursuant to Section 2.03, at the option of the Holder thereof, Unregistered Securities of any series may be exchanged for Registered Securities of such series and tenor having authorized denominations and an equal aggregate Principal amount, upon surrender of such Unregistered Securities to be exchanged at the agency of the Issuer that shall be maintained for such purpose in accordance with Section 3.02 and upon payment, if the Issuer shall so require, of the charges hereinafter provided. At the option of the Holder thereof, if Unregistered Securities of any series, maturity date, interest rate and Original Issue Date are issued in more than one authorized denomination, except as otherwise established pursuant to Section 2.03, such Unregistered Securities may be exchanged for Unregistered Securities of such series and tenor having authorized denominations and an equal aggregate Principal amount, upon surrender of such Unregistered Securities to be exchanged at the agency of the Issuer that shall be maintained for such purpose in accordance with Section 3.02 and upon payment, if the Issuer shall so require, of the charges hereinafter provided. Registered Securities of any series may not be exchanged for Unregistered Securities of such series. Whenever any Securities are so surrendered for exchange, the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery, the Securities which the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive.
All Registered Securities presented for registration of transfer, exchange, redemption, conversion or payment shall be duly endorsed by, or be accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of transfer in form satisfactory to the Issuer and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder or his attorney duly authorized in writing.
The Issuer may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any exchange or registration of transfer of Securities. No service charge shall be made for any such transaction.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 2.08, unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for Securities in definitive registered form, a Registered 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.
If at any time the Depositary for any Registered Global Securities of any series notifies the Issuer that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such Registered Global Securities or if at any time the Depositary for such Registered Global Securities shall no longer be eligible under applicable law, the Issuer shall appoint a successor Depositary eligible under applicable law with respect to such Registered Global Securities. If a successor Depositary eligible under applicable law for such Registered Global Securities is not appointed by the Issuer within 90 days after the Issuer receives such notice or becomes aware of such ineligibility, the Issuer will execute, and the Trustee, upon receipt of the Issuer’s order for the authentication and delivery of definitive Registered Securities of such series and tenor, will authenticate and make available for delivery Registered Securities of such series and tenor, in any authorized denominations, in an aggregate Principal amount equal to the Principal amount of such Registered Global Securities, in exchange for such Registered Global Securities.
The Issuer may at any time and in its sole discretion determine that any Registered Global Securities of any series shall no longer be maintained in global form. In such event, or in the event that there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default with respect to a series of Securities, the Issuer will, upon the request of any Holder, execute, and the Trustee, upon receipt of the Issuer’s order for the authentication and delivery of definitive Registered Securities of such series and tenor, will authenticate and make available for delivery, Registered Securities of such series and tenor in any authorized denominations, in an aggregate Principal amount equal to the Principal amount of such Registered Global Securities, in exchange for such Registered Global Securities.
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Any time the Registered Securities of any series are not in the form of Registered Global Securities pursuant to the preceding two paragraphs, the Issuer agrees to supply the Trustee with a reasonable supply of certificated Registered Securities without the legend required by Section 2.04 and the Trustee agrees to hold such Registered Securities in safekeeping until authenticated and delivered pursuant to the terms of this Indenture.
If established by the Issuer pursuant to Section 2.03 with respect to any Registered Global Security, the Depositary for such Registered Global Security may surrender such Registered Global Security in exchange in whole or in part for Registered Securities of the same series and tenor in definitive registered form on such terms as are acceptable to the Issuer and such Depositary. Thereupon, the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery, without service charge,
(i) to the Person specified by such Depositary new Registered Securities of the same series and tenor, of any authorized denominations as requested by such Person, in an aggregate Principal amount equal to and in exchange for such Person’s beneficial interest in the Registered Global Security; and
(ii) to such Depositary a new Registered Global Security in a denomination equal to the difference, if any, between the Principal amount of the surrendered Registered Global Security and the aggregate Principal amount of Registered Securities authenticated and delivered pursuant to clause (i) above.
Registered Securities issued in exchange for a Registered Global Security pursuant to this Section 2.08 shall be registered in such names and in such authorized denominations as the Depositary for such Registered Global Security, pursuant to instructions from its direct or indirect participants or otherwise, shall instruct the Trustee or an agent of the Issuer or the Trustee. The Trustee or such agent shall deliver such Securities to or as directed by the Persons in whose names such Securities are so registered.
All Securities issued upon any transfer or exchange of Securities shall be valid obligations of the Issuer, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Securities surrendered upon such transfer or exchange.
Notwithstanding anything herein or in the forms or terms of any Securities to the contrary, none of the Issuer, the Trustee or any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee shall be required to exchange any Unregistered Security for a Registered Security if such exchange would result in adverse Federal income tax consequences to the Issuer (such as, for example, the inability of the Issuer to deduct from its income, as computed for Federal income tax purposes, the interest payable on the Unregistered Securities) under then applicable United States Federal income tax laws. The Trustee and any such agent shall be entitled to rely on an Officers’ Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel in determining such result.
Neither the Registrar nor the Issuer shall be required (i) to issue, authenticate, register the transfer of or exchange Securities of any series for a period of 15 days before the mailing of a notice of redemption of such Securities to be redeemed or (ii) to register the transfer of or exchange any Security selected for redemption in whole or in part.
Section 2.09 Mutilated, Defaced, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities. In case any temporary or definitive Security shall become mutilated or defaced and shall be surrendered to the Trustee, the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, a new Security of the same series, bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding, in exchange and substitution for the mutilated or defaced Security. If the Holder of any Security claims that the Security has been lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken, the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, a new Security of the same series, bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding, in exchange and substitution for the lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken Security, if the applicant so requests before the Issuer has notice that the Security has been acquired by a protected purchaser, and the applicant furnishes to the Issuer and to the Trustee and any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee such security or indemnity as may be required by them to indemnify and defend and to save each of them harmless and the applicant satisfies other reasonable requirements imposed by the Issuer.
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Upon the issuance of any substitute Security, the Issuer may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee and its counsel) connected therewith. In case any Security which has matured or is about to mature or has been called for redemption in full shall become mutilated or defaced or be destroyed, lost or stolen, the Issuer may instead of issuing a substitute Security, pay or authorize the payment of the same (without surrender thereof except in the case of a mutilated or defaced Security), if the applicant for such payment shall furnish to the Issuer and to the Trustee and any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee such security or taking, the applicant shall also furnish to the Issuer and the Trustee and any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or wrongful taking of such Security and of the ownership thereof.
Every substitute Security of any series issued pursuant to the provisions of this section by virtue of the fact that any such Security is destroyed, lost or stolen shall constitute an additional contractual obligation of the Issuer, whether or not the destroyed, lost or wrongfully taken Security shall be at any time enforceable by anyone and shall be entitled to all the benefits of (but shall be subject to all the limitations of rights set forth in) this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Securities of such series duly authenticated and delivered hereunder. All Securities shall be held and owned upon the express condition that, to the extent permitted by law, the foregoing provisions are exclusive with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, defaced or destroyed, lost or wrongfully taken Securities and shall preclude any and all other rights or remedies.
Section 2.10 Cancellation of Securities; Destruction Thereof. All Securities surrendered for payment, redemption, repurchase, conversion, registration of transfer or exchange, if surrendered to the Issuer or any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee, shall be delivered to the Trustee for cancellation or, if surrendered to the Trustee, shall be canceled by it; and no Securities shall be issued in lieu thereof except as expressly permitted by any of the provisions of this Indenture. The Trustee shall dispose of canceled Securities held by it in accordance with the record retention policies of the Trustee in effect from time to time and, if such canceled certificates are destroyed, shall deliver a certificate of destruction to the Issuer. If the Issuer shall acquire any of the Securities, such acquisition shall not operate as a redemption or satisfaction of the indebtedness represented by such Securities unless and until the same are delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.
Section 2.11 Temporary Securities. Pending the preparation of definitive Securities for any series, the Issuer may execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver temporary Securities for such series (printed, lithographed, typewritten or otherwise reproduced, in each case in form satisfactory to the Trustee). Temporary Securities of any series shall be issuable as registered Securities without coupons, of any authorized denomination, and substantially in the form of the definitive Securities of such series but with such omissions, insertions and variations as may be appropriate for temporary Securities, all as may be determined by the Issuer with the concurrence of the Trustee. Temporary Securities may contain such reference to any provisions of this Indenture as may be appropriate. Every temporary Security shall be executed by the Issuer and be authenticated by the Trustee upon the same conditions and in substantially the same manner, and with like effect, as the definitive Securities. Without unreasonable delay the Issuer shall execute and shall furnish definitive Securities of such series and thereupon temporary Securities of such series may be surrendered in exchange therefor without charge at each office or agency to be maintained by the Issuer for that purpose pursuant to Section 3.02, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange for such temporary Securities of such series a like aggregate Principal amount of definitive Securities of the same series of authorized denominations. Until so exchanged, the temporary Securities of any series shall be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Securities of such series.
Section 2.12 Computation of Interest. Except as otherwise specified in the Securities of a series, interest shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
Section 2.13 CUSIP Numbers. The Issuer in issuing the Securities may use “CUSIP” numbers (if then generally in use), and, if so, the Trustee shall use “CUSIP” numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to 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 Issuer will notify the Trustee of any change in the “CUSIP” numbers.
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ARTICLE 3
COVENANTS OF THE ISSUER AND THE TRUSTEE
Section 3.01 Payment of Principal and Interest. The Issuer covenants and agrees for the benefit of each series of Securities that it will duly and punctually pay or cause to be paid the Principal of, and interest on, each of the Securities of such series at the place or places, at the respective times and in the manner provided in such Securities. Each installment of interest on the Securities of any series may be paid by mailing checks for such interest payable to or upon the written order of the Holders of Securities entitled thereto as they shall appear on the registry books of the Issuer.
Notwithstanding any provisions of this Indenture and the Securities of any series to the contrary, if the Issuer and a Holder of any Registered Security so agree or if expressly provided pursuant to Section 2.03, payments of interest on, and any portion of the Principal of, such Holder’s Registered Security shall be made by the paying agent, upon receipt from the Issuer of immediately available funds by 11:00 a.m., New York City time (or such other time as may be agreed to between the Issuer and the paying agent) or the Issuer, directly to the Holder of such Security (by wire transfer of Federal funds or immediately available funds or otherwise) if the Holder has delivered written instructions to the Trustee 15 days prior to such payment date requesting that such payment will be so made and designating the bank account to which such payments shall be so made and, in the case of payments of Principal, surrenders the same to the Trustee. The Trustee shall be entitled to rely on the last instruction delivered by the Holder pursuant to this Section 3.01 unless a new instruction is delivered 15 days prior to a payment date. The Issuer will indemnify and hold each of the Trustee and any paying agent harmless against any loss, liability or expense (including attorneys’ fees and expenses) resulting from any act or omission to act on the part of the Issuer or any such Holder in connection with any such agreement or from making any payment in accordance with any such agreement.
Section 3.02 Offices for Payments, etc. So long as any of the Securities remain outstanding, the Issuer will maintain in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York an office or agency (n) where the Securities may be presented for payment, (o) where the Securities may be presented for registration of transfer and for exchange as in this Indenture provided, (p) where notices and demands to or upon the Issuer in respect of the Securities or of this Indenture may be served and (q) for Securities of each series that is convertible, where such Securities may be presented for conversion. The Issuer will give to the Trustee written notice of the location of any such office or agency and of any change of location thereof. Unless otherwise specified in accordance with Section 2.03, the Issuer hereby initially designates the Corporate Trust Office of Trustee as the office to be maintained by it for each such purpose. In case the Issuer shall fail to so designate or maintain any such office or agency or shall fail to give such notice of the location or of any change in the location thereof, presentations and demands may be made and notices may be served at the Corporate Trust Office.
Section 3.03 Paying Agents. Whenever the Issuer shall appoint a paying agent other than the Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series, it will cause such paying agent to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section:
(a) that it will hold all sums received by it as such agent for the payment of the Principal of or interest on the Securities of such series (whether such sums have been paid to it by the Issuer or by any other obligor on the Securities of such series) in trust for the benefit of the Holders of the Securities of such series or of the Trustee;
(b) that it will give the Trustee notice of any failure by the Issuer (or by any other obligor on the Securities of such series) to make any payment of the Principal of or interest on the Securities of such series when the same shall be due and payable; and during the continuance of the failure referred to in clause Section 3.03(b) above.
The Issuer will, on or prior to each due date of the Principal of or interest on the Securities of such series, deposit with the paying agent a sum sufficient to pay such Principal or interest so becoming due, and (unless such paying agent is the Trustee) the Issuer will promptly notify the Trustee of any failure to take such action.
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If the Issuer shall act as its own paying agent with respect to the Securities of any Series, it will, on or before each due date of the Principal of or interest on the Securities of such series, set aside, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Holders of the Securities of such series a sum sufficient to pay such Principal or interest so becoming due. The Issuer will promptly notify the Trustee of any failure to take such action.
Whenever the Issuer shall have one or more paying agents for any series of Securities, it will, on or before each due date of the Principal of or interest on any Securities of such series, deposit with the paying agent or agents for the Securities of such series a sum, by 11:00 a.m. New York City time in immediately available funds on the payment date, sufficient to pay the Principal or interest so becoming due with respect to the Securities of such series, and (unless such paying agent is the Trustee) the Issuer will promptly notify the Trustee in writing of any failure so to act.
Anything in this section to the contrary notwithstanding, the Issuer may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining a satisfaction and discharge with respect to one or more or all series of Securities hereunder, or for any other reason, pay or cause to be paid to the Trustee all sums held in trust for any such series by the Issuer or any paying agent hereunder, as required by this Section, such sums to be held by the Trustee upon the trusts herein contained.
Anything in this Section 3.03 to the contrary notwithstanding, the agreement to hold sums in trust as provided in this Section 3.03 is subject to the provisions of Section 9.05.
Section 3.04 Certificate of the Issuer. Within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year ended ●, and within 120 days after the close of each fiscal year thereafter, the Issuer will furnish to the Trustee a brief certificate (which need not comply with Section 10.05) from the principal executive, financial or accounting officer of the Issuer as to his or her knowledge of the Issuer’s compliance with all conditions and covenants under the Indenture (such compliance to be determined without regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice provided under the Indenture).
At the time such certificate is filed, the Issuer will also file with the Trustee a letter or statement of the independent accountants who shall have certified the financial statements of the Issuer for its preceding fiscal year to the effect that, in making the examination necessary for certification of such financial statements, they have obtained no knowledge of any default by the Issuer in the performance or fulfillment of any covenant, agreement or condition contained in this Indenture, which default remains uncured at the date of such letter or statement, or, if they shall have obtained knowledge of any such uncured default, specifying in such letter or statement such default or defaults and the nature and status thereof, it being understood that such accountants shall not be liable directly or indirectly for failure to obtain knowledge of any such default or defaults, and that nothing contained in this Section 3.04 shall be construed to require such accountants to make any investigation beyond the scope required in connection with such examination.
Section 3.05 List of Securityholders. If and so long as the Trustee shall not be the Security registrar for the Securities of any series, the Issuer will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee a list in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of the Holders of the Securities of such series pursuant to Section 312 of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (a) semi-annually not more than 10 days after each record date for the payment of interest on such Securities, as hereinabove specified, as of such record date and on dates to be determined pursuant to Section 2.03 for non-interest bearing Securities in each year and (b) at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, within 30 days after receipt by the Issuer of any such request as of a date not more than 10 days prior to the time such information is furnished.
Section 3.06 Reports by the Issuer. The Issuer covenants to:
(a) file, whether or not required to do so under applicable law, with the Trustee, within 15 days after the Issuer files the same with the Commission:
(i) copies of the annual reports and of the information, documents, and other reports which the Issuer files with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
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(ii) such additional information, documents and reports with respect to compliance by the Issuer with the conditions and covenants provided for in this Indenture as the Issuer may from time to time file with the Commission; and
(b) transmit to the Securityholders, in the manner and to the extent provided in Section 10.04, such summaries of any information, documents and reports required to be filed with the Trustee pursuant to the provisions of subdivision (a) of this Section 3.06 as may be required by the rules and regulations of the Commission.
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 constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Issuer’s compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officers’ Certificates).
Section 3.07 Corporate Existence. So long as any of the Securities remain unpaid, the Issuer will at all times (except as otherwise provided or permitted elsewhere in this Indenture) do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence.
Section 3.08 Restrictions on Mergers, Sales and Consolidations. So long as any of the Securities remain unpaid, the Issuer will not consolidate or merge with or sell, convey or lease all or substantially all of its property to any other corporation except as permitted in Article 8 hereof.
Section 3.09 Further Assurances. From time to time whenever requested by the Trustee, the Issuer will execute and deliver such further instruments and assurances and do such further acts as may be reasonably necessary or proper to carry out more effectually the purposes of this Indenture or to secure the rights and remedies hereunder of the Holders of the Securities of any series.
ARTICLE 4
REMEDIES OF THE TRUSTEE AND SECURITYHOLDERS ON EVENT OF DEFAULT
Section 4.01 Event of Default Defined; Acceleration of Maturity; Waiver of Default. “Event of Default” with respect to Securities of any series wherever used herein, means any one of the following events which shall have occurred and be continuing (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body):
(a) default by the Issuer in the payment of any installment of interest upon any of the Securities of such series as and when the same shall become due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days;
(b) default by the Issuer in the payment of all or any part of the Principal on any of the Securities of such series as and when the same shall become due and payable either at maturity, upon redemption, by declaration or otherwise, and continuance of such default for a period of five days;
(c) default by the Issuer in the performance, or breach by the Issuer, of any of its covenants or agreements in respect of the Securities of such series (other than a covenant or agreement in respect of the Securities of such series a default in whose performance or whose breach is elsewhere in this section specifically dealt with), and continuance of such default or breach for a period of 30 consecutive days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Issuer by the Trustee or to the Issuer and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in Principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of all series affected thereby, a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a notice of default hereunder;
(d) the entry by a court having jurisdiction in the premises of a decree or order for relief in respect of the Issuer in an involuntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, or the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee or sequestrator (or similar official) of the Issuer or for any substantial part of the Issuer’s property and assets or the ordering of the winding up or liquidation of the Issuer’s affairs, and the continuance of any such decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 90 consecutive days;
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(e) the commencement by the Issuer of a voluntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, or the consent by the Issuer to the entry of an order for relief in an involuntary case under any such law, or the consent by the Issuer to the appointment of or taking possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee or sequestrator (or similar official) of the Issuer or for any substantial part of the Issuer’s property, or the making of any general assignment by the Issuer for the benefit of creditors; or
(f) any other Event of Default provided in the supplemental indenture or resolution of the Board of Directors under which such series of Securities is issued or in the form of Security for such series.
If an Event of Default described in clauses 4.01(a), 4.01(b), 4.01(c) or 4.01(f) occurs and is continuing, then, and in each and every such case, unless the Principal of all of the Securities of such series shall have already become due and payable, either the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate Principal amount of the Securities of any affected series then Outstanding hereunder (each such series voting as a separate class) by notice in writing to the Issuer (and to the Trustee if given by Securityholders), may declare the entire Principal (or, if the Securities of such series are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the Principal amount as may be specified in the terms of such series) of all Securities of such series and the interest accrued thereon, if any, to be due and payable immediately, and upon any such declaration the same shall become immediately due and payable. If an Event of Default described in clauses Section 4.01(d) or Section 4.01(e) occurs and is continuing, then the Principal amount of all the Securities then Outstanding and interest accrued thereon, if any, shall be and become immediately due and payable, without any notice or other action by any Holder or the Trustee, to the full extent permitted by applicable law.
The foregoing provisions, however, are subject to the condition that if, at any time after the Principal (or, if the Securities are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the Principal as may be specified in the terms thereof) of the Securities of any series (or of all the Securities, as the case may be) shall have been so declared due and payable, and before any judgment or decree for the payment of the monies due shall have been obtained or entered as hereinafter provided, the Issuer shall pay or shall deposit with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest upon all the Securities of such series (or of all the Securities, as the case may be) and the Principal of any and all Securities of such series (or of all the Securities, as the case may be) which shall have become due otherwise than by acceleration (with interest upon such Principal and, to the extent that payment of such interest is enforceable under applicable law, on overdue installments of interest, at the same rate as the rate of interest or Yield to Maturity (in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities) specified in the Securities of such series (or at the respective rates of interest or Yields to Maturity of all the Securities, as the case may be) to the date of such payment or deposit) and such amount as shall be sufficient to cover reasonable compensation to the Trustee, its agents, attorneys and counsel, and all other expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee except as a result of negligence or bad faith, and if any and all Events of Default under the Indenture, other than the non-payment of the Principal of Securities which shall have become due by acceleration, shall have been cured, waived or otherwise remedied as provided herein, then and in every such case the Holders of a majority in aggregate Principal amount of all the then Outstanding Securities of all such series that have been accelerated, each such series voting as a separate class, by written notice to the Issuer and to the Trustee, may waive all defaults with respect to such series (or with respect to all the Securities, as the case may be) and rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences, but no such waiver or rescission and annulment shall extend to or shall affect any subsequent default or shall impair any right consequent thereon.
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 declaration, unless such declaration 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 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.
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Section 4.02 Collection of Indebtedness by Trustee; Trustee May Prove Debt. The Issuer covenants that (h) in case default shall be made in the payment of any installment of interest on any of the Securities of any series when such interest shall have become due and payable, and such default shall have continued for a period of 30 days or (i) in case default shall be made in the payment of all or any part of the Principal of any of the Securities of any series when the same shall have become due and payable, whether upon maturity of the Securities of such series or upon any redemption or by declaration or otherwise, then in each case upon demand of the Trustee, the Issuer will pay to the Trustee for the benefit of the Holders of the Securities of such series (x) the whole amount that then shall have become due and payable on all Securities of such series for Principal or interest, as the case may be (with interest to the date of such payment upon the overdue Principal and, to the extent that payment of such interest is enforceable under applicable law, on overdue installments of interest at the same rate as the rate of interest or Yield to Maturity (in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities) specified in the Securities of such series) and (y) in addition thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including reasonable compensation to the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee, their respective agents and counsel, and any expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee except as a result of its negligence or bad faith.
Until such demand is made by the Trustee, the Issuer may pay the Principal of and interest on the Securities of any series to the registered Holders, whether or not the Principal of and interest on the Securities of such series be overdue.
In case the Issuer 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 proceedings at law or in equity for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, and may prosecute any such action or proceedings to judgment or final decree, and may enforce any such judgment or final decree against the Issuer or other obligor upon such Securities and collect in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Issuer or other obligor upon such Securities, wherever situated, the monies adjudged or decreed to be payable.
In case there shall be pending proceedings relative to the Issuer or any other obligor upon the Securities under Title 11 of the United States Code or any other applicable Federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law, or in case a receiver, assignee or trustee in bankruptcy or reorganization, liquidator, sequestrator or similar official shall have been appointed for or taken possession of the Issuer or its property or such other obligor, or in case of any other comparable judicial proceedings relative to the Issuer or other obligor upon the Securities of any series, or to the creditors or property of the Issuer or such other obligor, the Trustee, irrespective of whether the Principal of any Securities shall then be due and payable as therein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Trustee shall have made any demand pursuant to the provisions of this Section, shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceedings or otherwise:
(a) to file and prove a claim or claims for the whole amount of Principal and interest (or, if the Securities of any series are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the Principal amount as may be specified in the terms of such series) owing and unpaid in respect of the Securities of any series, and to file such other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for reasonable compensation to the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee, and their respective agents, attorneys and counsel, and for reimbursement of all expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee, except as a result of negligence or bad faith) and of the Securityholders allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Issuer or other obligor upon the Securities of any series, or to the creditors or property of the Issuer or such other obligor;
(b) unless prohibited by applicable law and regulations, to vote on behalf of the Holders of the Securities of any series in any election of a trustee or a standby trustee in arrangement, reorganization, liquidation or other bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings or person performing similar functions in comparable proceedings; and
(c) to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims, and to distribute all amounts received with respect to the claims of the Securityholders and of the Trustee on their behalf; and any trustee, receiver, or liquidator, custodian or other similar official is hereby authorized by each of the Securityholders to make payments to the Trustee, and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of payments directly to the Securityholders, to pay to the Trustee such amounts as shall be sufficient to cover reasonable compensation to the Trustee, each predecessor Trustee and their respective agents, attorneys and counsel, and all other expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee except as a result of negligence or bad faith and all other amounts due to the Trustee or any predecessor Trustee pursuant to Section 5.06.
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Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or vote for or accept or adopt on behalf of any Securityholder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Securities of any series or the rights of any Holder thereof, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Securityholder in any such proceeding except, as aforesaid, to vote for the election of a trustee in bankruptcy or similar person.
All rights of action and of asserting claims under this Indenture, or under any of the Securities, may be enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the Securities or the production thereof on any trial or other proceedings relative thereto, and any such action or proceedings instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment, subject to the payment of the expenses, disbursements and compensation of the Trustee, each predecessor Trustee and their respective agents and attorneys, shall be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the Securities in respect of which such action was taken.
In any proceedings brought by the Trustee (and also any proceedings involving the interpretation of any provision of this Indenture to which the Trustee shall be a party) the Trustee shall be held to represent all the Holders of the Securities in respect to which such action was taken, and it shall not be necessary to make any Holders of such Securities parties to any such proceedings.
Section 4.03 Application of Proceeds. Any monies collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article in respect of any series shall be applied in the following order at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such monies on account of Principal or interest, upon presentation of the several Securities in respect of which monies have been collected and stamping (or otherwise noting) thereon the payment, or issuing Securities of such series in reduced Principal amounts in exchange for the presented Securities of like series if only partially paid, or upon surrender thereof if fully paid:
FIRST: To the payment of costs and expenses applicable to such series in respect of which monies have been collected, including reasonable compensation to the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee and their respective agents and attorneys and of all expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee except as a result of negligence or bad faith, and all other amounts due to the Trustee or any predecessor Trustee pursuant to Section 5.06;
SECOND: In case the Principal of the Securities of such series in respect of which monies have been collected shall not have become and be then due and payable, to the payment of interest on the Securities of such series in default in the order of the maturity of the installments of such interest, with interest (to the extent that such interest has been collected by the Trustee) upon the overdue installments of interest at the same rate as the rate of interest or Yield to Maturity (in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities) specified in such Securities, such payments to be made ratably to the persons entitled thereto, without discrimination or preference;
THIRD: In case the Principal of the Securities of such series in respect of which monies have been collected shall have become and shall be then due and payable, to the payment of the whole amount then owing and unpaid upon all the Securities of such series for Principal and interest, with interest upon the overdue Principal, and (to the extent that such interest has been collected by the Trustee) upon overdue installments of interest at the same rate as the rate of interest or Yield to Maturity (in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities) specified in the Securities of such series; and in case such monies shall be insufficient to pay in full the whole amount so due and unpaid upon the Securities of such series, then to the payment of such Principal and interest or yield to maturity, without preference or priority of Principal over interest or yield to maturity, or of interest or yield to maturity over Principal, or of any installment of interest over any other installment of interest, or of any Security of such series over any other Security of such series, ratably to the aggregate of such Principal and accrued and unpaid interest or yield to maturity; and
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FOURTH: To the payment of the remainder, if any, to the Issuer or any other person lawfully entitled thereto.
Section 4.04 Suits for Enforcement. In case an Event of Default has occurred, has not been waived and is continuing, the Trustee may proceed to protect and enforce the rights vested in it by this Indenture, either at law or in equity or in bankruptcy or otherwise, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement contained in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted in this Indenture or to enforce any other legal or equitable right vested in the Trustee by this Indenture or by law.
Section 4.05 Restoration of Rights on Abandonment of Proceedings. In case the Trustee shall have proceeded to enforce any right under this Indenture and such proceedings shall have been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or shall have been determined adversely to the Trustee, then and in every such case the Issuer and the Trustee shall be restored respectively to their former positions and rights hereunder, and all rights, remedies and powers of the Issuer, the Trustee and the Securityholders shall continue as though no such proceedings had been taken.
Section 4.06 Limitations on Suits by Securityholder. No Holder of any Security of any series shall have any right by virtue or by availing of any provision of this Indenture to institute any action or proceeding at law or in equity or in bankruptcy or otherwise upon or under or with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official or for any other remedy hereunder, unless such Holder previously shall have given to the Trustee written notice of an Event of Default and of the continuance thereof, as hereinbefore provided, and unless also the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate Principal amount of the Securities of such series then outstanding shall have made written request upon the Trustee to institute such action or proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as trustee hereunder and shall have offered to the Trustee indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred therein or thereby and the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity shall have failed to institute any such action or proceeding and no direction inconsistent with such written request shall have been given to the Trustee pursuant to Section 4.09; it being understood and intended, and being expressly covenanted by the Holder of every Security with every other Holder and the Trustee, that no one or more Holders of Securities of any series shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue or by availing of any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other such Holder of Securities, or to obtain or seek to obtain priority over or preference to any other such Holder or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal, ratable and common benefit of all Holders of Securities of the applicable series. For the protection and enforcement of the provisions of this Section, each and every Securityholder and the Trustee shall be entitled to such relief as can be given either at law or in equity.
Section 4.07 Unconditional Right of Securityholders to Institute Certain Suits. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture and any provision of any Security, the right of any Holder of any Security to receive payment of the Principal of or interest on such Security on or after the respective due dates expressed in such Security, or to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such Holder.
Section 4.08 Powers and Remedies Cumulative; Delay or Omission Not Waiver of Default. Except as provided in Section 4.06, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Securityholders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.
No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Securityholder to exercise any right or power accruing upon any Event of Default occurring and continuing as aforesaid shall impair any such right or power or shall be construed to be a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein; and, subject to Section 4.06, every power and remedy given by this Indenture or by law to the Trustee or to the Securityholders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as shall be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Securityholders.
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Section 4.09 Control by Securityholders. The Holders of a majority in aggregate Principal amount of the Securities of each series affected (with each series voting as a separate class) at the time outstanding shall have the right to direct the time, method, and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series by this Indenture; provided that such direction shall not be otherwise than in accordance with law and the provisions of this Indenture and provided further that (subject to the provisions of Section 5.01) the Trustee shall have the right to decline to follow any such direction if the Trustee, being advised by counsel, shall determine that the action or proceeding so directed may not lawfully be taken or if the Trustee in good faith by its board of directors, the executive committee, or a trust committee of directors or Responsible Officers of the Trustee shall determine that the action or proceedings so directed would subject the Trustee to personal liability or if the Trustee in good faith shall so determine that the actions or forbearances specified in or pursuant to such direction would be unduly prejudicial to the interests of Holders of the Securities of all series so affected not joining in the giving of said direction.
Nothing in this Indenture shall impair the right of the Trustee to take any action which is not inconsistent with such direction or directions by Securityholders.
Section 4.10 Waiver of Past Defaults. Prior to a declaration of the acceleration of the maturity of the Securities of any series as provided in Section 4.01, the Holders of a majority in aggregate Principal amount of the Securities of such series at the time Outstanding (each such series voting as a separate class) may on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities of such series waive an existing default or Event of Default, except a default in the payment of Principal of or interest on any Security as specified in clauses (a) or (b) of Section 4.01 or in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of each Holder affected as provided in Section 7.02. In the case of any such waiver, the Issuer, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities of each series affected shall be restored to their former positions and rights hereunder, respectively.
Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist and be deemed to have been cured and not to have occurred, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, and not to have occurred for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon.
Section 4.11 Trustee to Give Notice of Default, But May Withhold in Certain Circumstances. The Trustee shall give to the Securityholders of any series, as the names and addresses of such Holders appear on the registry books, notice by mail of all defaults known to Responsible Officers of the Trustee which have occurred with respect to such series, such notice to be transmitted within 90 days after the occurrence thereof, unless such defaults shall have been cured before the giving of such notice (the term “default” or “defaults” for the purposes of this section being hereby defined to mean any event or condition which is, or with notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default); provided that, except in the case of default in the payment of the Principal of or interest on any of the Securities of such series, the Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if and so long as the board of directors, the executive committee, or a trust committee of directors or trustees and/or Responsible Officers of the Trustee in good faith determines that the withholding of such notice is in the interests of the Securityholders of such series.
Section 4.12 Right of Court to Require Filing of Undertaking to Pay Costs. All parties to this Indenture agree, and each Holder of any Security by his acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court may in its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; provided that the provisions of this Section 4.12 shall not apply to (i) any suit instituted by the Trustee, (ii) any suit instituted by any Securityholder or group of Securityholders of any series holding in the aggregate more than 10% in aggregate Principal amount of the Securities of such series or (iii) any suit instituted by a Holder pursuant to Section 4.07.
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ARTICLE 5
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
Section 5.01 Duties and Responsibilities of the Trustee. With respect to the Holders of any series of Securities issued hereunder, the Trustee, prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of a particular series and after the curing or waiving of all Events of Default which may have occurred with respect to such series, undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture. In case an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of a series has occurred (which has not been cured or waived) the Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs.
(a) Prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of any series and after the curing or waiving of all such Events of Default with respect to such series which may have occurred:
(i) the duties and obligations of the Trustee with respect to the Securities of any Series shall be determined solely by the express provisions of this Indenture, and the Trustee shall not be liable except for the performance of such duties and obligations as are specifically set forth in this Indenture, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and
(ii) in the absence of bad faith on the part of the Trustee, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon any statements, certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture; but in the case of any such statements, certificates or opinions which by any provision hereof 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.
(b) No provision of this Indenture shall be construed to relieve the Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act or its own willful misconduct, except that:
(i) this subsection (b) shall not be construed to limit the effect of subsection (a) of this Section 5.01;
(ii) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer or Responsible Officers of the Trustee, unless it shall be proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; and
(iii) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of the Holders relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee, under this Indenture.
None of the provisions contained in this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur personal financial liability in the performance of any of its duties or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if there shall be reasonable ground for believing that the repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such liability is not reasonably assured to it.
The provisions of this Section 5.01 are in furtherance of and subject to Sections 315 and 316 of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.
Whether or not therein expressly provided, every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct of, affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Section 5.01.
Section 5.02 Certain Rights of the Trustee. In furtherance of and subject to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, and subject to Section 5.01:
(a) In the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, Officers’ Certificate or any other certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, coupon, security or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;
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(b) any request, direction, order or demand of the Issuer mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by an Officers’ Certificate (unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed); and any resolution of the Board of Directors may be evidenced to the Trustee by a copy thereof certified by the secretary or an assistant secretary of the Issuer;
(c) the Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection and any advice or Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken by it hereunder in good faith and in accordance with such advice or Opinion of Counsel;
(d) the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the trusts or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request, order or direction of any of the Securityholders pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture, unless such Securityholders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in connection with such request, order or direction;
(e) 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 the discretion, rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture;
(f) prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default hereunder and after the curing or waiving of all Events of Default, 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, consent, order, approval, appraisal, bond, debenture, note, coupon, security, or other paper or document unless requested in writing so to do by the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate Principal amount of the Securities of all series affected then outstanding; provided that, if the payment within a reasonable time to the Trustee of the costs, expenses or liabilities likely to be incurred by it in the making of such investigation is, in the opinion of the Trustee, not reasonably assured to the Trustee by the security afforded to it by the terms of this Indenture, the Trustee may require indemnity satisfactory to it against such expenses or liabilities as a condition to proceeding, and the reasonable expenses of every such investigation shall be paid by the Issuer or, if paid by the Trustee or any predecessor trustee, shall be repaid by the Issuer upon demand;
(g) the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys not regularly in its employ and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any such agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder;
(h) the Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken, suffered or omitted in good faith and believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion, rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture;
(i) the Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Securities and this Indenture;
(j) the rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and each agent, custodian and other Person employed to act hereunder; and
(k) the Trustee may request that the Issuer deliver an Officers’ 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 Officers’ Certificate may be signed by any person authorized to sign an Officers’ Certificate, including any person specified as so authorized in any such certificate previously delivered and not superseded.
Section 5.03 Trustee Not Responsible for Recitals, Disposition of Securities or Application of Proceeds Thereof. The recitals contained herein and in the Securities, except the Trustee’s certificates of authentication, shall be taken as the statements of the Issuer, and the Trustee assumes no responsibility for the correctness of the same. The Trustee makes no representation as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture or the Securities. The Trustee shall not be accountable for the use or application by the Issuer of any of the Securities or of the proceeds thereof.
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Section 5.04 Trustee and Agents May Hold Securities; Collections, etc. The Trustee or any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities with the same rights it would have if it were not the Trustee or such agent and may otherwise deal with the Issuer and receive, collect, hold and retain collections from the Issuer with the same rights it would have if it were not the Trustee or such agent.
Section 5.05 Monies Held by Trustee. All monies received by the Trustee in trust hereunder need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by mandatory provisions of law. Neither the Trustee nor any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee shall be under any liability for interest on any monies received by it hereunder.
Section 5.06 Compensation and Indemnification of Trustee and Its Prior Claim. The Issuer covenants and agrees to pay to the Trustee from time to time, and the Trustee shall be entitled to, such compensation as shall be agreed in writing from time to time by the Issuer and the Trustee (which shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust) and the Issuer covenants and agrees to pay or reimburse the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by or on behalf of it in accordance with any of the provisions of this Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its counsel and of all agents and other persons not regularly in its employ) except to the extent any such expense, disbursement or advance may arise from its negligence or bad faith. The Issuer also covenants and agrees to indemnify the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or expense arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of this Indenture or the trusts hereunder and the performance of its duties hereunder, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against or investigating any claim of liability (whether asserted by the Issuer, a Holder or any other Person) in the premises, except to the extent such loss, liability or expense is due to the negligence or bad faith of the Trustee or such predecessor Trustee. The obligations of the Issuer under this section to compensate and indemnify the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee and to pay or reimburse the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee for expenses, disbursements and advances shall constitute additional indebtedness hereunder and shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or the resignation or removal of the Trustee. Such additional indebtedness shall be a senior claim and lien to that of the Securities upon all property and funds held or collected by the Trustee as such, except funds held in trust for the benefit of the Holders of particular Securities, and the Securities are hereby subordinated to such senior claim. The parties agree that if the Trustee renders services following an Event of Default under Section 4.01(d) or 4.01(e), compensation for such services is intended to constitute administrative expense under any bankruptcy law.
Section 5.07 Right of Trustee to Rely on Officers’ Certificate, etc. Subject to Section 5.01 and 5.02, whenever in the administration of the trusts of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it necessary or desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking or suffering or omitting any action hereunder, such matter (unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of negligence or bad faith on the part of the Trustee, be deemed to be conclusively proved and established by an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee, and such certificate, in the absence of negligence or bad faith 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.
Section 5.08 Persons Eligible for Appointment as Trustee. The Trustee for each series of Securities hereunder shall at all times be a corporation which is eligible in accordance with the provisions of Section 310(a) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and which has (or which is a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, of a bank holding company which has) a combined capital and surplus of $50,000,000. If such corporation or holding company publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of a Federal, State or District of Columbia supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such corporation or holding company shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published.
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Section 5.09 Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor Trustee. (a) The Trustee, or any trustee or trustees hereafter appointed, may at any time resign with respect to one or more or all series of Securities by giving written notice of resignation to the Issuer. Upon receiving such notice of resignation, the Issuer shall promptly appoint a successor trustee or trustees with respect to the applicable series by written instrument in duplicate, executed by authority of the Board of Directors, one copy of which instrument shall be delivered to the resigning Trustee and one copy to the successor trustee or trustees. If no successor Trustee shall have been so appointed with respect to any series and have accepted appointment within 30 days after the mailing of such notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee may petition, at the expense of the Issuer, any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee, or any Securityholder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security or Securities of the applicable series for at least six months may, subject to the provisions of Section 4.12, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any such court for the appointment of a successor Trustee. Such court may thereupon, after such notice, if any, as it may deem proper and prescribe, appoint a successor Trustee.
(b) In case at any time any of the following shall occur:
(i) the Trustee shall fail to comply with the provisions of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 with respect to any series of Securities after written request therefor by the Issuer or by any Securityholder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security or Securities of such series for at least six months;
(ii) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of Section 310(a) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Issuer or by any Securityholder; or
(iii) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting with respect to any series of Securities, or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent, or a receiver or liquidator of the Trustee or of its property shall be appointed, or any public officer shall take charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation; then, in any such case, the Issuer may remove the Trustee with respect to the applicable series of Securities and appoint a successor trustee for such series by written instrument, in duplicate, executed by order of the Board of Directors of the Issuer, one copy of which instrument shall be delivered to the Trustee so removed and one copy to the successor Trustee, or, subject to Section 315(e) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, any Securityholder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security or Securities of such series for at least six months may on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor trustee with respect to such series. Such court may thereupon, after such notice, if any, as it may deem proper and prescribe, remove the Trustee and appoint a successor trustee.
(c) The Holders of a majority in aggregate Principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time outstanding may at any time remove the Trustee with respect to Securities of such series and appoint a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series by delivering to the Trustee so removed, to the successor Trustee so appointed and to the Issuer the evidence provided in Section 6.01 of the action in that regard taken by the Securityholders.
(d) Any resignation or removal of the Trustee with respect to any series and any appointment of a successor trustee with respect to such series pursuant to any of the provisions of this Section 5.09 shall become effective upon acceptance of appointment by the successor trustee as provided in Section 5.10.
Section 5.10 Acceptance of Appointment by Successor. Any successor Trustee appointed as provided in Section 5.09 shall execute and deliver to the Issuer and to its predecessor Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment hereunder, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the predecessor Trustee with respect to all or any applicable series shall become effective and such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all rights, powers, duties and obligations with respect to such series of its predecessor hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as Trustee for such series hereunder. On the written request of the Issuer or of the successor Trustee, upon payment of its charges then unpaid, the Trustee ceasing to act shall, subject to Section 5.06, pay over to the successor Trustee all monies at the time held by it hereunder and shall execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all such rights, powers, duties and obligations. Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the Issuer shall execute any and all instruments in writing for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor Trustee all such rights and powers. Any Trustee ceasing to act shall, nevertheless, retain a prior claim upon all property or funds held or collected by such Trustee to secure any amounts then due it pursuant to the provisions of Section 5.06.
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If a successor Trustee is appointed with respect to the Securities of one or more (but not all) series, the Issuer, the predecessor Trustee and each successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any applicable series shall execute and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto which shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the predecessor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series as to which the predecessor Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in the predecessor Trustee, and shall add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being understood that nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture shall constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same trust and that each such Trustee shall be Trustee of a trust or trusts under separate indentures.
Upon acceptance of appointment by any successor Trustee as provided in this Section 5.10, the Issuer shall mail notice thereof by first-class mail to the Holders of Securities of any series for which such successor Trustee is acting as Trustee at their last addresses as they shall appear in the Security register. If the acceptance of appointment is substantially contemporaneous with the resignation, then the notice called for by the preceding sentence may be combined with the notice called for by Section 5.09. If the Issuer fails to mail such notice within 10 days after acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee, the successor Trustee shall cause such notice to be mailed at the expense of the Issuer.
Section 5.11 Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business of Trustee. Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided that such corporation shall be eligible under the provisions of Section 5.08, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto, anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding.
In case at the time such successor to the Trustee shall succeed to the trusts created by this Indenture any of the Securities of any series shall have been authenticated but not delivered, any such successor to the 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 of any series 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 certificate shall have the full force which it is anywhere in the Securities of such series or in this Indenture provided that the certificate of the Trustee shall have; provided, that the right to adopt the certificate of authentication of any predecessor Trustee or to authenticate Securities of any series in the name of any predecessor Trustee shall apply only to its successor or successors by merger, conversion or consolidation.
Section 5.12 Reports to the Trustee. The Trustee shall transmit to Holders such reports concerning the Trustee and its actions under this Indenture as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the times and in the manner provided pursuant thereto. If required by Section 313(a) of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall, within sixty days after each May 15 following the date of the initial issuance of Securities under this Indenture deliver to Holders a brief report, dated as of such May 15, which complies with the provisions of such Section 313(a).
A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to Holders, be filed by the Trustee with each stock exchange, if any, upon which the Securities are listed, with the Commission and with the Issuer. The Issuer will promptly notify the Trustee when the Securities are listed on any stock exchange and of any delisting thereof.
ARTICLE 6
CONCERNING THE SECURITYHOLDERS
Section 6.01 Evidence of Action Taken by Securityholders. Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given or taken by a specified percentage in Principal amount of the Securityholders of any or all series may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such specified percentage of Securityholders in person or by agent duly appointed in writing; and, except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered to the Trustee. Proof of execution of any instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and (subject to Section 5.01 and 5.02) conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Issuer, if made in the manner provided in this Article.
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Section 6.02 Proof of Execution of Instruments and of Holding of Securities; Record Date. Subject to Section 5.01 and 5.02, the execution of any instrument by a Securityholder or his agent or proxy may be proved by the certificate of any notary public or other officer authorized to take acknowledgment of deeds, that the Person executing such instrument acknowledged to such notary public or other such officer the execution thereof, or by an affidavit of a witness to such execution sworn to before any such notary public or other officer. Where such execution is by an officer of a corporation or association or a member of a partnership on behalf of such corporation, association or partnership, as the case may be, or by any other Person acting in a representative capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof of such Person’s authority. The holding of Securities shall be proved by the Security register or by a certificate of the registrar thereof. The Issuer may set a record date for purposes of determining the identity of Holders of Securities of any series entitled to vote or consent to any action referred to in Section 6.01, which record date may be set at any time or from time to time by notice to the Trustee, for any date or dates (in the case of any adjournment or reconsideration) not more than 60 days nor less than five days prior to the proposed date of such vote or consent, and thereafter, notwithstanding any other provisions hereof, only Holders of Securities of such series of record on such record date shall be entitled to so vote or give such consent or revoke such vote or consent.
Section 6.03 Holders to be Treated as Owners. Prior to due presentment of a Security for registration of transfer, the Issuer, the Trustee and any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee may deem and treat the person in whose name any Security shall be registered upon the Security register for such series 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 the purpose of receiving payment of or on account of the Principal of and, subject to the provisions of this Indenture, interest on such Security and for all other purposes, and neither the Issuer nor the Trustee nor any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee shall be affected by any notice to the contrary. All such payments so made to any such person, or upon his order, shall be valid, and, to the extent of the sum or sums so paid, effectual to satisfy and discharge the liability for monies payable upon any such Security.
Section 6.04 Securities Owned by Issuer Deemed Not Outstanding. In determining whether the Holders of the requisite aggregate Principal amount of Outstanding Securities of any or all series have concurred in any direction, consent or waiver under this Indenture, Securities which are owned by the Issuer or any other obligor on the Securities with respect to which such determination is being made or by any person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Issuer or any other obligor on the Securities with respect to which such determination is being made shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding for the purpose of any such determination, except that for the purpose of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such direction, consent or waiver only Securities as to which the Trustee has received written notice are so owned shall be so disregarded. Securities so owned which have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee’s right so to act with respect to such Securities and that the pledgee is not the Issuer or any other obligor upon the Securities or any person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Issuer or any other obligor on the Securities. In case of a dispute as to such right, the advice of counsel shall be full protection in respect of any decision made by the Trustee in accordance with such advice. Upon request of the Trustee, the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee promptly an Officers’ Certificate listing and identifying all Securities, if any, known by the Issuer to be owned or held by or for the account of any of the above-described persons; and, subject to Section 5.01 and 5.02, the Trustee shall be entitled to accept such Officers’ Certificate as conclusive evidence of the facts therein set forth and of the fact that all Securities not listed therein are Outstanding for the purpose of any such determination.
Section 6.05 Right of Revocation of Action Taken. At any time prior to (but not after) the evidencing to the Trustee, as provided in Section 6.01, of the taking of any action by the Holders of the percentage in aggregate Principal amount of the Securities of any or all series, as the case may be, specified in this Indenture in connection with such action, any Holder of a Security the serial number of which is shown by the evidence to be included among the serial numbers of the Securities the Holders of which have consented to such action may, by filing written notice at the Corporate Trust Office and upon proof of holding as provided in this Article, revoke such action so far as concerns such Security. Except as aforesaid any such action taken by the Holder of any Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders and owners of such Security and of any Securities issued in exchange or substitution therefor, irrespective of whether or not any notation in regard thereto is made upon any such Security. Any action taken by the Holders of the percentage in aggregate Principal amount of the Securities of any or all series, as the case may be, specified in this Indenture in connection with such action shall be conclusively binding upon the Issuer, the Trustee and the Holders of all the Securities affected by such action.
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ARTICLE 7
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
Section 7.01 Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Securityholders. The Issuer, when authorized by a resolution of its Board of Directors certified to the Trustee, and the Trustee may from time to time and at any time enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for one or more of the following purposes:
(a) to evidence the succession of another corporation to the Issuer, or successive successions, and the assumption by the successor corporation of the covenants, agreements and obligations of the Issuer pursuant to Article 8;
(b) (i) to cure any ambiguity or to correct or supplement any provision contained herein or in any supplemental indenture which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision contained herein or in any supplemental indenture, (ii) to conform the terms of Securities to the description thereof in the prospectus and prospectus supplement (or similar offering document) offering such Securities or (iii) to make such other provisions in regard to matters or questions arising under this Indenture or under any supplemental indenture as the Board of Directors may deem necessary or desirable and which shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of the Securities in any material respect;
(c) to establish the form or terms of Securities of any series as permitted by Section 2.01 and 2.03;
(d) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series and to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one trustee, pursuant to the requirements of Section 5.10;
(e) to comply with any requirements of the Commission in connection with the qualification of this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939;
(f) to provide for uncertificated or Unregistered Securities and to make all appropriate changes for such purpose;
(g) to make any change that would not reasonably be expected to adversely affect the rights of any Holder in any material respect;
(h) to add to the covenants of the Issuer such new covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions as its Board of Directors shall consider to be for the protection of the Holders of Securities, and with respect to which the Trustee has received an Opinion of Counsel to a similar effect, and to make the occurrence, or the occurrence and continuance, of a default in any such additional covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions an Event of Default; provided, that in respect of any such additional covenant, restriction, condition or provision such supplemental indenture may provide for a particular period of grace after default (which period may be shorter or longer than that allowed in the case of other defaults) or may provide for an immediate enforcement upon such an Event of Default or may limit the remedies available to the Trustee upon such an Event of Default or may limit the right of the Holders of a majority in aggregate Principal amount of the Securities of such series to waive such an Event of Default; or
(i) to make any change so long as no Securities are Outstanding.
The Trustee is hereby authorized to join with the Issuer in the execution of any such supplemental indenture, to make any further appropriate agreements and stipulations which may be therein contained and to accept the conveyance, transfer, assignment, mortgage or pledge of any property thereunder, but the Trustee shall not be obligated to enter into any such supplemental indenture which affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.
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Any supplemental indenture authorized by the provisions of this section may be executed without the consent of the Holders of any of the Securities at the time outstanding, notwithstanding any of the provisions of Section 7.02.
Section 7.02 Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Securityholders. With the consent (evidenced as provided in Article 6) of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate Principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding of all series affected by such supplemental indenture (voting as one class), the Issuer, when authorized by a resolution of its Board of Directors, 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 of the provisions of this Indenture or of any supplemental indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each such series; provided, that no such supplemental indenture shall without the consent of each Holder affected thereby:
(a) change the stated maturity of the Principal of, or the time of payment of any installment of interest on, such Holder’s Security;
(b) reduce the Principal thereof or the rate of interest thereon, or any premium payable with respect thereto;
(c) change any place of payment where, or the currency in which, any Security or any premium or the interest thereon is payable;
(d) change the provisions for calculating any redemption or repurchase price, including the definitions relating thereto;
(e) make any change to Section 4.07 or Section 4.10 (except to include other provisions subject to Section 4.10);
(f) reduce the percentage in Principal amount of outstanding Securities of the relevant series the consent of whose Holders is required for any such supplemental indenture, for any waiver of compliance with any provisions of this Indenture or any defaults and their consequences provided for in this Indenture;
(g) alter or impair the right to convert any Security at the rate and upon the terms provided in Article 12;
(h) waive a default in the payment of Principal of or interest on any Security of such Holder (except pursuant to a rescission of acceleration pursuant to Section 4.01);
(i) adversely affect the rights of such Holder under any mandatory redemption or repurchase provision or any right of redemption or repurchase at the option of such Holder;
(j) modify any of the provisions of this Section 7.02, 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; or
(k) change or waive any provision that, pursuant to a board resolution or indenture supplemental hereto establishing the terms of one or more series of Securities, is prohibited to be so changed or waived.
Upon the written request of the Issuer, accompanied by a copy of a resolution of the Board of Directors certified by the secretary or an assistant secretary of the Issuer authorizing the execution of any such supplemental indenture, and upon the filing with the Trustee of evidence of the consent of Securityholders as aforesaid and other documents, if any, required by Section 6.01, the Trustee shall join with the Issuer in the execution of such supplemental indenture unless such supplemental indenture affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise, in which case the Trustee may in its discretion, but shall not be obligated to, enter into such supplemental indenture.
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It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Securityholders under this section to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such consent shall approve the substance thereof.
Promptly after the execution by the Issuer and the Trustee of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Section, the Issuer shall mail a notice thereof by first class mail to the Holders of Securities of each series affected thereby at their addresses as they shall appear on the registry books of the Issuer, setting forth in general terms the substance of such supplemental indenture. Any failure of the Issuer 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 7.03 Effect of Supplemental Indenture. Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions hereof, this Indenture shall be and be deemed to be modified and amended in accordance therewith and the respective rights, limitations of rights, obligations, duties and immunities under this Indenture of the Trustee, the Issuer and the Holders of Securities of each series affected thereby 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 7.04 Documents to Be Given to Trustee. The Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 5.01 and 5.02, may receive an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel as conclusive evidence that any supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article 7 complies with the applicable provisions of this Indenture.
Section 7.05 Notation on Securities in Respect of Supplemental Indentures. 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 form approved by the Trustee for such series as to any matter provided for by such supplemental indenture or as to any action taken at any such meeting. If the Issuer or the Trustee shall so determine, new Securities of any series so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Trustee and the Board of Directors, to any modification of this Indenture contained in any such supplemental indenture may be prepared by the Issuer, authenticated by the Trustee and delivered in exchange for the Securities of such series then outstanding.
ARTICLE 8
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE OR CONVEYANCE
Section 8.01 Issuer May Consolidate, etc., on Certain Terms. The Issuer covenants that it will not merge or consolidate with any other Person or sell, convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its property and assets to any Person (other than a consolidation with or merger with or into or a sale, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition to a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary with a positive net worth; provided that, in connection with any such merger of the Issuer with a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary, no consideration (other than common stock) in the surviving person or the Issuer shall be issued or distributed to the stockholders of the Issuer), unless (xiv) either (x) the Issuer shall be the continuing corporation, or the successor corporation or (y) the Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Issuer is merged or that acquires by sale or conveyance substantially all the assets of the Issuer (if other than the Issuer) shall be a corporation or limited liability company organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States of America or any jurisdiction thereof and shall expressly assume the due and punctual payment of the Principal of and interest on all the Securities, according to their tenor, and the due and punctual performance and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of this Indenture to be performed or observed by the Issuer, by supplemental indenture satisfactory to the Trustee, executed and delivered to the Trustee by such Person, (xv) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and (xvi) the Issuer delivers to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel, in each case stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indenture complies with this Section 8.01 and that all conditions precedent provided for herein relating to such transaction have been complied with; provided, however, that the foregoing limitations shall not apply if, in the good faith determination of the Board of Directors, whose determination shall be evidenced by a board resolution certified to the Trustee, the principal purpose of such transaction is to change the state of incorporation of the Issuer; and provided further that any such transaction shall not have as one of its purposes the evasion of the foregoing limitations.
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Section 8.02 Successor Corporation Substituted. In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition, and following such an assumption by the successor Person, such successor Person shall succeed to and be substituted for the Issuer, with the same effect as if it had been named herein. Such successor Person may cause to be signed, and may issue either in its own name or in the name of the Issuer prior to such succession any or all of the Securities issuable hereunder which theretofore shall not have been signed by the Issuer and delivered to the Trustee; and, upon the order of such successor Person instead of the Issuer and subject to all the terms, conditions and limitations in this Indenture prescribed, the Trustee, pursuant to the terms hereof, shall authenticate and shall deliver any Securities which previously shall have been signed and delivered by the officers of the Issuer to the Trustee for authentication, and any Securities which such successor Person thereafter shall cause to be signed and delivered to the Trustee for that purpose. All of the Securities so issued shall in all respects have the same legal rank and benefit under this Indenture as the Securities theretofore or thereafter issued in accordance with the terms of this Indenture as though all of such Securities had been issued at the date of the execution hereof.
In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition, such changes in phraseology and form (but not in substance) may be made in the Securities thereafter to be issued as may be appropriate.
Upon the assumption by the successor Person in the manner described in this Article, the Issuer shall be discharged from all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and the Securities.
ARTICLE 9
DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE
Section 9.01 Defeasance Within One Year of Payment. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 9.01, the Issuer may terminate its obligations under the Securities of any series and this Indenture with respect to Securities of such series if:
(a) all Securities of such series previously authenticated and delivered (other than destroyed, lost or wrongfully taken Securities of such series that have been replaced or Securities of such series for whose payment money or securities have theretofore been held in trust and thereafter repaid to the Issuer, as provided in Section 9.05) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation and the Issuer has paid all sums payable by it hereunder; or
(b) (xviii) (A) the Securities of such series mature within one year or all of them are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for giving the notice of redemption, (B) the Issuer irrevocably deposits in trust with the Trustee, as trust funds solely for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities for that purpose, money or U.S. Government Obligations or a combination thereof sufficient (unless such funds consist solely of money, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee), without consideration of any reinvestment and after payment of all Federal, state and local taxes or other charges and assessments in respect thereof payable by the Trustee, to pay Principal of and interest on the Securities of such series to maturity or redemption, as the case may be, and to pay all other sums payable by it hereunder and (C) the Issuer delivers to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, in each case stating that all conditions precedent provided for herein relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to the Securities of such series have been complied with.
With respect to the foregoing clause (i), only the Issuer’s obligations under Sections 5.06 and 9.05 in respect of the Securities of such series shall survive. With respect to the foregoing clause (ii), only the Issuer’s obligations in Section 2.03 through 2.11, 3.02, 5.06, 5.09 and 9.05 in respect of the Securities of such series shall survive until such Securities of such series are no longer outstanding. Thereafter, only the Issuer’s obligations in Section 5.06 and 9.05 in respect of the Securities of such series shall survive. After any such irrevocable deposit, the Trustee shall acknowledge in writing the discharge of the Issuer’s obligations under the Securities of such series and this Indenture with respect to the Securities of such series except for those surviving obligations specified above.
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Section 9.02 Defeasance. Except as provided below, the Issuer will be deemed to have paid and will be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the Securities of any series and the provisions of this Indenture will no longer be in effect with respect to the Securities of such series (and the Trustee, at the expense of the Issuer, shall execute instruments in form and substance satisfactory to the Issuer and the Trustee acknowledging the same) if the following conditions shall have been satisfied:
(a) the Issuer has irrevocably deposited in trust with the Trustee as trust funds specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, Holders of the Securities of such series, for payment of the Principal of and interest on the Securities of such series, money or U.S. Government Obligations or a combination thereof sufficient (unless such funds consist solely of money, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee) without consideration of any reinvestment and after payment of all federal, state and local taxes or other charges and assessments in respect thereof payable by the Trustee, to pay and discharge the Principal of and accrued interest on the outstanding Securities of such series to maturity or earlier redemption (irrevocably provided for under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee), as the case may be;
(b) such deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, this Indenture or any other material agreement or instrument to which the Issuer is a party or by which it is bound;
(c) no default or Event of Default with respect to the Securities of such series shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit;
(d) the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee (1) either (x) a ruling directed to the Trustee received from the Internal Revenue Service to the effect that the Holders of the Securities of such series will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of the Issuer’s exercise of its option under this Section 9.02 and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and defeasance had not occurred or (y) an Opinion of Counsel to the same effect as the ruling described in clause (x) above and based upon a change in law and (2) an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Holders of the Securities of such series have a valid security interest in the trust funds subject to no prior liens under the UCC; and
(e) the Issuer has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, in each case stating that all conditions precedent provided for herein relating to the defeasance contemplated by this Section 9.02 of the Securities of such series have been complied with.
The Issuer’s obligations in Section 2.03 through 2.11, 3.02, 5.06, 5.09 and 9.05 with respect to the Securities of such series shall survive until such Securities are no longer outstanding. Thereafter, only the Issuer’s obligations in Section 5.06 and 9.05 shall survive.
Section 9.03 Covenant Defeasance. The Issuer may omit to comply with any term, provision or condition set forth in Section 3.04, 3.06 or 3.08 (or any other specific covenant relating to the Securities of any series provided for in a Board Resolution or supplemental indenture pursuant to Section 2.03 which may by its terms be defeased pursuant to this Section 9.03), and such omission shall be deemed not to be an Event of Default under clause (c) of Section 4.01, with respect to the outstanding Securities of such series if:
(a) the Issuer has irrevocably deposited in trust with the Trustee as trust funds solely for the benefit of the Holders of the Securities of such series, for payment of the Principal of and interest, if any, on the Securities of such series, money or U.S. Government Obligations or a combination thereof in an amount sufficient (unless such funds consist solely of money, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee) without consideration of any reinvestment and after payment of all Federal, state and local taxes or other charges and assessments in respect thereof payable by the Trustee, to pay and discharge the Principal of and interest on the outstanding Securities of such series to maturity or earlier redemption (irrevocably provided for under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee), as the case may be;
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(b) such deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, this Indenture or any other material agreement or instrument to which the Issuer is a party or by which it is bound;
(c) no default or Event of Default with respect to the Securities of such series shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit;
(d) the Issuer has delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that (A) the Holders of the Securities of such series have a valid security interest in the trust funds subject to no prior liens under the UCC and (B) such Holders will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and covenant defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and defeasance had not occurred; and
(e) the Issuer has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, in each case stating that all conditions precedent provided for herein relating to the covenant defeasance contemplated by this Section 9.03 of the Securities of such series have been complied with.
Section 9.04 Application of Trust Money. Subject to Section 9.05, the Trustee or Paying Agent shall hold in trust money or U.S. Government Obligations deposited with it pursuant to 9.01, 9.02, or 9.03, as the case may be, in respect of the Securities of any series and shall apply the deposited money and the proceeds from deposited U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with the Securities of such series and this Indenture to the payment of Principal of and interest on the Securities of such series; provided that such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. The Issuer shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the U.S. Government Obligations deposited pursuant to 9.01, 9.02, or 9.03, as the case may be, or the Principal and interest received in respect thereof, other than any such tax, fee or other charge that by law is for the account of the Holders.
Section 9.05 Repayment to Issuer. Subject to Section 5.06, 9.01, the Trustee and the Paying Agent shall promptly pay to the Issuer upon request set forth in an Officers’ Certificate any money held by them at any time and not required to make payments hereunder and thereupon shall be relieved from all liability with respect to such money. Subject to applicable escheat or abandoned property laws, the Trustee and the Paying Agent shall pay to the Issuer upon written request any money held by them and required to make payments hereunder under this Indenture that remains unclaimed for two years; provided that the Trustee or such Paying Agent before being required to make any payment shall cause to be published at the expense of the Issuer once in an Authorized Newspaper or mail to each Holder entitled to such money at such Holder’s address (as set forth in the register) notice that such money remains unclaimed and that after a date specified therein (which shall be at least 30 days from the date of such publication or mailing) any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining will be repaid to the Issuer. After payment to the Issuer, Holders entitled to such money must look to the Issuer for payment as general creditors unless an abandoned property law designates another Person, and all liability of the Trustee and such Paying Agent with respect to such money shall cease.
ARTICLE 10
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Section 10.01 Incorporators, Stockholders, Officers and Directors Exempt from Individual Liability. No recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement contained in this Indenture or in any Security, or because of any indebtedness evidenced thereby, shall be had against any incorporator, as such, or against any past, present or future stockholder, officer, director or employee, as such, of the Issuer or of any successor Person thereof, either directly or through the Issuer or any successor Person thereof, under any rule of law, statute or constitutional provision or by the enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding or otherwise, all such liability being expressly waived and released by the acceptance of the Securities by the Holders thereof and as part of the consideration for the issue of the Securities.
Section 10.02 Provisions of Indenture for the Sole Benefit of Parties and Securityholders. Nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities, expressed or implied, shall give or be construed to give to any person, firm or corporation, other than the parties hereto and their successors and the Holders of the Securities, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture or under any covenant or provision herein contained, all such covenants and provisions being for the sole benefit of the parties hereto and their successors and of the Holders of the Securities.
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Section 10.03 Successors and Assigns of Issuer Bound by Indenture. All the covenants, stipulations, promises and agreements contained in this Indenture by or on behalf of the Issuer shall bind its successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.
Section 10.04 Notices and Demands on Issuer, Trustee and Securityholders. Any notice or demand which by any provision of this Indenture is required or permitted to be given or served by the Trustee or by the Holders of Securities to or on the Issuer may be given or served by being deposited postage prepaid, first-class mail (except as otherwise specifically provided herein) addressed (until another address of the Issuer is filed by the Issuer with the Trustee) to Aptera Motors Corp. at 5818 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, California 92008, Attention: Chief Financial Officer. Any notice, direction, request or demand by the Issuer or any Securityholder to or upon the Trustee shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given or made, for all purposes, if given or made at the Corporate Trust Office.
Where this Indenture provides for notice to Holders, such notice shall be sufficiently given (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder entitled thereto, at such Holder’s last address as it appears in the Security register. In any case where notice to Holders is given by mail, neither the failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any notice so mailed, to any particular Holder shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders. Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Holders shall be filed with the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.
In case, by reason of the suspension of or irregularities in regular mail service, it shall be impracticable to mail notice to the Issuer and Securityholders when such notice is required to be given pursuant to any provision of this Indenture, then any manner of giving such notice as shall be satisfactory to the Trustee shall be deemed to be a sufficient giving of such notice.
Section 10.05 Officers’ Certificates and Opinions of Counsel; Statements to be Contained Therein. Upon any application or demand by the Issuer to the Trustee to take any action under any of the provisions of this Indenture, the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that all conditions precedent 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 documents is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture relating to such particular application or demand, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.
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 shall include (a) a statement that the person making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition, (b) 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, (c) a statement that, in the opinion of such person, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with and (d) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such person, such condition or covenant has been complied with.
Any certificate, statement or opinion of an officer of the Issuer may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or opinion of or representations by counsel, unless such officer knows that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to the matters upon which his certificate, statement or opinion may be based as aforesaid are erroneous, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know that the same are erroneous. Any certificate, statement or opinion of counsel may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, information with respect to which is in the possession of the Issuer, upon the certificate, statement or opinion of or representations by an officer or officers of the Issuer, unless such counsel knows that the certificate, statement or opinion or representations with respect to the matters upon which his certificate, statement or opinion may be based as aforesaid are erroneous, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know that the same are erroneous.
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Any certificate, statement or opinion of an officer of the Issuer or of counsel 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 in the employ of the Issuer, unless such officer or counsel, as the case may be, knows that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to the accounting matters upon which his certificate, statement or opinion may be based as aforesaid are erroneous, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know that the same are erroneous.
Any certificate or opinion of any independent firm of public accountants filed with the Trustee shall contain a statement that such firm is independent.
Section 10.06 Payments Due on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays. If the date of maturity of interest on or Principal of the Securities of any series or the date fixed for redemption or repayment of any such Security shall not be a Business Day, then payment of interest or Principal need not be made on such date, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if made on the date of maturity or the date fixed for redemption, and no interest shall accrue for the period after such date.
Section 10.07 Conflict of Any Provision of Indenture with Trust Indenture Act of 1939. If and to the extent that any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with another provision incorporated in this Indenture by operation of Sections 310 to 317, inclusive, of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, such incorporated provision shall control.
Section 10.08 New York Law to Govern. This Indenture and each Security shall be deemed to be a contract under the laws of the State of New York, and for all purposes shall be construed in accordance with the laws of such State.
Section 10.09 Counterparts. This Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original; but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
Section 10.10 Effect of Headings. The Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.
ARTICLE 11
REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES
Section 11.01 Applicability of Article. The provisions of this Article shall be applicable to the Securities of any series which are redeemable before their maturity except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.03 for Securities of such series.
Section 11.02 Notice of Redemption; Partial Redemptions. Notice of redemption to the Holders of Securities of any series to be redeemed as a whole or in part at the option of the Issuer shall be given by mailing notice of such redemption by first class mail, postage prepaid, at least 30 days and not more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption to such Holders of Securities of such series at their last addresses as they shall appear upon the registry books. Any notice which is mailed in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or not the Holder receives the notice. Failure to give notice by mail, or any defect in the notice to the Holder of any Security of a series designated for redemption as a whole or in part shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other Security of such series.
The notice of redemption to each such Holder shall specify the CUSIP numbers of such Securities to be redeemed, the Principal amount of each Security of such series held by such Holder to be redeemed, the date fixed for redemption, the redemption price, the place or places of payment, that payment will be made upon presentation and surrender of such Securities, that interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption will be paid as specified in such notice and that on and after said date interest thereon or on the portions thereof to be redeemed will cease to accrue. In case any Security of a series is to be redeemed in part only the notice of redemption shall state the portion of the Principal amount thereof to be redeemed, the method the Trustee shall use to determine such Securities to be redeemed as specified in the last paragraph of this Section 11.02, if applicable, and shall state that on and after the date fixed for redemption, upon surrender of such Security, a new Security or Securities of such series in Principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued.
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The notice of redemption of Securities of any series to be redeemed at the option of the Issuer shall be given by the Issuer or, at the Issuer’s written request, by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Issuer.
By 11:00 a.m. (New York City time) on the redemption date specified in the notice of redemption given as provided in this Section, the Issuer will deposit with the Trustee or with one or more paying agents (or, if the Issuer is acting as its own paying agent, set aside, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 3.03) an amount of money sufficient to redeem on the redemption date all the Securities of such series so called for redemption at the appropriate redemption price, together with accrued interest to the date fixed for redemption. If less than all the outstanding Securities of a series are to be redeemed, the Issuer will deliver to the Trustee at least 70 days (unless a shorter period shall be satisfactory to the Trustee) prior to the date fixed for redemption an Officers’ Certificate stating the aggregate Principal amount of Securities to be redeemed.
In the case of the redemption of all of the Securities of a series outstanding, the Issuer shall notify the Trustee in writing of the redemption date 45 days (unless a shorter period shall be satisfactory to the Trustee) prior to the redemption date.
If less than all the Securities of a series are to be redeemed, the Trustee shall select, pro rata or by lot or in such manner as it shall deem appropriate and fair, Securities of such series to be redeemed in whole or in part. Securities of a series may be redeemed in part in multiples equal to the minimum authorized denomination for Securities of such series or any multiple thereof. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Issuer in writing of the Securities of such series selected for redemption and, in the case of any Securities of such series selected for partial redemption, the Principal amount thereof to be redeemed. For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Securities of any series 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 which has been or is to be redeemed.
Section 11.03 Payment of Securities Called for Redemption. If notice of redemption has been given as above provided, the Securities or portions of Securities specified in such notice shall become due and payable on the date and at the place stated in such notice at the applicable redemption price, together with interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption, and on and after said date (unless the Issuer shall default in the payment of such Securities at the redemption price, together with interest accrued to said date) interest on the Securities or portions of Securities so called for redemption shall cease to accrue and, except as provided in Section 5.05 and 9.04, such Securities shall cease from and after the date fixed for redemption to be entitled to any benefit or security under this Indenture, and the Holders thereof shall have no right in respect of such Securities except the right to receive the redemption price thereof and unpaid interest to the date fixed for redemption. On presentation and surrender of such Securities at a place of payment specified in said notice, said Securities or the specified portions thereof shall be paid and redeemed by the Issuer at the applicable redemption price, together with interest accrued thereon to the date fixed for redemption; provided that any semiannual payment of interest becoming due on the date fixed for redemption shall be payable to the Holders of such Securities registered as such on the relevant record date subject to the terms and provisions of Section 2.07 hereof.
If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender thereof for redemption, the Principal shall, until paid or duly provided for, bear interest from the date fixed for redemption at the rate of interest or Yield to Maturity (in the case of an Original Issue Discount Security) borne by the Security.
Upon presentation of any Security redeemed in part only, the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to or on the order of the Holder thereof, at the expense of the Issuer, a new Security or Securities of such series, of authorized denominations, in Principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the Security so presented, pursuant to Section 2.04, 2.05 and 2.06.
Section 11.04 Exclusion of Certain Securities from Eligibility for Selection for Redemption. Securities shall be excluded from eligibility for selection for redemption if they are identified by registration and certificate number in a written statement signed by an authorized officer of the Issuer and delivered to the Trustee at least 40 days prior to the last date on which notice of redemption may be given as being owned of record and beneficially by, and not pledged or hypothecated by either (a) the Issuer or (b) an entity specifically identified in such written statement directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Issuer.
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Section 11.05 Conversion Arrangement On Call For Redemption. In connection with any redemption of Securities, the Issuer shall deposit the amount due in connection with such redemption as required by Section 11.02 or it may arrange for the purchase and conversion of any Securities called for redemption by an agreement with one or more investment bankers or other purchasers to purchase such Securities and to make the deposit required of it by Section 11.02 on its behalf by paying to the Trustee or the Paying Agent in trust for the Securityholders, on or before 10:00 a.m. New York time on the redemption date, an amount no less than the redemption price, together with interest, if any, accrued to the redemption date of such Securities, in immediately available funds. Notwithstanding anytime to the contrary contained in this Article 11, the obligation of the Issuer to pay the redemption price of such Securities, including all accrued interest, if any, shall be deemed to be satisfied and discharged to the extent such amount is so paid by such purchasers. If such an agreement is entered into, any Securities not duly surrendered for conversion by the Holders thereof may, at the option of the Issuer, be deemed, to the fullest extent permitted by law, acquired by such purchasers from such Holders and (notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Article 12) surrendered by such purchasers for conversion, all as of immediately prior to the close of business on the last day on which Securities of such series called for redemption may be converted in accordance with this Indenture and the terms of such Securities, subject to payment of the above amount aforesaid. The Trustee or the Paying Agent shall hold and pay to the Securityholders whose Securities are selected for redemption any such amount paid to it in the same manner as it would monies deposited with it by the Issuer for the redemption of Securities. Without the Trustee’s and the Paying Agent’s prior written consent, no arrangement between the Issuer and such purchasers for the purchase and conversion of any Securities shall increase or otherwise affect any of the powers, duties, responsibilities or obligations of the Trustee as set forth in this Indenture, and the Issuer agrees to indemnify the Trustee from, and hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or expense arising out of or in connection with any such arrangement for the purchase and conversion of any Securities between the Issuer and such purchasers, including the costs and expenses incurred by the Trustee and the Paying Agent in the defense of any claim or liability arising out of or in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers, duties, responsibilities or obligations under this Indenture.
ARTICLE 12
CONVERSION OF SECURITIES
Section 12.01 Applicability of Article. Securities of any series which are convertible into Capital Stock at the option of the Securityholder shall be convertible in accordance with their terms and (unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.03 for Securities of any series) in accordance with this Article. Each reference in this Article 12 to “a Security” or “the Securities” refers to the Securities of the particular series that is convertible into Capital Stock. Each reference in this Article to “Capital Stock” into which Securities of any series are convertible refers to the class of Capital Stock into which the Securities of such series are convertible in accordance with their terms (as specified as contemplated by Section 2.03). If more than one series of Securities with conversion privileges are outstanding at any time, the provisions of this Article 12 shall be applied separately to each such series.
Section 12.02 Right of Securityholders to Convert Securities. Subject to and upon compliance with the terms of the Securities and the provisions of Section 11.05 and this Article 12, at the option of the Holder thereof, any Security of any series of any authorized denomination, or any portion of the Principal amount thereof which is $1,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000, may, at any time during the period specified in the Securities of such series, or in case such Security or portion thereof shall have been called for redemption, then in respect of such Security or portion thereof until and including, but not after (unless the Issuer shall default in payment due upon the redemption thereof) the close of business on the Business Day prior to the date fixed for redemption except that in the case of redemption at the option of the Securityholder, if specified in the terms of such Securities, such right shall terminate upon receipt of written notice of the exercise of such option, be converted into duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable shares of Capital Stock, as specified in such Security, at the conversion rate for each $1,000 Principal amount of Securities (such initial conversion rate reflecting an initial conversion price specified in such Security) in effect on the conversion date, or, in case an adjustment in the conversion rate has taken place pursuant to the provisions of Section 12.05, then at the applicable conversion rate as so adjusted, upon surrender of the Security or Securities, the Principal amount of which is so to be converted, to the Issuer at any time during usual business hours at the office or agency to be maintained by it in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.02, accompanied by a written notice of election to convert as provided in Section 12.03 and, if so required by the Issuer and the Trustee, by a written instrument or instruments of transfer in form satisfactory to the Issuer and the Trustee duly executed by the registered Holder or his attorney duly authorized in writing. All Securities surrendered for conversion shall, if surrendered to the Issuer or any conversion agent, be delivered to the Trustee for cancellation and cancelled by it, or shall, if surrendered to the Trustee, be cancelled by it, as provided in Section 2.10.
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The initial conversion price or conversion rate in respect of a series of Securities shall be as specified in the Securities of such series. The conversion price or conversion rate will be subject to adjustment on the terms set forth in Section 12.05 or such other or different terms, if any, as may be specified by Section 2.03 for Securities of such series. Provisions of this Indenture that apply to conversion of all of a Security also apply to conversion of a portion of it.
Section 12.03 Issuance of Shares of Capital Stock on Conversion. As promptly as practicable after the surrender, as herein provided, of any Security or Securities for conversion, the Issuer shall deliver or cause to be delivered at its said office or agency to or upon the written order of the Holder of the Security or Securities so surrendered a certificate or certificates representing the number of duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable shares of Capital Stock into which such Security or Securities may be converted in accordance with the terms thereof and the provisions of this Article 12. Prior to delivery of such certificate or certificates, the Issuer shall require a written notice at its said office or agency from the Holder of the Security or Securities so surrendered stating that the Holder irrevocably elects to convert such Security or Securities, or, if less than the entire Principal amount thereof is to be converted, stating the portion thereof to be converted. Such notice shall also state the name or names (with address and social security or other taxpayer identification number) in which said certificate or certificates are to be issued. Such conversion shall be deemed to have been made at the time that such Security or Securities shall have been surrendered for conversion and such notice shall have been received by the Issuer or the Trustee, the rights of the Holder of such Security or Securities as a Securityholder shall cease at such time, the person or persons entitled to receive the shares of Capital Stock upon conversion of such Security or Securities shall be treated for all purposes as having become the record holder or holders of such shares of Capital Stock at such time and such conversion shall be at the conversion rate in effect at such time. In the case of any Security of any series which is converted in part only, upon such conversion, the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder thereof, as requested by such Holder, a new Security or Securities of such series of authorized denominations in aggregate Principal amount equal to the unconverted portion of such Security.
If the last day on which a Security may be converted is not a Business Day in a place where a conversion agent is located, the Security may be surrendered to that conversion agent on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day.
The Issuer will not be required to deliver certificates for shares of Capital Stock upon conversion while its stock transfer books are closed for a meeting of shareholders or for the payment of dividends or for any other purpose, but certificates for shares of Capital Stock shall be delivered as soon as the stock transfer books shall again be opened.
Section 12.04 No Payment or Adjustment for Interest or Dividends. Unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.03 for Securities of such series, Securities surrendered for conversion during the period from the close of business on any regular record date (or special record date for payment of defaulted interest) next preceding any interest payment date to the opening of business on such interest payment date (except Securities called for redemption on a redemption date within such period) when surrendered for conversion must be accompanied by payment of an amount equal to the interest thereon which the registered Holder is to receive on such interest payment date. Payment of interest shall be made, as of such interest payment date or such date, as the case may be, to the Holder of record of the Securities as of such regular, or special record date, as applicable. Except where Securities surrendered for conversion must be accompanied by payment as described above, no interest on converted Securities will be payable by the Issuer on any interest payment date subsequent to the date of conversion. No other payment or adjustment for interest or dividends is to be made upon conversion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon conversion of any Original Issue Discount Security, the fixed number of shares of Capital Stock into which such Security is convertible delivered by the Issuer to the Holder thereof shall be applied, first, to pay the accrued original issue discount attributable to the period from the date of issuance to the date of conversion of such Security, and, second, to pay the balance of the Principal amount of such Security.
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Section 12.05 Adjustment of Conversion Rate. Unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.03 for Securities of such series, the conversion rate for Securities in effect at any time shall be subject to adjustment as follows:
(a) In case the Issuer shall (i) declare a dividend or make a distribution on the class of Capital Stock into which Securities of such series are convertible in shares of its Capital Stock, (ii) subdivide the outstanding shares of the class of Capital Stock into which Securities of such series are convertible into a greater number of shares, (iii) combine the outstanding shares of the class of Capital Stock into which Securities of such series are convertible into a smaller number of shares or (iv) issue by reclassification of the shares of the class of Capital Stock into which Securities of such series are convertible (including any such reclassification in connection with a consolidation or merger in which the Issuer is the continuing corporation) any shares, the conversion rate for the Securities of such series in effect at the time of the record subdivision, combination or reclassification, shall be proportionately adjusted so that the Holder of any Security of such series surrendered for conversion after such time shall be entitled to receive the number and kind of shares which he would have owned or have been entitled to receive had such Security been converted immediately prior to such time. Similar adjustments shall be made whenever any event listed above shall occur.
(b) In case the Issuer shall fix a record date for the issuance of rights or warrants to all holders of the class of Capital Stock into which Securities of such series are convertible entitling them (for a period expiring within 45 days after such record date) to subscribe for or purchase shares of such class of Capital Stock (or securities convertible into shares of such class of Capital Stock) at a price per share (or, in the case of a right or warrant to purchase securities convertible into such class of Capital Stock, having a conversion price per share, after adding thereto the exercise price, computed on the basis of the maximum number of shares of such class of Capital Stock issuable upon conversion of such convertible securities, per share of such class of Capital Stock, so issuable) less than the current market price per share of such class of Capital Stock (as defined in subsection (e) below) on the date on which such issuance was declared or otherwise announced by the Issuer (the “Determination Date”), the number of shares of such class of Capital Stock into which each $1,000 Principal amount of Securities shall be convertible after such record date shall be determined by multiplying the number of shares of such class of Capital Stock into which such Principal amount of Securities was convertible immediately prior to such record date by a fraction, of which the numerator shall be the number of shares of such class of Capital Stock outstanding on the Determination Date plus the number of additional shares of such class of Capital Stock offered for subscription or purchase (or in the case of a right or warrant to purchase securities convertible into such class of Capital Stock, the aggregate number of additional shares of such class of Capital Stock into which the convertible securities so offered are initially convertible), and of which the denominator shall be the number of shares of such class of Capital Stock outstanding on the Determination Date plus the number of shares of such class of Capital Stock obtained by dividing the aggregate offering price of the total number of shares so offered (or, in the case of a right or warrant to purchase securities convertible into such class of Capital Stock, the aggregate initial conversion price of the convertible securities so offered, after adding thereto the aggregate exercise price of such rights or warrants computed on the basis of the maximum number of shares of such class of Capital Stock issuable upon conversion of such convertible securities) by such current market price. Shares of such class of Capital Stock of the Issuer owned by or held for the account of the Issuer shall not be deemed outstanding for the purpose of any such computation. Such adjustment shall be made successively whenever such a record date is fixed; and to the extent that shares of such class of Capital Stock are not delivered (or securities convertible into shares of such class of Capital Stock are not delivered) after the expiration of such rights or warrants (or, in the case of rights or warrants to purchase securities convertible into such class of Capital Stock once exercised, the expiration of the conversion right of such securities) the conversion rate shall be readjusted to the conversion rate which would then be in effect had the adjustments made upon the issuance of such rights or warrants (or securities convertible into shares) been made upon the basis of delivery of only the number of shares actually delivered. In the event that such rights or warrants are not so issued, the conversion rate shall again be adjusted to be the conversion rate which would then be in effect if such record date had not been fixed.
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(c) In case the Issuer shall fix a record date for the making of a distribution to all holders of the class of Capital Stock into which Securities of such series are convertible (including any such distribution made in connection with a consolidation or merger in which the Issuer is the continuing corporation) of evidences of its indebtedness or assets (excluding any cash dividends paid from retained earnings and dividends payable in Capital Stock for which adjustment is made pursuant to subsection (a) above or (d) below) or subscription rights or warrants (excluding subscription rights or warrants to purchase the class of Capital Stock into which Securities of such series are convertible), the number of shares of such class of Capital Stock into which each $1,000 Principal amount of Securities of such series shall be convertible after such record date shall be determined by multiplying the number of shares of such class of Capital Stock into which such Principal amount of Securities was convertible immediately prior to such record date by a fraction, of which the numerator shall be the fair market value of the assets of the Issuer, after deducting therefrom all liabilities of the Issuer and all preferences (including accrued but unpaid dividends) in respect of classes of Capital Stock having a preference with respect to the assets of the Issuer over such class of Capital Stock (all as determined by the Board of Directors, whose determination shall be conclusive, and described in a certificate signed by chairman of the Issuer’s Board of Directors, its president, any vice president, its treasurer, any assistant treasurer, its secretary or any assistant secretary, filed with the Trustee and each conversion agent) on such record date, and of which the denominator shall be such fair market value after deducting therefrom such liabilities and preferences, less the fair market value (as determined by the Board of Directors, whose determination shall be conclusive, and described in a statement filed with the Trustee and each conversion agent) of the assets or evidences of indebtedness, so distributed or of such subscription rights or warrants applicable, so distributed. Such adjustment shall be made successively whenever such a record date is fixed; and in the event that such distribution is not so made, the conversion rate shall again be adjusted to the conversion rate which would then be in effect if such record date had not been fixed.
(d) In case the Issuer shall, by dividend or otherwise, distribute to all holders of its Capital Stock cash (excluding any dividend or distribution in connection with the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Issuer, whether voluntary or involuntary), then, in such case, unless the Issuer elects to reserve such cash for distribution to the Holders of the Securities upon the conversion of the Securities so that any such Holder converting Securities will receive upon such conversion, in addition to the shares of Capital Stock to which such Holder is entitled, the amount of cash which such Holder would have received if such Holder had, immediately prior to the record date for such distribution of cash, converted its Securities into Capital Stock, the conversion rate shall be adjusted so that the same shall equal the rate determined by multiplying the conversion rate in effect immediately prior to the record date by a fraction of which the denominator shall be the current market price of the Capital Stock (determined as provided in Section 12.05(e) on the record date less the amount of cash so distributed (and not excluded as provided above) applicable to one share of Capital Stock and the numerator shall be such current market price of the Capital Stock (determined as provided in Section 12.05(e)), such adjustment to be effective immediately prior to the opening of business on the day following the record date; provided, however, that in the event the portion of the cash so distributed applicable to one share of Capital Stock is equal to or greater than the current market price of the Capital Stock (determined as provided in Section 12.05(e)) on the record date, in lieu of the foregoing adjustment, adequate provision shall be made so that each Securityholder shall have the right to receive upon conversion the amount of cash such Holder would have received had such Holder converted each Security on the record date. If such dividend or distribution is not so paid or made, the conversion rate shall again be adjusted to be the conversion rate which would then be in effect if such dividend or distribution had not been declared.
(e) For the purpose of any computation under subsections (b) and (d) above and Section 12.06, the current market price per share of the Capital Stock on any date as of which such price is to be computed shall mean the average of the Closing Prices for the 30 consecutive Business Days commencing 45 Business Days before such date.
(f) No adjustment in the conversion rate shall be required unless such adjustment would require a cumulative increase or decrease of at least 1% in such rate; provided, however, that any adjustments which by reason of this subsection (f) are not required to be made shall be carried forward and taken into account in any subsequent adjustment; and provided further, that adjustments shall be required and made in accordance with the provisions of this Article 12 (other than this subsection (f)) not later than such time as may be required in order to preserve the tax-free nature of a States income tax purposes to the Holders of Securities or the class of Capital Stock into which such Securities are convertible. All calculations under this Article 12 shall be made to the nearest cent or to the nearest one-thousandth of a share, as the case may be. Anything in this Section 12.05 to the contrary notwithstanding, the Issuer shall be entitled to make such adjustments in the conversion rate, in addition to those required by this Section 12.05, as it in its discretion shall determine to be advisable in order that any stock dividend, subdivision of shares, distribution of rights to purchase stock or securities, or distribution of securities convertible into or exchangeable for stock hereafter made by the Issuer to its shareholders shall not be taxable for United States income tax purposes.
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(g) Whenever the conversion rate is adjusted, as herein provided, the Issuer shall promptly file with the Trustee and with the office or agency maintained by the Issuer for the conversion of Securities of such series pursuant to Section 3.02, a certificate of a firm of independent public accountants of recognized national standing selected by the Board of Directors (who may be the regular accountants employed by the Issuer) setting forth the conversion rate after such adjustment and setting forth a brief statement of the facts requiring such adjustment and a computation thereof. Such certificate shall be conclusive evidence of the correctness of such adjustment. Neither the Trustee nor any conversion agent shall be under any duty or responsibility with respect to any such certificate or any facts or computations set forth therein, except to exhibit said certificate from time to time to any Securityholder of such series desiring to inspect the same. The Issuer shall promptly cause a notice setting forth the adjusted conversion rate to be mailed to the Holders of Securities of such series, as their names and addresses appear upon the register of the Issuer.
(h) In the event that at any time, as a result of shares of any other class of Capital Stock becoming issuable in exchange or substitution for or in lieu of shares of the class of Capital Stock into which such Securities are convertible or as a result of an adjustment made pursuant to subsection (a) above, the Holder of any Security of such series thereafter surrendered for conversion shall become entitled to receive any shares of the Issuer other than shares of the class of Capital Stock into which the Issuer of such series are convertible, thereafter the number of such other shares so receivable upon conversion of any Security shall be subject to adjustment from time to time in a manner and on terms as nearly equivalent as practicable to the provisions with respect to the class of Capital Stock into which the Securities of such series are convertible contained in subsections (a) to (f), inclusive, above, and the provisions of this Article 12 with respect to the class of Capital Stock into which the Securities of such series are convertible shall apply on like terms to any such other shares.
(i) The conversion rate with respect to any Original Issue Discount Security, the terms of which provide for convertibility, shall not be adjusted during the term of such Original Issue Discount Security for accrued original issue discount.
(j) In the event that the Securities of any series are convertible into more than one class of Capital Stock, the provisions of this Section 12.05 shall apply separately to events affecting each such class.
Section 12.06 No Fractional Shares to Be Issued. No fractional shares of Capital Stock shall be issued upon conversions of Securities. If more than one Security of any series shall be surrendered for conversion at one time by the same Holder, the number of full shares which shall be issuable upon conversion thereof shall be computed on the basis of the aggregate Principal amount of the Securities of such series (or specified portions thereof to the extent permitted hereby) so surrendered. Instead of a fraction of a share of Capital Stock which would otherwise be issuable upon conversion of any Security or Securities (or specified portions thereof), the Issuer shall pay a cash adjustment in respect of such fraction of a share in an amount equal to the same fractional interest of the current market price (as defined in Section 12.05) per share of Capital Stock on the Business Day next preceding the day of conversion.
Section 12.07 Preservation of Conversion Rights Upon Consolidation, Merger, Sale or Conveyance. In case of any consolidation of the Issuer with, or merger of the Issuer into, any other corporation (other than a consolidation or merger in which the Issuer is the continuing corporation), or in the case of any sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer, the corporation formed by such consolidation or the corporation into which the Issuer shall have been merged or the corporation which shall have acquired such assets, as the case may be, shall execute and deliver to the Trustee, a supplemental indenture, subject to the provisions of Article 7 and 8 as they relate to supplemental indentures, providing that the Holder of each Security then Outstanding of a series which was convertible into Capital Stock shall have the right thereafter to convert such Security into the kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities and property, including cash, receivable upon such consolidation, merger, sale or transfer by a holder of the number of shares of Capital Stock of the Issuer into which such Securities might have been converted immediately prior to such consolidation, merger, sale or transfer. Such supplemental indenture shall conform to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as then in effect and shall provide for adjustments which shall be as nearly equivalent as may be practicable to the adjustments provided for in this Article 12. Neither the Trustee nor any conversion agent shall be under any responsibility to determine the correctness of any provision contained in any such supplemental indenture relating either to the kind or amount of shares of stock or other securities or property receivable by Securityholders upon the conversion of their Securities after any such consolidation, merger, sale or transfer, or to any adjustment to be made with respect there to and, subject to the provisions of Article 5, may accept as conclusive evidence of the correctness of any such provisions, and shall be protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel with respect thereto. If in the case of any such consolidation, merger, sale or transfer, the stock or other securities and property receivable by a Holder of the Securities includes stock or other securities and property of a corporation other than the successor or purchasing corporation, then such supplemental indenture shall also be executed by such other corporation and shall contain such additional provisions to protect the interests of the Holders of the Securities as the Board of Directors shall reasonably consider necessary. The above provisions of this Section 12.07 shall similarly apply to successive consolidations, mergers, sales or transfers.
Section 12.08 Notice to Security Holders of a Series Prior to Taking Certain Types of Action. With respect to the Securities of any series, in case:
(a) the Issuer shall authorize the issuance to all holders of the class of Capital Stock into which Securities of such series are convertible of rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase shares of its Capital Stock or of any other right;
(b) the Issuer shall authorize the distribution to all holders of the class of Capital Stock into which Securities of such series are convertible of evidences of its indebtedness or assets (except for the exclusions with respect to certain dividends set forth in Section 12.05(c));
| 39 |
(c) of any subdivision, combination or reclassification of the class of Capital Stock into which Securities of such series are convertible or of any consolidation or merger to which the Issuer is a party and for which approval by the shareholders of the Issuer is required, or of the sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer; or
(d) of the voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Issuer;
then the Issuer shall cause to be filed with the Trustee and at the office or agency maintained for the purpose of conversion of Securities of such series pursuant to Section 3.02, and shall cause to be mailed to the Holders of Securities of such series, at their last addresses as they shall appear upon the register of the Issuer, at least 10 days prior to the applicable record date hereinafter specified, a notice stating (i) the date as of which the holders of such class of Capital Stock to be entitled to receive any such rights, warrants or distribution are to be determined, or (ii) the date on which any such subdivision, combination, reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer, dissolution, liquidation, winding up or other action is expected to become effective, and the date as of which it is expected that holders of record of such class of Capital Stock shall be entitled to exchange their Capital Stock of such class for securities or other property, if any, deliverable upon such subdivision, combination, reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer, dissolution, liquidation, winding up or other action. The failure to give the notice required by this Section 12.08 or any defect therein shall not affect the legality or validity of any distribution, right, warrant, subdivision, combination, reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer, dissolution, liquidation, winding up or other action, or the vote upon any of the foregoing. Such notice shall also be published by and at the expense of the Issuer not later than the aforesaid filing date at least once in an Authorized Newspaper.
Section 12.09 Covenant to Reserve Shares for Issuance on Conversion of Securities. The Issuer covenants that at all times it will reserve and keep available out of each class of its authorized Capital Stock, free from preemptive rights, solely for the purpose of issue upon conversion of Securities of any series as herein provided, such number of shares of Capital Stock of such class as shall then be issuable upon the conversion of all Outstanding Securities of such series. The Issuer covenants that an shares of Capital Stock which shall be so issuable shall, when issued or delivered, be duly and validly issued shares of the class of authorized Capital Stock into which Securities of such series are convertible, and shall be fully paid and nonassessable, free of all liens and charges and not subject to preemptive rights and that, upon conversion, the appropriate capital stock accounts of the Issuer will be duly credited.
Section 12.10 Compliance with Governmental Requirements. The Issuer covenants that if any shares of Capital Stock required to be reserved for purposes of conversion of Securities hereunder require registration or listing with or approval of any governmental authority under any Federal or State law, pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any national or regional securities exchange on which such Capital Stock is listed at the time of delivery of any shares of such Capital Stock, before such shares may be issued upon conversion, the Issuer will use reasonable efforts to cause such shares to be duly registered, listed or approved, as the case may be.
Section 12.11 Payment of Taxes Upon Certificates for Shares Issued Upon Conversion. The issuance of certificates for shares of Capital Stock upon the conversion of Securities shall be made without charge to the converting Securityholders for any tax (including, without limitation, all documentary and stamp taxes) in respect of the issuance and delivery of such certificates, and such certificates shall be issued in the respective names of, or in such names as may be directed by, the Holders of the Securities converted; provided, however, that the Issuer shall not be required to pay any tax which may be payable in respect of any transfer involved in the issuance and delivery of any such certificate in a name other than that of the Holder of the Security converted, and the Issuer shall not be required to issue or deliver such certificates unless or until the person or persons requesting the issuance thereof shall have paid to the Issuer the amount of such tax or shall have established to the satisfaction of the Issuer that such tax has been paid.
Section 12.12 Trustee’s Duties with Respect to Conversion Provisions. The Trustee and any conversion agent shall not at any time be under any duty or responsibility to any Securityholder to determine whether any facts exist which may require any adjustment of the conversion rate or conversion price, or with respect to the nature or extent of any such adjustment when made, or with respect to the method employed, or herein or in any supplemental indenture provided to be employed, in making the same. Neither the Trustee nor any conversion agent shall be accountable with respect to the registration under securities laws, listing, validity or value (or the kind or amount) of any shares of Capital Stock, or of any other securities or property, which may at any time be issued or delivered upon the conversion of any Security; and neither the Trustee nor any conversion agent makes any representation with respect thereto. Neither the Trustee nor any conversion agent shall be responsible for any failure of the Issuer to make any cash payment or to issue, transfer or deliver any shares of stock or stock certificates or other securities or property upon the surrender of any Security for the purpose of conversion; and the Trustee, subject to the provisions of Article 5, and any conversion agent shall not be responsible for any failure of the Issuer to comply with any of the covenants of the Issuer contained in this Article 12.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed, as of the first date written above.
| APTERA MOTORS CORP., as Issuer | ||
| By: | ||
| Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
| ●, as Trustee | ||
| By: | ||
| Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
FORM OF NOTE
UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR SECURITIES IN DEFINITIVE REGISTERED FORM, THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE 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 DEPOSITORY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY. UNLESS THIS SECURITY IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), TO THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY SECURITY ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.
APTERA MOTORS CORP.
● % Senior Note Due ●
No. ● CUSIP No.: ●
$ ●
APTERA MOTORS CORP., a Delaware corporation (“Issuer”, which term includes any successor corporation), for value received promises to pay to CEDE & CO. or its registered assigns, the principal sum of ● on ●.
Interest Payment Dates: ● and ● (each, an “Interest Payment Date”), commencing on ●. Interest Record Dates: ● and ● (each, an “Interest Record Date”).
Reference is made to the further provisions of this Security contained herein, which will for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has caused this Security to be signed manually or by facsimile by its duly authorized officer.
| APTERA MOTORS CORP. | ||
| By: | ||
| Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
This is one of the series designated herein and referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
| ●, as Trustee | ||
| By: | ||
| Authorized Signatory | ||
(REVERSE OF SECURITY)
APTERA MOTORS CORP.
●% Senior Note Due ●
1. Interest.
APTERA MOTORS CORP., a Delaware corporation (the “Issuer”), promises to pay interest on the Principal amount of this Security at the rate per annum shown above. Cash interest on the Securities will accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from ●. The Issuer will pay interest semi-annually in arrears on each Interest Payment Date, commencing ●. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
The Issuer shall pay interest on overdue Principal from time to time on demand at the rate borne by the Securities and on overdue installments of interest (without regard to any applicable grace periods) to the extent lawful.
2. Method of Payment.
The Issuer shall pay interest on the Securities (except defaulted interest) to the persons who are the registered Holders at the close of business on the Interest Record Date immediately preceding the Interest Payment Date notwithstanding any transfer or exchange of such Security subsequent to such Interest Record Date and prior to such Interest Payment Date. Holders must surrender Securities to the Trustee to collect Principal payments. The Issuer shall pay Principal and interest in money of the United States that at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts (“U.S. Legal Tender”). However, the payments of interest, and any portion of the Principal (other than interest payable at maturity or on any redemption or repayment date or the final payment of Principal) shall be made by the Paying Agent, upon receipt from the Issuer of immediately available funds by 11:00 a.m., New York City time (or such other time as may be agreed to between the Issuer and the Paying Agent or the Issuer), directly to a Holder (by Federal funds wire transfer or otherwise) if the Holder has delivered written instructions to the Trustee 15 days prior to such payment date requesting that such payment will be so made and designating the bank account to which such payments shall be so made and in the case of payments of Principal surrenders the same to the Trustee in exchange for a Security or Securities aggregating the same principal amount as the unredeemed Principal amount of the Securities surrendered.
3. Paying Agent.
Initially, ● (the “Trustee”) will act as Paying Agent. The Issuer may change any Paying Agent without notice to the Holders.
4. Indenture.
The Issuer issued the Securities under an Indenture, dated as of ● (the “Indenture”), between the Issuer and the Trustee. Capitalized terms herein are used as defined in the Indenture unless otherwise defined herein. The terms of the Securities include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. Sections 77aaa-77bbbb) (the “TIA”), as in effect on the date of the Indenture until such time as the Indenture is qualified under the TIA, and thereafter as in effect on the date on which the Indenture is qualified under the TIA. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Securities are subject to all such terms, and Holders of Securities are referred to the Indenture and the TIA for a statement of them. To the extent the terms of the Indenture and this Security are inconsistent, the terms of the Indenture shall govern.
5. Denominations; Transfer; Exchange.
The Securities are in registered form, without coupons, in denominations of $1,000 and multiples of $1,000. A Holder shall register the transfer of or exchange Securities in accordance with the Indenture. The Issuer may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and to pay certain transfer taxes or similar governmental charges payable in connection therewith as permitted by the Indenture. The Issuer need not issue, authenticate, register the transfer of or exchange any Securities or portions thereof for a period of fifteen (15) days before such series is selected for redemption, nor need the Issuer register the transfer or exchange of any security selected for redemption in whole or in part.
6. Persons Deemed Owners.
The registered Holder of a Security shall be treated as the owner of it for all purposes.
7. Unclaimed Funds.
If funds for the payment of Principal or interest remain unclaimed for two years, the Trustee and the Paying Agent will repay the funds to the Issuer at its written request. After that, all liability of the Trustee and such Paying Agent with respect to such funds shall cease.
8. Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance.
The Issuer may be discharged from its obligations under the Securities and under the Indenture with respect to the Securities except for certain provisions thereof, and may be discharged from obligations to comply with certain covenants contained in the Securities and in the Indenture with respect to the Securities, in each case upon satisfaction of certain conditions specified in the Indenture.
9. Amendment; Supplement; Waiver.
Subject to certain exceptions, the Securities and the provisions of the Indenture relating to the Securities may be amended or supplemented with the written consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate Principal amount of the Securities then outstanding, and any existing Default or Event of Default or compliance with certain provisions may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate Principal amount of the Securities then outstanding. Without notice to or consent of any Holder, the parties thereto may amend or supplement the Indenture and the Securities to, among other things, cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, provide for uncertificated Securities in addition to or in place of certificated Securities or comply with any requirements of the Commission in connection with the qualification of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act, or make any other change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Holder of a Security.
10. Defaults and Remedies.
If an Event of Default (other than certain bankruptcy Events of Default with respect to the Issuer) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate Principal amount of Securities then outstanding may declare all of the Securities to be due and payable immediately in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture. If a bankruptcy Event of Default with respect to the Issuer occurs and is continuing, all the Securities shall be immediately due and payable immediately in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture without any notice or other action on the part of the Trustee or any Holder. Holders of Securities may not enforce the Indenture or the Securities except as provided in the Indenture. The Trustee is not obligated to enforce the Indenture or the Securities unless it has received indemnity satisfactory to it. The Indenture permits, subject to certain limitations therein provided, Holders of a majority in aggregate Principal amount of the Securities then outstanding to direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. The Trustee may withhold from Holders of Securities notice of certain continuing Defaults or Events of Default if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest.
11. Conversion.
Reference is made to the Indenture, including, without limitation, provisions giving the Holder of this Security the right to convert this Security into Capital Stock of the Issuer on the terms and subject to the limitations as more fully specified in the Indenture. The initial conversion rate for this Security is ●. This conversion rate is subject to modification as provided in the Indenture. Such further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as though fully set forth at this place.
12. Trustee Dealings with Issuer.
The Trustee under the Indenture, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and may otherwise deal with the Issuer as if it were not the Trustee.
13. No Recourse Against Others.
No stockholder, director, officer, employee or incorporator, as such, of the Issuer or any successor Person thereof shall have any liability for any obligation under the Securities or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of a Security by accepting a Security waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issuance of the Securities.
14. Authentication.
This Security shall not be valid until the Trustee manually signs the certificate of authentication on this Security.
15. Abbreviations and Defined Terms.
Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder of a Security or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TEN ENT (= tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (= joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A (= Uniform Gifts to Minors Act).
16. CUSIP Numbers.
Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Issuer has caused CUSIP numbers to be printed on the Securities as a convenience to the Holders of the Securities. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers as printed on the Securities and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed hereon.
17. Governing Law.
The laws of the State of New York shall govern the Indenture and this Security thereof.
ASSIGNMENT FORM
| I or we assign and transfer this Security to |
| (Print or type name, address and zip code of assignee or transferee) |
| (Insert Social Security or other identifying number of assignee or transferee) |
and irrevocably appoint ___________________ agent to transfer this Security on the books of the Issuer. The agent may substitute another to act for him.
| Dated: | Signed: | |||
| (Signed exactly as name appears on the other side of this Security) |
| Signature Guarantee: | ||
| Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor program reasonably acceptable to the Trustee) |
Exhibit 4.5
APTERA MOTORS CORP., as Issuer
and
●, as Trustee
INDENTURE
Dated as of ●
Subordinated Debt Securities
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET1
Provisions of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and the Indenture to be dated as of _________, 20___ between APTERA MOTORS CORP. and ___________________, as Trustee:
| Section of the Act | Section of Indenture | |
| 310(a)(1) and (2) | 5.08 | |
| 310(a)(3) and (4) | Inapplicable | |
| 310(b) | 5.09(a), (b) and (d) | |
| 310(c) | Inapplicable | |
| 311(a) | Inapplicable | |
| 311(b) | Inapplicable | |
| 311(c) | Inapplicable | |
| 312(a) | 3.05 | |
| 312(b) | 3.05 | |
| 312(c) | 4.02(c) | |
| 313(a) | 5.12 | |
| 313(b)(1) | 5.12 | |
| 313(b)(2) | 5.12 | |
| 313(c) | 5.12 | |
| 313(d) | 5.12 | |
| 314(a) | 3.06 | |
| 314(b) | Inapplicable | |
| 314(c)(1) and (2) | 10.05 | |
| 314(c)(3) | Inapplicable | |
| 314(d) | Inapplicable | |
| 314(e) | 10.05 | |
| 314(f) | Inapplicable | |
| 315(a), (c) and (d) | 5.01 | |
| 315(b) | 4.11 | |
| 315(e) | 4.12 | |
| 316(a)(1) | 4.09 | |
| 316(a)(2) | Not required | |
| 316(a) (last sentence) | 6.04 | |
| 316(b) | 4.07 | |
| 317(a) | 4.02 | |
| 317(b) | 3.03(a) and (b) | |
| 318(a) | 10.07 |
1 This Cross Reference Sheet is not part of the Indenture.
Table of Contents
(continued)
| Page | ||
| ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS | 1 | |
| Section 1.01 | Certain Terms Defined | 1 |
| ARTICLE 2 SECURITIES | 6 | |
| Section 2.01 | Forms Generally | 6 |
| Section 2.02 | Form of Trustee’s Certification of Authentication | 7 |
| Section 2.03 | Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series | 7 |
| Section 2.04 | Authentication and Delivery of Securities | 8 |
| Section 2.05 | Execution of Securities | 9 |
| Section 2.06 | Certificate of Authentication | 9 |
| Section 2.07 | Denomination and Date of Securities; Payments of Interest | 9 |
| Section 2.08 | Registration, Transfer and Exchange | 10 |
| Section 2.09 | Mutilated, Defaced, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities | 12 |
| Section 2.10 | Cancellation of Securities; Destruction Thereof | 12 |
| Section 2.11 | Temporary Securities | 12 |
| Section 2.12 | Computation of Interest | 13 |
| Section 2.13 | CUSIP Numbers | 13 |
| ARTICLE 3 COVENANTS OF THE ISSUER AND THE TRUSTEE | 13 | |
| Section 3.01 | Payment of Principal and Interest | 13 |
| Section 3.02 | Offices for Payments, etc | 13 |
| Section 3.03 | Paying Agents | 13 |
| Section 3.04 | Certificate of the Issuer | 14 |
| Section 3.05 | List of Securityholders | 15 |
| Section 3.06 | Reports by the Issuer | 15 |
| Section 3.07 | Corporate Existence | 15 |
| Section 3.08 | Restrictions on Mergers, Sales and Consolidations | 15 |
| Section 3.09 | Further Assurances | 15 |
| ARTICLE 4 REMEDIES OF THE TRUSTEE AND SECURITYHOLDERS ON EVENT OF DEFAULT | 15 | |
| Section 4.01 | Event of Default Defined; Acceleration of Maturity; Waiver of Default | 15 |
| Section 4.02 | Collection of Indebtedness by Trustee; Trustee May Prove Debt | 17 |
| Section 4.03 | Application of Proceeds | 18 |
| Section 4.04 | Suits for Enforcement | 19 |
| Section 4.05 | Restoration of Rights on Abandonment of Proceedings | 19 |
| Section 4.06 | Limitations on Suits by Securityholder | 19 |
| Section 4.07 | Unconditional Right of Securityholders to Institute Certain Suits | 20 |
| Section 4.08 | Powers and Remedies Cumulative; Delay or Omission Not Waiver of Default | 20 |
| Section 4.09 | Control by Securityholders | 20 |
| Section 4.10 | Waiver of Past Defaults | 20 |
| Section 4.11 | Trustee to Give Notice of Default, But May Withhold in Certain Circumstances | 21 |
| Section 4.12 | Right of Court to Require Filing of Undertaking to Pay Costs | 21 |
| ARTICLE 5 CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE | 21 | |
| Section 5.01 | Duties and Responsibilities of the Trustee | 21 |
| Section 5.02 | Certain Rights of the Trustee | 22 |
| Section 5.03 | Trustee Not Responsible for Recitals, Disposition of Securities or Application of Proceeds Thereof | 23 |
| Section 5.04 | Trustee and Agents May Hold Securities; Collections, etc | 23 |
| Section 5.05 | Monies Held by Trustee | 23 |
Table of Contents
(continued)
| Page | ||
| Section 5.06 | Compensation and Indemnification of Trustee and Its Prior Claim | 23 |
| Section 5.07 | Right of Trustee to Rely on Officers’ Certificate, etc | 24 |
| Section 5.08 | Persons Eligible for Appointment as Trustee | 24 |
| Section 5.09 | Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor Trustee | 24 |
| Section 5.10 | Acceptance of Appointment by Successor | 25 |
| Section 5.11 | Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business of Trustee | 25 |
| Section 5.12 | Reports to the Trustee | 26 |
| ARTICLE 6 CONCERNING THE SECURITYHOLDERS | 26 | |
| Section 6.01 | Evidence of Action Taken by Securityholders | 26 |
| Section 6.02 | Proof of Execution of Instruments and of Holding of Securities; Record Date | 26 |
| Section 6.03 | Holders to be Treated as Owners | 26 |
| Section 6.04 | Securities Owned by Issuer Deemed Not Outstanding | 27 |
| Section 6.05 | Right of Revocation of Action Taken | 27 |
| ARTICLE 7 SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES | 27 | |
| Section 7.01 | Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Securityholders | 27 |
| Section 7.02 | Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Securityholders | 28 |
| Section 7.03 | Effect of Supplemental Indenture | 29 |
| Section 7.04 | Documents to Be Given to Trustee | 30 |
| Section 7.05 | Notation on Securities in Respect of Supplemental Indentures | 30 |
| ARTICLE 8 CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE OR CONVEYANCE | 30 | |
| Section 8.01 | Issuer May Consolidate, etc | 30 |
| Section 8.02 | Successor Corporation Substituted | 30 |
| ARTICLE 9 DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE | 31 | |
| Section 9.01 | Defeasance Within One Year of Payment | 31 |
| Section 9.02 | Defeasance | 31 |
| Section 9.03 | Covenant Defeasance | 32 |
| Section 9.04 | Application of Trust Money | 33 |
| Section 9.05 | Repayment to Issuer | 33 |
| ARTICLE 10 MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS | 33 | |
| Section 10.01 | Incorporators, Stockholders, Officers and Directors Exempt from Individual Liability | 33 |
| Section 10.02 | Provisions of Indenture for the Sole Benefit of Parties and Securityholders | 33 |
| Section 10.03 | Successors and Assigns of Issuer Bound by Indenture | 33 |
| Section 10.04 | Notices and Demands on Issuer, Trustee and Securityholders | 33 |
| Section 10.05 | Officers’ Certificates and Opinions of Counsel; Statements to be Contained Therein | 34 |
| Section 10.06 | Payments Due on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays | 34 |
| Section 10.07 | Conflict of Any Provision of Indenture with Trust Indenture Act of 1939 | 35 |
| Section 10.08 | New York Law to Govern | 35 |
| Section 10.09 | Counterparts | 35 |
| Section 10.10 | Effect of Headings | 35 |
| ARTICLE 11 REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES | 35 | |
| Section 11.01 | Applicability of Article | 35 |
| Section 11.02 | Notice of Redemption; Partial Redemptions | 35 |
| Section 11.03 | Payment of Securities Called for Redemption | 36 |
| Section 11.04 | Exclusion of Certain Securities from Eligibility for Selection for Redemption | 36 |
| Section 11.05 | Conversion Arrangement On Call For Redemption | 37 |
| ARTICLE 12 CONVERSION OF SECURITIES | 37 | |
| Section 12.01 | Applicability of Article | 37 |
| Section 12.02 | Right of Securityholders to Convert Securities | 37 |
Table of Contents
(continued)
| Page | ||
| Section 12.03 | Issuance of Shares of Capital Stock on Conversion | 38 |
| Section 12.04 | No Payment or Adjustment for Interest or Dividends | 38 |
| Section 12.05 | Adjustment of Conversion Rate | 38 |
| Section 12.06 | No Fractional Shares to Be Issued | 41 |
| Section 12.07 | Preservation of Conversion Rights Upon Consolidation, Merger, Sale or Conveyance | 41 |
| Section 12.08 | Notice to Security Holders of a Series Prior to Taking Certain Types of Action | 41 |
| Section 12.09 | Covenant to Reserve Shares for Issuance on Conversion of Securities | 42 |
| Section 12.10 | Compliance with Governmental Requirements | 42 |
| Section 12.11 | Payment of Taxes Upon Certificates for Shares Issued Upon Conversion | 42 |
| Section 12.12 | Trustee’s Duties with Respect to Conversion Provisions | 43 |
| ARTICLE 13 SUBORDINATION OF SECURITIES | 43 | |
| Section 13.01 | Agreement Of Subordination | 43 |
| Section 13.02 | Payments to Holders | 43 |
| Section 13.03 | Subrogation Of Securities | 44 |
| Section 13.04 | Authorization By Holders | 45 |
| Section 13.05 | Notice to Trustee | 45 |
| Section 13.06 | Trustee’s Relation to Senior Indebtedness | 45 |
| Section 13.07 | No Impairment Of Subordination | 45 |
| Section 13.08 | Rights Of Trustee | 45 |
THIS INDENTURE, dated as of , between APTERA MOTORS CORP., a Delaware corporation (the “Issuer”) and ●, a ● corporation, as trustee (the “Trustee”).
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Issuer has duly authorized the issue from time to time of its unsecured debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness to be issued in one or more series (the “Securities”) up to such principal amount or amounts as may from time to time be authorized in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and to provide, among other things, for the authentication, delivery and administration thereof, the Issuer has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture; and
WHEREAS, all things necessary to make this Indenture a valid indenture and agreement according to its terms have been done;
NOW, THEREFORE:
In consideration of the premises and the purchases of the Securities by the Holders thereof, the Issuer and the Trustee mutually covenant and agree for the equal and proportionate benefit of the respective Holders from time to time of the Securities as follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.01 Certain Terms Defined. The following terms (except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise clearly requires) for all purposes of this Indenture and of any indenture supplemental hereto shall have the respective meanings specified in this Section. All other terms used in this Indenture that are defined in the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 or the definitions of which in the Securities Act of 1933 are referred to in the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, including terms defined therein by reference to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (except as herein otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise clearly requires), shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in said Trust Indenture Act and in said Securities Act as in force at the date of this Indenture. All accounting terms used herein and not expressly defined shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in accordance with GAAP. 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. The terms defined in this Article have the meanings assigned to them in this Article and include the plural as well as the singular.
“Affiliate” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control” when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing.
“Authorized Newspaper” means a newspaper in the English language or in an official language of the country of publication, customarily printed on each Business Day, whether or not published on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays, and of general circulation in the place in connection with which the term is used or in the financial community of such place. If, because of temporary suspension of publication or general circulation of any newspaper or for any other reason, it is impossible or impracticable to make any publication of any notice required by this Indenture in the manner herein provided, such publication or other notice in lieu thereof which is made at the written direction of the Issuer by the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient publication of such notice.
“Board of Directors” means either the Board of Directors of the Issuer or any committee of such Board duly authorized to act hereunder.
“Business Day” means, with respect to any Security, a day that in the city (or in all of the cities, if more than one) in which amounts are payable, as specified in the form of such Security, is not a day on which banking institutions are authorized by law or regulation to close.
“Capitalized Lease” means, as applied to any Person, any lease of any property (whether real, personal, or mixed) of which the discounted present value of the rental obligations of such Person as lessee, in conformity with GAAP, is required to be capitalized on the balance sheet of such Person; and “Capitalized Lease Obligation” is defined to mean the rental obligations, as aforesaid, under such lease.
“Capital Stock” means any and all shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated, whether voting or non-voting) of the Issuer’s capital stock or other ownership interests, whether now outstanding or issued after the date of this Indenture, including, without limitation, all Common Stock and Preferred Stock.
“Closing Price” on any day when used with respect to any class of Capital Stock means the closing sale price per share (or if no closing sale price is reported, the average of the bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and the average ask prices) on that date as reported by The Nasdaq Capital Market or, if such Capital Stock is not listed on The Nasdaq Global Select Market, then on the principal U.S. national or regional securities exchange on which such Capital Stock is then listed. If such Capital Stock is not listed on either The Nasdaq Capital Market or on any U.S. national or regional securities exchange on the relevant date, the Closing Price will be the last quoted bid price for the Company’s Common Stock in the over-the-counter market on the relevant date as reported by the OTC Markets Group Inc. or similar organization. In the event that no such quotation is available for any day, the Board of Directors shall be entitled to determine in good faith the current market price on the basis of such quotations as it considers appropriate.
“Commission” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time to time constituted, created under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or if at any time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture such Commission is not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture Act, then the body performing such duties on such date.
“Common Stock” means any and all shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated, whether voting or non-voting) of the Issuer’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, whether now outstanding or issued after the date of the Indenture, including, without limitation, all series and classes of such common stock.
“Corporate Trust Office” means the office of the Trustee at which the corporate trust business of the Trustee shall, at any particular time, be principally administered, which office is, at the date as of which this Indenture is dated, located at ●.
“Currency Agreement” means any foreign exchange contract, currency swap agreement, or other similar agreement or arrangement designed to protect against the fluctuation in currency values.
“Default” means any Event of Default as defined in Section 4.01 and any event that is, or after notice or passage of time or both would be, an Event of Default.
“Depositary” means, with respect to the Securities of any series issuable or issued in the form of one or more Registered Global Securities, the Person designated as Depositary by the Issuer pursuant to Section 2.03 until a successor Depositary 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 Registered Global Securities of that series.
“Determination Date” has the meaning specified in Section 12.05.
“Event of Default” has the meaning specified in Section 4.01.
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“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America as in effect as of the date of determination, including, without limitation, those 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. All ratios and computations contained in this Indenture shall be computed in conformity with GAAP applied on a consistent basis.
“Guarantee” means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of any Person directly or indirectly guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of such Person:
(i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation of such other Person (whether arising by virtue of partnership arrangements, or by agreement to keep-well, to purchase assets, goods, securities, or services, to take-or-pay, or to maintain financial statement conditions or otherwise); or
(ii) entered into for purposes of assuring in any other manner the obligee of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part);
provided, that the term “Guarantee” shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business. The term “Guarantee” used as a verb has a corresponding meaning.
“Holder”, “Securityholder” or other similar terms mean the registered holder of any Security.
“Indebtedness” means, with respect to any Person at any date of determination (without duplication):
(i) all indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money;
(ii) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, or other similar instruments, in each case, for value received or settlement of claims;
(iii) all obligations of such Person in respect of letters of credit or other similar instruments (including reimbursement obligations with respect thereto);
(iv) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred and unpaid purchase price of property or services (but excluding trade accounts payable or accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business);
(v) all obligations of such Person as lessee under Capitalized Leases;
(vi) all Indebtedness of other Persons secured by a Lien on any asset of such Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such Person; provided that the amount of such Indebtedness shall be the lesser of:
(1) the fair market value of such asset at such date of determination; and
(2) amount of such Indebtedness;
(vii) all Indebtedness of other Persons to the extent Guaranteed by such Person; and
(viii) to the extent not otherwise included in this definition, obligations under Currency Agreements and Interest Rate Agreements.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the term “Indebtedness” be deemed to include letters of credit or bonds that secure performance or surety bonds or similar instruments that are issued in the ordinary course of business.
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The amount of Indebtedness of any Person at any date shall be the outstanding balance at such date of all unconditional obligations as described above and, with respect to contingent obligations, the maximum liability upon the occurrence of the contingency giving rise to the obligation; provided that:
(x) the amount outstanding at any time of any Indebtedness issued with original issue discount is the face amount of such Indebtedness less the remaining unamortized portion of the original issue discount of such Indebtedness at such time as determined in conformity with GAAP; and
(y) Indebtedness shall not include any liability for federal, state, local, or other taxes.
“Indenture” means this instrument as originally executed and delivered or, if amended or supplemented as herein provided, as so amended or supplemented or both, and shall include the forms and terms of particular series of Securities established as contemplated hereunder.
“Interest” means, when used with respect to non-interest bearing Securities, interest payable after maturity. “Interest Rate Agreement” means any obligation of any Person pursuant to any interest rate swap, cap, collar or similar arrangement providing protection against fluctuations in interest rates. For purposes of the Indenture, the amount of such obligation shall be the amount determined in respect thereof as of the end of the then most recently ended fiscal quarter of such Person, based on the assumption that such obligation had terminated at the end of such fiscal quarter, and in making such determination, if any agreement relating to such obligation provides for the netting of amounts payable by and to such Person thereunder or if any such agreement provides for the simultaneous payment of amounts by and to such Person, then in each such case, the amount of such obligation shall be the net amount so determined, plus any premium due upon default by such Person.
“Issuer” means the Person identified as “Issuer” in the first paragraph hereof and, subject to Article 8, its successors and assigns.
“Lien” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or encumbrance of any kind, or any other type of preferential arrangement that has the practical effect of creating a security interest, in respect of such asset. For the purposes of this Indenture, the Issuer shall be deemed to own subject to a Lien any asset that it has acquired or holds subject to the interest of a vendor or lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or other title retention agreement relating to such asset.
“Officers’ Certificate” means a certificate signed by the chairman of the Issuer’s Board of Directors, its president or any vice president, and by its treasurer, any assistant treasurer, its secretary or any assistant secretary of the Issuer, and delivered to the Trustee. Each such certificate shall comply with Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and include the statements provided for in Section 10.05.
“Opinion of Counsel” means an opinion in writing signed by legal counsel who may be an employee of or counsel to the Issuer and who shall be satisfactory to the Trustee. Each such opinion shall comply with Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and include the statements provided for in Section 10.05, if and to the extent required hereby.
“Original Issue Date” of any Security (or portion thereof) means the earlier of (i) the date of such Security or (ii) the date of any Security (or portion thereof) for which such Security was issued (directly or indirectly) on registration of transfer, exchange or substitution.
“Original Issue Discount Security” means any Security that provides for an amount less than the Principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 4.01.
“Outstanding”, when used with reference to Securities, shall, subject to the provisions of Section 6.04, mean, as of any particular time, all Securities authenticated and delivered by the Trustee under this Indenture, except:
(i) Securities theretofore canceled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;
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(ii) Securities, or portions thereof, for the payment or redemption of which monies in the necessary amount shall have been deposited in trust with the Trustee or with any paying agent (other than the Issuer) or shall have been set aside, segregated and held in trust by the Issuer for the Holders of such Securities (if the Issuer shall act as its own paying agent), provided that if such Securities, or portions thereof, are to be redeemed prior to the maturity thereof, notice of such redemption shall have been given as herein provided, or provision satisfactory to the Trustee shall have been made for giving such notice; and
(iii) Securities in substitution for which other Securities shall have been authenticated and delivered, or which shall have been paid, pursuant to the terms of Section 2.09 (except with respect to any such Security as to which proof satisfactory to the Trustee is presented that such Security is held by a person in whose hands such Security is a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Issuer).
In determining whether the Holders of the requisite Principal amount of Outstanding Securities of any or all series have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, the Principal amount of an Original Issue Discount Security that shall be deemed to be Outstanding for such purposes 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 4.01.
“Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof or any other entity.
“Preferred Stock” means any and all shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated, whether voting or non-voting) of the Issuer’s preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share, whether now outstanding or issued after the date of the Indenture, including, without limitation, all series and classes of such preferred stock.
“Principal” means, with respect to the Securities or any Security or any portion thereof, the principal amount of such Securities, Security or portion thereof, and shall be deemed to include “and premium, if any”.
“record date” as used with respect to any interest payment date (except a date for payment of defaulted interest), has the meaning specified in Section 2.07.
“Registered Global Security” means a Security evidencing all or a part of a series of Registered Securities, issued to the Depositary for such series in accordance with Section 2.04, and bearing the legend prescribed in Section 2.04.
“Registered Security” means any Security registered on the register maintained by the Issuer pursuant to Section 2.08.
“Responsible Officer” when used with respect to the Trustee means any officer within the corporate trust department of the Trustee, including any vice president, assistant vice president, assistant secretary, assistant treasurer, trust officer or any other officer of the Trustee who customarily performs functions similar to those performed by the Persons who at the time shall be such officers, respectively, or to whom any corporate trust matter is referred because of such person’s knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject and who shall have direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture.
“Security” or “Securities” has the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture, or, as the case may be, Securities that have been authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.
“Senior Indebtedness” of the Issuer means (a) all Indebtedness of the Issuer, whether currently outstanding or hereafter issued, unless, by the terms of the instrument creating or evidencing such Indebtedness, it is provided that such Indebtedness is not superior in right of payment to the Securities, and (b) any modifications, refunding, deferrals, renewals or extensions of any such Indebtedness or securities, notes or other evidence of Indebtedness issued in exchange for such Indebtedness; provided that in no event shall “Senior Indebtedness” include (i) Indebtedness of the Issuer owed or owing to any Subsidiary of the Issuer or any officer, director or employee of the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer, (ii) Indebtedness to trade creditors or (iii) any liability for taxes owned or owing by the Issuer.
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“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, association or other business entity of which more than 50% of all votes represented by all classes of outstanding Voting Stock is owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person and one or more other Subsidiaries of such Person.
“Trustee” means the Person identified as “Trustee” in the first paragraph hereof and, subject to the provisions of Article 5, shall also include any successor trustee.
“Trust Indenture Act of 1939” (except as otherwise provided in Section 7.01 and Section 7.02) means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as in force at the date as of which this Indenture was originally executed.
“UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code, as in effect in each applicable jurisdiction. “Unregistered Security” means any Security other than a Registered Security.
“U.S. Government Obligations” means securities that are (i) direct obligations of the United States of America for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged or (ii) obligations of an agency of instrumentality of the United States of America the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America, and shall also include a depository 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 depository receipt; provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government Obligation or the specific payment of interest on or principal of the U.S. Government Obligation evidenced by such depository receipt.
“Voting Stock” means, with respect to any Person, capital stock of any class or kind ordinarily having the power to vote for the election of directors, managers or other voting members of the governing body of such Person.
“vice president” when used with respect to the Issuer or the Trustee, means any vice president, whether or not designated by a number or a word or words added before or after the title of “vice president”.
“Wholly-Owned” is defined to mean, with respect to any Subsidiary of any Person, such Subsidiary if all of the outstanding common stock or other similar equity ownership interests (but not including preferred stock) in such Subsidiary (other than any director’s qualifying shares or investments by foreign nationals mandated by applicable law) is owned directly or indirectly by such Person.
“Yield to Maturity” means the yield to maturity on a series of securities, calculated at the time of issuance of such series, or, if applicable, at the most recent redetermination of interest on such series, and calculated in accordance with accepted financial practice.
ARTICLE 2
SECURITIES
Section 2.01 Forms Generally. The Securities of each series shall be substantially in such form (not inconsistent with this Indenture) as shall be established by or pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors or in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in each case with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture and may have imprinted or otherwise reproduced thereon such legend or legends, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture, as may be required to comply with any law or with any rules or regulations pursuant thereto, or with any rules of any securities exchange or to conform to general usage, all as may be determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution of the Securities. The Issuer shall furnish any such legends to the Trustee in writing.
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The definitive Securities shall be printed, lithographed or engraved on steel engraved borders or may be produced in any other manner, all as determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities.
Section 2.02 Form of Trustee’s Certification of Authentication. The Trustee’s certificate of authentication on all Securities shall be in substantially the following form:
This is one of the Securities of the series designated herein and referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
| ●, | ||
| as Trustee | ||
| By: | ||
| Authorized Signatory: | ||
Section 2.03 Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series. The aggregate Principal amount of Securities which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.
The Securities may be issued in one or more series. There shall be established in or pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors and set forth in an Officers’ Certificate, or established in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the issuance of Securities of any series:
(a) the title of the Securities of the series (which shall distinguish the Securities of the series from all other Securities);
(b) 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 registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Securities of the series pursuant to Section 2.08, Section 2.09, Section 2.11 or Section 12.03);
(c) the date or dates on which the Principal of the Securities of the series is payable;
(d) the rate or rates at which the Securities of the series shall bear interest, if any, or the method by which such rate shall be determined, the date or dates from which such interest shall accrue, the interest payment dates on which such interest shall be payable and the record dates for the determination of Holders to whom interest is payable;
(e) the place or places where the Principal of and any interest on Securities of the series shall be payable (if other than as provided in Section 3.02);
(f) the price or prices at which, the period or periods within 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 Issuer;
(g) the obligation, if any, of the Issuer to redeem, purchase or repay Securities of the series at the option of a Holder thereof and the price or prices at which, the period or periods within 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;
(h) the obligation, if any, of the Issuer to permit the conversion of the Securities of such series into Capital Stock, and the terms and conditions upon which such conversion shall be effected (including, without limitation, the initial conversion price or rate, the conversion period and any other provision in addition to or in lieu of those set forth in this Indenture relative to such obligation);
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(i) if other than denominations of $1,000 and any multiple thereof, the denominations in which Securities of the series shall be issuable;
(j) if other than the Principal amount thereof, the portion of the Principal amount of Securities of the series which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 4.01 or provable in bankruptcy pursuant to Section 4.02;
(k) if the Securities of the series are issuable in whole or in part as one or more Registered Global Securities, the identity of the Depositary for such Registered Global Security or Securities;
(l) any other terms of the series (which terms shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture);
(m) any trustees, authenticating or paying agents, transfer agents or registrar or any other agents with respect to the Securities of such series; and
(n) the extent to which payments on the Securities will be subordinated to the payment of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer.
All Securities of any one series shall be substantially identical except as to denomination and except as may otherwise be provided in or pursuant to such resolution of the Board of Directors or in any such indenture supplemental hereto.
Section 2.04 Authentication and Delivery of Securities. At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Issuer may deliver Securities of any series executed by the Issuer to the Trustee for authentication, and the Trustee shall thereupon authenticate and deliver such Securities to or upon the written order of the Issuer, such order to be signed by both (a) the chairman of its Board of Directors, its president or any vice president and by its treasurer, any assistant treasurer, its secretary or any assistant secretary, without any further action by the Issuer. In authenticating such Securities and accepting the additional responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Securities the Trustee shall receive, and (subject to Section 5.01) shall be fully protected in relying upon:
(a) a certified copy of any resolution or resolutions of the Board of Directors authorizing the action taken pursuant to the resolution or resolutions delivered under clause (b) below;
(b) a copy of any resolution or resolutions of the Board of Directors relating to such series, in each case certified by the secretary or an assistant secretary of the Issuer;
(c) an executed supplemental indenture, if any, and the documentation required to be delivered pursuant to Section 7.04;
(d) an Officers’ Certificate setting forth the form and terms of the Securities as required pursuant to Section 2.01 and Section 2.03, respectively and prepared in accordance with Section 10.05;
(e) an Opinion of Counsel, prepared in accordance with Section 10.05, to the effect:
(i) that the form or forms and terms of such Securities have been established by or pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors or by a supplemental indenture as permitted by Section 2.01 and Section 2.03 in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture; and
(ii) that such Securities, when authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and issued by the Issuer in the manner and subject to any conditions specified in such Opinion of Counsel, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Issuer enforceable against the Issuer in accordance with their terms, except to the extent that enforcement thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or similar laws now or hereafter in effect relating to creditors’ rights generally, and general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).
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The Trustee shall have the right to decline to authenticate and deliver any Securities under this section if the Trustee, being advised by counsel, determines that such action may not lawfully be taken by the Issuer or if the Trustee in good faith by its board of directors or board of trustees, executive committee, or a trust committee of directors or trustees or Responsible Officers shall determine that such action would expose the Trustee to personal liability.
If the Issuer shall establish pursuant to Section 2.03 that the Securities of a series or a portion thereof are to be issued in the form of one or more Registered Global Securities, then the Issuer shall execute (in accordance with Section 2.05) and the Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery one or more Registered Global Securities that (i) shall represent and shall be denominated in an amount equal to the aggregate Principal amount of all of the Securities of such series issued in such form and not yet canceled, (ii) shall be registered in the name of the Depositary for such Registered Global Security or Securities or the nominee of such Depositary, (iii) shall be delivered by the Trustee to such Depositary or its custodian or pursuant to such Depositary’s instructions and (iv) shall bear a legend substantially to the following effect: “Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for Securities in definitive registered form, this Security may not be transferred except as a whole 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.”
Section 2.05 Execution of Securities. The Securities shall be signed on behalf of the Issuer by the chairman of its Board of Directors, its president, any vice president, its treasurer or any assistant treasurer, under its corporate seal and attested by its secretary or any assistant secretary. Such signatures may be the manual or facsimile signatures of the present or any future such officers. The seal of the Issuer may be in the form of a facsimile thereof and may be impressed, affixed, imprinted or otherwise reproduced on the Securities. Typographical and other minor errors or defects in any such reproduction of the seal or any such signature shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any Security that has been duly authenticated and delivered by the Trustee.
In case any officer of the Issuer who shall have signed any of the Securities shall cease to be such officer before the Security so signed shall be authenticated and delivered by the Trustee or disposed of by the Issuer, such Security nevertheless may be authenticated and delivered or disposed of as though the person who signed such Security had not ceased to be such officer of the Issuer; and any Security may be signed on behalf of the Issuer by such persons as, at the actual date of the execution of such Security, shall be the proper officers of the Issuer, although at the date of the execution and delivery of this Indenture any such person was not such an officer.
Section 2.06 Certificate of Authentication. Only such Securities as shall bear thereon a certificate of authentication substantially in the form hereinbefore recited, executed by the Trustee by the manual signature of one of its authorized signatories, shall be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose. Such certificate by the Trustee upon any Security executed by the Issuer shall be conclusive evidence that the Security so authenticated has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder and that the Holder is entitled to the benefits of this Indenture.
Section 2.07 Denomination and Date of Securities; Payments of Interest. The Securities shall be issuable as registered securities without coupons and in denominations as shall be specified as contemplated by Section 2.03. In the absence of any such specification with respect to the Securities of any series, the Securities of such series shall be issuable in denominations of $1,000 and any multiple thereof. The Securities shall be numbered, lettered, or otherwise distinguished in such manner or in accordance with such plan as the officers of the Issuer executing the same may determine as evidenced by the execution and authentication thereof.
Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication, shall bear interest, if any, from the date and shall be payable on the dates, in each case, which shall be specified as contemplated by Section 2.03.
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The person in whose name any Security of any series is registered at the close of business on any record date applicable to a particular series with respect to any interest payment date for such series shall be entitled to receive the interest, if any, payable on such interest payment date notwithstanding any transfer or exchange of such Security subsequent to the record date and prior to such interest payment date, except if and to the extent the Issuer shall default in the payment of the interest due on such interest payment date for such series, in which case such defaulted interest shall be paid to the persons in whose names Outstanding Securities for such series are registered at the close of business on a subsequent record date (which shall be not less than five Business Days prior to the date of payment of such defaulted interest) established by notice given by mail by or on behalf of the Issuer to the Holders of Securities not less than 15 days preceding such subsequent record date. The term “record date” as used with respect to any interest payment date (except a date for payment of defaulted interest) shall mean the date specified as such in the terms of the Securities of any particular series, or, if no such date is so specified, if such interest payment date is the first day of a calendar month, the fifteenth day of the next preceding calendar month or, if such interest payment date is the fifteenth day of a calendar month, the first day of such calendar month, whether or not such record date is a Business Day.
Section 2.08 Registration, Transfer and Exchange. The Issuer will keep or cause to be kept at each office or agency to be maintained for the purpose as provided in Section 3.02 a register or registers in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, it will register, and will register the transfer of, Securities as in this Article provided. Such register shall be in written form in the English language or in any other form capable of being converted into such form within a reasonable time. At all reasonable times such register or registers shall be open for inspection by the Trustee.
At the option of the Holder thereof, Registered Securities of any series (other than a Registered Global Security, except as set forth below) may be exchanged for a Registered Security or Registered Securities of such series and tenor having authorized denominations and an equal aggregate Principal amount, upon surrender of such Registered Securities to be exchanged at the agency of the Issuer that shall be maintained for such purpose in accordance with Section 3.02 and upon payment, if the Issuer shall so require, of the charges hereinafter provided. If the Securities of any series are issued in both registered and unregistered form, except as otherwise established pursuant to Section 2.03, at the option of the Holder thereof, Unregistered Securities of any series may be exchanged for Registered Securities of such series and tenor having authorized denominations and an equal aggregate Principal amount, upon surrender of such Unregistered Securities to be exchanged at the agency of the Issuer that shall be maintained for such purpose in accordance with Section 3.02 and upon payment, if the Issuer shall so require, of the charges hereinafter provided. At the option of the Holder thereof, if Unregistered Securities of any series, maturity date, interest rate and Original Issue Date are issued in more than one authorized denomination, except as otherwise established pursuant to Section 2.03, such Unregistered Securities may be exchanged for Unregistered Securities of such series and tenor having authorized denominations and an equal aggregate Principal amount, upon surrender of such Unregistered Securities to be exchanged at the agency of the Issuer that shall be maintained for such purpose in accordance with Section 3.02 and upon payment, if the Issuer shall so require, of the charges hereinafter provided. Registered Securities of any series may not be exchanged for Unregistered Securities of such series. Whenever any Securities are so surrendered for exchange, the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery, the Securities which the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive.
All Registered Securities presented for registration of transfer, exchange, redemption, conversion or payment shall be duly endorsed by, or be accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of transfer in form satisfactory to the Issuer and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder or his attorney duly authorized in writing.
The Issuer may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any exchange or registration of transfer of Securities. No service charge shall be made for any such transaction.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 2.08, unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for Securities in definitive registered form, a Registered 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.
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If at any time the Depositary for any Registered Global Securities of any series notifies the Issuer that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such Registered Global Securities or if at any time the Depositary for such Registered Global Securities shall no longer be eligible under applicable law, the Issuer shall appoint a successor Depositary eligible under applicable law with respect to such Registered Global Securities. If a successor Depositary eligible under applicable law for such Registered Global Securities is not appointed by the Issuer within 90 days after the Issuer receives such notice or becomes aware of such ineligibility, the Issuer will execute, and the Trustee, upon receipt of the Issuer’s order for the authentication and delivery of definitive Registered Securities of such series and tenor, will authenticate and make available for delivery Registered Securities of such series and tenor, in any authorized denominations, in an aggregate Principal amount equal to the Principal amount of such Registered Global Securities, in exchange for such Registered Global Securities.
The Issuer may at any time and in its sole discretion determine that any Registered Global Securities of any series shall no longer be maintained in global form. In such event, or in the event that there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default with respect to a series of Securities, the Issuer will, upon the request of any Holder, execute, and the Trustee, upon receipt of the Issuer’s order for the authentication and delivery of definitive Registered Securities of such series and tenor, will authenticate and make available for delivery, Registered Securities of such series and tenor in any authorized denominations, in an aggregate Principal amount equal to the Principal amount of such Registered Global Securities, in exchange for such Registered Global Securities.
Any time the Registered Securities of any series are not in the form of Registered Global Securities pursuant to the preceding two paragraphs, the Issuer agrees to supply the Trustee with a reasonable supply of certificated Registered Securities without the legend required by Section 2.04 and the Trustee agrees to hold such Registered Securities in safekeeping until authenticated and delivered pursuant to the terms of this Indenture.
If established by the Issuer pursuant to Section 2.03 with respect to any Registered Global Security, the Depositary for such Registered Global Security may surrender such Registered Global Security in exchange in whole or in part for Registered Securities of the same series and tenor in definitive registered form on such terms as are acceptable to the Issuer and such Depositary. Thereupon, the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery, without service charge,
(i) to the Person specified by such Depositary new Registered Securities of the same series and tenor, of any authorized denominations as requested by such Person, in an aggregate Principal amount equal to and in exchange for such Person’s beneficial interest in the Registered Global Security; and
(ii) to such Depositary a new Registered Global Security in a denomination equal to the difference, if any, between the Principal amount of the surrendered Registered Global Security and the aggregate Principal amount of Registered Securities authenticated and delivered pursuant to clause (i) above.
Registered Securities issued in exchange for a Registered Global Security pursuant to this Section 2.08 shall be registered in such names and in such authorized denominations as the Depositary for such Registered Global Security, pursuant to instructions from its direct or indirect participants or otherwise, shall instruct the Trustee or an agent of the Issuer or the Trustee. The Trustee or such agent shall deliver such Securities to or as directed by the Persons in whose names such Securities are so registered.
All Securities issued upon any transfer or exchange of Securities shall be valid obligations of the Issuer, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Securities surrendered upon such transfer or exchange.
Notwithstanding anything herein or in the forms or terms of any Securities to the contrary, none of the Issuer, the Trustee or any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee shall be required to exchange any Unregistered Security for a Registered Security if such exchange would result in adverse Federal income tax consequences to the Issuer (such as, for example, the inability of the Issuer to deduct from its income, as computed for Federal income tax purposes, the interest payable on the Unregistered Securities) under then applicable United States Federal income tax laws. The Trustee and any such agent shall be entitled to rely on an Officers’ Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel in determining such result.
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Neither the Registrar nor the Issuer shall be required (i) to issue, authenticate, register the transfer of or exchange Securities of any series for a period of 15 days before the mailing of a notice of redemption of such Securities to be redeemed or (ii) to register the transfer of or exchange any Security selected for redemption in whole or in part.
Section 2.09 Mutilated, Defaced, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities. In case any temporary or definitive Security shall become mutilated or defaced and shall be surrendered to the Trustee, the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, a new Security of the same series, bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding, in exchange and substitution for the mutilated or defaced Security. If the Holder of any Security claims that the Security has been lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken, the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, a new Security of the same series, bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding, in exchange and substitution for the lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken Security, if the applicant so requests before the Issuer has notice that the Security has been acquired by a protected purchaser, and the applicant furnishes to the Issuer and to the Trustee and any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee such security or indemnity as may be required by them to indemnify and defend and to save each of them harmless and the applicant satisfies other reasonable requirements imposed by the Issuer.
Upon the issuance of any substitute Security, the Issuer may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee and its counsel) connected therewith. In case any Security which has matured or is about to mature or has been called for redemption in full shall become mutilated or defaced or be destroyed, lost or stolen, the Issuer may instead of issuing a substitute Security, pay or authorize the payment of the same (without surrender thereof except in the case of a mutilated or defaced Security), if the applicant for such payment shall furnish to the Issuer and to the Trustee and any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee such security or taking, the applicant shall also furnish to the Issuer and the Trustee and any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or wrongful taking of such Security and of the ownership thereof.
Every substitute Security of any series issued pursuant to the provisions of this section by virtue of the fact that any such Security is destroyed, lost or stolen shall constitute an additional contractual obligation of the Issuer, whether or not the destroyed, lost or wrongfully taken Security shall be at any time enforceable by anyone and shall be entitled to all the benefits of (but shall be subject to all the limitations of rights set forth in) this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Securities of such series duly authenticated and delivered hereunder. All Securities shall be held and owned upon the express condition that, to the extent permitted by law, the foregoing provisions are exclusive with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, defaced or destroyed, lost or wrongfully taken Securities and shall preclude any and all other rights or remedies.
Section 2.10 Cancellation of Securities; Destruction Thereof. All Securities surrendered for payment, redemption, repurchase, conversion, registration of transfer or exchange, if surrendered to the Issuer or any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee, shall be delivered to the Trustee for cancellation or, if surrendered to the Trustee, shall be canceled by it; and no Securities shall be issued in lieu thereof except as expressly permitted by any of the provisions of this Indenture. The Trustee shall dispose of canceled Securities held by it in accordance with the record retention policies of the Trustee in effect from time to time and, if such canceled certificates are destroyed, shall deliver a certificate of destruction to the Issuer. If the Issuer shall acquire any of the Securities, such acquisition shall not operate as a redemption or satisfaction of the indebtedness represented by such Securities unless and until the same are delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.
Section 2.11 Temporary Securities. Pending the preparation of definitive Securities for any series, the Issuer may execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver temporary Securities for such series (printed, lithographed, typewritten or otherwise reproduced, in each case in form satisfactory to the Trustee). Temporary Securities of any series shall be issuable as registered Securities without coupons, of any authorized denomination, and substantially in the form of the definitive Securities of such series but with such omissions, insertions and variations as may be appropriate for temporary Securities, all as may be determined by the Issuer with the concurrence of the Trustee. Temporary Securities may contain such reference to any provisions of this Indenture as may be appropriate. Every temporary Security shall be executed by the Issuer and be authenticated by the Trustee upon the same conditions and in substantially the same manner, and with like effect, as the definitive Securities. Without unreasonable delay the Issuer shall execute and shall furnish definitive Securities of such series and thereupon temporary Securities of such series may be surrendered in exchange therefor without charge at each office or agency to be maintained by the Issuer for that purpose pursuant to Section 3.02, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange for such temporary Securities of such series a like aggregate Principal amount of definitive Securities of the same series of authorized denominations. Until so exchanged, the temporary Securities of any series shall be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Securities of such series.
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Section 2.12 Computation of Interest. Except as otherwise specified in the Securities of a series, interest shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
Section 2.13 CUSIP Numbers. The Issuer in issuing the Securities may use “CUSIP” numbers (if then generally in use), and, if so, the Trustee shall use “CUSIP” numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to 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 Issuer will notify the Trustee of any change in the “CUSIP” numbers.
ARTICLE 3
COVENANTS OF THE ISSUER AND THE TRUSTEE
Section 3.01 Payment of Principal and Interest. The Issuer covenants and agrees for the benefit of each series of Securities that it will duly and punctually pay or cause to be paid the Principal of, and interest on, each of the Securities of such series at the place or places, at the respective times and in the manner provided in such Securities. Each installment of interest on the Securities of any series may be paid by mailing checks for such interest payable to or upon the written order of the Holders of Securities entitled thereto as they shall appear on the registry books of the Issuer.
Notwithstanding any provisions of this Indenture and the Securities of any series to the contrary, if the Issuer and a Holder of any Registered Security so agree or if expressly provided pursuant to Section 2.03, payments of interest on, and any portion of the Principal of, such Holder’s Registered Security shall be made by the paying agent, upon receipt from the Issuer of immediately available funds by 11:00 a.m., New York City time (or such other time as may be agreed to between the Issuer and the paying agent) or the Issuer, directly to the Holder of such Security (by wire transfer of Federal funds or immediately available funds or otherwise) if the Holder has delivered written instructions to the Trustee 15 days prior to such payment date requesting that such payment will be so made and designating the bank account to which such payments shall be so made and, in the case of payments of Principal, surrenders the same to the Trustee. The Trustee shall be entitled to rely on the last instruction delivered by the Holder pursuant to this Section 3.01 unless a new instruction is delivered 15 days prior to a payment date. The Issuer will indemnify and hold each of the Trustee and any paying agent harmless against any loss, liability or expense (including attorneys’ fees and expenses) resulting from any act or omission to act on the part of the Issuer or any such Holder in connection with any such agreement or from making any payment in accordance with any such agreement.
Section 3.02 Offices for Payments, etc. So long as any of the Securities remain outstanding, the Issuer will maintain in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York an office or agency (o) where the Securities may be presented for payment, (p) where the Securities may be presented for registration of transfer and for exchange as in this Indenture provided, (q) where notices and demands to or upon the Issuer in respect of the Securities or of this Indenture may be served and (r) for Securities of each series that is convertible, where such Securities may be presented for conversion. The Issuer will give to the Trustee written notice of the location of any such office or agency and of any change of location thereof. Unless otherwise specified in accordance with Section 2.03, the Issuer hereby initially designates the Corporate Trust Office of Trustee as the office to be maintained by it for each such purpose. In case the Issuer shall fail to so designate or maintain any such office or agency or shall fail to give such notice of the location or of any change in the location thereof, presentations and demands may be made and notices may be served at the Corporate Trust Office.
Section 3.03 Paying Agents. Whenever the Issuer shall appoint a paying agent other than the Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series, it will cause such paying agent to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section:
(a) that it will hold all sums received by it as such agent for the payment of the Principal of or interest on the Securities of such series (whether such sums have been paid to it by the Issuer or by any other obligor on the Securities of such series) in trust for the benefit of the Holders of the Securities of such series or of the Trustee;
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(b) that it will give the Trustee notice of any failure by the Issuer (or by any other obligor on the Securities of such series) to make any payment of the Principal of or interest on the Securities of such series when the same shall be due and payable; and during the continuance of the failure referred to in clause Section 3.03(b) above.
The Issuer will, on or prior to each due date of the Principal of or interest on the Securities of such series, deposit with the paying agent a sum sufficient to pay such Principal or interest so becoming due, and (unless such paying agent is the Trustee) the Issuer will promptly notify the Trustee of any failure to take such action.
If the Issuer shall act as its own paying agent with respect to the Securities of any Series, it will, on or before each due date of the Principal of or interest on the Securities of such series, set aside, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Holders of the Securities of such series a sum sufficient to pay such Principal or interest so becoming due. The Issuer will promptly notify the Trustee of any failure to take such action.
Whenever the Issuer shall have one or more paying agents for any series of Securities, it will, on or before each due date of the Principal of or interest on any Securities of such series, deposit with the paying agent or agents for the Securities of such series a sum, by 11:00 a.m. New York City time in immediately available funds on the payment date, sufficient to pay the Principal or interest so becoming due with respect to the Securities of such series, and (unless such paying agent is the Trustee) the Issuer will promptly notify the Trustee in writing of any failure so to act.
Anything in this section to the contrary notwithstanding, the Issuer may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining a satisfaction and discharge with respect to one or more or all series of Securities hereunder, or for any other reason, pay or cause to be paid to the Trustee all sums held in trust for any such series by the Issuer or any paying agent hereunder, as required by this Section, such sums to be held by the Trustee upon the trusts herein contained.
Anything in this Section 3.03 to the contrary notwithstanding, the agreement to hold sums in trust as provided in this Section 3.03 is subject to the provisions of Section 9.05.
Section 3.04 Certificate of the Issuer. Within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year ended ●, and within 120 days after the close of each fiscal year thereafter, the Issuer will furnish to the Trustee a brief certificate (which need not comply with Section 10.05) from the principal executive, financial or accounting officer of the Issuer as to his or her knowledge of the Issuer’s compliance with all conditions and covenants under the Indenture (such compliance to be determined without regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice provided under the Indenture).
At the time such certificate is filed, the Issuer will also file with the Trustee a letter or statement of the independent accountants who shall have certified the financial statements of the Issuer for its preceding fiscal year to the effect that, in making the examination necessary for certification of such financial statements, they have obtained no knowledge of any default by the Issuer in the performance or fulfillment of any covenant, agreement or condition contained in this Indenture, which default remains uncured at the date of such letter or statement, or, if they shall have obtained knowledge of any such uncured default, specifying in such letter or statement such default or defaults and the nature and status thereof, it being understood that such accountants shall not be liable directly or indirectly for failure to obtain knowledge of any such default or defaults, and that nothing contained in this Section 3.04 shall be construed to require such accountants to make any investigation beyond the scope required in connection with such examination.
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Section 3.05 List of Securityholders. If and so long as the Trustee shall not be the Security registrar for the Securities of any series, the Issuer will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee a list in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of the Holders of the Securities of such series pursuant to Section 312 of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (a) semi-annually not more than 10 days after each record date for the payment of interest on such Securities, as hereinabove specified, as of such record date and on dates to be determined pursuant to Section 2.03 for non-interest bearing Securities in each year and (b) at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, within 30 days after receipt by the Issuer of any such request as of a date not more than 10 days prior to the time such information is furnished.
Section 3.06 Reports by the Issuer. The Issuer covenants to:
(a) file, whether or not required to do so under applicable law, with the Trustee, within 15 days after the Issuer files the same with the Commission:
(i) copies of the annual reports and of the information, documents, and other reports which the Issuer files with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(ii) such additional information, documents and reports with respect to compliance by the Issuer with the conditions and covenants provided for in this Indenture as the Issuer may from time to time file with the Commission; and
(b) transmit to the Securityholders, in the manner and to the extent provided in Section 10.04, such summaries of any information, documents and reports required to be filed with the Trustee pursuant to the provisions of subdivision (a) of this Section 3.06 as may be required by the rules and regulations of the Commission.
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 constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Issuer’s compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officers’ Certificates).
Section 3.07 Corporate Existence. So long as any of the Securities remain unpaid, the Issuer will at all times (except as otherwise provided or permitted elsewhere in this Indenture) do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence.
Section 3.08 Restrictions on Mergers, Sales and Consolidations. So long as any of the Securities remain unpaid, the Issuer will not consolidate or merge with or sell, convey or lease all or substantially all of its property to any other corporation except as permitted in Article 8 hereof.
Section 3.09 Further Assurances. From time to time whenever requested by the Trustee, the Issuer will execute and deliver such further instruments and assurances and do such further acts as may be reasonably necessary or proper to carry out more effectually the purposes of this Indenture or to secure the rights and remedies hereunder of the Holders of the Securities of any series.
ARTICLE 4
REMEDIES OF THE TRUSTEE AND SECURITYHOLDERS
ON EVENT OF DEFAULT
Section 4.01 Event of Default Defined; Acceleration of Maturity; Waiver of Default. “Event of Default” with respect to Securities of any series wherever used herein, means any one of the following events which shall have occurred and be continuing (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body):
(a) default by the Issuer in the payment of any installment of interest upon any of the Securities of such series as and when the same shall become due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days;
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(b) default by the Issuer in the payment of all or any part of the Principal on any of the Securities of such series as and when the same shall become due and payable either at maturity, upon redemption, by declaration or otherwise, and continuance of such default for a period of five days;
(c) default by the Issuer in the performance, or breach by the Issuer, of any of its covenants or agreements in respect of the Securities of such series (other than a covenant or agreement in respect of the Securities of such series a default in whose performance or whose breach is elsewhere in this section specifically dealt with), and continuance of such default or breach for a period of 30 consecutive days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Issuer by the Trustee or to the Issuer and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in Principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of all series affected thereby, a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a notice of default hereunder;
(d) the entry by a court having jurisdiction in the premises of a decree or order for relief in respect of the Issuer in an involuntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, or the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee or sequestrator (or similar official) of the Issuer or for any substantial part of the Issuer’s property and assets or the ordering of the winding up or liquidation of the Issuer’s affairs, and the continuance of any such decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 90 consecutive days;
(e) the commencement by the Issuer of a voluntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, or the consent by the Issuer to the entry of an order for relief in an involuntary case under any such law, or the consent by the Issuer to the appointment of or taking possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee or sequestrator (or similar official) of the Issuer or for any substantial part of the Issuer’s property, or the making of any general assignment by the Issuer for the benefit of creditors; or
(f) any other Event of Default provided in the supplemental indenture or resolution of the Board of Directors under which such series of Securities is issued or in the form of Security for such series.
If an Event of Default described in clauses 4.01(a), 4.01(b), 4.01(c) or 4.01(f) occurs and is continuing, then, and in each and every such case, unless the Principal of all of the Securities of such series shall have already become due and payable, either the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate Principal amount of the Securities of any affected series then Outstanding hereunder (each such series voting as a separate class) by notice in writing to the Issuer (and to the Trustee if given by Securityholders), may declare the entire Principal (or, if the Securities of such series are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the Principal amount as may be specified in the terms of such series) of all Securities of such series and the interest accrued thereon, if any, to be due and payable immediately, and upon any such declaration the same shall become immediately due and payable. If an Event of Default described in clauses Section 4.01(d) or Section 4.01(e) occurs and is continuing, then the Principal amount of all the Securities then Outstanding and interest accrued thereon, if any, shall be and become immediately due and payable, without any notice or other action by any Holder or the Trustee, to the full extent permitted by applicable law.
The foregoing provisions, however, are subject to the condition that if, at any time after the Principal (or, if the Securities are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the Principal as may be specified in the terms thereof) of the Securities of any series (or of all the Securities, as the case may be) shall have been so declared due and payable, and before any judgment or decree for the payment of the monies due shall have been obtained or entered as hereinafter provided, the Issuer shall pay or shall deposit with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest upon all the Securities of such series (or of all the Securities, as the case may be) and the Principal of any and all Securities of such series (or of all the Securities, as the case may be) which shall have become due otherwise than by acceleration (with interest upon such Principal and, to the extent that payment of such interest is enforceable under applicable law, on overdue installments of interest, at the same rate as the rate of interest or Yield to Maturity (in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities) specified in the Securities of such series (or at the respective rates of interest or Yields to Maturity of all the Securities, as the case may be) to the date of such payment or deposit) and such amount as shall be sufficient to cover reasonable compensation to the Trustee, its agents, attorneys and counsel, and all other expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee except as a result of negligence or bad faith, and if any and all Events of Default under the Indenture, other than the non-payment of the Principal of Securities which shall have become due by acceleration, shall have been cured, waived or otherwise remedied as provided herein, then and in every such case the Holders of a majority in aggregate Principal amount of all the then Outstanding Securities of all such series that have been accelerated, each such series voting as a separate class, by written notice to the Issuer and to the Trustee, may waive all defaults with respect to such series (or with respect to all the Securities, as the case may be) and rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences, but no such waiver or rescission and annulment shall extend to or shall affect any subsequent default or shall impair any right consequent thereon.
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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 declaration, unless such declaration 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 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 4.02 Collection of Indebtedness by Trustee; Trustee May Prove Debt. The Issuer covenants that (h) in case default shall be made in the payment of any installment of interest on any of the Securities of any series when such interest shall have become due and payable, and such default shall have continued for a period of 30 days or (i) in case default shall be made in the payment of all or any part of the Principal of any of the Securities of any series when the same shall have become due and payable, whether upon maturity of the Securities of such series or upon any redemption or by declaration or otherwise, then in each case upon demand of the Trustee, the Issuer will pay to the Trustee for the benefit of the Holders of the Securities of such series (x) the whole amount that then shall have become due and payable on all Securities of such series for Principal or interest, as the case may be (with interest to the date of such payment upon the overdue Principal and, to the extent that payment of such interest is enforceable under applicable law, on overdue installments of interest at the same rate as the rate of interest or Yield to Maturity (in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities) specified in the Securities of such series) and (y) in addition thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including reasonable compensation to the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee, their respective agents and counsel, and any expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee except as a result of its negligence or bad faith.
Until such demand is made by the Trustee, the Issuer may pay the Principal of and interest on the Securities of any series to the registered Holders, whether or not the Principal of and interest on the Securities of such series be overdue.
In case the Issuer 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 proceedings at law or in equity for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, and may prosecute any such action or proceedings to judgment or final decree, and may enforce any such judgment or final decree against the Issuer or other obligor upon such Securities and collect in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Issuer or other obligor upon such Securities, wherever situated, the monies adjudged or decreed to be payable.
In case there shall be pending proceedings relative to the Issuer or any other obligor upon the Securities under Title 11 of the United States Code or any other applicable Federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law, or in case a receiver, assignee or trustee in bankruptcy or reorganization, liquidator, sequestrator or similar official shall have been appointed for or taken possession of the Issuer or its property or such other obligor, or in case of any other comparable judicial proceedings relative to the Issuer or other obligor upon the Securities of any series, or to the creditors or property of the Issuer or such other obligor, the Trustee, irrespective of whether the Principal of any Securities shall then be due and payable as therein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Trustee shall have made any demand pursuant to the provisions of this Section, shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceedings or otherwise:
(a) to file and prove a claim or claims for the whole amount of Principal and interest (or, if the Securities of any series are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the Principal amount as may be specified in the terms of such series) owing and unpaid in respect of the Securities of any series, and to file such other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for reasonable compensation to the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee, and their respective agents, attorneys and counsel, and for reimbursement of all expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee, except as a result of negligence or bad faith) and of the Securityholders allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Issuer or other obligor upon the Securities of any series, or to the creditors or property of the Issuer or such other obligor;
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(b) unless prohibited by applicable law and regulations, to vote on behalf of the Holders of the Securities of any series in any election of a trustee or a standby trustee in arrangement, reorganization, liquidation or other bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings or person performing similar functions in comparable proceedings; and
(c) to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims, and to distribute all amounts received with respect to the claims of the Securityholders and of the Trustee on their behalf; and any trustee, receiver, or liquidator, custodian or other similar official is hereby authorized by each of the Securityholders to make payments to the Trustee, and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of payments directly to the Securityholders, to pay to the Trustee such amounts as shall be sufficient to cover reasonable compensation to the Trustee, each predecessor Trustee and their respective agents, attorneys and counsel, and all other expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee except as a result of negligence or bad faith and all other amounts due to the Trustee or any predecessor Trustee pursuant to Section 5.06.
Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or vote for or accept or adopt on behalf of any Securityholder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Securities of any series or the rights of any Holder thereof, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Securityholder in any such proceeding except, as aforesaid, to vote for the election of a trustee in bankruptcy or similar person.
All rights of action and of asserting claims under this Indenture, or under any of the Securities, may be enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the Securities or the production thereof on any trial or other proceedings relative thereto, and any such action or proceedings instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment, subject to the payment of the expenses, disbursements and compensation of the Trustee, each predecessor Trustee and their respective agents and attorneys, shall be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the Securities in respect of which such action was taken.
In any proceedings brought by the Trustee (and also any proceedings involving the interpretation of any provision of this Indenture to which the Trustee shall be a party) the Trustee shall be held to represent all the Holders of the Securities in respect to which such action was taken, and it shall not be necessary to make any Holders of such Securities parties to any such proceedings.
Section 4.03 Application of Proceeds. Any monies collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article in respect of any series shall be applied in the following order at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such monies on account of Principal or interest, upon presentation of the several Securities in respect of which monies have been collected and stamping (or otherwise noting) thereon the payment, or issuing Securities of such series in reduced Principal amounts in exchange for the presented Securities of like series if only partially paid, or upon surrender thereof if fully paid:
FIRST: To the payment of costs and expenses applicable to such series in respect of which monies have been collected, including reasonable compensation to the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee and their respective agents and attorneys and of all expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee except as a result of negligence or bad faith, and all other amounts due to the Trustee or any predecessor Trustee pursuant to Section 5.06;
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SECOND: In case the Principal of the Securities of such series in respect of which monies have been collected shall not have become and be then due and payable, to the payment of interest on the Securities of such series in default in the order of the maturity of the installments of such interest, with interest (to the extent that such interest has been collected by the Trustee) upon the overdue installments of interest at the same rate as the rate of interest or Yield to Maturity (in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities) specified in such Securities, such payments to be made ratably to the persons entitled thereto, without discrimination or preference;
THIRD: In case the Principal of the Securities of such series in respect of which monies have been collected shall have become and shall be then due and payable, to the payment of the whole amount then owing and unpaid upon all the Securities of such series for Principal and interest, with interest upon the overdue Principal, and (to the extent that such interest has been collected by the Trustee) upon overdue installments of interest at the same rate as the rate of interest or Yield to Maturity (in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities) specified in the Securities of such series; and in case such monies shall be insufficient to pay in full the whole amount so due and unpaid upon the Securities of such series, then to the payment of such Principal and interest or yield to maturity, without preference or priority of Principal over interest or yield to maturity, or of interest or yield to maturity over Principal, or of any installment of interest over any other installment of interest, or of any Security of such series over any other Security of such series, ratably to the aggregate of such Principal and accrued and unpaid interest or yield to maturity; and
FOURTH: To the payment of the remainder, if any, to the Issuer or any other person lawfully entitled thereto.
Section 4.04 Suits for Enforcement. In case an Event of Default has occurred, has not been waived and is continuing, the Trustee may proceed to protect and enforce the rights vested in it by this Indenture, either at law or in equity or in bankruptcy or otherwise, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement contained in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted in this Indenture or to enforce any other legal or equitable right vested in the Trustee by this Indenture or by law.
Section 4.05 Restoration of Rights on Abandonment of Proceedings. In case the Trustee shall have proceeded to enforce any right under this Indenture and such proceedings shall have been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or shall have been determined adversely to the Trustee, then and in every such case the Issuer and the Trustee shall be restored respectively to their former positions and rights hereunder, and all rights, remedies and powers of the Issuer, the Trustee and the Securityholders shall continue as though no such proceedings had been taken.
Section 4.06 Limitations on Suits by Securityholder. No Holder of any Security of any series shall have any right by virtue or by availing of any provision of this Indenture to institute any action or proceeding at law or in equity or in bankruptcy or otherwise upon or under or with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official or for any other remedy hereunder, unless such Holder previously shall have given to the Trustee written notice of an Event of Default and of the continuance thereof, as hereinbefore provided, and unless also the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate Principal amount of the Securities of such series then outstanding shall have made written request upon the Trustee to institute such action or proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as trustee hereunder and shall have offered to the Trustee indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred therein or thereby and the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity shall have failed to institute any such action or proceeding and no direction inconsistent with such written request shall have been given to the Trustee pursuant to Section 4.09; it being understood and intended, and being expressly covenanted by the Holder of every Security with every other Holder and the Trustee, that no one or more Holders of Securities of any series shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue or by availing of any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other such Holder of Securities, or to obtain or seek to obtain priority over or preference to any other such Holder or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal, ratable and common benefit of all Holders of Securities of the applicable series. For the protection and enforcement of the provisions of this Section, each and every Securityholder and the Trustee shall be entitled to such relief as can be given either at law or in equity.
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Section 4.07 Unconditional Right of Securityholders to Institute Certain Suits. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture and any provision of any Security, the right of any Holder of any Security to receive payment of the Principal of or interest on such Security on or after the respective due dates expressed in such Security, or to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such Holder.
Section 4.08 Powers and Remedies Cumulative; Delay or Omission Not Waiver of Default. Except as provided in Section 4.06, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Securityholders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.
No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Securityholder to exercise any right or power accruing upon any Event of Default occurring and continuing as aforesaid shall impair any such right or power or shall be construed to be a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein; and, subject to Section 4.06, every power and remedy given by this Indenture or by law to the Trustee or to the Securityholders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as shall be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Securityholders.
Section 4.09 Control by Securityholders. The Holders of a majority in aggregate Principal amount of the Securities of each series affected (with each series voting as a separate class) at the time outstanding shall have the right to direct the time, method, and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series by this Indenture; provided that such direction shall not be otherwise than in accordance with law and the provisions of this Indenture and provided further that (subject to the provisions of Section 5.01) the Trustee shall have the right to decline to follow any such direction if the Trustee, being advised by counsel, shall determine that the action or proceeding so directed may not lawfully be taken or if the Trustee in good faith by its board of directors, the executive committee, or a trust committee of directors or Responsible Officers of the Trustee shall determine that the action or proceedings so directed would subject the Trustee to personal liability or if the Trustee in good faith shall so determine that the actions or forbearances specified in or pursuant to such direction would be unduly prejudicial to the interests of Holders of the Securities of all series so affected not joining in the giving of said direction.
Nothing in this Indenture shall impair the right of the Trustee to take any action which is not inconsistent with such direction or directions by Securityholders.
Section 4.10 Waiver of Past Defaults. Prior to a declaration of the acceleration of the maturity of the Securities of any series as provided in Section 4.01, the Holders of a majority in aggregate Principal amount of the Securities of such series at the time Outstanding (each such series voting as a separate class) may on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities of such series waive an existing default or Event of Default, except a default in the payment of Principal of or interest on any Security as specified in clauses (a) or (b) of Section 4.01 or in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of each Holder affected as provided in Section 7.02. In the case of any such waiver, the Issuer, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities of each series affected shall be restored to their former positions and rights hereunder, respectively.
Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist and be deemed to have been cured and not to have occurred, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, and not to have occurred for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon.
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Section 4.11 Trustee to Give Notice of Default, But May Withhold in Certain Circumstances. The Trustee shall give to the Securityholders of any series, as the names and addresses of such Holders appear on the registry books, notice by mail of all defaults known to Responsible Officers of the Trustee which have occurred with respect to such series, such notice to be transmitted within 90 days after the occurrence thereof, unless such defaults shall have been cured before the giving of such notice (the term “default” or “defaults” for the purposes of this section being hereby defined to mean any event or condition which is, or with notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default); provided that, except in the case of default in the payment of the Principal of or interest on any of the Securities of such series, the Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if and so long as the board of directors, the executive committee, or a trust committee of directors or trustees and/or Responsible Officers of the Trustee in good faith determines that the withholding of such notice is in the interests of the Securityholders of such series.
Section 4.12 Right of Court to Require Filing of Undertaking to Pay Costs. All parties to this Indenture agree, and each Holder of any Security by his acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court may in its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; provided that the provisions of this Section 4.12 shall not apply to (i) any suit instituted by the Trustee, (ii) any suit instituted by any Securityholder or group of Securityholders of any series holding in the aggregate more than 10% in aggregate Principal amount of the Securities of such series or (iii) any suit instituted by a Holder pursuant to Section 4.07.
ARTICLE 5
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
Section 5.01 Duties and Responsibilities of the Trustee. With respect to the Holders of any series of Securities issued hereunder, the Trustee, prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of a particular series and after the curing or waiving of all Events of Default which may have occurred with respect to such series, undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture. In case an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of a series has occurred (which has not been cured or waived) the Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs.
(a) Prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of any series and after the curing or waiving of all such Events of Default with respect to such series which may have occurred:
(i) the duties and obligations of the Trustee with respect to the Securities of any Series shall be determined solely by the express provisions of this Indenture, and the Trustee shall not be liable except for the performance of such duties and obligations as are specifically set forth in this Indenture, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and
(ii) in the absence of bad faith on the part of the Trustee, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon any statements, certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture; but in the case of any such statements, certificates or opinions which by any provision hereof 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.
(b) No provision of this Indenture shall be construed to relieve the Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act or its own willful misconduct, except that:
(i) this subsection (b) shall not be construed to limit the effect of subsection (a) of this Section 5.01;
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(ii) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer or Responsible Officers of the Trustee, unless it shall be proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; and
(iii) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of the Holders relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee, under this Indenture.
None of the provisions contained in this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur personal financial liability in the performance of any of its duties or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if there shall be reasonable ground for believing that the repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such liability is not reasonably assured to it.
The provisions of this Section 5.01 are in furtherance of and subject to Sections 315 and 316 of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.
Whether or not therein expressly provided, every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct of, affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Section 5.01.
Section 5.02 Certain Rights of the Trustee. In furtherance of and subject to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, and subject to Section 5.01:
(a) In the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, Officers’ Certificate or any other certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, coupon, security or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;
(b) any request, direction, order or demand of the Issuer mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by an Officers’ Certificate (unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed); and any resolution of the Board of Directors may be evidenced to the Trustee by a copy thereof certified by the secretary or an assistant secretary of the Issuer;
(c) the Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection and any advice or Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken by it hereunder in good faith and in accordance with such advice or Opinion of Counsel;
(d) the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the trusts or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request, order or direction of any of the Securityholders pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture, unless such Securityholders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in connection with such request, order or direction;
(e) 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 the discretion, rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture;
(f) prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default hereunder and after the curing or waiving of all Events of Default, 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, consent, order, approval, appraisal, bond, debenture, note, coupon, security, or other paper or document unless requested in writing so to do by the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate Principal amount of the Securities of all series affected then outstanding; provided that, if the payment within a reasonable time to the Trustee of the costs, expenses or liabilities likely to be incurred by it in the making of such investigation is, in the opinion of the Trustee, not reasonably assured to the Trustee by the security afforded to it by the terms of this Indenture, the Trustee may require indemnity satisfactory to it against such expenses or liabilities as a condition to proceeding, and the reasonable expenses of every such investigation shall be paid by the Issuer or, if paid by the Trustee or any predecessor trustee, shall be repaid by the Issuer upon demand;
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(g) the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys not regularly in its employ and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any such agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder;
(h) the Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken, suffered or omitted in good faith and believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion, rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture;
(i) the Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Securities and this Indenture;
(j) the rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and each agent, custodian and other Person employed to act hereunder; and
(k) the Trustee may request that the Issuer deliver an Officers’ 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 Officers’ Certificate may be signed by any person authorized to sign an Officers’ Certificate, including any person specified as so authorized in any such certificate previously delivered and not superseded.
Section 5.03 Trustee Not Responsible for Recitals, Disposition of Securities or Application of Proceeds Thereof. The recitals contained herein and in the Securities, except the Trustee’s certificates of authentication, shall be taken as the statements of the Issuer, and the Trustee assumes no responsibility for the correctness of the same. The Trustee makes no representation as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture or the Securities. The Trustee shall not be accountable for the use or application by the Issuer of any of the Securities or of the proceeds thereof.
Section 5.04 Trustee and Agents May Hold Securities; Collections, etc. The Trustee or any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities with the same rights it would have if it were not the Trustee or such agent and may otherwise deal with the Issuer and receive, collect, hold and retain collections from the Issuer with the same rights it would have if it were not the Trustee or such agent.
Section 5.05 Monies Held by Trustee. All monies received by the Trustee in trust hereunder need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by mandatory provisions of law. Neither the Trustee nor any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee shall be under any liability for interest on any monies received by it hereunder.
Section 5.06 Compensation and Indemnification of Trustee and Its Prior Claim. The Issuer covenants and agrees to pay to the Trustee from time to time, and the Trustee shall be entitled to, such compensation as shall be agreed in writing from time to time by the Issuer and the Trustee (which shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust) and the Issuer covenants and agrees to pay or reimburse the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by or on behalf of it in accordance with any of the provisions of this Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its counsel and of all agents and other persons not regularly in its employ) except to the extent any such expense, disbursement or advance may arise from its negligence or bad faith. The Issuer also covenants and agrees to indemnify the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or expense arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of this Indenture or the trusts hereunder and the performance of its duties hereunder, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against or investigating any claim of liability (whether asserted by the Issuer, a Holder or any other Person) in the premises, except to the extent such loss, liability or expense is due to the negligence or bad faith of the Trustee or such predecessor Trustee. The obligations of the Issuer under this section to compensate and indemnify the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee and to pay or reimburse the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee for expenses, disbursements and advances shall constitute additional indebtedness hereunder and shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or the resignation or removal of the Trustee. Such additional indebtedness shall be a senior claim and lien to that of the Securities upon all property and funds held or collected by the Trustee as such, except funds held in trust for the benefit of the Holders of particular Securities, and the Securities are hereby subordinated to such senior claim. The parties agree that if the Trustee renders services following an Event of Default under Section 4.01(d) or (e), compensation for such services is intended to constitute administrative expense under any bankruptcy law.
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Section 5.07 Right of Trustee to Rely on Officers’ Certificate, etc. Subject to Section 5.01 and Section 5.02, whenever in the administration of the trusts of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it necessary or desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking or suffering or omitting any action hereunder, such matter (unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of negligence or bad faith on the part of the Trustee, be deemed to be conclusively proved and established by an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee, and such certificate, in the absence of negligence or bad faith 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.
Section 5.08 Persons Eligible for Appointment as Trustee. The Trustee for each series of Securities hereunder shall at all times be a corporation which is eligible in accordance with the provisions of Section 310(a) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and which has (or which is a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, of a bank holding company which has) a combined capital and surplus of $50,000,000. If such corporation or holding company publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of a Federal, State or District of Columbia supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such corporation or holding company shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published.
Section 5.09 Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor Trustee. (a) The Trustee, or any trustee or trustees hereafter appointed, may at any time resign with respect to one or more or all series of Securities by giving written notice of resignation to the Issuer. Upon receiving such notice of resignation, the Issuer shall promptly appoint a successor trustee or trustees with respect to the applicable series by written instrument in duplicate, executed by authority of the Board of Directors, one copy of which instrument shall be delivered to the resigning Trustee and one copy to the successor trustee or trustees. If no successor Trustee shall have been so appointed with respect to any series and have accepted appointment within 30 days after the mailing of such notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee may petition, at the expense of the Issuer, any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee, or any Securityholder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security or Securities of the applicable series for at least six months may, subject to the provisions of Section 4.12, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any such court for the appointment of a successor Trustee. Such court may thereupon, after such notice, if any, as it may deem proper and prescribe, appoint a successor Trustee.
(b) In case at any time any of the following shall occur:
(i) the Trustee shall fail to comply with the provisions of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 with respect to any series of Securities after written request therefor by the Issuer or by any Securityholder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security or Securities of such series for at least six months;
(ii) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of Section 310(a) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Issuer or by any Securityholder; or
(iii) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting with respect to any series of Securities, or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent, or a receiver or liquidator of the Trustee or of its property shall be appointed, or any public officer shall take charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation; then, in any such case, the Issuer may remove the Trustee with respect to the applicable series of Securities and appoint a successor trustee for such series by written instrument, in duplicate, executed by order of the Board of Directors of the Issuer, one copy of which instrument shall be delivered to the Trustee so removed and one copy to the successor Trustee, or, subject to Section 315(e) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, any Securityholder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security or Securities of such series for at least six months may on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor trustee with respect to such series. Such court may thereupon, after such notice, if any, as it may deem proper and prescribe, remove the Trustee and appoint a successor trustee.
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(c) The Holders of a majority in aggregate Principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time outstanding may at any time remove the Trustee with respect to Securities of such series and appoint a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series by delivering to the Trustee so removed, to the successor Trustee so appointed and to the Issuer the evidence provided in Section 6.01 of the action in that regard taken by the Securityholders.
(d) Any resignation or removal of the Trustee with respect to any series and any appointment of a successor trustee with respect to such series pursuant to any of the provisions of this Section 5.09 shall become effective upon acceptance of appointment by the successor trustee as provided in Section 5.10.
Section 5.10 Acceptance of Appointment by Successor. Any successor Trustee appointed as provided in Section 5.09 shall execute and deliver to the Issuer and to its predecessor Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment hereunder, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the predecessor Trustee with respect to all or any applicable series shall become effective and such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all rights, powers, duties and obligations with respect to such series of its predecessor hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as Trustee for such series hereunder. On the written request of the Issuer or of the successor Trustee, upon payment of its charges then unpaid, the Trustee ceasing to act shall, subject to Section 5.06, pay over to the successor Trustee all monies at the time held by it hereunder and shall execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all such rights, powers, duties and obligations. Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the Issuer shall execute any and all instruments in writing for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor Trustee all such rights and powers. Any Trustee ceasing to act shall, nevertheless, retain a prior claim upon all property or funds held or collected by such Trustee to secure any amounts then due it pursuant to the provisions of Section 5.06.
If a successor Trustee is appointed with respect to the Securities of one or more (but not all) series, the Issuer, the predecessor Trustee and each successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any applicable series shall execute and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto which shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the predecessor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series as to which the predecessor Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in the predecessor Trustee, and shall add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being understood that nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture shall constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same trust and that each such Trustee shall be Trustee of a trust or trusts under separate indentures.
Upon acceptance of appointment by any successor Trustee as provided in this Section 5.10, the Issuer shall mail notice thereof by first-class mail to the Holders of Securities of any series for which such successor Trustee is acting as Trustee at their last addresses as they shall appear in the Security register. If the acceptance of appointment is substantially contemporaneous with the resignation, then the notice called for by the preceding sentence may be combined with the notice called for by Section 5.09. If the Issuer fails to mail such notice within 10 days after acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee, the successor Trustee shall cause such notice to be mailed at the expense of the Issuer.
Section 5.11 Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business of Trustee. Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided that such corporation shall be eligible under the provisions of Section 5.08, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto, anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding.
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In case at the time such successor to the Trustee shall succeed to the trusts created by this Indenture any of the Securities of any series shall have been authenticated but not delivered, any such successor to the 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 of any series 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 certificate shall have the full force which it is anywhere in the Securities of such series or in this Indenture provided that the certificate of the Trustee shall have; provided, that the right to adopt the certificate of authentication of any predecessor Trustee or to authenticate Securities of any series in the name of any predecessor Trustee shall apply only to its successor or successors by merger, conversion or consolidation.
Section 5.12 Reports to the Trustee. The Trustee shall transmit to Holders such reports concerning the Trustee and its actions under this Indenture as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the times and in the manner provided pursuant thereto. If required by Section 313(a) of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall, within sixty days after each May 15 following the date of the initial issuance of Securities under this Indenture deliver to Holders a brief report, dated as of such May 15, which complies with the provisions of such Section 313(a).
A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to Holders, be filed by the Trustee with each stock exchange, if any, upon which the Securities are listed, with the Commission and with the Issuer. The Issuer will promptly notify the Trustee when the Securities are listed on any stock exchange and of any delisting thereof.
ARTICLE 6
CONCERNING THE SECURITYHOLDERS
Section 6.01 Evidence of Action Taken by Securityholders. Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given or taken by a specified percentage in Principal amount of the Securityholders of any or all series may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such specified percentage of Securityholders in person or by agent duly appointed in writing; and, except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered to the Trustee. Proof of execution of any instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and (subject to Section 5.01 and Section 5.02) conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Issuer, if made in the manner provided in this Article.
Section 6.02 Proof of Execution of Instruments and of Holding of Securities; Record Date. Subject to Section 5.01 and Section 5.02, the execution of any instrument by a Securityholder or his agent or proxy may be proved by the certificate of any notary public or other officer authorized to take acknowledgment of deeds, that the Person executing such instrument acknowledged to such notary public or other such officer the execution thereof, or by an affidavit of a witness to such execution sworn to before any such notary public or other officer. Where such execution is by an officer of a corporation or association or a member of a partnership on behalf of such corporation, association or partnership, as the case may be, or by any other Person acting in a representative capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof of such Person’s authority. The holding of Securities shall be proved by the Security register or by a certificate of the registrar thereof. The Issuer may set a record date for purposes of determining the identity of Holders of Securities of any series entitled to vote or consent to any action referred to in Section 6.01, which record date may be set at any time or from time to time by notice to the Trustee, for any date or dates (in the case of any adjournment or reconsideration) not more than 60 days nor less than five days prior to the proposed date of such vote or consent, and thereafter, notwithstanding any other provisions hereof, only Holders of Securities of such series of record on such record date shall be entitled to so vote or give such consent or revoke such vote or consent.
Section 6.03 Holders to be Treated as Owners. Prior to due presentment of a Security for registration of transfer, the Issuer, the Trustee and any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee may deem and treat the person in whose name any Security shall be registered upon the Security register for such series 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 the purpose of receiving payment of or on account of the Principal of and, subject to the provisions of this Indenture, interest on such Security and for all other purposes, and neither the Issuer nor the Trustee nor any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee shall be affected by any notice to the contrary. All such payments so made to any such person, or upon his order, shall be valid, and, to the extent of the sum or sums so paid, effectual to satisfy and discharge the liability for monies payable upon any such Security.
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Section 6.04 Securities Owned by Issuer Deemed Not Outstanding. In determining whether the Holders of the requisite aggregate Principal amount of Outstanding Securities of any or all series have concurred in any direction, consent or waiver under this Indenture, Securities which are owned by the Issuer or any other obligor on the Securities with respect to which such determination is being made or by any person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Issuer or any other obligor on the Securities with respect to which such determination is being made shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding for the purpose of any such determination, except that for the purpose of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such direction, consent or waiver only Securities as to which the Trustee has received written notice are so owned shall be so disregarded. Securities so owned which have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee’s right so to act with respect to such Securities and that the pledgee is not the Issuer or any other obligor upon the Securities or any person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Issuer or any other obligor on the Securities. In case of a dispute as to such right, the advice of counsel shall be full protection in respect of any decision made by the Trustee in accordance with such advice. Upon request of the Trustee, the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee promptly an Officers’ Certificate listing and identifying all Securities, if any, known by the Issuer to be owned or held by or for the account of any of the above-described persons; and, subject to Section 5.01 and Section 5.02, the Trustee shall be entitled to accept such Officers’ Certificate as conclusive evidence of the facts therein set forth and of the fact that all Securities not listed therein are Outstanding for the purpose of any such determination.
Section 6.05 Right of Revocation of Action Taken. At any time prior to (but not after) the evidencing to the Trustee, as provided in Section 6.01, of the taking of any action by the Holders of the percentage in aggregate Principal amount of the Securities of any or all series, as the case may be, specified in this Indenture in connection with such action, any Holder of a Security the serial number of which is shown by the evidence to be included among the serial numbers of the Securities the Holders of which have consented to such action may, by filing written notice at the Corporate Trust Office and upon proof of holding as provided in this Article, revoke such action so far as concerns such Security. Except as aforesaid any such action taken by the Holder of any Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders and owners of such Security and of any Securities issued in exchange or substitution therefor, irrespective of whether or not any notation in regard thereto is made upon any such Security. Any action taken by the Holders of the percentage in aggregate Principal amount of the Securities of any or all series, as the case may be, specified in this Indenture in connection with such action shall be conclusively binding upon the Issuer, the Trustee and the Holders of all the Securities affected by such action.
ARTICLE 7
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
Section 7.01 Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Securityholders. The Issuer, when authorized by a resolution of its Board of Directors certified to the Trustee, and the Trustee may from time to time and at any time enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for one or more of the following purposes:
(a) to evidence the succession of another corporation to the Issuer, or successive successions, and the assumption by the successor corporation of the covenants, agreements and obligations of the Issuer pursuant to Article 8;
(b) (i) to cure any ambiguity or to correct or supplement any provision contained herein or in any supplemental indenture which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision contained herein or in any supplemental indenture, (ii) to conform the terms of Securities to the description thereof in the prospectus and prospectus supplement (or similar offering document) offering such Securities or (iii) to make such other provisions in regard to matters or questions arising under this Indenture or under any supplemental indenture as the Board of Directors may deem necessary or desirable and which shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of the Securities in any material respect;
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(c) to establish the form or terms of Securities of any series as permitted by Section 2.01 and Section 2.03;
(d) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series and to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one trustee, pursuant to the requirements of Section 5.10;
(e) to comply with any requirements of the Commission in connection with the qualification of this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939;
(f) to provide for uncertificated or Unregistered Securities and to make all appropriate changes for such purpose;
(g) to make any change that would not reasonably be expected to adversely affect the rights of any Holder in any material respect;
(h) to add to the covenants of the Issuer such new covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions as its Board of Directors shall consider to be for the protection of the Holders of Securities, and with respect to which the Trustee has received an Opinion of Counsel to a similar effect, and to make the occurrence, or the occurrence and continuance, of a default in any such additional covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions an Event of Default; provided, that in respect of any such additional covenant, restriction, condition or provision such supplemental indenture may provide for a particular period of grace after default (which period may be shorter or longer than that allowed in the case of other defaults) or may provide for an immediate enforcement upon such an Event of Default or may limit the remedies available to the Trustee upon such an Event of Default or may limit the right of the Holders of a majority in aggregate Principal amount of the Securities of such series to waive such an Event of Default; or
(i) to make any change so long as no Securities are Outstanding.
The Trustee is hereby authorized to join with the Issuer in the execution of any such supplemental indenture, to make any further appropriate agreements and stipulations which may be therein contained and to accept the conveyance, transfer, assignment, mortgage or pledge of any property thereunder, but the Trustee shall not be obligated to enter into any such supplemental indenture which affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.
Any supplemental indenture authorized by the provisions of this section may be executed without the consent of the Holders of any of the Securities at the time outstanding, notwithstanding any of the provisions of Section 7.02.
Section 7.02 Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Securityholders. With the consent (evidenced as provided in Article 6) of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate Principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding of all series affected by such supplemental indenture (voting as one class), the Issuer, when authorized by a resolution of its Board of Directors, 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 of the provisions of this Indenture or of any supplemental indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each such series; provided, that no such supplemental indenture shall without the consent of each Holder affected thereby:
(i) change the stated maturity of the Principal of, or the time of payment of any installment of interest on, such Holder’s Security;
(ii) reduce the Principal thereof or the rate of interest thereon, or any premium payable with respect thereto;
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(iii) change any place of payment where, or the currency in which, any Security or any premium or the interest thereon is payable;
(iv) change the provisions for calculating any redemption or repurchase price, including the definitions relating thereto;
(v) make any change to Section 4.07 or Section 4.10 (except to include other provisions subject to Section 4.10);
(vi) reduce the percentage in Principal amount of outstanding Securities of the relevant series the consent of whose Holders is required for any such supplemental indenture, for any waiver of compliance with any provisions of this Indenture or any defaults and their consequences provided for in this Indenture;
(vii) alter or impair the right to convert any Security at the rate and upon the terms provided in Article 12;
(viii) waive a default in the payment of Principal of or interest on any Security of such Holder (except pursuant to a rescission of acceleration pursuant to Section 4.01);
(ix) adversely affect the rights of such Holder under any mandatory redemption or repurchase provision or any right of redemption or repurchase at the option of such Holder;
(x) modify any of the provisions of this Section 7.02, 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;
(xi) modify Article 13 of this Indenture or the definition of “Senior Indebtedness” in Article 1 hereof in a manner adverse to Holders of any series of Securities; or
(xii) change or waive any provision that, pursuant to a board resolution or indenture supplemental hereto establishing the terms of one or more series of Securities, is prohibited to be so changed or waived.
Upon the written request of the Issuer, accompanied by a copy of a resolution of the Board of Directors certified by the secretary or an assistant secretary of the Issuer authorizing the execution of any such supplemental indenture, and upon the filing with the Trustee of evidence of the consent of Securityholders as aforesaid and other documents, if any, required by Section 6.01, the Trustee shall join with the Issuer in the execution of such supplemental indenture unless such supplemental indenture affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise, in which case the Trustee may in its discretion, but shall not be obligated to, enter into such supplemental indenture.
It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Securityholders under this section to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such consent shall approve the substance thereof.
Promptly after the execution by the Issuer and the Trustee of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Section, the Issuer shall mail a notice thereof by first class mail to the Holders of Securities of each series affected thereby at their addresses as they shall appear on the registry books of the Issuer, setting forth in general terms the substance of such supplemental indenture. Any failure of the Issuer 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 7.03 Effect of Supplemental Indenture. Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions hereof, this Indenture shall be and be deemed to be modified and amended in accordance therewith and the respective rights, limitations of rights, obligations, duties and immunities under this Indenture of the Trustee, the Issuer and the Holders of Securities of each series affected thereby 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.
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Section 7.04 Documents to Be Given to Trustee. The Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 5.01 and Section 5.02, may receive an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel as conclusive evidence that any supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article 7 complies with the applicable provisions of this Indenture.
Section 7.05 Notation on Securities in Respect of Supplemental Indentures. 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 form approved by the Trustee for such series as to any matter provided for by such supplemental indenture or as to any action taken at any such meeting. If the Issuer or the Trustee shall so determine, new Securities of any series so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Trustee and the Board of Directors, to any modification of this Indenture contained in any such supplemental indenture may be prepared by the Issuer, authenticated by the Trustee and delivered in exchange for the Securities of such series then outstanding.
ARTICLE 8
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE OR CONVEYANCE
Section 8.01 Issuer May Consolidate, etc., on Certain Terms. The Issuer covenants that it will not merge or consolidate with any other Person or sell, convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its property and assets to any Person (other than a consolidation with or merger with or into or a sale, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition to a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary with a positive net worth; provided that, in connection with any such merger of the Issuer with a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary, no consideration (other than common stock) in the surviving person or the Issuer shall be issued or distributed to the stockholders of the Issuer), unless (xv) either (x) the Issuer shall be the continuing corporation, or the successor corporation or (y) the Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Issuer is merged or that acquires by sale or conveyance substantially all the assets of the Issuer (if other than the Issuer) shall be a corporation or limited liability company organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States of America or any jurisdiction thereof and shall expressly assume the due and punctual payment of the Principal of and interest on all the Securities, according to their tenor, and the due and punctual performance and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of this Indenture to be performed or observed by the Issuer, by supplemental indenture satisfactory to the Trustee, executed and delivered to the Trustee by such Person, (xvi) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and (xvii) the Issuer delivers to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel, in each case stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indenture complies with this Section 8.01 and that all conditions precedent provided for herein relating to such transaction have been complied with; provided, however, that the foregoing limitations shall not apply if, in the good faith determination of the Board of Directors, whose determination shall be evidenced by a board resolution certified to the Trustee, the principal purpose of such transaction is to change the state of incorporation of the Issuer; and provided further that any such transaction shall not have as one of its purposes the evasion of the foregoing limitations.
Section 8.02 Successor Corporation Substituted. In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition, and following such an assumption by the successor Person, such successor Person shall succeed to and be substituted for the Issuer, with the same effect as if it had been named herein. Such successor Person may cause to be signed, and may issue either in its own name or in the name of the Issuer prior to such succession any or all of the Securities issuable hereunder which theretofore shall not have been signed by the Issuer and delivered to the Trustee; and, upon the order of such successor Person instead of the Issuer and subject to all the terms, conditions and limitations in this Indenture prescribed, the Trustee, pursuant to the terms hereof, shall authenticate and shall deliver any Securities which previously shall have been signed and delivered by the officers of the Issuer to the Trustee for authentication, and any Securities which such successor Person thereafter shall cause to be signed and delivered to the Trustee for that purpose. All of the Securities so issued shall in all respects have the same legal rank and benefit under this Indenture as the Securities theretofore or thereafter issued in accordance with the terms of this Indenture as though all of such Securities had been issued at the date of the execution hereof.
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In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition, such changes in phraseology and form (but not in substance) may be made in the Securities thereafter to be issued as may be appropriate.
Upon the assumption by the successor Person in the manner described in this Article, the Issuer shall be discharged from all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and the Securities.
ARTICLE 9
DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE
Section 9.01 Defeasance Within One Year of Payment. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 9.01, the Issuer may terminate its obligations under the Securities of any series and this Indenture with respect to Securities of such series if:
(i) all Securities of such series previously authenticated and delivered (other than destroyed, lost or wrongfully taken Securities of such series that have been replaced or Securities of such series for whose payment money or securities have theretofore been held in trust and thereafter repaid to the Issuer, as provided in Section 9.05) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation and the Issuer has paid all sums payable by it hereunder; or
(ii) (A) the Securities of such series mature within one year or all of them are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for giving the notice of redemption, (B) the Issuer irrevocably deposits in trust with the Trustee, as trust funds solely for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities for that purpose, money or U.S. Government Obligations or a combination thereof sufficient (unless such funds consist solely of money, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee), without consideration of any reinvestment and after payment of all Federal, state and local taxes or other charges and assessments in respect thereof payable by the Trustee, to pay Principal of and interest on the Securities of such series to maturity or redemption, as the case may be, and to pay all other sums payable by it hereunder and (C) the Issuer delivers to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, in each case stating that all conditions precedent provided for herein relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to the Securities of such series have been complied with.
With respect to the foregoing clause (i), only the Issuer’s obligations under Sections 5.06 and 9.05 in respect of the Securities of such series shall survive. With respect to the foregoing clause (ii), only the Issuer’s obligations in Sections 2.03 through 2.11, 3.02, 5.06, 5.09 and 9.05 in respect of the Securities of such series shall survive until such Securities of such series are no longer outstanding. Thereafter, only the Issuer’s obligations in Sections 5.06 and 9.05 in respect of the Securities of such series shall survive. After any such irrevocable deposit, the Trustee shall acknowledge in writing the discharge of the Issuer’s obligations under the Securities of such series and this Indenture with respect to the Securities of such series except for those surviving obligations specified above.
Section 9.02 Defeasance. Except as provided below, the Issuer will be deemed to have paid and will be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the Securities of any series and the provisions of this Indenture will no longer be in effect with respect to the Securities of such series (and the Trustee, at the expense of the Issuer, shall execute instruments in form and substance satisfactory to the Issuer and the Trustee acknowledging the same) if the following conditions shall have been satisfied:
(i) the Issuer has irrevocably deposited in trust with the Trustee as trust funds specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, Holders of the Securities of such series, for payment of the Principal of and interest on the Securities of such series, money or U.S. Government Obligations or a combination thereof sufficient (unless such funds consist solely of money, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee) without consideration of any reinvestment and after payment of all federal, state and local taxes or other charges and assessments in respect thereof payable by the Trustee, to pay and discharge the Principal of and accrued interest on the outstanding Securities of such series to maturity or earlier redemption (irrevocably provided for under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee), as the case may be;
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(ii) such deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, this Indenture or any other material agreement or instrument to which the Issuer is a party or by which it is bound;
(iii) no default or Event of Default with respect to the Securities of such series shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit;
(iv) the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee (1) either (x) a ruling directed to the Trustee received from the Internal Revenue Service to the effect that the Holders of the Securities of such series will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of the Issuer’s exercise of its option under this Section 9.02 and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and defeasance had not occurred or (y) an Opinion of Counsel to the same effect as the ruling described in clause (x) above and based upon a change in law and (2) an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Holders of the Securities of such series have a valid security interest in the trust funds subject to no prior liens under the UCC; and
(v) the Issuer has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, in each case stating that all conditions precedent provided for herein relating to the defeasance contemplated by this Section 9.02 of the Securities of such series have been complied with.
The Issuer’s obligations in Sections 2.03 through 2.11, 3.02, 5.06, 5.09 and 9.05 with respect to the Securities of such series shall survive until such Securities are no longer outstanding. Thereafter, only the Issuer’s obligations in Sections 5.06 and 9.05 shall survive.
Section 9.03 Covenant Defeasance. The Issuer may omit to comply with any term, provision or condition set forth in Sections 3.04, 3.06 or 3.08 (or any other specific covenant relating to the Securities of any series provided for in a Board Resolution or supplemental indenture pursuant to Section 2.03 which may by its terms be defeased pursuant to this Section 9.03), and such omission shall be deemed not to be an Event of Default under clause (c) of Section 4.01, with respect to the outstanding Securities of such series if:
(i) the Issuer has irrevocably deposited in trust with the Trustee as trust funds solely for the benefit of the Holders of the Securities of such series, for payment of the Principal of and interest, if any, on the Securities of such series, money or U.S. Government Obligations or a combination thereof in an amount sufficient (unless such funds consist solely of money, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee) without consideration of any reinvestment and after payment of all Federal, state and local taxes or other charges and assessments in respect thereof payable by the Trustee, to pay and discharge the Principal of and interest on the outstanding Securities of such series to maturity or earlier redemption (irrevocably provided for under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee), as the case may be;
(ii) such deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, this Indenture or any other material agreement or instrument to which the Issuer is a party or by which it is bound;
(iii) no default or Event of Default with respect to the Securities of such series shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit;
(iv) the Issuer has delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that (A) the Holders of the Securities of such series have a valid security interest in the trust funds subject to no prior liens under the UCC and (B) such Holders will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and covenant defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and defeasance had not occurred; and
(v) the Issuer has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, in each case stating that all conditions precedent provided for herein relating to the covenant defeasance contemplated by this Section 9.03 of the Securities of such series have been complied with.
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Section 9.04 Application of Trust Money. Subject to Section 9.05, the Trustee or Paying Agent shall hold in trust money or U.S. Government Obligations deposited with it pursuant to 9.01, 9.02, 9.03, as the case may be, in respect of the Securities of any series and shall apply the deposited money and the proceeds from deposited U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with the Securities of such series and this Indenture to the payment of Principal of and interest on the Securities of such series; provided that such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. The Issuer shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the U.S. Government Obligations deposited pursuant to 9.01, 9.02, 9.03, as the case may be, or the Principal and interest received in respect thereof, other than any such tax, fee or other charge that by law is for the account of the Holders.
Section 9.05 Repayment to Issuer. Subject to Sections 5.06 and 9.01, the Trustee and the Paying Agent shall promptly pay to the Issuer upon request set forth in an Officers’ Certificate any money held by them at any time and not required to make payments hereunder and thereupon shall be relieved from all liability with respect to such money. Subject to applicable escheat or abandoned property laws, the Trustee and the Paying Agent shall pay to the Issuer upon written request any money held by them and required to make payments hereunder under this Indenture that remains unclaimed for two years; provided that the Trustee or such Paying Agent before being required to make any payment shall cause to be published at the expense of the Issuer once in an Authorized Newspaper or mail to each Holder entitled to such money at such Holder’s address (as set forth in the register) notice that such money remains unclaimed and that after a date specified therein (which shall be at least 30 days from the date of such publication or mailing) any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining will be repaid to the Issuer. After payment to the Issuer, Holders entitled to such money must look to the Issuer for payment as unsecured general creditors unless an abandoned property law designates another Person, and all liability of the Trustee and such Paying Agent with respect to such money shall cease.
ARTICLE 10
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Section 10.01 Incorporators, Stockholders, Officers and Directors Exempt from Individual Liability. No recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement contained in this Indenture or in any Security, or because of any indebtedness evidenced thereby, shall be had against any incorporator, as such, or against any past, present or future stockholder, officer, director or employee, as such, of the Issuer or of any successor Person thereof, either directly or through the Issuer or any successor Person thereof, under any rule of law, statute or constitutional provision or by the enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding or otherwise, all such liability being expressly waived and released by the acceptance of the Securities by the Holders thereof and as part of the consideration for the issue of the Securities.
Section 10.02 Provisions of Indenture for the Sole Benefit of Parties and Securityholders. Nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities, expressed or implied, shall give or be construed to give to any person, firm or corporation, other than the parties hereto and their successors and the Holders of the Securities, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture or under any covenant or provision herein contained, all such covenants and provisions being for the sole benefit of the parties hereto and their successors and of the Holders of the Securities.
Section 10.03 Successors and Assigns of Issuer Bound by Indenture. All the covenants, stipulations, promises and agreements contained in this Indenture by or on behalf of the Issuer shall bind its successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.
Section 10.04 Notices and Demands on Issuer, Trustee and Securityholders. Any notice or demand which by any provision of this Indenture is required or permitted to be given or served by the Trustee or by the Holders of Securities to or on the Issuer may be given or served by being deposited postage prepaid, first-class mail (except as otherwise specifically provided herein) addressed (until another address of the Issuer is filed by the Issuer with the Trustee) to Aptera Motors Corp. at 5818 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, California 92008, Attention: Chief Financial Officer. Any notice, direction, request or demand by the Issuer or any Securityholder to or upon the Trustee shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given or made, for all purposes, if given or made at the Corporate Trust Office.
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Where this Indenture provides for notice to Holders, such notice shall be sufficiently given (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder entitled thereto, at such Holder’s last address as it appears in the Security register. In any case where notice to Holders is given by mail, neither the failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any notice so mailed, to any particular Holder shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders. Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Holders shall be filed with the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.
In case, by reason of the suspension of or irregularities in regular mail service, it shall be impracticable to mail notice to the Issuer and Securityholders when such notice is required to be given pursuant to any provision of this Indenture, then any manner of giving such notice as shall be satisfactory to the Trustee shall be deemed to be a sufficient giving of such notice.
Section 10.05 Officers’ Certificates and Opinions of Counsel; Statements to be Contained Therein. Upon any application or demand by the Issuer to the Trustee to take any action under any of the provisions of this Indenture, the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that all conditions precedent 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 documents is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture relating to such particular application or demand, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.
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 shall include (a) a statement that the person making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition, (b) 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, (c) a statement that, in the opinion of such person, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with and (d) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such person, such condition or covenant has been complied with.
Any certificate, statement or opinion of an officer of the Issuer may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or opinion of or representations by counsel, unless such officer knows that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to the matters upon which his certificate, statement or opinion may be based as aforesaid are erroneous, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know that the same are erroneous. Any certificate, statement or opinion of counsel may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, information with respect to which is in the possession of the Issuer, upon the certificate, statement or opinion of or representations by an officer or officers of the Issuer, unless such counsel knows that the certificate, statement or opinion or representations with respect to the matters upon which his certificate, statement or opinion may be based as aforesaid are erroneous, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know that the same are erroneous.
Any certificate, statement or opinion of an officer of the Issuer or of counsel 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 in the employ of the Issuer, unless such officer or counsel, as the case may be, knows that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to the accounting matters upon which his certificate, statement or opinion may be based as aforesaid are erroneous, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know that the same are erroneous.
Any certificate or opinion of any independent firm of public accountants filed with the Trustee shall contain a statement that such firm is independent.
Section 10.06 Payments Due on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays. If the date of maturity of interest on or Principal of the Securities of any series or the date fixed for redemption or repayment of any such Security shall not be a Business Day, then payment of interest or Principal need not be made on such date, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if made on the date of maturity or the date fixed for redemption, and no interest shall accrue for the period after such date.
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Section 10.07 Conflict of Any Provision of Indenture with Trust Indenture Act of 1939. If and to the extent that any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with another provision incorporated in this Indenture by operation of Sections 310 to 317, inclusive, of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, such incorporated provision shall control.
Section 10.08 New York Law to Govern. This Indenture and each Security shall be deemed to be a contract under the laws of the State of New York, and for all purposes shall be construed in accordance with the laws of such State.
Section 10.09 Counterparts. This Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original; but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
Section 10.10 Effect of Headings. The Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.
ARTICLE 11
REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES
Section 11.01 Applicability of Article. The provisions of this Article shall be applicable to the Securities of any series which are redeemable before their maturity except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.03 for Securities of such series.
Section 11.02 Notice of Redemption; Partial Redemptions. Notice of redemption to the Holders of Securities of any series to be redeemed as a whole or in part at the option of the Issuer shall be given by mailing notice of such redemption by first class mail, postage prepaid, at least 30 days and not more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption to such Holders of Securities of such series at their last addresses as they shall appear upon the registry books. Any notice which is mailed in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or not the Holder receives the notice. Failure to give notice by mail, or any defect in the notice to the Holder of any Security of a series designated for redemption as a whole or in part shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other Security of such series.
The notice of redemption to each such Holder shall specify the CUSIP numbers of such Securities to be redeemed, the Principal amount of each Security of such series held by such Holder to be redeemed, the date fixed for redemption, the redemption price, the place or places of payment, that payment will be made upon presentation and surrender of such Securities, that interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption will be paid as specified in such notice and that on and after said date interest thereon or on the portions thereof to be redeemed will cease to accrue. In case any Security of a series is to be redeemed in part only the notice of redemption shall state the portion of the Principal amount thereof to be redeemed, the method the Trustee shall use to determine such Securities to be redeemed as specified in the last paragraph of this Section 11.02, if applicable, and shall state that on and after the date fixed for redemption, upon surrender of such Security, a new Security or Securities of such series in Principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued.
The notice of redemption of Securities of any series to be redeemed at the option of the Issuer shall be given by the Issuer or, at the Issuer’s written request, by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Issuer.
By 11:00 a.m. (New York City time) on the redemption date specified in the notice of redemption given as provided in this Section, the Issuer will deposit with the Trustee or with one or more paying agents (or, if the Issuer is acting as its own paying agent, set aside, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 3.03) an amount of money sufficient to redeem on the redemption date all the Securities of such series so called for redemption at the appropriate redemption price, together with accrued interest to the date fixed for redemption. If less than all the outstanding Securities of a series are to be redeemed, the Issuer will deliver to the Trustee at least 70 days (unless a shorter period shall be satisfactory to the Trustee) prior to the date fixed for redemption an Officers’ Certificate stating the aggregate Principal amount of Securities to be redeemed.
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In the case of the redemption of all of the Securities of a series outstanding, the Issuer shall notify the Trustee in writing of the redemption date 45 days (unless a shorter period shall be satisfactory to the Trustee) prior to the redemption date.
If less than all the Securities of a series are to be redeemed, the Trustee shall select, pro rata or by lot or in such manner as it shall deem appropriate and fair, Securities of such series to be redeemed in whole or in part. Securities of a series may be redeemed in part in multiples equal to the minimum authorized denomination for Securities of such series or any multiple thereof. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Issuer in writing of the Securities of such series selected for redemption and, in the case of any Securities of such series selected for partial redemption, the Principal amount thereof to be redeemed. For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Securities of any series 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 which has been or is to be redeemed.
Section 11.03 Payment of Securities Called for Redemption. If notice of redemption has been given as above provided, the Securities or portions of Securities specified in such notice shall become due and payable on the date and at the place stated in such notice at the applicable redemption price, together with interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption, and on and after said date (unless the Issuer shall default in the payment of such Securities at the redemption price, together with interest accrued to said date) interest on the Securities or portions of Securities so called for redemption shall cease to accrue and, except as provided in Section 5.05 and Section 9.04, such Securities shall cease from and after the date fixed for redemption to be entitled to any benefit or security under this Indenture, and the Holders thereof shall have no right in respect of such Securities except the right to receive the redemption price thereof and unpaid interest to the date fixed for redemption. On presentation and surrender of such Securities at a place of payment specified in said notice, said Securities or the specified portions thereof shall be paid and redeemed by the Issuer at the applicable redemption price, together with interest accrued thereon to the date fixed for redemption; provided that any semiannual payment of interest becoming due on the date fixed for redemption shall be payable to the Holders of such Securities registered as such on the relevant record date subject to the terms and provisions of Section 2.07 hereof.
If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender thereof for redemption, the Principal shall, until paid or duly provided for, bear interest from the date fixed for redemption at the rate of interest or Yield to Maturity (in the case of an Original Issue Discount Security) borne by the Security.
Upon presentation of any Security redeemed in part only, the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to or on the order of the Holder thereof, at the expense of the Issuer, a new Security or Securities of such series, of authorized denominations, in Principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the Security so presented, pursuant to Sections 2.04, 2.05 and 2.06.
Section 11.04 Exclusion of Certain Securities from Eligibility for Selection for Redemption. Securities shall be excluded from eligibility for selection for redemption if they are identified by registration and certificate number in a written statement signed by an authorized officer of the Issuer and delivered to the Trustee at least 40 days prior to the last date on which notice of redemption may be given as being owned of record and beneficially by, and not pledged or hypothecated by either (a) the Issuer or (b) an entity specifically identified in such written statement directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Issuer.
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Section 11.05 Conversion Arrangement On Call For Redemption. In connection with any redemption of Securities, the Issuer shall deposit the amount due in connection with such redemption as required by Section 11.02 or it may arrange for the purchase and conversion of any Securities called for redemption by an agreement with one or more investment bankers or other purchasers to purchase such Securities and to make the deposit required of it by Section 11.02 on its behalf by paying to the Trustee or the Paying Agent in trust for the Securityholders, on or before 10:00 a.m. New York time on the redemption date, an amount no less than the redemption price, together with interest, if any, accrued to the redemption date of such Securities, in immediately available funds. Notwithstanding anytime to the contrary contained in this Article 11, the obligation of the Issuer to pay the redemption price of such Securities, including all accrued interest, if any, shall be deemed to be satisfied and discharged to the extent such amount is so paid by such purchasers. If such an agreement is entered into, any Securities not duly surrendered for conversion by the Holders thereof may, at the option of the Issuer, be deemed, to the fullest extent permitted by law, acquired by such purchasers from such Holders and (notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Article 12) surrendered by such purchasers for conversion, all as of immediately prior to the close of business on the last day on which Securities of such series called for redemption may be converted in accordance with this Indenture and the terms of such Securities, subject to payment of the above amount aforesaid. The Trustee or the Paying Agent shall hold and pay to the Securityholders whose Securities are selected for redemption any such amount paid to it in the same manner as it would monies deposited with it by the Issuer for the redemption of Securities. Without the Trustee’s and the Paying Agent’s prior written consent, no arrangement between the Issuer and such purchasers for the purchase and conversion of any Securities shall increase or otherwise affect any of the powers, duties, responsibilities or obligations of the Trustee as set forth in this Indenture, and the Issuer agrees to indemnify the Trustee from, and hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or expense arising out of or in connection with any such arrangement for the purchase and conversion of any Securities between the Issuer and such purchasers, including the costs and expenses incurred by the Trustee and the Paying Agent in the defense of any claim or liability arising out of or in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers, duties, responsibilities or obligations under this Indenture.
ARTICLE 12
CONVERSION OF SECURITIES
Section 12.01 Applicability of Article. Securities of any series which are convertible into Capital Stock at the option of the Securityholder shall be convertible in accordance with their terms and (unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.03 for Securities of any series) in accordance with this Article. Each reference in this Article 12 to “a Security” or “the Securities” refers to the Securities of the particular series that is convertible into Capital Stock. Each reference in this Article to “Capital Stock” into which Securities of any series are convertible refers to the class of Capital Stock into which the Securities of such series are convertible in accordance with their terms (as specified as contemplated by Section 2.03). If more than one series of Securities with conversion privileges are outstanding at any time, the provisions of this Article 12 shall be applied separately to each such series.
Section 12.02 Right of Securityholders to Convert Securities. Subject to and upon compliance with the terms of the Securities and the provisions of Section 11.05 and this Article 12, at the option of the Holder thereof, any Security of any series of any authorized denomination, or any portion of the Principal amount thereof which is $1,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000, may, at any time during the period specified in the Securities of such series, or in case such Security or portion thereof shall have been called for redemption, then in respect of such Security or portion thereof until and including, but not after (unless the Issuer shall default in payment due upon the redemption thereof) the close of business on the Business Day prior to the date fixed for redemption except that in the case of redemption at the option of the Securityholder, if specified in the terms of such Securities, such right shall terminate upon receipt of written notice of the exercise of such option, be converted into duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable shares of Capital Stock, as specified in such Security, at the conversion rate for each $1,000 Principal amount of Securities (such initial conversion rate reflecting an initial conversion price specified in such Security) in effect on the conversion date, or, in case an adjustment in the conversion rate has taken place pursuant to the provisions of Section 12.05, then at the applicable conversion rate as so adjusted, upon surrender of the Security or Securities, the Principal amount of which is so to be converted, to the Issuer at any time during usual business hours at the office or agency to be maintained by it in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.02, accompanied by a written notice of election to convert as provided in Section 12.03 and, if so required by the Issuer and the Trustee, by a written instrument or instruments of transfer in form satisfactory to the Issuer and the Trustee duly executed by the registered Holder or his attorney duly authorized in writing. All Securities surrendered for conversion shall, if surrendered to the Issuer or any conversion agent, be delivered to the Trustee for cancellation and cancelled by it, or shall, if surrendered to the Trustee, be cancelled by it, as provided in Section 2.10.
The initial conversion price or conversion rate in respect of a series of Securities shall be as specified in the Securities of such series. The conversion price or conversion rate will be subject to adjustment on the terms set forth in Section 12.05 or such other or different terms, if any, as may be specified by Section 2.03 for Securities of such series. Provisions of this Indenture that apply to conversion of all of a Security also apply to conversion of a portion of it.
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Section 12.03 Issuance of Shares of Capital Stock on Conversion. As promptly as practicable after the surrender, as herein provided, of any Security or Securities for conversion, the Issuer shall deliver or cause to be delivered at its said office or agency to or upon the written order of the Holder of the Security or Securities so surrendered a certificate or certificates representing the number of duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable shares of Capital Stock into which such Security or Securities may be converted in accordance with the terms thereof and the provisions of this Article 12. Prior to delivery of such certificate or certificates, the Issuer shall require a written notice at its said office or agency from the Holder of the Security or Securities so surrendered stating that the Holder irrevocably elects to convert such Security or Securities, or, if less than the entire Principal amount thereof is to be converted, stating the portion thereof to be converted. Such notice shall also state the name or names (with address and social security or other taxpayer identification number) in which said certificate or certificates are to be issued. Such conversion shall be deemed to have been made at the time that such Security or Securities shall have been surrendered for conversion and such notice shall have been received by the Issuer or the Trustee, the rights of the Holder of such Security or Securities as a Securityholder shall cease at such time, the person or persons entitled to receive the shares of Capital Stock upon conversion of such Security or Securities shall be treated for all purposes as having become the record holder or holders of such shares of Capital Stock at such time and such conversion shall be at the conversion rate in effect at such time. In the case of any Security of any series which is converted in part only, upon such conversion, the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder thereof, as requested by such Holder, a new Security or Securities of such series of authorized denominations in aggregate Principal amount equal to the unconverted portion of such Security.
If the last day on which a Security may be converted is not a Business Day in a place where a conversion agent is located, the Security may be surrendered to that conversion agent on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day.
The Issuer will not be required to deliver certificates for shares of Capital Stock upon conversion while its stock transfer books are closed for a meeting of shareholders or for the payment of dividends or for any other purpose, but certificates for shares of Capital Stock shall be delivered as soon as the stock transfer books shall again be opened.
Section 12.04 No Payment or Adjustment for Interest or Dividends. Unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.03 for Securities of such series, Securities surrendered for conversion during the period from the close of business on any regular record date (or special record date for payment of defaulted interest) next preceding any interest payment date to the opening of business on such interest payment date (except Securities called for redemption on a redemption date within such period) when surrendered for conversion must be accompanied by payment of an amount equal to the interest thereon which the registered Holder is to receive on such interest payment date. Payment of interest shall be made, as of such interest payment date or such date, as the case may be, to the Holder of record of the Securities as of such regular, or special record date, as applicable. Except where Securities surrendered for conversion must be accompanied by payment as described above, no interest on converted Securities will be payable by the Issuer on any interest payment date subsequent to the date of conversion. No other payment or adjustment for interest or dividends is to be made upon conversion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon conversion of any Original Issue Discount Security, the fixed number of shares of Capital Stock into which such Security is convertible delivered by the Issuer to the Holder thereof shall be applied, first, to pay the accrued original issue discount attributable to the period from the date of issuance to the date of conversion of such Security, and, second, to pay the balance of the Principal amount of such Security.
Section 12.05 Adjustment of Conversion Rate. Unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.03 for Securities of such series, the conversion rate for Securities in effect at any time shall be subject to adjustment as follows:
(a) In case the Issuer shall (i) declare a dividend or make a distribution on the class of Capital Stock into which Securities of such series are convertible in shares of its Capital Stock, (ii) subdivide the outstanding shares of the class of Capital Stock into which Securities of such series are convertible into a greater number of shares, (iii)combine the outstanding shares of the class of Capital Stock into which Securities of such series are convertible into a smaller number of shares or (iv) issue by reclassification of the shares of the class of Capital Stock into which Securities of such series are convertible (including any such reclassification in connection with a consolidation or merger in which the Issuer is the continuing corporation) any shares, the conversion rate for the Securities of such series in effect at the time of the record subdivision, combination or reclassification, shall be proportionately adjusted so that the Holder of any Security of such series surrendered for conversion after such time shall be entitled to receive the number and kind of shares which he would have owned or have been entitled to receive had such Security been converted immediately prior to such time. Similar adjustments shall be made whenever any event listed above shall occur.
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(b) In case the Issuer shall fix a record date for the issuance of rights or warrants to all holders of the class of Capital Stock into which Securities of such series are convertible entitling them (for a period expiring within 45 days after such record date) to subscribe for or purchase shares of such class of Capital Stock (or securities convertible into shares of such class of Capital Stock) at a price per share (or, in the case of a right or warrant to purchase securities convertible into such class of Capital Stock, having a conversion price per share, after adding thereto the exercise price, computed on the basis of the maximum number of shares of such class of Capital Stock issuable upon conversion of such convertible securities, per share of such class of Capital Stock, so issuable) less than the current market price per share of such class of Capital Stock (as defined in subsection (e) below) on the date on which such issuance was declared or otherwise announced by the Issuer (the “Determination Date”), the number of shares of such class of Capital Stock into which each $1,000 Principal amount of Securities shall be convertible after such record date shall be determined by multiplying the number of shares of such class of Capital Stock into which such Principal amount of Securities was convertible immediately prior to such record date by a fraction, of which the numerator shall be the number of shares of such class of Capital Stock outstanding on the Determination Date plus the number of additional shares of such class of Capital Stock offered for subscription or purchase (or in the case of a right or warrant to purchase securities convertible into such class of Capital Stock, the aggregate number of additional shares of such class of Capital Stock into which the convertible securities so offered are initially convertible), and of which the denominator shall be the number of shares of such class of Capital Stock outstanding on the Determination Date plus the number of shares of such class of Capital Stock obtained by dividing the aggregate offering price of the total number of shares so offered (or, in the case of a right or warrant to purchase securities convertible into such class of Capital Stock, the aggregate initial conversion price of the convertible securities so offered, after adding thereto the aggregate exercise price of such rights or warrants computed on the basis of the maximum number of shares of such class of Capital Stock issuable upon conversion of such convertible securities) by such current market price. Shares of such class of Capital Stock of the Issuer owned by or held for the account of the Issuer shall not be deemed outstanding for the purpose of any such computation. Such adjustment shall be made successively whenever such a record date is fixed; and to the extent that shares of such class of Capital Stock are not delivered (or securities convertible into shares of such class of Capital Stock are not delivered) after the expiration of such rights or warrants (or, in the case of rights or warrants to purchase securities convertible into such class of Capital Stock once exercised, the expiration of the conversion right of such securities) the conversion rate shall be readjusted to the conversion rate which would then be in effect had the adjustments made upon the issuance of such rights or warrants (or securities convertible into shares) been made upon the basis of delivery of only the number of shares actually delivered. In the event that such rights or warrants are not so issued, the conversion rate shall again be adjusted to be the conversion rate which would then be in effect if such record date had not been fixed.
(c) In case the Issuer shall fix a record date for the making of a distribution to all holders of the class of Capital Stock into which Securities of such series are convertible (including any such distribution made in connection with a consolidation or merger in which the Issuer is the continuing corporation) of evidences of its indebtedness or assets (excluding any cash dividends paid from retained earnings and dividends payable in Capital Stock for which adjustment is made pursuant to subsection (a) above or (d) below) or subscription rights or warrants (excluding subscription rights or warrants to purchase the class of Capital Stock into which Securities of such series are convertible), the number of shares of such class of Capital Stock into which each $1,000 Principal amount of Securities of such series shall be convertible after such record date shall be determined by multiplying the number of shares of such class of Capital Stock into which such Principal amount of Securities was convertible immediately prior to such record date by a fraction, of which the numerator shall be the fair market value of the assets of the Issuer, after deducting therefrom all liabilities of the Issuer and all preferences (including accrued but unpaid dividends) in respect of classes of Capital Stock having a preference with respect to the assets of the Issuer over such class of Capital Stock (all as determined by the Board of Directors, whose determination shall be conclusive, and described in a certificate signed by chairman of the Issuer’s Board of Directors, its president, any vice president, its treasurer, any assistant treasurer, its secretary or any assistant secretary, filed with the Trustee and each conversion agent) on such record date, and of which the denominator shall be such fair market value after deducting therefrom such liabilities and preferences, less the fair market value (as determined by the Board of Directors, whose determination shall be conclusive, and described in a statement filed with the Trustee and each conversion agent) of the assets or evidences of indebtedness, so distributed or of such subscription rights or warrants applicable, so distributed. Such adjustment shall be made successively whenever such a record date is fixed; and in the event that such distribution is not so made, the conversion rate shall again be adjusted to the conversion rate which would then be in effect if such record date had not been fixed.
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(d) In case the Issuer shall, by dividend or otherwise, distribute to all holders of its Capital Stock cash (excluding any dividend or distribution in connection with the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Issuer, whether voluntary or involuntary), then, in such case, unless the Issuer elects to reserve such cash for distribution to the Holders of the Securities upon the conversion of the Securities so that any such Holder converting Securities will receive upon such conversion, in addition to the shares of Capital Stock to which such Holder is entitled, the amount of cash which such Holder would have received if such Holder had, immediately prior to the record date for such distribution of cash, converted its Securities into Capital Stock, the conversion rate shall be adjusted so that the same shall equal the rate determined by multiplying the conversion rate in effect immediately prior to the record date by a fraction of which the denominator shall be the current market price of the Capital Stock (determined as provided in Section 12.05(e) on the record date less the amount of cash so distributed (and not excluded as provided above) applicable to one share of Capital Stock and the numerator shall be such current market price of the Capital Stock (determined as provided in Section 12.05(e)), such adjustment to be effective immediately prior to the opening of business on the day following the record date; provided, however, that in the event the portion of the cash so distributed applicable to one share of Capital Stock is equal to or greater than the current market price of the Capital Stock (determined as provided in (e)Section 12.05(e)) on the record date, in lieu of the foregoing adjustment, adequate provision shall be made so that each Securityholder shall have the right to receive upon conversion the amount of cash such Holder would have received had such Holder converted each Security on the record date. If such dividend or distribution is not so paid or made, the conversion rate shall again be adjusted to be the conversion rate which would then be in effect if such dividend or distribution had not been declared.
(e) For the purpose of any computation under subsections (b) and (d) above and Section 12.06, the current market price per share of the Capital Stock on any date as of which such price is to be computed shall mean the average of the Closing Prices for the 30 consecutive Business Days commencing 45 Business Days before such date.
(f) No adjustment in the conversion rate shall be required unless such adjustment would require a cumulative increase or decrease of at least 1% in such rate; provided, however, that any adjustments which by reason of this subsection (f) are not required to be made shall be carried forward and taken into account in any subsequent adjustment; and provided further, that adjustments shall be required and made in accordance with the provisions of this Article 12 (other than this subsection (f)) not later than such time as may be required in order to preserve the tax-free nature of a States income tax purposes to the Holders of Securities or the class of Capital Stock into which such Securities are convertible. All calculations under this Article 12 shall be made to the nearest cent or to the nearest one-thousandth of a share, as the case may be. Anything in this Section 12.05 to the contrary notwithstanding, the Issuer shall be entitled to make such adjustments in the conversion rate, in addition to those required by this Section 12.05, as it in its discretion shall determine to be advisable in order that any stock dividend, subdivision of shares, distribution of rights to purchase stock or securities, or distribution of securities convertible into or exchangeable for stock hereafter made by the Issuer to its shareholders shall not be taxable for United States income tax purposes.
(g) Whenever the conversion rate is adjusted, as herein provided, the Issuer shall promptly file with the Trustee and with the office or agency maintained by the Issuer for the conversion of Securities of such series pursuant to Section 3.02, a certificate of a firm of independent public accountants of recognized national standing selected by the Board of Directors (who may be the regular accountants employed by the Issuer) setting forth the conversion rate after such adjustment and setting forth a brief statement of the facts requiring such adjustment and a computation thereof. Such certificate shall be conclusive evidence of the correctness of such adjustment. Neither the Trustee nor any conversion agent shall be under any duty or responsibility with respect to any such certificate or any facts or computations set forth therein, except to exhibit said certificate from time to time to any Securityholder of such series desiring to inspect the same. The Issuer shall promptly cause a notice setting forth the adjusted conversion rate to be mailed to the Holders of Securities of such series, as their names and addresses appear upon the register of the Issuer.
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(h) In the event that at any time, as a result of shares of any other class of Capital Stock becoming issuable in exchange or substitution for or in lieu of shares of the class of Capital Stock into which such Securities are convertible or as a result of an adjustment made pursuant to subsection (a) above, the Holder of any Security of such series thereafter surrendered for conversion shall become entitled to receive any shares of the Issuer other than shares of the class of Capital Stock into which the Issuer of such series are convertible, thereafter the number of such other shares so receivable upon conversion of any Security shall be subject to adjustment from time to time in a manner and on terms as nearly equivalent as practicable to the provisions with respect to the class of Capital Stock into which the Securities of such series are convertible contained in subsections (a) to (f), inclusive, above, and the provisions of this Article 12 with respect to the class of Capital Stock into which the Securities of such series are convertible shall apply on like terms to any such other shares.
(i) The conversion rate with respect to any Original Issue Discount Security, the terms of which provide for convertibility, shall not be adjusted during the term of such Original Issue Discount Security for accrued original issue discount.
(j) In the event that the Securities of any series are convertible into more than one class of Capital Stock, the provisions of this Section 12.05 shall apply separately to events affecting each such class.
Section 12.06 No Fractional Shares to Be Issued. No fractional shares of Capital Stock shall be issued upon conversions of Securities. If more than one Security of any series shall be surrendered for conversion at one time by the same Holder, the number of full shares which shall be issuable upon conversion thereof shall be computed on the basis of the aggregate Principal amount of the Securities of such series (or specified portions thereof to the extent permitted hereby) so surrendered. Instead of a fraction of a share of Capital Stock which would otherwise be issuable upon conversion of any Security or Securities (or specified portions thereof), the Issuer shall pay a cash adjustment in respect of such fraction of a share in an amount equal to the same fractional interest of the current market price (as defined in Section 12.05) per share of Capital Stock on the Business Day next preceding the day of conversion.
Section 12.07 Preservation of Conversion Rights Upon Consolidation, Merger, Sale or Conveyance. In case of any consolidation of the Issuer with, or merger of the Issuer into, any other corporation (other than a consolidation or merger in which the Issuer is the continuing corporation), or in the case of any sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer, the corporation formed by such consolidation or the corporation into which the Issuer shall have been merged or the corporation which shall have acquired such assets, as the case may be, shall execute and deliver to the Trustee, a supplemental indenture, subject to the provisions of Article 12and ARTICLE 8 as they relate to supplemental indentures, providing that the Holder of each Security then Outstanding of a series which was convertible into Capital Stock shall have the right thereafter to convert such Security into the kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities and property, including cash, receivable upon such consolidation, merger, sale or transfer by a holder of the number of shares of Capital Stock of the Issuer into which such Securities might have been converted immediately prior to such consolidation, merger, sale or transfer. Such supplemental indenture shall conform to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as then in effect and shall provide for adjustments which shall be as nearly equivalent as may be practicable to the adjustments provided for in this Article 12. Neither the Trustee nor any conversion agent shall be under any responsibility to determine the correctness of any provision contained in any such supplemental indenture relating either to the kind or amount of shares of stock or other securities or property receivable by Securityholders upon the conversion of their Securities after any such consolidation, merger, sale or transfer, or to any adjustment to be made with respect there to and, subject to the provisions of Article 5, may accept as conclusive evidence of the correctness of any such provisions, and shall be protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel with respect thereto. If in the case of any such consolidation, merger, sale or transfer, the stock or other securities and property receivable by a Holder of the Securities includes stock or other securities and property of a corporation other than the successor or purchasing corporation, then such supplemental indenture shall also be executed by such other corporation and shall contain such additional provisions to protect the interests of the Holders of the Securities as the Board of Directors shall reasonably consider necessary. The above provisions of this Section 12.07 shall similarly apply to successive consolidations, mergers, sales or transfers.
Section 12.08 Notice to Security Holders of a Series Prior to Taking Certain Types of Action. With respect to the Securities of any series, in case:
(a) the Issuer shall authorize the issuance to all holders of the class of Capital Stock into which Securities of such series are convertible of rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase shares of its Capital Stock or of any other right;
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(b) the Issuer shall authorize the distribution to all holders of the class of Capital Stock into which Securities of such series are convertible of evidences of its indebtedness or assets (except for the exclusions with respect to certain dividends set forth in Section 12.05(c));
(c) of any subdivision, combination or reclassification of the class of Capital Stock into which Securities of such series are convertible or of any consolidation or merger to which the Issuer is a party and for which approval by the shareholders of the Issuer is required, or of the sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer; or
(d) of the voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Issuer; then the Issuer shall cause to be filed with the Trustee and at the office or agency maintained for the purpose of conversion of Securities of such series pursuant to Section 3.02, and shall cause to be mailed to the Holders of Securities of such series, at their last addresses as they shall appear upon the register of the Issuer, at least 10 days prior to the applicable record date hereinafter specified, a notice stating (i) the date as of which the holders of such class of Capital Stock to be entitled to receive any such rights, warrants or distribution are to be determined, or (ii) the date on which any such subdivision, combination, reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer, dissolution, liquidation, winding up or other action is expected to become effective, and the date as of which it is expected that holders of record of such class of Capital Stock shall be entitled to exchange their Capital Stock of such class for securities or other property, if any, deliverable upon such subdivision, combination, reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer, dissolution, liquidation, winding up or other action. The failure to give the notice required by this Section 12.08 or any defect therein shall not affect the legality or validity of any distribution, right, warrant, subdivision, combination, reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer, dissolution, liquidation, winding up or other action, or the vote upon any of the foregoing. Such notice shall also be published by and at the expense of the Issuer not later than the aforesaid filing date at least once in an Authorized Newspaper.
Section 12.09 Covenant to Reserve Shares for Issuance on Conversion of Securities. The Issuer covenants that at all times it will reserve and keep available out of each class of its authorized Capital Stock, free from preemptive rights, solely for the purpose of issue upon conversion of Securities of any series as herein provided, such number of shares of Capital Stock of such class as shall then be issuable upon the conversion of all Outstanding Securities of such series. The Issuer covenants that an shares of Capital Stock which shall be so issuable shall, when issued or delivered, be duly and validly issued shares of the class of authorized Capital Stock into which Securities of such series are convertible, and shall be fully paid and nonassessable, free of all liens and charges and not subject to preemptive rights and that, upon conversion, the appropriate capital stock accounts of the Issuer will be duly credited.
Section 12.10 Compliance with Governmental Requirements. The Issuer covenants that if any shares of Capital Stock required to be reserved for purposes of conversion of Securities hereunder require registration or listing with or approval of any governmental authority under any Federal or State law, pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any national or regional securities exchange on which such Capital Stock is listed at the time of delivery of any shares of such Capital Stock, before such shares may be issued upon conversion, the Issuer will use reasonable efforts to cause such shares to be duly registered, listed or approved, as the case may be.
Section 12.11 Payment of Taxes Upon Certificates for Shares Issued Upon Conversion. The issuance of certificates for shares of Capital Stock upon the conversion of Securities shall be made without charge to the converting Securityholders for any tax (including, without limitation, all documentary and stamp taxes) in respect of the issuance and delivery of such certificates, and such certificates shall be issued in the respective names of, or in such names as may be directed by, the Holders of the Securities converted; provided, however, that the Issuer shall not be required to pay any tax which may be payable in respect of any transfer involved in the issuance and delivery of any such certificate in a name other than that of the Holder of the Security converted, and the Issuer shall not be required to issue or deliver such certificates unless or until the person or persons requesting the issuance thereof shall have paid to the Issuer the amount of such tax or shall have established to the satisfaction of the Issuer that such tax has been paid.
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Section 12.12 Trustee’s Duties with Respect to Conversion Provisions. The Trustee and any conversion agent shall not at any time be under any duty or responsibility to any Securityholder to determine whether any facts exist which may require any adjustment of the conversion rate or conversion price, or with respect to the nature or extent of any such adjustment when made, or with respect to the method employed, or herein or in any supplemental indenture provided to be employed, in making the same. Neither the Trustee nor any conversion agent shall be accountable with respect to the registration under securities laws, listing, validity or value (or the kind or amount) of any shares of Capital Stock, or of any other securities or property, which may at any time be issued or delivered upon the conversion of any Security; and neither the Trustee nor any conversion agent makes any representation with respect thereto. Neither the Trustee nor any conversion agent shall be responsible for any failure of the Issuer to make any cash payment or to issue, transfer or deliver any shares of stock or stock certificates or other securities or property upon the surrender of any Security for the purpose of conversion; and the Trustee, subject to the provisions of Article 5, and any conversion agent shall not be responsible for any failure of the Issuer to comply with any of the covenants of the Issuer contained in this Article 12.
ARTICLE 13
SUBORDINATION OF SECURITIES
Section 13.01 Agreement Of Subordination. The Issuer covenants and agrees, and each Holder of Securities issued hereunder by his acceptance thereof likewise covenants and agrees, that all Securities shall be issued subject to the provisions of this ARTICLE 13; and each Holder, whether upon original issue or upon transfer or assignment thereof, accepts and agrees to be bound by such provisions.
The payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on all Securities issued hereunder shall, to the extent and in the manner hereinafter set forth, be subordinated and subject in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness, whether outstanding at the date of this Indenture or thereafter incurred.
The provisions of this ARTICLE 13 define the subordination of the Securities, as obligations of the Issuer, with respect to Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer, as defined for the Issuer.
No provision of this ARTICLE 13 shall prevent the occurrence of any default or Event of Default hereunder.
Section 13.02 Payments to Holders. In the event and during the continuation of any default in the payment of principal, premium, interest or any other payment due on any Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer continuing beyond the period of grace, if any, specified in the instrument or lease evidencing such Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer, then, unless and until such default shall have been cured or waived or shall have ceased to exist, no payment shall be made by the Issuer with respect to the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on the Securities, except payments made pursuant to Article 9 hereof from amounts deposited with the Trustee pursuant thereto prior to the happening of such default.
Upon any payment by the Issuer, or distribution of assets of the Issuer of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, to creditors upon any dissolution or winding-up or liquidation or reorganization of the Issuer, whether voluntary or involuntary or in bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other proceedings, all amounts due or to become due upon all Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer shall first be paid in full, or payment thereof provided for in money in accordance with its terms, before any payment is made on account of principal (including, if applicable, any cash due upon conversion the Securities), premium, if any, or interest on the Securities (except payments made pursuant to ARTICLE 9 hereof from amounts deposited with the Trustee pursuant thereto prior to the happening of such dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization); and upon any such dissolution or winding-up or liquidation or reorganization any payment by the Issuer, or distribution of assets of the Issuer 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 13, shall (except as aforesaid) be paid by the Issuer or by any receiver, trustee in bankruptcy, liquidating trustee, agent or other Person making such payment or distribution, or by the holders of the Securities or by the Trustee under this Indenture if received by them or it, directly to the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer (pro rata to such holders on the basis of the respective amounts of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer held by such holders, as calculated by the Issuer) or their representative or representatives, or to the trustee or trustees under any indenture pursuant to which any instruments evidencing any Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer may have been issued, as their respective interests may appear, to the extent necessary to pay all Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer in full, in money or money’s worth, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution to or for the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer, before any payment or distribution is made to the holders of the Securities or to the Trustee.
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In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, any payment or distribution of assets of the Issuer 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 of the Issuer is paid in full, or provision is made for such payment in money in accordance with its terms, such payment or distribution shall be held in trust for the benefit of and shall be paid over or delivered to the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer or their representative or representatives, or to the trustee or trustees under any indenture pursuant to which any instruments evidencing any Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer may have been issued, as their respective interests may appear, as calculated by the Issuer, for application to the payment of all Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer remaining unpaid to the extent necessary to pay all Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer in full in money in accordance with its terms, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution to or for the holders of such Senior Indebtedness.
For purposes of this ARTICLE 13, the words, “cash, property or securities” shall not be deemed to include shares of stock of the Issuer as reorganized or readjusted, or securities of the Issuer or any other corporation provided for by a plan of reorganization or readjustment, the payment of which is subordinated at least to the extent provided in this ARTICLE 13 with respect to the Securities to the payment of all Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer which may at the time be outstanding; provided that (i) the Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer is assumed by the new corporation, if any, resulting from any such reorganization or readjustment, and (ii) the rights of the holders of the Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer (other than leases) and of leases which are assumed are not, without the consent of such holders, altered by such reorganization or readjustment. The consolidation of the Issuer with, or the merger of the Issuer into, another corporation or the liquidation or dissolution of the Issuer following the conveyance or transfer of its property as an entirety, or substantially as an entirety, to another corporation upon the terms and conditions provided for in ARTICLE 8 hereof shall not be deemed a dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization for the purposes of this Section 13.02 if such other corporation shall, as a part of such consolidation, merger, conveyance or transfer, comply with the conditions stated in ARTICLE 8 hereof. Nothing in this Section 13.02 shall apply to claims of, or payments to, the Trustee under or pursuant to Section 5.06.
Section 13.03 Subrogation Of Securities. Subject to the payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer, the rights of the holders of the Securities shall be subrogated to the rights of the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer to receive payments or distributions of cash, property or securities of the Issuer applicable to the Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer until principal (including, if applicable, any cash due upon conversion the Securities), premium, if any, and interest on the Securities on the Securities shall be paid in full; and, for the purposes of such subrogation, no payments or distributions to the holders of the Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer of any cash, property or securities to which the holders of the Securities or the Trustee would be entitled except for the provisions of this ARTICLE 13 to or for the benefit of the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer by holders of the Securities or the Trustee, shall, as between the Issuer, its creditors other than holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer, and the holders of the Securities, be deemed to be a payment by the Issuer to or on account of the Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer. It is understood that the provisions of this ARTICLE 13 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 of the Issuer, on the other hand.
Nothing contained in this ARTICLE 13 or elsewhere in this Indenture or in the Securities is intended to or shall impair, as between the Issuer, its creditors other than the holders of its Senior Indebtedness, and the holders of the Securities, the obligation of the Issuer, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay to the holders of the Securities the principal (including, if applicable, any cash due upon conversion the Securities), premium, if any, and interest on the Securities as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with their terms, or is intended to or shall affect the relative rights of the holders of the Securities and creditors of the Issuer other than the holders of its Senior Indebtedness, nor shall anything herein or therein 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 13 of the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer in respect of cash, property or securities of the Issuer received upon the exercise of any such remedy.
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Upon any payment or distribution of assets of the Issuer referred to in this ARTICLE 13, the Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 5.01, and the holders of the Securities shall be entitled to rely upon any order or decree made by any court of competent jurisdiction in which such dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization proceedings are pending, or a certificate of the receiver, trustee in bankruptcy, liquidating trustee, agent or other Person making such payment or distribution, delivered to the Trustee or to the holders of the Securities, for the purpose of ascertaining the Persons entitled to participate in such distribution, the holders of the Senior Indebtedness and other indebtedness of the Issuer, the amount thereof or payable thereon, the amount or amounts paid or distributed thereon and all other facts pertinent thereto or to this ARTICLE 13.
Section 13.04 Authorization By Holders. Each holder of a Security by his or her acceptance thereof authorizes and directs the Trustee on his or her behalf to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination provided in this ARTICLE 13 appoints the Trustee his attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes.
Section 13.05 Notice to Trustee. The Issuer shall give promptly written notice to a Responsible Officer of the Trustee of any fact known to the Issuer which would prohibit the making of any payment of monies to or by the Trustee in respect of the Securities pursuant to the provisions of this ARTICLE 13. Notwithstanding the provisions of this ARTICLE 13 or any other provision of this Indenture, the Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of the existence of any facts which would prohibit the making of any payment of amounts to or by the Trustee in respect of the Securities pursuant to the provisions of this ARTICLE 13, unless and until a Responsible Officer of the Trustee shall have received written notice thereof at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee from the Issuer or a holder or holders of Senior Indebtedness or from any trustee therefor; and before the receipt of any such written notice, the Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 5.01, shall be entitled in all respects to assume that no such facts exist; provided that if on a date not fewer than three Business Days prior to the date upon which by the terms hereof any such amounts may become payable for any purpose (including, without limitation, the payment of principal (including, if applicable, any cash due upon conversion of the Securities), premium, if any, and interest on any Security) the Trustee shall not have received, with respect to such monies, the notice provided for in this Section 13.05, then, anything herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall have full power and authority to receive such amounts 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 on or after such prior date. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary hereinbefore set forth, nothing shall prevent any payment or delivery by the Issuer or the Trustee to the Holders of amounts in connection with a redemption of Securities if (i) notice of such redemption has been given pursuant to ARTICLE 11 or Section 9.01 hereof prior to the receipt by the Trustee of written notice as aforesaid, and (ii) such notice of redemption is given not earlier than 60 days before the redemption date.
The Trustee conclusively 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 of the Issuer (or a trustee on behalf of such holder) to establish that such notice has been given by a holder of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer or a trustee on behalf of any such holder or holders. 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 of the Issuer to participate in any payment or distribution pursuant to this ARTICLE 13, the Trustee may request such Person to furnish evidence to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee as to the amount of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer held by such Person, the extent to which such Person is entitled to participate in such payment or distribution and any other facts pertinent to the rights of such Person under this ARTICLE 13, 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 13.06 Trustee’s Relation to Senior Indebtedness. The Trustee in its individual capacity shall be entitled to all the rights set forth in this ARTICLE 13 in respect of any Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer at any time held by it, to the same extent as any other holder of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer and nothing elsewhere in this Indenture shall deprive the Trustee of any of its rights as such holder.
With respect to the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer, the Trustee undertakes to perform or to observe only such of its covenants and obligations as are specifically set forth in this ARTICLE 13, and no implied covenants or obligations with respect to the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer 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 of the Issuer and the Trustee shall not be liable to any holder of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer if it shall pay over or deliver to holders of Securities, the Issuer or any other Person money or assets to which any holder of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer shall be entitled by virtue of this ARTICLE 13 or otherwise.
Section 13.07 No Impairment Of Subordination. No right of any present or future holder of any Senior Indebtedness to enforce subordination as herein provided shall at any time in any way be prejudiced or impaired by any act or failure to act on the part of the Issuer or by any act or failure to act, in good faith, by any such holder, or by any noncompliance by the Issuer with the terms, provisions and covenants of this Indenture, regardless of any knowledge thereof which any such holder may have or otherwise be charged with.
Section 13.08 Rights Of Trustee. Nothing in this ARTICLE 13 shall apply to claims of or payments to, the Trustee pursuant to Section 5.06.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed, as of the first date written above.
APTERA MOTORS CORP., as Issuer
| By: | ||
| Name: | ||
| Title: |
●, as Trustee
| By: | ||
| Name: | ||
| Title: |
FORM OF NOTE
UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR SECURITIES IN DEFINITIVE REGISTERED FORM, THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE 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 DEPOSITORY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY. UNLESS THIS SECURITY IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), TO THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY SECURITY ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.
APTERA MOTORS CORP.
● % Subordinated Note Due ●
No. ● CUSIP No.: ●
$ ●
APTERA MOTORS CORP., a Delaware corporation (“Issuer”, which term includes any successor corporation), for value received promises to pay to CEDE & CO. or its registered assigns, the principal sum of ● on ●.
Interest Payment Dates: ● and ● (each, an “Interest Payment Date”), commencing on ●. Interest Record Dates: ● and ● (each, an “Interest Record Date”).
Reference is made to the further provisions of this Security contained herein, which will for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has caused this Security to be signed manually or by facsimile by its duly authorized officer.
APTERA MOTORS CORP.
| By: | ||
| Name: | ||
| Title: |
This is one of the series designated herein and referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
●, as Trustee
| By: | ||
| Authorized Signatory |
(REVERSE OF SECURITY)
APTERA MOTORS CORP.
●% Subordinated Note Due ●
1. Interest.
APTERA MOTORS CORP., a Delaware corporation (the “Issuer”), promises to pay interest on the Principal amount of this Security at the rate per annum shown above. Cash interest on the Securities will accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from ●. The Issuer will pay interest semi-annually in arrears on each Interest Payment Date, commencing ●. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
The Issuer shall pay interest on overdue Principal from time to time on demand at the rate borne by the Securities and on overdue installments of interest (without regard to any applicable grace periods) to the extent lawful.
2. Method of Payment.
The Issuer shall pay interest on the Securities (except defaulted interest) to the persons who are the registered Holders at the close of business on the Interest Record Date immediately preceding the Interest Payment Date notwithstanding any transfer or exchange of such Security subsequent to such Interest Record Date and prior to such Interest Payment Date. Holders must surrender Securities to the Trustee to collect Principal payments. The Issuer shall pay Principal and interest in money of the United States that at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts (“U.S. Legal Tender”). However, the payments of interest, and any portion of the Principal (other than interest payable at maturity or on any redemption or repayment date or the final payment of Principal) shall be made by the Paying Agent, upon receipt from the Issuer of immediately available funds by 11:00 a.m., New York City time (or such other time as may be agreed to between the Issuer and the Paying Agent or the Issuer), directly to a Holder (by Federal funds wire transfer or otherwise) if the Holder has delivered written instructions to the Trustee 15 days prior to such payment date requesting that such payment will be so made and designating the bank account to which such payments shall be so made and in the case of payments of Principal surrenders the same to the Trustee in exchange for a Security or Securities aggregating the same principal amount as the unredeemed Principal amount of the Securities surrendered.
3. Paying Agent.
Initially, ● (the “Trustee”) will act as Paying Agent. The Issuer may change any Paying Agent without notice to the Holders.
4. Indenture.
The Issuer issued the Securities under an Indenture, dated as of ● (the “Indenture”), between the Issuer and the Trustee. Capitalized terms herein are used as defined in the Indenture unless otherwise defined herein. The terms of the Securities include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. Sections 77aaa-77bbbb) (the “TIA”), as in effect on the date of the Indenture until such time as the Indenture is qualified under the TIA, and thereafter as in effect on the date on which the Indenture is qualified under the TIA. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Securities are subject to all such terms, and Holders of Securities are referred to the Indenture and the TIA for a statement of them. To the extent the terms of the Indenture and this Security are inconsistent, the terms of the Indenture shall govern.
5. Subordination.
The indebtedness of the Issuer evidenced by this Security, including the Principal hereof and interest hereon, is, to the extent and in the manner set forth in the Indenture, subordinate and junior in right of payment to the Company’s obligations to holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer and each Holder of this Security, by acceptance hereof, agrees to and shall be bound by such provisions of the Indenture and all other provisions of the Indenture.
6. Denominations; Transfer; Exchange.
The Securities are in registered form, without coupons, in denominations of $1,000 and multiples of $1,000. A Holder shall register the transfer of or exchange Securities in accordance with the Indenture. The Issuer may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and to pay certain transfer taxes or similar governmental charges payable in connection therewith as permitted by the Indenture. The Issuer need not issue, authenticate, register the transfer of or exchange any Securities or portions thereof for a period of fifteen (15) days before such series is selected for redemption, nor need the Issuer register the transfer or exchange of any security selected for redemption in whole or in part.
7. Persons Deemed Owners.
The registered Holder of a Security shall be treated as the owner of it for all purposes.
8. Unclaimed Funds.
If funds for the payment of Principal or interest remain unclaimed for two years, the Trustee and the Paying Agent will repay the funds to the Issuer at its written request. After that, all liability of the Trustee and such Paying Agent with respect to such funds shall cease.
9. Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance.
The Issuer may be discharged from its obligations under the Securities and under the Indenture with respect to the Securities except for certain provisions thereof, and may be discharged from obligations to comply with certain covenants contained in the Securities and in the Indenture with respect to the Securities, in each case upon satisfaction of certain conditions specified in the Indenture.
10. Amendment; Supplement; Waiver.
Subject to certain exceptions, the Securities and the provisions of the Indenture relating to the Securities may be amended or supplemented with the written consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate Principal amount of the Securities then outstanding, and any existing Default or Event of Default or compliance with certain provisions may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate Principal amount of the Securities then outstanding. Without notice to or consent of any Holder, the parties thereto may amend or supplement the Indenture and the Securities to, among other things, cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, provide for uncertificated Securities in addition to or in place of certificated Securities or comply with any requirements of the Commission in connection with the qualification of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act, or make any other change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Holder of a Security.
11. Defaults and Remedies.
If an Event of Default (other than certain bankruptcy Events of Default with respect to the Issuer) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate Principal amount of Securities then outstanding may declare all of the Securities to be due and payable immediately in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture. If a bankruptcy Event of Default with respect to the Issuer occurs and is continuing, all the Securities shall be immediately due and payable immediately in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture without any notice or other action on the part of the Trustee or any Holder. Holders of Securities may not enforce the Indenture or the Securities except as provided in the Indenture. The Trustee is not obligated to enforce the Indenture or the Securities unless it has received indemnity satisfactory to it. The Indenture permits, subject to certain limitations therein provided, Holders of a majority in aggregate Principal amount of the Securities then outstanding to direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. The Trustee may withhold from Holders of Securities notice of certain continuing Defaults or Events of Default if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest.
12. Conversion.
Reference is made to the Indenture, including, without limitation, provisions giving the Holder of this Security the right to convert this Security into Capital Stock of the Issuer on the terms and subject to the limitations as more fully specified in the Indenture. The initial conversion rate for this Security is ●. This conversion rate is subject to modification as provided in the Indenture. Such further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as though fully set forth at this place.
13. Trustee Dealings with Issuer.
The Trustee under the Indenture, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and may otherwise deal with the Issuer as if it were not the Trustee.
14. No Recourse Against Others.
No stockholder, director, officer, employee or incorporator, as such, of the Issuer or any successor Person thereof shall have any liability for any obligation under the Securities or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of a Security by accepting a Security waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issuance of the Securities.
15. Authentication.
This Security shall not be valid until the Trustee manually signs the certificate of authentication on this Security.
16. Abbreviations and Defined Terms.
Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder of a Security or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TEN ENT (= tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (= joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A (= Uniform Gifts to Minors Act).
17. CUSIP Numbers.
Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Issuer has caused CUSIP numbers to be printed on the Securities as a convenience to the Holders of the Securities. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers as printed on the Securities and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed hereon.
18. Governing Law.
The laws of the State of New York shall govern the Indenture and this Security thereof.
ASSIGNMENT FORM
| I or we assign and transfer this Security to |
| (Print or type name, address and zip code of assignee or transferee) |
| (Insert Social Security or other identifying number of assignee or transferee) |
and irrevocably appoint ___________________ agent to transfer this Security on the books of the Issuer. The agent may substitute another to act for him.
| Dated: | Signed: (Signed exactly as name appears on the other side of this Security) |
| Signature Guarantee: | |
| Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor program reasonably acceptable to the Trustee) |
Exhibit 5.1
| October 1, 2026 |
Aptera Motors Corp.
5818 El Camino Real
Carlsbad, California 92008
Re: Shelf Registration on Form S-3
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This opinion is being furnished to you in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the “Registration Statement”), including the base prospectus that is part of the Registration Statement (the “Prospectus”) and the sales agreement prospectus that is part of the Registration Statement (the “ATM Prospectus”), filed by Aptera Motors Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on October 1, 2026 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
The Prospectus provides that it will be supplemented in the future by one or more prospectus supplements (each, a “Prospectus Supplement”). The Prospectus, as supplemented by the various Prospectus Supplements, will provide for the issuance and sale by the Company from time to time of up to $250,000,000 aggregate offering price of (i) shares of the Company’s Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”), (ii) shares of the Company’s preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Preferred Stock”), in one or more series or classes, (iii) warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock or other securities (the “Warrants”), (iv) the Company’s senior debt securities and subordinated debt securities (collectively, the “Debt Securities”), which may be issued pursuant to a senior debt indenture (the “Senior Debt Indenture”) between the Company and the trustee to be named therein (the “Senior Debt Trustee”) and a subordinated debt indenture (the “Subordinated Debt Indenture,” and together with the Senior Debt Indenture, the “Indentures”) between the Company and the trustee to be named therein (the “Subordinated Debt Trustee” and, together with the Senior Debt Trustee, the “Trustees”), (v) subscription rights to purchase Common Stock, Preferred Stock or Debt Securities (the “Subscription Rights”) or (vi) units composed of any of the foregoing (the “Units”). The Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Warrants, Debt Securities, Subscription Rights and Units are collectively referred to herein as the “Securities.” The Warrants may be issued pursuant to a warrant agreement (the “Warrant Agreement”) between the Company and a bank or trust company as warrant agent. Any Preferred Stock may be exchangeable for and/or convertible into shares of Common Stock or another series of Preferred Stock. Any Debt Securities may be exchangeable and/or convertible into shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock. The Units may be issued pursuant to a Unit Agreement (the “Unit Agreement”) between the Company and a bank or trust company as unit agent. The Securities are being registered for offering and sale from time to time pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act.
The ATM Prospectus relates to the sale by the Company of shares of Common Stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $19,000,000 (the “ATM Shares”) under a Controlled Equity OfferingSM Sales Agreement dated as of October 1, 2026 between the Company and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (the “Sales Agreement”).
In rendering our opinions set forth below, we have reviewed the Registration Statement and the exhibits thereto. We have also reviewed such corporate documents and records of the Company, such certificates of public officials and officers of the Company and such other matters as we have deemed necessary or appropriate for purposes of this opinion. In our examination, we have assumed: (i) the authenticity of original documents and the genuineness of all signatures; (ii) the conformity to the originals of all documents submitted to us as copies; (iii) the truth, accuracy and completeness of the information, representations and warranties contained in the instruments, documents, certificates and records we have reviewed; and (iv) the legal capacity for all purposes relevant hereto of all natural persons and, with respect to all parties to agreements or instruments relevant hereto other than the Company, that such parties had the requisite power and authority (corporate or otherwise) to execute, deliver and perform such agreements or instruments, that such agreements or instruments have been duly authorized by all requisite action (corporate or otherwise), executed and delivered by such parties and that such agreements or instruments are the valid, binding and enforceable obligations of such parties. As to any facts material to the opinions expressed herein that were not independently established or verified, we have relied upon oral or written statements and representations of officers and other representatives of the Company.
Based on the foregoing, and subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:
1. With respect to shares of Common Stock (other than the ATM Shares), when (a) the issuance and the terms of the sale of the shares of Common Stock have been duly authorized by the Board of Directors of the Company or a duly authorized committee thereof in conformity with the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws; (b) such shares have been issued and delivered against payment of the purchase price therefor in an amount at least equal to the par value thereof, in accordance with the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement, and as contemplated by the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the related Prospectus Supplement; and (c) to the extent such shares of Common Stock are to be issued upon the conversion, exchange or exercise of any Preferred Stock, Warrants, Debt Securities, Subscription Rights or Units, when such shares have been duly issued and delivered as contemplated by the terms of the applicable Preferred Stock, the Warrant Agreement relating to such Warrants, the Indenture relating to such Debt Securities, such Subscription Rights or the Unit Agreement relating to such Units, respectively, the shares of Common Stock will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
2. With respect to the ATM Shares, (a) when the Registration Statement has become effective under the Securities Act, and (b) when the ATM Shares have been issued and sold in accordance with the Sales Agreement, and as described in the Registration Statement and ATM Prospectus, the ATM Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
3. With respect to any particular series of shares of Preferred Stock, when (a) the issuance and the terms of the sale of the shares of Preferred Stock have been duly authorized by the Board of Directors of the Company or a duly authorized committee thereof in conformity with the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws; (b) an appropriate certificate of designation relating to a series of the Preferred Stock to be sold under the Registration Statement has been duly authorized and adopted and filed with the Secretary of State of Delaware; (c) the terms of issuance and sale of shares of such series of Preferred Stock have been duly established in conformity with the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation, amended and restated bylaws and any resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company so as not to violate such resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Company or 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 or any of its property; (d) such shares have been issued and delivered against payment of the purchase price therefor in an amount at least equal to the par value thereof, in accordance with the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement, and as contemplated by the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the related Prospectus Supplement; and (e) to the extent such shares of Preferred Stock are to be issued upon the conversion, exchange or exercise of any Preferred Stock, Warrants, Debt Securities, Subscription Rights or Units, when such shares have been duly issued and delivered as contemplated by the terms of the applicable Preferred Stock, the Warrant Agreement relating to such Warrants, the Indenture relating to such Debt Securities, such Subscription Rights, or the Unit Agreement relating to such Units, respectively, the shares of Preferred Stock will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
4. With respect to Warrants, when (a) the issuance and the terms of the sale of the Warrants have been duly authorized by the Board of Directors of the Company or a duly authorized committee thereof; (b) the terms of the Warrants and of their issuance and sale have been duly established in conformity with the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation, amended and restated bylaws and any resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company so as not to violate such resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Company or 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 or any of its property; (c) the Warrants and the applicable Warrant Agreement relating to the Warrants, if any, have been duly executed and countersigned and the Warrants have been issued and sold in accordance with the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement, as contemplated by the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the related Prospectus Supplement; and (d) the Company has received the applicable consideration for the Warrants as contemplated by the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the related Prospectus Supplement(s), the Warrants will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company.
5. With respect to Debt Securities, when (a) the issuance and the terms of the sale of the Debt Securities have been duly authorized by the Board of Directors of the Company or a duly authorized committee thereof; (b) the terms of the Debt Securities and of their issuance and sale have been duly established in conformity with any resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company so as not to violate such resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Company or 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 or any of its property; (c) the Debt Securities and the applicable Indenture relating to the Debt Securities have been duly executed and countersigned and in the case of the Indenture, duly authenticated by the applicable Trustee, and the Debt Securities have been issued and sold as contemplated by the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the related Prospectus Supplement; and (d) the Company has received the applicable consideration for the Debt Securities as contemplated by the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the related Prospectus Supplement(s), the Debt Securities will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company.
6. With respect to the Subscription Rights, when: (a) the issuance and the terms of the sale of the Subscription Rights have been duly authorized by the Board of Directors of the Company or a duly authorized committee thereof; (b) the terms of the Subscription Rights and of their issuance and sale have been duly established in conformity with any resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company so as not to violate such resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Company or 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 or any of its property; and (c) the agreement(s) relating to the Subscription Rights have been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by the Company, then the Subscription Rights will be valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms.
7. With respect to Units, when (a) the issuance and the terms of the sale of the Units have been duly authorized by the Board of Directors of the Company or a duly authorized committee thereof; (b) the terms of the Units and of their issuance and sale have been duly established in conformity with any resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company so as not to violate such resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Company or 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 or any of its property; (c) the Unit Agreement and the Units, if any, have been duly executed and countersigned and the Units have been issued and sold in accordance with the applicable Unit Agreement, as contemplated by the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the related Prospectus Supplement; and (d) the Company has received the applicable consideration for the Units as contemplated by the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the related Prospectus Supplement(s), the Units will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company.
In rendering the opinions set forth above, we have assumed that (i) the Registration Statement (and any applicable post-effective amendment thereto) will have become effective under the Securities Act, a Prospectus Supplement will have been prepared and filed with the Commission describing the Securities offered thereby and such Securities will have been issued and sold in accordance with the terms of such Prospectus Supplement and in compliance with all applicable laws; and (ii) a definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement with respect to such Securities (if applicable) will have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and the other parties thereto; (iii) the Securities will be duly authorized by all necessary corporate action by the Company and any agreement pursuant to which such Securities may be issued will be duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and the other parties thereto; (iv) the Company will remain duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under applicable state law; and (v) the Company has reserved a sufficient number of shares of its duly authorized, but unissued, Common Stock and Preferred Stock as is necessary to provide for the issuance of the shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock pursuant to the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the related Prospectus Supplement.
The opinions set forth above are subject to the following exceptions, limitations and qualifications: (i) the effect of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium or other similar laws now or hereafter in effect relating to or affecting the rights and remedies of creditors; (ii) the effect of general principles of equity, including without limitation, concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing and the possible unavailability of specific performance or injunctive relief, regardless of whether enforcement is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law, and the discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought; and (iii) the unenforceability under certain circumstances under law or court decisions of provisions providing for the indemnification of, or contribution to, a party with respect to liability where such indemnification or contribution is contrary to public policy. We express no opinion concerning the enforceability of any waiver of rights or defenses with respect to stay, extension or usury laws. Our opinion expressed herein is also subject to the qualification that no term or provision shall be included in any certificate of designation relating to any series of the Preferred Stock, Warrant Agreement, Indenture, Subscription Rights, Unit Agreement or any other agreement or instrument pursuant to which any of the Securities are to be issued that would affect the validity of such opinion.
Our opinion is limited to the federal laws of the United States, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (including reported judicial decisions interpreting the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware) and the State of New York. We express no opinion as to the effect of the law of any other jurisdiction. Our opinion is rendered as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to advise you of changes in law or fact (or the effect thereof on the opinions expressed herein) that hereafter may come to our attention.
We hereby consent to the inclusion of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement and to the references to our firm therein and in the Prospectus and the ATM Prospectus, and in any Prospectus Supplement under the caption “Legal Matters.” In giving our consent, we do not admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Lowenstein Sandler LLP
Exhibit 23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of our report dated March 30, 2026, related to the consolidated financial statements of Aptera Motors Corp. as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 and for the years then ended, which includes an explanatory paragraph regarding substantial doubt about Aptera Motors Corp.’s ability to continue as a going concern. We also consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” in each of the prospectuses included in this Registration Statement.
/s/ dbbmckennon
San Diego, California
October 1, 2026