SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) January 9, 1997
ALABAMA POWER COMPANY - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Alabama 1-3164 63-0004250 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (State or other jurisdiction (Commission File (IRS Employer Identification of incorporation) Number) No.) |
Item 5. Other Events.
On January 9, 1997, Alabama Power Company (the "Company") and
Alabama Power Capital Trust II (the "Trust") entered into an Underwriting
Agreement covering the issue and sale by the Trust of 8,000,000 7.60% Trust
Originated Preferred Securities (liquidation amount $25 per Preferred Security).
Said Preferred Securities were registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, pursuant to the shelf registration statement (Registration Statement
Nos. 333-17333, 333-17333-01, 333-17333-02 and 333-17333-03) of the Company and
the Trust. Item 7. Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and
Exhibits.
(c) Exhibits.
1 Underwriting Agreement, dated January 9, 1997, among the Company, the Trust and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated. 4.1 Subordinated Note Indenture dated as of January 1, 1997, between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee. 4.2 Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 1, 1997, providing for the issuance of the Company's Series B 7.60% Junior Subordinated Notes due December 31, 2036. 4.5 Amended and Restated Trust Agreement of Alabama Power Capital Trust II. 4.6 Form of Preferred Security of Alabama Power Capital Trust II (included in Exhibit 4.5 above). 4.7 Form of Series B 7.60% Junior Subordinated Note (included in Exhibit 4.2 above). 4.8 Guarantee Agreement relating to Alabama Power Capital Trust II. 4.9 Agreement as to Expenses and Liabilities relating to Alabama Power Capital Trust II (included in Exhibit 4.5 above). |
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Date: January 15, 1997 ALABAMA POWER COMPANY By /S/ Wayne Boston Wayne Boston Assistant Secretary |
EXHIBIT 1
Preferred Securities
Alabama Power Capital Trust II
(a Delaware Statutory Business Trust)
7.60% Trust Originated Preferred Securities
(Liquidation Amount $25 Per Preferred Security)
UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
January 9, 1997
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated
World Financial Center, North Tower
New York, New York 10281
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Alabama Power Capital Trust II (the "Trust"), a statutory
business trust organized under the Business Trust Act (the "Delaware Act") of
the State of Delaware (Chapter 38, Title 12, of the Delaware Code, 12 Del. C.
(ss.) 3801 et seq.), and Alabama Power Company, an Alabama corporation (the
"Company" and, together with the Trust, the "Offerors"), confirm their agreement
(the "Agreement") with you and each of the other Underwriters named in Schedule
I hereto (collectively, the "Underwriters", which term shall also include any
underwriter substituted as hereinafter provided in Section 10 hereof), for whom
you are acting as representative (in such capacity, you shall hereinafter be
referred to as the "Representative"), with respect to the sale by the Trust and
the purchase by the Underwriters, acting severally and not jointly, of the
respective numbers of 7.60% Trust Originated Preferred Securities (liquidation
amount $25 per preferred security) of the Trust ("Preferred Securities") set
forth in Schedule I. The Preferred Securities will be guaranteed by the Company
with respect to distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption and
otherwise (the "Guarantee") pursuant to the Preferred Securities Guarantee
Agreement (the "Guarantee Agreement"), dated as of January 1, 1997, between the
Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as trustee (the "Guarantee Trustee"). The
Preferred Securities and the related Guarantee are referred to herein as the
"Securities."
The Offerors understand that the Underwriters propose to make a public offering of the Preferred Securities as soon as the Representative deems advisable after this Agreement has been executed and delivered. The entire proceeds from the sale of the Securities will be combined with the entire proceeds from the sale by the Trust to the Company of its common securities (the "Common Securities") and will be used by the Trust to purchase the $206,185,575 aggregate principal amount of Series B 7.60% Junior Subordinated Notes (the "Junior Subordinated Notes") to be issued by the Company. The Preferred Securities and the Common Securities will be issued pursuant to the Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, dated as of January 1, 1997 (the "Trust Agreement"), among the Company, as Depositor, William E. Zales, Jr. and J. Randy DeRieux (the "Administrative Trustees"), Chase Manhattan Bank Delaware, a Delaware banking corporation (the "Delaware Trustee") and The Chase Manhattan Bank, a New York banking corporation (the "Property Trustee" and, together with the Delaware Trustee and the Administrative Trustees, the "Trustees"), as trustees, and the holders from time to time of undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust. The Junior Subordinated Notes will be issued pursuant to an indenture, dated as of January 1, 1997 (the "Base Indenture"), between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as trustee (the "Debt Trustee"), and a first supplemental indenture to the Base Indenture, dated as of January 1, 1997 (the "Supplemental Indenture," and together with the Base Indenture and any other amendments or supplements thereto, the "Indenture"), between the Company and the Debt Trustee.
SECTION 1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The Offerors jointly and severally represent and warrant to each Underwriter as follows:
(a) A registration statement on Form S-3, as amended (File Nos. 333-17333, 333-17333-01, 333-17333- 02 and 333-17333-03), in respect of the Preferred Securities, the Guarantee and the Junior Subordinated Notes has been prepared and filed in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"); such registration statement, as amended, and any post-effective amendment thereto, each in the form heretofore delivered or to be delivered to you, and to you for each of the other Underwriters, has been declared effective by the Commission in such form (except that copies of the registration statement, as amended, and any post-effective amendment delivered to you for each of the other Underwriters need not include exhibits but shall include all documents incorporated by reference therein); and no stop order suspending the
effectiveness of such registration statement has been issued and no proceeding for that purpose has been initiated or, to the best knowledge of the Company, threatened by the Commission (any preliminary prospectus, as supplemented by a preliminary prospectus supplement, included in such registration statement or filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(a) of the rules and regulations of the Commission under the 1933 Act, being hereinafter called a "Preliminary Prospectus"); such registration statement, as it became effective, including the exhibits thereto and all documents incorporated by reference therein pursuant to Item 12 of Form S-3 at the time such registration statement became effective, being hereinafter called the "Registration Statement"; the prospectus relating to the Preferred Securities, the Guarantee and the Junior Subordinated Notes, in the form in which it was included in the Registration Statement at the time it became effective, being hereinafter called the "Prospectus"; any reference herein to any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include the documents incorporated by reference therein pursuant to Item 12 of Form S-3 under the 1933 Act, as of the date of such Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus, as the case may be; any reference to any amendment or supplement to any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include any documents filed after the date of such Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus, as the case may be, under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"), and incorporated by reference in such Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus, as the case may be; any reference to any amendment to the Registration Statement shall be deemed to refer to and include any annual report of the Company filed pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the 1934 Act after the effective date of the Registration Statement that is incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement; the Prospectus as supplemented by a preliminary prospectus supplement dated January 7, 1997 relating to the Preferred Securities, including any documents incorporated by reference therein as of such date, being hereinafter called the "Preliminary Supplemented Prospectus"; and the Prospectus as amended or supplemented in final form by a prospectus supplement relating to the Preferred Securities in the form in which it is filed with the Commission, pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the 1933 Act in accordance with Section 3(g) hereof, including any documents incorporated by reference therein as of the date of such filing, being hereinafter called the "Final Supplemented Prospectus").
(b) The documents incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement or Prospectus, when they were filed with the Commission complied in all material respects with the applicable provisions of the 1934 Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, and as of such time of filing, when read together with the Prospectus, none of such documents contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and any further documents so filed and incorporated by reference in the Prospectus or any further amendment or supplement thereto, when such documents are filed with the Commission, will comply in all material respects with the applicable provisions of the 1934 Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder and, when read together with the Prospectus as it otherwise may be amended or supplemented, 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, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, except that neither the Trust nor the Company makes any warranty or representation to any Underwriter with respect to: (A) any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Trust or the Company by an Underwriter through you expressly for use in the Preliminary Supplemented Prospectus or the Final Supplemented Prospectus; or (B) any information set forth in the Preliminary Supplemented Prospectus or the Final Supplemented Prospectus under the caption "Book- Entry-Only Issuance -- The Depository Trust Company".
(c) The Preliminary Prospectus, at the time of filing thereof, complied in all material respects with the applicable provisions of the 1933 Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder and did 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, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(d) The Registration Statement, the Prospectus and, to the extent not used to confirm sales of the Securities, the Preliminary Supplemented Prospectus, comply, and the Final Supplemented Prospectus and any further amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, when any such post-effective amendments are declared effective or
supplements are filed with the Commission, as the case may be, will comply, in all material respects with the applicable provisions of the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, the 1939 Act and the General Rules and Regulations of the Commission thereunder and do not and will not, (i) as of the applicable effective date as to the Registration Statement and any amendment thereto, (ii) as of the filing date thereof as to the Preliminary Supplemented Prospectus, and (iii) as of the applicable filing date as to the Final Supplemented Prospectus and any Prospectus as further amended or supplemented, contain 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 under which they were made, not misleading; except that neither the Company nor the Trust makes any warranties or representations with respect to (A) that part of the Registration Statement which shall constitute the Statements of Eligibility (Form T-1) (collectively, the "Form T-1") under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "1939 Act"), (B) statements or omissions made in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Supplemented Prospectus, or the Final Supplemented Prospectus in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Trust or the Company by an Underwriter expressly for use therein or (C) any information set forth in the Preliminary Supplemented Prospectus or the Final Supplemented Prospectus under the caption "Book-Entry Only Issuance -- The Depository Trust Company".
(e) With respect to the Registration Statement, the conditions for use of Form S-3, as set forth in the General Instructions thereof, have been satisfied.
(f) Since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement and the Final Supplemented Prospectus, except as otherwise stated therein, there has been no material adverse change in the business, properties or financial condition of the Company.
(g) Since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement and the Final Supplemented Prospectus, except as otherwise stated therein, there has not been any material adverse change or, to the best of the Company's knowledge, any development involving a prospective material adverse change in or affecting the business, properties or financial condition of the Trust.
(h) The Company is a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Alabama,
and has due corporate authority to carry on the public utility business in which it is engaged and to own and operate the properties used by it in such business, to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement, the Trust Agreement, the Indenture and the Guarantee Agreement and to purchase, own, and hold the Common Securities issued by the Trust and to issue and deliver the Junior Subordinated Notes and the Guarantee.
(i) The Trust has been duly created and is validly existing and in good standing as a business trust under the Delaware Act with the power and authority to own property and to conduct its business as described in the Registration Statement and Final Supplemented Prospectus and to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement and the Trust Agreement; the Trust is duly qualified to transact business as a foreign company and is in good standing in any other jurisdiction in which such qualification is necessary, except to the extent that the failure to so qualify or be in good standing would not have a material adverse effect on the Trust; the Trust is not a party to or otherwise bound by any agreement other than those described in the Final Supplemented Prospectus; the Trust is and will be classified for United States federal income tax purposes as a grantor trust and not as an association taxable as a corporation; and the Trust is and will be treated as a consolidated subsidiary of the Company pursuant to generally accepted accounting principles.
(j) The Common Securities have been duly authorized by the Trust Agreement and, when issued and delivered by the Trust to the Company against payment therefor as described in the Registration Statement and Final Supplemented Prospectus, will be validly issued and (subject to the terms of the Trust Agreement) fully paid and non-assessable undivided beneficial interests in the Trust and will conform in all material respects to all statements relating thereto contained in the Final Supplemented Prospectus; the issuance of the Common Securities is not subject to preemptive or other similar rights; and, on the Closing Date (as defined herein), all of the issued and outstanding Common Securities of the Trust will be directly owned by the Company, free and clear of any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance, claim or equitable right.
(k) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by each of the Offerors.
(l) The Trust Agreement has been duly authorized by the Company and, on the Closing Date, will have been duly executed and delivered by the Company and the Administrative Trustees, and assuming due authorization, execution and delivery of the Trust Agreement by the Delaware Trustee and the Property Trustee, the Trust Agreement will, on the Closing Date, be a valid and binding obligation of the Company and the Administrative Trustees, enforceable against the Company and the Administrative Trustees in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that enforcement thereof may be limited by (1) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, liquidation, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium or other similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally or (2) general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity) (the "Enforceability Exceptions") and will conform in all material respects to all statements relating thereto in the Final Supplemented Prospectus; and, on the Closing Date, the Trust Agreement will have been duly qualified under the 1939 Act.
(m) The Guarantee Agreement has been duly authorized by the Company and, on the Closing Date, will have been duly executed and delivered by the Company, and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery of the Guarantee Agreement by the Guarantee Trustee, the Guarantee Agreement will, on the Closing Date, constitute a valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms except to the extent that enforcement thereof may be limited by the Enforceability Exceptions, and each of the Guarantee and the Guarantee Agreement will conform in all material respects to all statements relating thereto contained in the Final Supplemented Prospectus; and, on the Closing Date, the Guarantee Agreement will have been duly qualified under the 1939 Act.
(n) The Preferred Securities have been duly authorized by the Trust Agreement and, when issued and delivered by the Trust pursuant to this Agreement against payment of the consideration set forth herein, will be validly issued and (subject to the terms of the Trust Agreement) fully paid and non-assessable undivided beneficial interests in the Trust, will be entitled to the benefits of the Trust Agreement and will conform in all material respects to all statements relating thereto contained in the Final Supplemented Prospectus; the issuance of the Preferred Securities is not subject to preemptive or other similar rights; (subject to the terms of the Trust Agreement) holders
of Preferred Securities will be entitled to the same limitation of personal liability under Delaware law as extended to stockholders of private corporations for profit.
(o) The Indenture has been duly authorized by the Company and, on the Closing Date, will have been duly executed and delivered by the Company, and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery of the Indenture by the Debt Trustee, the Indenture will, on the Closing Date, constitute a valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms except to the extent that enforcement thereof may be limited by the Enforceability Exceptions; the Indenture will conform in all material respects to all statements relating thereto contained in the Final Supplemented Prospectus; and, on the Closing Date, the Indenture will have been duly qualified under the 1939 Act.
(p) The issuance and delivery of the Junior Subordinated Notes have been duly authorized by the Company and, on the Closing Date, the Junior Subordinated Notes will have been duly executed by the Company and, when authenticated in the manner provided for in the Indenture and delivered against payment therefor as described in the Prospectus, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, except to the extent that enforcement thereof may be limited by the Enforceability Exceptions, will be in the form contemplated by, and entitled to the benefits of, the Indenture and will conform in all material respects to all statements relating thereto in the Final Supplemented Prospectus.
(q) The Company's obligations under the Guarantee (i) are subordinate and junior in right of payment to all liabilities of the Company, except those obligations or liabilities made pari passu or subordinate by their terms, (ii) are pari passu with the preferred stock issued by the Company and (iii) are senior to all common stock of the Company.
(r) The Junior Subordinated Notes are subordinated and junior in right of payment to all "Senior Indebtedness" (as defined in the Indenture) of the Company.
(s) Each of the Administrative Trustees of the Trust is an employee of the Company and has been duly authorized by the Company to execute and deliver the Trust Agreement.
(t) Neither the Trust nor the Company nor any of the Company's other subsidiaries is and, after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Preferred Securities, will be an "investment company" or an entity "controlled" by an "investment company" within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act").
(u) The execution, delivery and performance by the Offerors of this Agreement, the Trust Agreement, the Preferred Securities, the Common Securities, the Indenture, the Junior Subordinated Notes, the Guarantee Agreement and the Guarantee and the consummation by the Offerors of the transactions contemplated herein and therein and compliance by the Offerors with their respective obligations hereunder and thereunder shall have been duly authorized by all necessary action (corporate or otherwise) on the part of the Offerors and do not and will not result in any violation of the charter or bylaws of the Company, or the Trust Agreement or related Certificate of Trust and do not and will not conflict with, or result in a breach of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Trust or the Company under (A) any contract, indenture, mortgage, loan agreement, note, lease or other agreement or instrument to which the Trust or the Company is a party or by which either of them may be bound or to which any of their properties may be subject (except for conflicts, breaches or defaults which would not, individually or in the aggregate, be materially adverse to the Trust or the Company or materially adverse to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement), or (B) any existing applicable law, rule, regulation, judgment, order or decree of any government, governmental instrumentality or court, domestic or foreign, or any regulatory body or administrative agency or other governmental body having jurisdiction over the Trust or the Company, or any of their respective properties.
(v) No authorization, approval, consent or order of any court or governmental authority or agency is necessary in connection with the issuance and sale of the Common Securities or the offering of the Preferred Securities, the Junior Subordinated Notes or the Guarantee or the transactions contemplated in this Agreement, except (A) such as may be required under the 1933 Act or the rules and regulations thereunder; (B) such as may be required under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended (the "1935 Act"); (C) the qualification of the Trust Agreement,
the Guarantee Agreement and the Indenture under the 1939 Act; (D) the approval of the Alabama Public Service Commission (the "Alabama Commission"); and (E) such consents, approvals, authorizations, registrations or qualifications as may be required under state securities or Blue Sky laws.
SECTION 2. SALE AND DELIVERY TO UNDERWRITERS; CLOSING.
(a) On the basis of the representations and warranties herein contained and subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, the Trust agrees to sell to each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, and each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, agrees to purchase from the Trust, at the price per security set forth in Schedule II hereto, the number of Preferred Securities set forth in Schedule I opposite the name of such Underwriter, plus any additional number of Preferred Securities that such Underwriter may become obligated to purchase pursuant to the provisions of Section 10 hereof.
The purchase price per security to be paid by the several Underwriters for the Preferred Securities shall be an amount equal to the initial public offering price set forth on Schedule II, which is a fixed price determined by agreement between the Representative and the Offerors. As compensation to the Underwriters for their commitments hereunder and in view of the fact that the proceeds of the sale of the Preferred Securities will be used to purchase the Junior Subordinated Notes of the Company, the Company hereby agrees to pay on the Closing Date (as defined below) to the Representative, for the accounts of the several Underwriters, a commission per Preferred Security as set forth on Schedule II for the Preferred Securities to be delivered by the Trust hereunder on the Closing Date.
(b) Payment of the purchase price for, and delivery of certificates for, the Preferred Securities shall be made at the offices of Dewey Ballantine, 1301 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York at 10:00 A.M., New York time, on January 16, 1997 (unless postponed in accordance with the provisions of Section 10) or such other time, place or date as shall be agreed upon by the Representative, the Trust and the Company (such time and date of payment and delivery being herein called the "Closing Date"). Payment shall be made to the Trust by wire transfer in federal funds at the Closing Date, against delivery to the Representative for the respective accounts of the Underwriters of certificates for the Preferred Securities to be purchased by them. Certificates for the Preferred Securities shall be in such denominations and registered in such names as the Representative may request in writing at least two business
days before the Closing Date. It is understood that each Underwriter has authorized the Representative, for its account, to accept delivery of, receipt for, and make payment of the purchase price for, the Preferred Securities which it has agreed to purchase. The Representative, individually and not as Representative of the Underwriters, may (but shall not be obligated to) make payment of the purchase price for the Preferred Securities to be purchased by any Underwriter whose check has not been received by the Closing Date, but such payment shall not relieve such Underwriter from its obligations hereunder.
The certificate(s) for the Preferred Securities will be made available for examination and packaging by the Representative not later than 12:00 Noon, New York time, on the last business day prior to the Closing Date.
On the Closing Date, the Company will pay, or cause to be paid, the commission payable at such time to the Underwriters under Section 2(a) hereof by wire transfer payable to the Representative in federal funds.
SECTION 3. COVENANTS OF THE OFFERORS. Each of the Offerors jointly and severally covenants with each Underwriter as follows:
(a) The Offerors, on or prior to the Closing Date, will deliver to the Underwriters conformed copies of the Registration Statement as originally filed and of all amendments thereto, heretofore or hereafter made, including any post-effective amendment (in each case including all exhibits filed therewith, and including unsigned copies of each consent and certificate included therein or filed as an exhibit thereto, except exhibits incorporated by reference, unless specifically requested). As soon as the Company is advised thereof, it will advise the Representative orally of the issuance of any stop order under the 1933 Act with respect to the Registration Statement, or the institution of any proceedings therefor, of which the Company shall have received notice, and will use its best efforts to prevent the issuance of any such stop order and to secure the prompt removal thereof, if issued. The Offerors will deliver to the Underwriters sufficient conformed copies of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, the Preliminary Supplemented Prospectus and the Final Supplemented Prospectus and of all supplements and amendments thereto (in each case without exhibits) for distribution to each Underwriter and, from time to time, as many copies of the Prospectus, the Preliminary Supplemented Prospectus and the Final Supplemented Prospectus as the Underwriters
may reasonably request for the purposes contemplated by the 1933 Act or the 1934 Act.
(b) The Offerors will furnish the Underwriters with copies of each amendment and supplement to the Preliminary Supplemented Prospectus and Final Supplemented Prospectus relating to the offering of the Preferred Securities in such quantities as the Underwriters may from time to time reasonably request. If, during the period (not exceeding nine months) when the delivery of a prospectus shall be required by law in connection with the sale of any Preferred Securities by an Underwriter or dealer, any event relating to or affecting the Company, or of which the Company shall be advised in writing by the Underwriters, shall occur, which in the opinion of the Company or of Underwriters' counsel should be set forth in a supplement to or an amendment of the Preliminary Supplemented Prospectus or Final Supplemented Prospectus, as the case may be, in order to make the Preliminary Supplemented Prospectus or Final Supplemented Prospectus not misleading in the light of the circumstances when it is delivered, or if for any other reason it shall be necessary during such period to amend or supplement the Preliminary Supplemented Prospectus or Final Supplemented Prospectus or to file under the 1934 Act any document incorporated by reference in the Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus in order to comply with the 1933 Act or the 1934 Act, the Company forthwith will (i) notify the Underwriters to suspend solicitation of purchases of the Preferred Securities and (ii) at its expense, make any such filing or prepare and furnish to the Underwriters a reasonable number of copies of a supplement or supplements or an amendment or amendments to the Preliminary Supplemented Prospectus or Final Supplemented Prospectus which will supplement or amend the Preliminary Supplemented Prospectus or Final Supplemented Prospectus so that, as supplemented or amended, it will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances when the Preliminary Supplemented Prospectus or Final Supplemented Prospectus is delivered, not misleading or which will effect any other necessary compliance. In case any Underwriter is required to deliver a prospectus in connection with the sale of any Preferred Securities after the expiration of the period specified in the preceding sentence, the Company, upon the request of such Underwriter, will furnish to such Underwriter, at the expense of such Underwriter, a reasonable quantity of a supplemented or amended prospectus, or supplements or amendments to the Final Supplemented Prospectus,
complying with Section 10(a) of the 1933 Act. During the period specified in the second sentence of this subsection, the Company will continue to prepare and file with the Commission on a timely basis all documents or amendments required under the 1934 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder; provided, that the Company shall not file such documents or amendments without also furnishing copies thereof prior to such filing to the Representative and Dewey Ballantine.
(c) The Offerors will endeavor, in cooperation with the Underwriters, to qualify the Preferred Securities and, to the extent required or advisable, the Guarantee and the Junior Subordinated Notes, for offering and sale under the applicable securities laws of such states and the other jurisdictions of the United States as the Representative may designate; provided, however, that neither of the Offerors shall be obligated to qualify as a foreign corporation in any jurisdiction in which it is not so qualified or to file a consent to service of process or to file annual reports or to comply with any other requirements in connection with such qualification deemed by the Company to be unduly burdensome.
(d) The Company will make generally available to its security holders as soon as practicable but not later than 45 days after the close of the period covered thereby, an earnings statement of the Company (in form complying with the provisions of Rule 158 of the rules and regulations under the 1933 Act) covering a twelve-month period beginning not later than the first day of the Company's fiscal quarter next following the "effective date" (as defined in Rule 158) of the Registration Statement.
(e) The Offerors will use best efforts to effect the listing of the Preferred Securities on the New York Stock Exchange; if the Preferred Securities are exchanged for Junior Subordinated Notes, the Company will use its best efforts to effect the listing of the Junior Subordinated Notes on any exchange on which the Preferred Securities are then listed.
(f) During a period of 15 days from the date of this Agreement, neither the Trust nor the Company will, without the Representative's prior written consent, directly or indirectly, sell, offer to sell, grant any option for the sale of, or otherwise dispose of, any Preferred Securities, any security convertible into or exchangeable into or exercisable for Preferred Securities or the Junior Subordinated Notes or any debt securities substantially similar to the Junior
Subordinated Notes or equity securities substantially similar to the Preferred Securities (except for the Junior Subordinated Notes and the Preferred Securities issued pursuant to this Agreement).
(g) As soon as practicable after the date of this Agreement, and in any event within the time prescribed by Rule 424 under the 1933 Act, to file the Final Supplemented Prospectus with the Commission and to advise the Representative of such filing and to confirm such advice in writing.
SECTION 4. PAYMENT OF EXPENSES. The Company will pay all expenses incident to the performance of each Offeror's obligations under this Agreement, including but not limited to, the expenses of (i) the printing and filing of the Registration Statement as originally filed and of each amendment thereto, (ii) the preparation, issuance and delivery of the certificate(s) for the Preferred Securities to the Underwriters, (iii) the fees and disbursements of the Company's and the Trust's counsel and accountants, (iv) the qualification of the Preferred Securities and, to the extent required or advisable, the Guarantee and the Junior Subordinated Notes, under securities laws in accordance with the provisions of Section 3(c) hereof, including filing fees and the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters in connection therewith and in connection with the preparation of any blue sky survey (such fees and disbursements of counsel shall not exceed $3,500), (v) the printing and delivery to the Underwriters of copies of the Registration Statement as originally filed and of each amendment thereto and of the Prospectus, the Preliminary Supplemented Prospectus, the Final Supplemented Prospectus, and any amendments or supplements thereto, (vi) the printing and delivery to the Underwriters of copies of any blue sky survey, (vii) the fee of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. in connection with its review of the offering contemplated by this Agreement, if applicable, (viii) the fees and expenses of the Debt Trustee, including the fees and disbursements of counsel for the Debt Trustee in connection with the Indenture and the Junior Subordinated Notes, (ix) the fees and expenses of the Delaware Trustee, the Property Trustee and the Guarantee Trustee, including the fees and disbursements of counsel for the Delaware Trustee in connection with the Trust Agreement and the related Certificate of Trust, (x) the fees and disbursements of Delaware counsel to the Trust, (xi) any fees payable in connection with the rating of the Preferred Securities and Junior Subordinated Notes, (xii) the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of the Preferred Securities and, if applicable, the Junior Subordinated Notes on the New York Stock Exchange, (xiii) the cost and charges of any transfer agent or registrar and (xiv) the cost of
qualifying the Preferred Securities with The Depository Trust Company.
Except as otherwise provided in Section 9 hereof, the Underwriters shall pay all other expenses incurred by them in connection with their offering of the Preferred Securities, including fees and disbursements of their counsel, Dewey Ballantine.
SECTION 5. CONDITIONS OF UNDERWRITERS' OBLIGATIONS. The obligations of the Underwriters to purchase and pay for the Preferred Securities are subject to the following conditions:
(a) No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall be in effect on the Closing Date and no proceedings for that purpose shall be pending before, or to the knowledge of the Company threatened by, the Commission on such date. If filing of the Preliminary Supplemented Prospectus or Final Supplemented Prospectus, or any supplement thereto, is required pursuant to Rule 424, the Preliminary Supplemented Prospectus or Final Supplemented Prospectus, and any such supplement, shall have been filed in the manner and within the time period required by Rule 424.
(b) Orders of the Alabama Commission and the Commission permitting the transactions contemplated hereby substantially in accordance with the terms and conditions hereof shall be in full force and effect and shall contain no provision unacceptable to the Underwriters or the Company (but all provisions of such order or orders heretofore entered, copies of which have heretofore been delivered to the Representative, are deemed acceptable to the Underwriters and the Company and all provisions of such order or orders hereafter entered shall be deemed acceptable to the Underwriters and the Company unless within 24 hours after receiving a copy of any such order any party to this Agreement shall give notice to the other parties to the effect that such order contains an unacceptable provision).
(c) On the Closing Date the Representative shall have received:
(1) The opinion, dated the Closing Date, of Balch & Bingham LLP, general counsel for the Company, substantially in the form attached hereto as Schedule III-A.
(2) The opinion, dated the Closing Date, of Troutman Sanders LLP, counsel for the Company, substantially in the form attached hereto as Schedule III-B.
(3) The opinion, dated the Closing Date, of Richards, Layton & Finger, Delaware counsel to the Trust, substantially in the form attached hereto as Schedule IV.
(4) The opinion, dated the Closing Date, of Richards, Layton & Finger, Delaware counsel to Chase Manhattan Bank Delaware, as Delaware Trustee under the Trust Agreement, substantially in the form attached hereto as Schedule V.
(5) The opinion, dated the Closing Date, of Cravath, Swaine & Moore, counsel to the Property Trustee, the Guarantee Trustee and the Debt Trustee, substantially in the form attached hereto as Schedule VI.
(6) The favorable opinion, dated as of the Closing Date, of Dewey Ballantine, counsel for the Underwriters, substantially in the form attached hereto as Schedule VII.
(7) At the Closing Date, there shall not have been,
since the date hereof or since the respective dates as of which
information is given in the Registration Statement and the Final
Supplemented Prospectus, any material adverse change in the business,
properties or financial condition of the Trust or the Company, whether
or not arising in the ordinary course of business, and the
Representative shall have received a certificate of the President or
any Vice President of the Company and a certificate of the
Administrative Trustees of the Trust, and dated as of the Closing Date,
to the effect that (i) there has been no such material adverse change,
(ii) the representations and warranties in Section 1 hereof are true
and correct with the same force and effect as though expressly made at
and as of the Closing Date, (iii) the Trust and the Company have
complied with all agreements and satisfied all conditions on their
respective parts to be performed or satisfied on or prior to the
Closing Date, and (iv) no stop order suspending the effectiveness of
the Registration Statement has been issued and no proceedings for that
purpose have been initiated or, to the knowledge of the Company,
threatened by the Commission.
(8) On this Closing Date, the Representative shall have received from Arthur Andersen LLP a letter dated the Closing Date to the effect that: (A) they are independent public accountants with respect to the Company within the meaning of the 1933 Act and the rules and regulations under the 1933 Act; (B) in their opinion, the financial statements audited by them and incorporated by reference in the Prospectus comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the 1934 Act and the rules and regulations under the 1934 Act, and (C) on the basis of certain limited procedures performed through a specified date not more than five business days prior to the date of such letter, namely (i) reading the minute books of the Company; (ii) performing the procedures specified by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants ("AICPA") for a review of interim financial information as described in Statement on Auditing Standards No. 71, "Interim Financial Information", on the unaudited financial statements, if any, of the Company incorporated in the Prospectus and of the latest available unaudited financial statements of the Company, if any, as of a date subsequent to the date of those incorporated in the Prospectus; and (iii) making inquiries of certain officials of the Company who have responsibility for financial and accounting matters regarding such unaudited financial statements or any specified unaudited amounts derived therefrom (it being understood that the foregoing procedures do not constitute an audit performed in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and they would not necessarily reveal matters of significance with respect to the comments made in such letter, and accordingly that Arthur Andersen LLP make no representations as to the sufficiency of such procedures for the Underwriters' purposes), nothing came to their attention that caused them to believe that: (1) any material modifications should be made to the unaudited condensed financial statements, if any, incorporated in the Prospectus, for them to be in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles; (2) such unaudited condensed financial statements do not comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the 1934 Act as it applies to Form 10-Q and the related published rules and regulations thereunder; (3) the unaudited amounts for Operating Revenues, Income Before Interest Charges and Net Income After Dividends on Preferred Stock and the unaudited Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Earnings to Fixed Charges Plus Preferred Dividend Requirements (Pre-Income Tax Basis) set forth in the Prospectus do not agree with the amounts set forth in or derived from the unaudited
financial statements for the same period or were not determined on a basis substantially consistent with that of the corresponding audited amounts or ratios included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement; (4) as of a specified date not more than five business days prior to the date of delivery of such letter, there has been any change in the capital stock or long-term debt of the Company or any decrease in net assets as compared with amounts shown in the latest audited balance sheet incorporated in the Prospectus, except in each case for changes or decreases which (i) the Prospectus discloses have occurred or may occur, (ii) are occasioned by the declaration of dividends, (iii) are occasioned by draw- downs under existing pollution control financing arrangements, (iv) are occasioned by draw-downs and regularly scheduled payments of capitalized lease obligations, (v) are occasioned by the purchase or redemption of bonds or stock to satisfy mandatory or optional redemption provisions relating thereto, or (vi) are disclosed in such letter; and (5) the unaudited amounts for Operating Revenues, Income Before Interest Charges and Net Income After Dividends on Preferred Stock and the unaudited Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Earnings to Fixed Charges Plus Preferred Dividend Requirements (Pre-Income Tax Basis) for any period subsequent to those set forth in (3) above, which if available shall be set forth in such letter, do not agree with the amounts set forth in or derived from the unaudited financial statements for the same period or were not determined on a basis substantially consistent with that of the corresponding audited amounts or ratios included or incorporated by reference in the Prospectus.
(9) On the Closing Date, counsel for the Underwriters shall have been furnished with such documents and opinions as they may reasonably require for the purpose of enabling them to pass upon the issuance and sale of the Preferred Securities as herein contemplated and related proceedings, or in order to evidence the accuracy of any of the representations or warranties, or the fulfillment of any of the conditions, herein contained; and all proceedings taken by the Offerors, in connection with the issuance and sale of the Preferred Securities as herein contemplated shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the Representative and Dewey Ballantine, counsel for the Underwriters.
(10) On the Closing Date, the Preferred Securities shall have been approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange upon notice of issuance.
(11) A Special Event (as defined in the Final Supplemented Prospectus) shall not have occurred and be continuing.
(12) That no amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Supplemented Prospectus or the Final Supplemented Prospectus filed subsequent to the date of this Agreement (including any filing made by the Company pursuant to Section 13 or 14 of the Exchange Act) shall be unsatisfactory in form to Dewey Ballantine or shall contain information (other than with respect to an amendment or supplement relating solely to the activity of any Underwriter or Underwriters) which, in the reasonable judgment of the Representative, shall materially impair the market- ability of the Preferred Securities.
(13) The Company and the Trust shall have performed their respective obligations when and as provided under this Agreement.
If any condition specified in this Section shall not have been fulfilled when and as required to be fulfilled, this Agreement may be terminated by the Representative by notice to the Offerors at any time prior to the Closing Date, and such termination shall be without liability of any party to any other party except as provided in Sections 4, 7 and 9(b) hereof.
SECTION 6. CONDITIONS OF THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE OFFERORS.
The obligations of the Offerors shall be subject to the conditions set forth in the first sentence of Section 5(a) and in Section 5(b). In case such conditions shall not have been fulfilled, this Agreement may be terminated by the Company by mailing or delivering written notice thereof to the Underwriters. Any such termination shall be without liability of any party to any other party except as otherwise provided in Sections 4, 7 and 9(b) hereof.
SECTION 7. INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) The Offerors jointly and severally agree to indemnify and hold harmless each of the Underwriters and each person, if any, who controls any such Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20(a) of the 1934 Act, against any and all losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which they or any of them may become subject under the 1933 Act, 1934 Act or otherwise, and to reimburse the Underwriters and such controlling person or persons, if any, for any legal or other expenses incurred by them in connection with defending
any actions, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions
arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement
of a material fact contained in any Preliminary Prospectus, the Registration
Statement, the Prospectus, the Preliminary Supplemented Prospectus, or the Final
Supplemented Prospectus or, if the Offerors shall furnish to the Underwriters
any amendments or any supplements thereto, or shall make any filings pursuant to
Section 13 or 14 of the 1934 Act which are incorporated therein by reference, in
any Preliminary Prospectus, the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, the
Preliminary Supplemented Prospectus, or the Final Supplemented Prospectus as so
amended or supplemented, or arise out of or are based upon any omission or
alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, except insofar as
such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions arise out of or are based
upon any such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or
alleged omission which was made in such Registration Statement, Preliminary
Prospectus, Prospectus, the Preliminary Supplemented Prospectus, or the Final
Supplemented Prospectus in reliance upon and in conformity with information
furnished in writing to the Company by, or through the Representative on behalf
of, any Underwriter for use therein and except that this indemnity with respect
to the Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus, the Preliminary Supplemented
Prospectus, or the Final Supplemented Prospectus, if the Offerors shall have
furnished any amendment or supplement thereto, shall not inure to the benefit of
any Underwriter (or of any person controlling such Underwriter) on account of
any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions arising from the sale of the
Preferred Securities to any person if a copy of the Preliminary Prospectus, the
Prospectus, the Preliminary Supplemented Prospectus, or the Final Supplemented
Prospectus (exclusive of documents incorporated therein by reference pursuant to
Item 12 of Form S-3), as the same may then be amended or supplemented, shall not
have been sent or given by or on behalf of such Underwriter to such person with
or prior to the written confirmation of the sale involved and the untrue
statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was
corrected in the Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus, the Preliminary
Supplemented Prospectus or the Final Supplemented Prospectus as supplemented or
amended at the time of such confirmation. Each Underwriter agrees, within ten
days after the receipt by it of notice of the commencement of any action in
respect of which indemnity may be sought by it, or by any person controlling it,
from the Offerers on account of its agreement contained in this Section 7, to
notify the Offerors in writing of the commencement thereof but the omission of
such Underwriter so to notify the Offerors of
any such action shall not release the Offerors from any liability which it may
have to such Underwriter or to such controlling person otherwise than on account
of the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 7. In case any such action
shall be brought against the Underwriters or any such person controlling such
Underwriters and such Underwriter shall notify the Offerors of the commencement
thereof as above provided, the Offerors shall be entitled to participate in
(and, to the extent that they shall wish, including the selection of counsel, to
direct) the defense thereof, at their own expense. In case the Offerors elect to
direct such defense and select such counsel, any Underwriter or controlling
person shall have the right to employ its own counsel, but, in any such case,
the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such
Underwriter or controlling person unless the employment of such counsel has been
authorized in writing by the Offerors in connection with defending such action.
No indemnifying party shall, without the written consent of the indemnified
party, effect the settlement or compromise of, or consent to the entry of any
judgment with respect to, any pending or threatened action or claim in respect
of which indemnification may be sought hereunder (whether or not the indemnified
party is an actual or potential party to such action or claim) unless such
settlement, compromise or judgment (i) includes an unconditional release of the
indemnified party from all liability arising out of such action or claim and
(ii) does not include any statement as to, or an admission of, fault,
culpability or a failure to act, by or on behalf of any indemnified party. In no
event shall any indemnifying party have any liability or responsibility in
respect of the settlement or compromise of, or consent to the entry of any
judgment with respect to, any pending or threatened action or claim effected
without its prior written consent.
(b) The Company agrees to indemnify the Trust against all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense whatsoever, as due from the Trust under Section 7(a) hereunder.
(c) Each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its directors and such of its officers who have signed the Registration Statement, the Trust and each other Underwriter and each person, if any, who controls the Offerors or any such other Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20(a) of the 1934 Act to the same extent and upon the same terms as the indemnity agreement of the Offerors set forth in Section 7(a) hereof, but only with respect to alleged untrue statements or omissions made in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus, the Preliminary Supplemented Prospectus or the
Final Supplemented Prospectus, or such documents as amended or supplemented, in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Offerors by, or through the Representative on behalf of, such Underwriter for use therein.
SECTION 8. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND AGREEMENTS TO SURVIVE DELIVERY.
All representations, warranties and agreements contained in this Agreement, or contained in certificates of officers or Trustees of the Offerors submitted pursuant hereto, shall remain operative and in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or controlling person, or by, or on behalf of the Offerors and shall survive delivery of the Preferred Securities to the Underwriters.
SECTION 9. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT.
(a) The Representative may terminate this Agreement, by notice
to the Offerors, at any time at or prior to the Closing Date if (i) trading in
securities on the New York Stock Exchange shall have been generally suspended,
(ii) minimum or maximum ranges for prices shall have been generally established
on the New York Stock Exchange by the Commission or by to New York Stock
Exchange, (iii) a general banking moratorium shall have been declared by federal
or New York State authorities, (iv) there shall have occurred any outbreak or
escalation of major hostilities in which the United States is involved, any
declaration of war by the United States Congress or any other substantial
national or international calamity or emergency affecting the United States, in
any such case provided for in clauses (i) through (iv) with the result that, in
the reasonable judgement of the Representative, the marketability of the
Preferred Securities shall have been materially impaired.
(b) If this Agreement shall be terminated by the Underwriters pursuant to subsection (a) above or because of any failure or refusal on the part of the Offerors to comply with the terms or to fulfill any of the conditions of this Agreement, or if for any reason the Offerors shall be unable to perform their obligations under this Agreement, then in any such case, the Company will reimburse the Underwriters, severally, for the reasonable fees and disbursements of Dewey Ballantine and for the out of pocket expenses (in an amount not exceeding $10,000) reasonably incurred by the Underwriters in making preparations for the purchase, sale and delivery of the Preferred Securities and, upon such reimbursement, the Offerors shall be absolved from any
further liability hereunder, except as provided in Sections 4 and 7.
SECTION 10. DEFAULT BY ONE OR MORE OF THE UNDERWRITERS. If one or more of the Underwriters shall fail on the Closing Date to purchase the Preferred Securities that it or they are obligated to purchase under this Agreement (the "Defaulted Securities"), the Representative shall have the right, within 24 hours thereafter, to make arrangements for one or more of the non-defaulting Underwriters, or any other underwriters, to purchase all, but not less than all, of the Defaulted Securities in such amounts as may be agreed upon and upon the terms herein set forth; if, however, the Representative shall not have completed such arrangements within such 24-hour period, then:
(a) if the number of Defaulted Securities does not exceed 10% of the Preferred Securities, each of the non-defaulting Underwriters shall be obligated, severally and not jointly, to purchase the full amount thereof in the proportions that their respective underwriting obligations hereunder bear to the underwriting obligations of all non-defaulting Underwriters, or
(b) if the number of Defaulted Securities exceeds 10% of the Preferred Securities, this Agreement shall terminate without liability on the part of any non-defaulting Underwriter.
No action taken pursuant to this Section shall relieve any defaulting Underwriter from liability in respect of its default.
In the event of any such default which does not result in a termination of this Agreement, either the Representative or the Offerors shall have the right to postpone the Closing Date for a period not exceeding seven days in order to effect any required changes in the Registration Statement or Final Supplemented Prospectus or in any other documents or arrangements.
SECTION 11. NOTICES. All notices and other communications
hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if
mailed or transmitted by any standard form of telecommunication. Notices to the
Underwriters shall be directed to the Representative at World Financial Center,
North Tower, New York, New York 10281, Attention: Rick Vaccari, Managing
Director, Global Power Group; notices to the Offerors shall be directed to the
Company at 600 North 18th Street, Birmingham, Alabama 35291, Attention:
Corporate Secretary.
SECTION 12. PARTIES. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Underwriters, the Trust, the Company and their respective successors. Nothing expressed or mentioned in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give any person, firm or corporation, other than the Underwriters and the Trust and the Company and their respective successors and the controlling persons and officers, directors and trustees referred to in Section 7 and their heirs and legal representatives, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement or any provision herein contained. This Agreement and all conditions and provisions hereof are intended to be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Underwriters and the Trust and the Company and their respective successors, and said controlling persons and officers, directors and trustees and their heirs and legal representatives, and for the benefit of no other person, firm or corporation. No purchaser of Preferred Securities from any Underwriter shall be deemed to be a successor by reason merely of such purchase.
SECTION 13. GOVERNING LAW AND TIME. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to agreements made and to be performed in said State. Except as otherwise set forth herein, specified times of day refer to New York City time.
SECTION 14. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed by any one or more of the parties hereto in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all such respective counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.
If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our agreement, please sign and return to the Trust and the Company a counterpart hereof, whereupon this instrument, along with all counterparts, will become a binding agreement between the Underwriters and the Trust and the Company in accordance with its terms.
Very truly yours,
ALABAMA POWER COMPANY
By: ART P. BEATTIE
Title: VICE PRESIDENT, SECRETARY
AND TREASURER
ALABAMA POWER CAPITAL TRUST II
By: Alabama Power Company, as
Depositor
By: WILLIAM E. ZALES
Title: ADMINISTRATIVE TRUSTEE
CONFIRMED AND ACCEPTED,
as of the date first above written
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED
By: ROBERT D. CRAIG
AUTHORIZED SIGNATORY
For itself and as Representative of the other Underwriters named in Schedule I hereto.
SCHEDULE I NAME OF UNDERWRITER NUMBER OF SECURITIES Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated 815,000 Lehman Brothers Inc. 815,000 Dean Witter Reynolds Inc. 800,000 A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. 800,000 Goldman, Sachs & Co. 800,000 PaineWebber Incorporated 800,000 Prudential Securities Incorporated 800,000 The Robinson-Humphrey Company, Inc. 800,000 Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. 50,000 J.C. Bradford & Co. 50,000 Alex. Brown & Sons Incorporated 50,000 Cowen & Company 50,000 Dain Bosworth Incorporated 50,000 Dillon, Read & Co. Inc. 50,000 Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation 50,000 Interstate/Johnson Lane Corporation 50,000 Legg Mason Wood Walker, Incorporated 50,000 Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc. 50,000 J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. 50,000 The Ohio Company 50,000 Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. 50,000 Piper Jaffray Inc. 50,000 Raymond James & Associates, Inc. 50,000 Regions Investment Company, Inc. 50,000 Sterne, Agee & Leach, Inc. 50,000 Tucker Anthony Incorporated 50,000 Wheat, First Securities, Inc. 50,000 Advest, Inc. 20,000 Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated 20,000 Craigie Incorporated 20,000 Crowell, Weedon & Co. 20,000 Davenport & Co. of Virginia, Inc. 20,000 EVEREN Securities, Inc. 20,000 Fahnestock & Co. Inc. 20,000 First Albany Corporation 20,000 First Southwest Company 20,000 Gibraltar Securities Co. 20,000 Gruntal & Co., Incorporated 20,000 J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L. Lyons, Inc. 20,000 Janney Montgomery Scott Inc. 20,000 Josephthal Lyon & Ross Incorporated 20,000 Kennedy, Cabot & Co. 20,000 McDonald & Company Securities, Inc. 20,000 McGinn, Smith & Co., Inc. 20,000 David A. Noyes & Company 20,000 Olde Discount Corporation 20,000 Parker/Hunter Incorporated 20,000 Principal Financial Securities, Inc. 20,000 Pryor, McClendon, Counts & Co., Inc. 20,000 Rauscher Pierce Refsnes, Inc. 20,000 Roney & Co., LLC 20,000 Scott & Stringfellow, Inc. 20,000 Muriel Siebert & Co., Inc. 20,000 Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated 20,000 Stone & Youngberg 20,000 Sutro & Co. Incorporated 20,000 US Clearing Corp. 20,000 Utendahl Capital Partners, L.P. 20,000 --------- TOTAL 8,000,000 |
SCHEDULE II
Initial public offering price per
Preferred Security (and purchase
price per security to be paid by
the several Underwriters): $25
Compensation per Preferred Security to be paid by the Company to the several Underwriters in respect of their commitments: $.50 for Preferred Securities sold to certain institutions; $.7875 for Preferred Securities sold to other purchasers
Schedule III-A
[Letterhead of BALCH & BINGHAM LLP]
___________ __, 199_
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated, as Representative
World Financial Center, North Tower
New York, New York 10281
ALABAMA POWER CAPITAL TRUST I
7.60% TRUST ORIGINATED PREFERRED SECURITIES
Dear Sirs:
We have acted as general counsel to Alabama Power Company (the "Company") in connection with (i) its formation of Alabama Power Capital Trust II (the "Trust"), a Delaware statutory business trust, pursuant to the amended and restated trust agreement dated as of __________ __, 199_ among the Company and the trustees named therein (the "Trust Agreement"); (ii) the Trust's issuance and sale of Preferred Securities evidencing approximately a 97% undivided interest in the Trust (the "Preferred Securities"); (iii) the Trust's issuance and sale of Common Securities evidencing approximately a 3% undivided interest in the Trust; (iv) the Company's issuance and sale to the Trust of approximately $206,185,575 of its Series B 7.60% Junior Subordinated Notes (the "Notes") pursuant to a Subordinated Note Indenture dated as of ___________ __, 199_, by and between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as trustee, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture dated as of ________ __, 199_ (collectively, the "Indenture"); and (v) its issuance of a guarantee (the "Guarantee") of the Preferred Securities pursuant to a Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement dated as of _________ __, 199_ (the "Guarantee Agreement") between the Company and Chase Manhattan Bank Delaware, as trustee. The Preferred Securities are being sold to you today pursuant to the terms of an Underwriting Agreement dated January __, 1996, among the Company, the Trust and the underwriters named in Schedule I thereto (the "Underwriters") for whom you are acting as Representative (the "Underwriting Agreement"). This opinion is being delivered to you as Representative pursuant to Section 5(c)(1) thereof.
All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Underwriting Agreement.
In rendering the opinions expressed below, we have examined the
registration statement on Form S-3 (Nos. 333- 17333, 333-17333-01, 333-17333-02
and 333-17333-03) pertaining to the Preferred Securities (the "Registration
Statement") filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), and
the prospectus dated _______ ___, 199_ as supplemented by a final prospectus
supplement dated __________, 199_ (the "Final Supplemented Prospectus"), which
pursuant to Form S-3 incorporates by reference the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995, the Quarterly Reports
on Form 10-Q of the Company for the quarters ended and the Current Reports on
Form 8-K of the Company dated
(the "Exchange Act Documents"), each as filed under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act").
In addition, we have examined, and have relied as to matters of fact upon, the documents delivered to you at the closing (except the certificates representing the Preferred Securities and the Notes, of which we have examined specimens), and we have made such other and further investigations as we deemed necessary to express the opinions hereinafter set forth.
The Trust Agreement, Indenture, Guarantee Agreement and the Underwriting Agreement are herein referred to as the "Agreements".
We are of the opinion, relying as to matters of New York law upon the opinion dated hereof rendered to you by Dewey Ballantine, and as to matters of Delaware law upon the opinion dated hereof rendered to you by Richards, Layton & Finger, that:
1. The Company has been duly organized and is validly existing and in good standing as a corporation under the laws of the State of Alabama and has due corporate authority to carry on the public utility business in which it is engaged and to own and operate the properties used by it in such business and to enter into and perform its obligations under the Agreements and the Notes.
2. The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of the Underwriting Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action, and the Underwriting Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company.
3. All orders, consents, or other authorizations or approvals of the Alabama Public Service Commission and the Commission legally required for the issuance and delivery of the Notes and the Guarantee and the issuance and sale of the
Preferred Securities have been obtained; such orders are sufficient for the issuance and the delivery of the Notes and the Guarantee and the issuance and sale of the Preferred Securities; the issuance and delivery of the Notes and the Guarantee and the issuance and sale of the Preferred Securities conform in all material respects with the terms of such orders; and no other order, consent or other authorization or approval of any Alabama or United States governmental body (other than in connection or in compliance with the provisions of the securities or "blue sky" laws of any jurisdiction, as to which we express no opinion) is legally required for the issuance and delivery of the Notes and the Guarantee and the issuance and sale of the Preferred Securities in accordance with the terms of the Underwriting Agreement.
4. The Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery thereof by the Debt Trustee, constitutes a valid and legally binding instrument of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to the qualifications that the enforceability of the Company's obligations under the Indenture may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law); and the Indenture conforms as to legal matters in all material respects to the description thereof in the Final Supplemented Prospectus.
5. The Notes have been duly authorized and executed by the Company and, when authenticated by the Debt Trustee in the manner provided in the Indenture and delivered against payment therefor, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, subject to the qualifications that the enforceability of the Company's obligations under the Notes may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally and by general principles of equity; and the Notes conform as to legal matters in all material respects to the description thereof in the Final Supplemented Prospectus.
6. The Guarantee has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes a valid and legally binding instrument of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to the qualifications that the enforceability of the Company's obligations under the Guarantee may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other
similar laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law); and the Guarantee conforms as to legal matters in all material respects to the description thereof in the Final Supplemented Prospectus.
7. The Trust Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company, and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the Trustees, the Trust Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to the qualifications that the enforceability of the Company's obligations under the Trust Agreement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditor's rights generally, and by general principles of equity.
8. Each of the Indenture, the Guarantee Agreement and the Trust Agreement has been duly qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.
9. Neither the Company nor the Trust is and, after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Preferred Securities, will be an "investment company" or a company "controlled" by an "investment company" within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
10. The statements and legal conclusions contained in the Final Supplemented Prospectus under the caption "Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations" are correct in all material respects.
11. To the best of our knowledge, all of the issued and outstanding Common Securities of the Trust are directly owned by the Company, free and clear of any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance, claim or equitable right.
12. The execution, delivery and performance by the Trust of the Underwriting Agreement and the Trust Agreement; the issuance by the Trust of the Preferred Securities and the Common Securities; the consummation by the Trust of the transactions contemplated thereby; and the compliance by the Trust with its obligations thereunder do not and will not result in any violation of the Trust Agreement or related Certificate of Trust, and do not and will not conflict with, or result in, a breach of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Trust under (A) any contract, indenture, mortgage, loan agreement, note, lease or any
other agreement or instrument known to us to which the Trust is a party or by which it may be bound or to which any of its properties may be subject (except for such conflicts, breaches or defaults or liens, charges or encumbrances that would not have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), of the Trust, (B) any existing applicable law, rule or regulation applicable to the Trust (other than the securities or blue sky laws of any jurisdiction, as to which we express no opinion) or (C) any judgment, order or decree known to us of any government, governmental instrumentality, or court, domestic or foreign, or any regulatory body or administrative agency or other governmental body having jurisdiction over the Trust or any of its properties; and the Trust is not a party to or otherwise bound by any agreement other than those which are exhibits (or included in exhibits) to the Registration Statement.
13. The Common Securities have been duly authorized by the Trust Agreement and (subject to the terms of the Trust Agreement), when issued and delivered by the Trust to the Company against payment therefor as described in the Final Supplemented Prospectus, will be validly issued and (subject to the terms of the Trust Agreement) fully paid and non-assessable beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust; and the issuance of the Common Securities is not subject to preemptive or other similar rights.
14. The Preferred Securities have been duly authorized by the Trust Agreement and (subject to the terms of the Trust Agreement), when delivered to and paid for by the Underwriters pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust; the holders of the Preferred Securities will (subject to the terms of the Trust Agreement) be entitled to the same limitation of personal liability under Delaware law as is extended to stockholders of private corporations for profit organized under the general corporation law of the State of Delaware; the issuance of the Preferred Securities is not subject to preemptive or other similar rights; and the Preferred Securities conform as to legal matters in all material respects to the description thereof in the Final Supplemented Prospectus.
We have not independently verified the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the statements made or included in the Registration Statement, the Final Supplemented Prospectus or the Exchange Act Documents and take no responsibility therefor, except as and to the extent set forth in paragraphs 4, 5, 6, 10 and 14 above and in the Final Supplemented Prospectus in the second and third paragraphs under the caption "Experts". In the course of
the preparation by the Company of the Registration Statement, the Final
Supplemented Prospectus and the Exchange Act Documents, we participated in
conferences with certain officers and employees of the Company, with other
counsel for the Company and with representatives of Arthur Andersen LLP. Based
upon our examination of the Registration Statement, the Final Supplemented
Prospectus and the Exchange Act Documents, our investigations made in connection
with the preparation of the Registration Statement, the Final Supplemented
Prospectus and the Exchange Act Documents and our participation in the
conferences referred to above, (i) we are of the opinion that the Registration
Statement, as of its effective date, and the Final Supplemented Prospectus, as
of
, complied as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the
Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder and
that the Exchange Act Documents, as of their respective dates of filing with the
Commission, complied as to form in all material respects with the relevant
requirements of the Exchange Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the
Commission thereunder, except that in each case we express no opinion as to the
financial statements or other financial or statistical data contained or
incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Final Supplemented
Prospectus or the Exchange Act Documents, and (ii) nothing came to our attention
which gives us reason to believe that the Registration Statement, as of its
effective date (including the Exchange Act Documents on file with the Commission
as of such date), contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted
to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order
to make the statements therein not misleading, or that the Final Supplemented
Prospectus (including the Exchange Act Documents) contains any untrue statement
therein of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary in order
to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which
they were made, not misleading, except that in each case we express no opinion
or belief with respect to the financial statements or other financial or
statistical data contained or incorporated by reference in the Registration
Statement, the Final Supplemented Prospectus or the Exchange Act Documents.
We are members of the State Bar of Alabama and we do not express any opinion herein concerning any law other than the law of the State of Alabama and the federal law of the United States and, to the extent set forth herein, the laws of the States of Delaware and New York.
This opinion is rendered to you in connection with the above-described transaction. This opinion may not be relied upon by you for any other purpose, or relied upon by
or furnished to any other person without our prior written consent, except that Troutman Sanders LLP and Dewey Ballantine may rely on this opinion in giving their opinions pursuant to Section 5(c) of the Underwriting Agreement insofar as such opinion relates to matters of Alabama law.
Yours very truly,
BALCH & BINGHAM LLP
Schedule III-B
[Letterhead of TROUTMAN SANDERS LLP]
__________ __, 199_
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated, as Representative
World Financial Center, North Tower
New York, New York 10281
ALABAMA POWER CAPITAL TRUST II
7.60% TRUST ORIGINATED PREFERRED SECURITIES
Dear Sirs:
We have acted as counsel to Alabama Power Company (the
"Company") in connection with (i) its formation of Alabama Power Capital Trust
II, a Delaware statutory business trust (the "Trust"), pursuant to the amended
and restated trust agreement dated __________, 199_ among the Company and the
trustees named therein (the "Trust Agreement"); (ii) the Trust's issuance and
sale of Preferred Securities evidencing approximately a 97% undivided interest
in the Trust (the "Preferred Securities"); (iii) the Trust's issuance and sale
of Common Securities evidencing approximately a 3% undivided interest in the
Trust; (iv) the Company's issuance and sale to the Trust of $___________ of its
Series B ___% Junior Subordinated Notes (the "Notes") pursuant to a Subordinated
Note Indenture dated as of __________, 199_, by and between the Company and
____________________, as trustee, as supplemented by the First Supplemental
Indenture dated as of __________ __, 199_ (collectively, the "Indenture"); and
(v) its issuance of a guarantee (the "Guarantee") of the Preferred Securities
pursuant to a Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement dated as of __________,
199_ (the "Guarantee Agreement") between the Company and ___________________, as
trustee. The Preferred Securities are being sold to you today pursuant to the
terms of an Underwriting Agreement dated __________, 199_ (the "Underwriting
Agreement"), among the Company, the Trust and the underwriters named in Schedule
I thereto (the "Underwriters") for whom you are acting as Representative. This
opinion is being delivered to you as Representative pursuant to Section 5(c)(2)
thereof.
All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Underwriting Agreement.
In rendering the opinions expressed below, we have examined the
registration statement on Form S-3 (Nos. 333-17333, 333-17333-01, 333-17333-02
and 333-17333-03) pertaining to the Preferred Securities (the "Registration
Statement") filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), and
the prospectus dated _______ ___, 199_ as supplemented by a final prospectus
supplement dated __________, 199_ (the "Final Supplemented Prospectus"), which
pursuant to Form S-3 incorporates by reference the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995, the Quarterly Reports
on Form 10-Q of the Company for the quarters ended and the Current Reports on
Form 8-K of the Company dated
(the "Exchange Act Documents"), each as filed under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act").
In addition, we have examined, and have relied as to matters of fact upon, the documents delivered to you at the closing (except the certificates representing the Preferred Securities and the Notes, of which we have examined specimens), and we have made such other and further investigations as we deemed necessary to express the opinions hereinafter set forth. In such examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity of natural persons, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic copies, and the authenticity of the originals of such latter documents.
The Trust Agreement, Indenture, Guarantee Agreement and the Underwriting Agreement are herein referred to collectively as the "Agreements".
Based upon the foregoing, and subject to the qualifications and limitations stated herein, we are of the opinion, relying as to matters of Alabama law upon the opinion dated the date hereof rendered to you by Balch & Bingham LLP, relying as to matters of New York law upon the opinion dated the date hereof rendered to you by Dewey Ballantine and relying as to matters of Delaware law upon the opinion dated the date hereof rendered to you by Richards, Layton & Finger, that:
1. The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Alabama and has due corporate authority to carry on the public utility business in which it is engaged, to own and operate the properties used by it in such business and to enter into and perform its obligations under the Agreements and the Notes.
2. The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of the Underwriting Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action, and the Underwriting Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company.
3. All orders, consents or other authorizations or approvals of the Alabama Public Service Commission and the Commission legally required for the issuance and delivery of the Notes and the Guarantee and the issuance and sale of the Preferred Securities have been obtained; such orders are sufficient for the issuance and delivery of the Notes and the Guarantee and the issuance and sale of the Preferred Securities; the issuance and delivery of the Notes and the Guarantee and the issuance and sale of the Preferred Securities conform in all material respects with the terms of such orders; and no other order, consent or other authorization or approval of any Alabama or United States governmental body (other than in connection or in compliance with the provisions of the securities or "blue sky" laws of any jurisdiction, as to which we express no opinion) is legally required for the issuance and delivery of the Notes and the Guarantee and the issuance and sale of the Preferred Securities in accordance with the terms of the Underwriting Agreement.
4. The Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery thereof by the Debt Trustee, constitutes a valid and legally binding instrument of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to the qualifications that the enforceability of the Company's obligations under the Indenture may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law); and the Indenture conforms as to legal matters in all material respects to the description thereof in the Final Supplemented Prospectus.
5. The Notes have been duly authorized and executed by the Company and, when authenticated by the Debt Trustee in the manner provided in the Indenture and delivered against payment therefor, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, subject to the qualifications that the enforceability of the Company's obligations under the Notes may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether
such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law); and the Notes conform as to legal matters in all material respects to the description thereof in the Final Supplemented Prospectus.
6. The Guarantee Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes a valid and legally binding instrument of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to the qualifications that the enforceability of the Company's obligations under the Guarantee Agreement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law); and the Guarantee Agreement conforms as to legal matters in all material respects to the description thereof in the Final Supplemented Prospectus.
7. Each of the Indenture, the Guarantee Agreement and the Trust Agreement has been duly qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.
8. Neither the Company nor the Trust is and, after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Preferred Securities, will be an "investment company" or a company "controlled" by an "investment company" within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
9. The Preferred Securities have been duly authorized by the Trust Agreement and (subject to the terms of the Trust Agreement), when delivered to and paid for by the Underwriters pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust; and the Preferred Securities conform as to legal matters in all material respects to the description thereof in the Final Supplemented Prospectus.
We have not independently verified the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the statements made or included in the Registration Statement, the Final Supplemented Prospectus or the Exchange Act Documents and take no responsibility therefor, except as and to the extent set forth in paragraphs 4, 5, 6, and 9 above. In the course of the preparation by the Company of the Registration Statement, the Final Supplemented Prospectus and the Exchange Act Documents, we participated in conferences with certain officers and employees of the Company, with other counsel for the Company, with representatives of Arthur Andersen LLP and with your counsel. Based upon our examination of the Registration Statement, the Final
Supplemented Prospectus and the Exchange Act Documents, our investigations made in connection with the preparation of the Registration Statement, the Final Supplemented Prospectus and the Exchange Act Documents and our participation in the conferences referred to above, (i) we are of the opinion that the Registration Statement, as of its effective date, and the Final Supplemented Prospectus, as of , complied as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder and that the Exchange Act Documents, as of their respective dates of filing with the Commission, complied as to form in all material respects with the relevant requirements of the Exchange Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, except that in each case we express no opinion as to the financial statements or other financial or statistical data contained or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Final Supplemented Prospectus or the Exchange Act Documents, and (ii) nothing came to our attention which gives us reason to believe that the Registration Statement, as of its effective date (including the Exchange Act Documents on file with the Commission as of such date), contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading, or that the Final Supplemented Prospectus (including the Exchange Act Documents) contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, except that in each case we express no opinion or belief with respect to the financial statements or other financial or statistical data contained or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Final Supplemented Prospectus or the Exchange Act Documents.
We are members of the State Bar of Georgia and we do not express any opinion herein concerning any law other than the law of the State of Georgia and the federal law of the United States and, to the extent set forth herein, the laws of the States of Delaware and New York.
This opinion is rendered to you in connection with the above-described transaction. This opinion may not be relied upon by you for any other purpose, or relied upon by or furnished to any other person without our prior written consent.
Yours very truly,
TROUTMAN SANDERS LLP
Schedule IV
[Letterhead of RICHARDS, LAYTON & FINGER]
__________ __, 199_
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated, as Representative
World Financial Center, North Tower
New York, New York 10281
Re: Alabama Power Capital Trust II
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as special Delaware counsel for Alabama Power Company, an Alabama corporation (the "Company"), and Alabama Power Capital Trust II, a Delaware business trust (the "Trust"), in connection with the matters set forth herein. This opinion is being furnished to you pursuant to Section 5(c)(3) of the Underwriting Agreement, dated __________, 199_ (the "Underwriting Agreement"), among the Company, the Trust, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and the other Underwriters listed in Schedule I thereto.
For purposes of giving the opinions hereinafter set forth, our examination of documents has been limited to the examination of originals or copies of the following:
(a) The Certificate of Trust of the Trust, dated __________, 199_ (the "Certificate"), as filed in the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the "Secretary of State") on _________, 199_;
(b) The Trust Agreement of the Trust, dated as of _________, 199_, among the Company and the trustees of the Trust named therein;
(c) The Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, dated as of _________, 199_ (including Exhibits C and E), among the Company, the trustees of the Trust named therein, and the holders, from time to time, of the undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust (the "Trust Agreement");
(e) The Underwriting Agreement;
(f) The Prospectus, dated __________ __, 199_ (the "Prospectus"), as supplemented by the Prospectus Supplement dated __________, 199_ (the "Prospectus Supplement"), relating to the __% Trust Originated Preferred Securities of the Trust representing preferred undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust (each, a "Preferred Security" and collectively, the "Preferred Securities"); and
(g) A Certificate of Good Standing for the Trust, dated ___________ __, 199_, obtained from the Secretary of State.
Initially capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined are used as defined in the Trust Agreement.
For purposes of this opinion, we have not reviewed any documents other than the documents listed in paragraphs (a) through (g) above. In particular, we have not reviewed any document (other than the documents listed in paragraphs (a) through (g) above) that is referred to in or incorporated by reference into the documents reviewed by us. We have assumed that there exists no provision in any document that we have not reviewed that is inconsistent with the opinions stated herein. We have conducted no independent factual investigation of our own but rather have relied solely upon the foregoing documents, the statements and information set forth therein and the additional matters recited or assumed herein, all of which we have assumed to be true, complete and accurate in all material respects.
With respect to all documents examined by us, we have assumed
(i) the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as authentic originals,
(ii) the conformity with the originals of all documents submitted to us as
copies or forms, and (iii) the genuineness of all signatures.
For purposes of this opinion, we have assumed (i) the Trust Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties thereto with respect to the subject matter thereof, including with respect to the creation, operation and termination of the Trust, and the Trust Agreement and the Certificate are in full force and effect and have not been amended, (ii) except to the extent provided in paragraph 1 below, the due organization or due formation or due creation, as the case may be, and valid existence in good standing of each party to the documents examined by us under the laws of the jurisdiction governing its organization or formation or creation, (iii) the legal capacity of natural persons who are parties to the documents examined by us, (iv) except to the extent provided in paragraph 2 below, the power and authority of each of the
parties to the documents examined by us to execute and deliver, and to perform its obligations under, such documents, (v) except to the extent provided in paragraph 4 below, the due authorization, execution and delivery by all parties thereto of all documents examined by us, (vi) the receipt by each Person to whom a Trust Security is to be issued by the Trust (collectively, the "Trust Security Holders") of a Trust Securities Certificate for such Trust Security and the payment for the Trust Security acquired by it, in accordance with the Trust Agreement, the Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement, and (vii) the issuance and sale of the Trust Securities to the Trust Security Holders in accordance with the Trust Agreement, the Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement. We have not participated in the preparation of the Prospectus or the Prospectus Supplement.
This opinion is limited to the laws of the State of Delaware (excluding the securities laws of the State of Delaware), and we have not considered and express no opinion on the laws of any other jurisdiction, including federal laws and rules and regulations relating thereto. Our opinions are rendered only with respect to Delaware laws and rules, regulations and orders thereunder which are currently in effect.
Based upon the foregoing, and upon our examination of such questions of law and statutes of the State of Delaware as we have considered necessary or appropriate, and subject to the assumptions, qualifications, limitations and exceptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:
1. The Trust has been duly created and is validly existing in good standing as a business trust under the Delaware Business Trust Act, 12 Del. C. ss. 3801, et seq. (the "Business Trust Act"), and all filings required under the laws of the State of Delaware with respect to the creation and valid existence of the Trust as a business trust have been made.
2. Under the Business Trust Act and the Trust Agreement, the Trust has the trust power and authority to (i) own property and conduct its business, all as described in the Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement, (ii) execute and deliver, and to perform its obligations under, the Underwriting Agreement, (iii) issue and perform its obligations under the Trust Securities, and (iv) perform its obligations under the Trust Agreement.
3. The Trust Securities have been duly authorized by the Trust Agreement and will be duly and validly issued undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust. Subject to the qualifications set forth in paragraph 6 below, the Preferred Securities are fully paid
and nonassessable undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust. Under the Business Trust Act and the Trust Agreement, the Trust Securities are not subject to any preemptive or other similar rights.
4. Under the Business Trust Act and the Trust Agreement, the Underwriting Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary trust action on the part of the Trust.
5. No authorization, approval, consent or order of any Delaware court or Delaware governmental authority or Delaware agency is required to be obtained by the Trust solely as a result of the issuance and sale of the Preferred Securities.
6. The Persons to whom Preferred Securities are to be issued
by the Trust (collectively, the "Preferred Security Holders"), as beneficial
owners of the Trust, will be entitled to the same limitation of personal
liability extended to stockholders of private corporations for profit organized
under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. We note that the
Preferred Security Holders may be obligated, pursuant to the Trust Agreement, to
(i) provide indemnity and/or security in connection with and pay taxes or
governmental charges arising from transfers or exchanges of Preferred Securities
Certificates and the issuance of replacement Preferred Securities Certificates
and (ii) provide security or indemnity in connection with requests of or
directions to the Property Trustee to exercise its rights and powers under the
Trust Agreement.
7. The Trust Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Company, and is enforceable against the Company, in accordance with its terms.
8. The issuance and sale by the Trust of the Trust Securities, the execution, delivery and performance by the Trust of the Underwriting Agreement, the consummation by the Trust of the transactions contemplated by the Underwriting Agreement and the Trust Agreement and compliance by the Trust with its obligations thereunder do not violate (i) any of the provisions of the Certificate or the Trust Agreement or (ii) any applicable Delaware law or Delaware administrative regulation.
9. We have reviewed the statements in the Prospectus under the caption "The Trusts" and the statements in the Prospectus Supplement under the caption "Alabama Power Capital Trust II" and, insofar as they contain statements of Delaware law, such statements are fairly presented.
The opinion expressed in paragraph 7 above is subject as to enforcement, to the effect upon the Trust Agreement of (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, receivership, reorganization, liquidation, fraudulent conveyance and other similar laws relating to or affecting the rights and remedies of creditors generally, (ii) principles of equity, including applicable law relating to fiduciary duties (regardless of whether considered and applied in a proceeding in equity or at law), and (iii) the effect of applicable public policy on the enforceability of provisions relating to indemnification. In addition, in connection with the opinion expressed in paragraph 7 above, to the extent that Section 10.05 of the Trust Agreement provides that the Trust Agreement is governed by New York law, we express no opinion concerning Section 10.05 of the Trust Agreement or the effect of Section 10.05 of the Trust Agreement on the Trust Agreement.
We consent to your relying as to matters of Delaware law upon this opinion in connection with the Underwriting Agreement. We consent to the law firms of Balch & Bingham LLP, Troutman Sanders LLP and Dewey Ballantine relying as to matters of Delaware law upon this opinion in connection with opinions to be rendered by them pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement. Except as stated above, without our prior written consent, this opinion may not be furnished or quoted to, or relied upon by, any other Person for any purpose.
Very truly yours,
RICHARDS, LAYTON & FINGER
Schedule V
[Letterhead of Richards, Layton & Finger]
__________ __, 199_
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated, as Representative
World Financial Center, North Tower
New York, New York 10281
Alabama Power Company
600 North 18th Street
Birmingham, Alabama 35291
Alabama Power Capital Trust II
c/o Alabama Power Company
600 North 18th Street
Birmingham, Alabama 35291
Re: Alabama Power Capital Trust II
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to Chase Manhattan Bank Delaware, a Delaware banking corporation ("CBD"), in connection with the formation of Alabama Power Capital Trust II, a business trust existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the "Trust") pursuant to the Trust Agreement, dated __________, 199_, by and between CBD, not in its individual capacity but solely as trustee (the "Trustee"), and Alabama Power Company (the "Company"), as amended and restated pursuant to an Amended and Restated Trust Agreement dated as of __________ __, 199_, among the Company, the Trustee, the other trustees named therein and the holders from time to time of the undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust (collectively, the "Trust Agreement"). This opinion is being delivered to you pursuant to Section 5(c)(4) of the Underwriting Agreement, dated ___________ __, 199_ (the "Underwriting Agreement"), among Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, the several Underwriters named in Schedule I thereto, Alabama Power Company and the Trust, pursuant to which the $___,000,000 ___% Preferred Securities of the Trust will be sold. All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Underwriting Agreement.
We have examined an original or a copy of the Trust Agreement. We have also examined originals or copies of such other documents and such corporate records, certificates and other statements of governmental officials
and corporate officers and other representatives of the corporations or entities referred to herein as we have deemed necessary or appropriate for the purposes of the opinions expressed herein. Moreover, as to certain facts material to the opinions expressed herein, we have relied upon the representations and warranties contained in the documents referred to in this paragraph.
Based upon the foregoing and upon an examination of such questions of law as we have deemed necessary or appropriate, and subject to the assumptions, exceptions and qualifications set forth below, we advise you that, in our opinion:
1. CBD is duly incorporated, validly existing in good standing as a banking corporation under the laws of the State of Delaware and has the power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Trust Agreement.
2. The Trust Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by CBD and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of CBD, enforceable against CBD, in accordance with its terms.
3. The execution and delivery of, and performance of the terms of, the Trust Agreement by CBD, does not conflict with or constitute a breach of, or default under, the charter or by-laws of CBD.
4. No consent, approval or authorization of, or registration, declaration or filing with, any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction in the premises is required under Delaware law for the execution, delivery or performance by CBD of the Trust Agreement.
The foregoing opinions are subject to the following exceptions, qualifications and assumptions:
(A) We are admitted to practice in the State of Delaware and we do not hold ourselves out as being experts on the law of any other jurisdiction. The foregoing opinions are limited to the laws of the State of Delaware and the federal laws of the United States of America governing the banking and trust powers of CBD (except that we express no opinion with respect to (i) state securities or blue sky laws and (ii) federal securities laws, including, without limitation, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended), and we have not considered and express no opinion on the laws, rules and regulations of any other jurisdiction.
(B) The foregoing opinions regarding enforceability are subject to (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, receivership, reorganization, fraudulent transfer or conveyance and similar laws relating to and affecting the rights and remedies of creditors generally, (ii) principles of equity (regardless of whether considered and applied in a proceeding in equity or at law), and (iii) the effect of federal or state securities laws on the enforceability of provisions relating to indemnification or contribution.
(C) We have assumed the due authorization, execution and delivery by each of the parties thereto, other than CBD, of the Trust Agreement, and that each of such parties has the full power, authority and legal right to execute, deliver and perform such document.
(D) We have assumed that all signatures (other than those of CBD) on documents examined by us are genuine, that all documents submitted to us as originals are authentic, and that all documents submitted to us as copies or specimens conform with the originals, which facts we have not independently verified.
This opinion may be relied upon by you in connection with the matters set forth herein, and without our prior written consent, may not be furnished or quoted to, or relied upon by, any other person or entity for any purpose.
Very truly yours,
RICHARDS, LAYTON & FINGER
Schedule VI
[Letterhead of Cravath, Swaine & Moore]
__________ __, 199_
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated, as Representative
World Financial Center, North Tower
New York, New York 10281
Alabama Power Company
600 North 18th Street
Birmingham, Alabama 35291
Alabama Power Capital Trust II
c/o Alabama Power Company
600 North 18th Street
Birmingham, Alabama 35291
Alabama Power Capital Trust II 7.60% Trust Originated Preferred Securities
Dear Sirs:
We have acted as counsel to The Chase Manhattan Bank (the "Bank") in connection with (a) the Subordinated Note Indenture, dated as of ________ ______, 199_ (the "Original Indenture"), between Alabama Power Company (the "Company") and the Bank, as Trustee, (b) the First Supplemental Indenture dated as of ___________ (together with the Original Indenture, herein called the "Indenture"), between the Company and the Bank, as Trustee, (c) the Guarantee Agreement dated as of __________ ______, 199_ (the "Guarantee Agreement"), between the Company, as Guarantor and the Bank, as Trustee, and (d) the Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, dated as of _________ ______, 199_ (the "Trust Agreement") among the Company, the Bank, as Property Trustee, Chase Manhattan Bank Delaware, as Delaware Trustee, and _________________ and _______________, as Administrative Trustees.
In that connection, we have examined originals, or copies certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such documents, records and other instruments as we have deemed necessary or appropriate for the purpose of this opinion, including copies of the Indenture, the Trust Agreement, the Guarantee Agreement and certain resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the Bank.
Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:
i) the Bank has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a banking corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of New York;
ii) the Bank has the corporate trust power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its duties under the Indenture, the Trust Agreement and the Guarantee Agreement, has duly executed and delivered the Indenture, the Trust Agreement and the Guarantee Agreement, and, insofar as the laws governing the trust powers of the Bank are concerned and assuming due authorization, execution and delivery thereof by the other parties thereto, each of the Indenture, the Trust Agreement and the Guarantee Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding agreement of the Bank, enforceable against the Bank in accordance with its terms (subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors' rights generally from time to time in effect and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity, regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).
iii) the execution, delivery and performance by the Bank of the Indenture, the Trust Agreement and the Guarantee Agreement do not conflict with or constitute a breach of the charter or bylaws of the Bank.
iv) no approval, authorization or other action by, or filing with, any governmental authority of the United States of America or the State of New York having jurisdiction over the trust powers of the Bank is required in connection with the execution and delivery by the Bank of the Indenture, the Trust Agreement or the Guarantee Agreement or the performance by the Bank of its duties thereunder, except such as have been obtained, taken or made.
We are admitted to practice in the State of New York, and we express no opinion as to matters governed by any laws other than the laws of the State of New York and the Federal law of the United States of America. We are furnishing this opinion to you solely for your benefit. This opinion is not to be used, circulated, quoted or otherwise referred to for any other purpose.
Very truly yours,
CRAVATH, SWAINE & MOORE
Schedule VII
[Letterhead of DEWEY BALLANTINE]
________ __, 199_
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated, as Representative
World Financial Center, North Tower
New York, New York 10281
ALABAMA POWER CAPITAL TRUST II
7.60% Trust Originated Preferred Securities
Ladies and Gentlemen:
In connection with (i) the formation by Alabama Power Company (the "Company") of Alabama Power Capital Trust II (the "Trust"), a Delaware statutory business trust, pursuant to the amended and restated trust agreement dated __________, 199_ among the Company and the trustees named therein (the "Trust Agreement"); (ii) the Trust's issuance and sale of Preferred Securities evidencing approximately a 97% undivided interest in the Trust (the "Preferred Securities"); (iii) the Trust's issuance and sale of Common Securities evidencing approximately a 3% undivided interest in the Trust; (iv) the Company's issuance and sale to the Trust of $___________ of its Series B ___% Junior Subordinated Notes (the "Notes") pursuant to a Subordinated Note Indenture dated as of __________, 199_, by and between the Company and ____________, as trustee, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture dated as of __________ __, 199_ (collectively, the "Indenture"); and (v) the Company's issuance of a guarantee (the "Guarantee") of the Preferred Securities pursuant to a Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement dated as of __________, 199_ (the "Guarantee Agreement") between the Company and ____________________, as trustee, we have acted as counsel to you and the other underwriters named in the Schedule I (the "Underwriters") of the Underwriting Agreement dated __________ __, 199_, among the Company, the Trust and the Underwriters for whom you are acting as Representative (the "Underwriting Agreement"). This opinion is being delivered to you as Representative pursuant to Section 5(c)(6) thereof.
All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Underwriting Agreement.
In rendering the opinions expressed below, we have examined the registration statement on Form S-3 (No. 33- _______) pertaining to the Preferred Securities (the "Registration Statement"), filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), and the prospectus dated , as supplemented by a final supplemental prospectus dated , which pursuant to Form S-3 incorporates by reference the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995, the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q of the Company for the quarters ended and the Current Reports on Form 8-K of the Company, dated (the "Exchange Act Documents"), each as filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act").
In addition, we have examined, and have relied as to matters of fact upon, the documents delivered to you at the closing (except the certificates representing the Preferred Securities and the Notes, of which we have examined specimens), and we have made such other and further investigations as we deemed necessary to express the opinions hereinafter set forth. In such examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity of natural persons, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic copies, and the authenticity of the originals of such latter documents.
The Trust Agreement, Indenture, Guarantee Agreement and the Underwriting Agreement are herein referred to as the "Agreements".
Based upon the foregoing, and subject to the qualifications and limitations stated herein, we are of the opinion, relying as aforesaid and as to all matters covered hereby which are governed by or dependent upon the laws of the State of Alabama upon the opinion of Balch & Bingham LLP dated the date hereof and addressed to you, as to all matters covered hereby which are governed by or dependent upon the laws of the State of Alabama upon the opinion of Troutman Sanders LLP dated the date hereof and addressed to you, and as to all matters covered hereby which are governed by or dependent upon the laws of the State of Delaware upon the opinion of Richards, Layton & Finger, dated the date hereof and addressed to you and a form of which is attached as Schedule IV to the Underwriting Agreement, that:
1. The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Alabama and has due corporate authority to carry on the public utility business in which it is
engaged and to own and operate the properties used by it in such business and to enter into and perform its obligations under the Agreements and the Notes.
2. The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of the Underwriting Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action, and the Underwriting Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company.
3. All orders, consents, or other authorizations or approvals of the Alabama Public Service Commission and the Commission legally required for the issuance and delivery of the Notes and the Guarantee and the issuance and sale of the Preferred Securities have been obtained; such orders are sufficient for the issuance and delivery of the Notes and the Guarantee and the issuance and sale of the Preferred Securities; the issuance and delivery of the Notes and the Guarantee and the issuance and sale of the Preferred Securities conform in all material respects with the terms of such orders; and no other order, consent or other authorization or approval of any Alabama or United States governmental body (other than in connection or in compliance with the provisions of the securities or "blue sky" laws of any jurisdiction, as to which we express no opinion) is legally required for the issuance and delivery of the Notes and the Guarantee and the issuance and sale of the Preferred Securities in accordance with the terms of the Underwriting Agreement.
4. The Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery thereof by the Debt Trustee, constitutes a valid and legally binding instrument of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to the qualifications that the enforceability of the Company's obligations under the Indenture may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law); and the Indenture conforms as to legal matters in all material respects to the description thereof in the Final Supplemented Prospectus.
5. The Notes have been duly authorized and executed by the Company and, when authenticated by the Debt Trustee in the manner provided in the Indenture and delivered against payment therefor, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, subject to the qualifications that the enforceability of the Company's
obligations under the Notes may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law); the Notes conform as to legal matters in all material respects to the description thereof in the Final Supplemented Prospectus.
6. The Guarantee Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes a valid and legally binding instrument of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to the qualifications that the enforceability of the Company's obligations under the Guarantee Agreement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally or general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law); and the Guarantee Agreement conforms as to legal matters in all material respects to the description thereof in the Final Supplemented Prospectus.
7. Each of the Indenture, the Guarantee Agreement and the Trust Indenture has been duly qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.
8. The Preferred Securities have been duly authorized by the Trust Agreement and (subject to the terms of the Trust Agreement), when delivered to and paid for the Underwriters pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust; and the Preferred Securities conform as to legal matters in all material respects to the description thereof in the Final Supplemented Prospectus.
We have not independently verified the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the statements made or included in the Registration Statement, the Final Supplemented Prospectus or the Exchange Act Documents and take no responsibility therefor, except as and to the extent set forth in paragraphs 4, 5, 6 and 8 above. In the course of the preparation by the Company of the Registration Statement, the Final Supplemented Prospectus and the Exchange Act Documents, we participated in conferences with certain officers and employees of the Company, with representatives of Arthur Andersen LLP and with counsel to the Company. Based upon our examination of the Registration Statement, the Final Supplemented Prospectus and the Exchange Act Documents, our investigations made in connection with the preparation of the Registration
Statement and the Final Supplemented Prospectus and our participation in the conferences referred to above, (i) we are of the opinion that the Registration Statement, as of its effective date, and the Final Supplemented Prospectus, as of ___________, complied as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder and that the Exchange Act Documents, as of their respective dates of filing with the Commission, complied as to form in all material respects with the relevant requirements of the Exchange Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, except that in each case we express no opinion as to the financial statements or other financial or statistical data contained or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Final Supplemented Prospectus or the Exchange Act Documents, and (ii) nothing came to our attention which gives us reason to believe that the Registration Statement, as of its effective date (including the Exchange Act Documents on file with the Commission as of such date, contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading, or that the Final Supplemented Prospectus (including the Exchange Act Documents) contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, except that in each case we express no opinion or belief with respect to the financial statements or other financial or statistical data contained or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Final Supplemented Prospectus or the Exchange Act Documents.
We are members of the State Bar of New York and we do not express any opinion herein concerning any law other than the law of the State of New York and the federal law of the United States, and to the extent set forth herein, the laws of the States of Delaware, Georgia and Alabama.
This opinion is rendered solely to you in connection with the above matter. This opinion may not be relied upon by you for any other purpose or relied upon by or furnished to any other person without our prior written consent except that Balch & Bingham LLP and Troutman Sanders LLP may rely on this opinion in giving their opinions pursuant to Section 5(c) of the Underwriting Agreement, insofar as such opinions relate to matters of New York law.
Very truly yours,
DEWEY BALLANTINE
EXHIBIT 4.1
ALABAMA POWER COMPANY
TO
THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK,
TRUSTEE.
SUBORDINATED NOTE INDENTURE
DATED AS OF JANUARY 1, 1997
ALABAMA POWER COMPANY
RECONCILIATION AND TIE BETWEEN TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 AND
SUBORDINATED NOTE INDENTURE, DATED AS OF JANUARY 1, 1997
TRUST INDENTURE ACT SECTION INDENTURE SECTION (S) 310(a)(1).....................................................609 (a)(2).....................................................609 (a)(3)..........................................Not Applicable (a)(4)..........................................Not Applicable (b)........................................................608 610 (S) 311(a)............................................................613 311(b)(4)..................................................613(a) (b)(6)..................................................613(b) (S) 312(a)........................................................701 702(a) (c).....................................................702(b) (S) 313(a).....................................................703(a) 313(b).....................................................703(b) 313(c).....................................................703(c) 704 (d).....................................................703(c) (S) 314(a)..................................................704, 1007 (b).............................................Not Applicable (c)(1).....................................................102 (c)(2).....................................................102 (c)(3)..........................................Not Applicable (d).............................................Not Applicable (e)........................................................102 (S) 315(a).....................................................601(a) (b)........................................................602 (c).....................................................601(b) (d).....................................................601(c) (d)(1)...............................................601(a)(1) (d)(2)...............................................601(c)(2) (d)(3)...............................................601(c)(3) (e)........................................................514 (S) 316(a)........................................................101 (a)(1)(A)..................................................502 512 (a)(1)(B)..................................................513 (a)(2)..........................................Not Applicable (b)........................................................508 (S) 317(a)(1).....................................................503 (a)(2).....................................................504 (b).......................................................1003 (S) 318(a)........................................................107 |
ii TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE Parties...........................................................................................................1 Recitals of the Company...........................................................................................1 ARTICLE ONE.......................................................................................................1 SECTION 101. DEFINITIONS................................................................................1 Act 2 Additional Interest.............................................................................2 Affiliate.......................................................................................2 Authenticating Agent............................................................................3 Board Resolution................................................................................3 Business Day....................................................................................3 Certificate of a Firm of Independent Public Accountants.........................................3 Commission......................................................................................3 Company 4 Company Request or Company Order................................................................3 Corporate Trust Office..........................................................................4 Corporation.....................................................................................4 Defaulted Interest..............................................................................4 Depositary......................................................................................4 Event of Default................................................................................4 Global Security.................................................................................4 Guarantee.......................................................................................4 Holder 5 Indenture.......................................................................................5 Interest Payment Date...........................................................................5 Junior Subordinated Note........................................................................5 Maturity 5 Officers' Certificate...........................................................................5 Opinion of Counsel..............................................................................5 Outstanding.....................................................................................5 Paying Agent....................................................................................6 Person 7 Predecessor Security............................................................................7 Property Trustee................................................................................7 Redemption Date.................................................................................7 Redemption Price................................................................................7 Regular Record Date.............................................................................7 Responsible Officer.............................................................................7 Securities Trust................................................................................8 Security Register and Security Registrar........................................................8 Senior Indebtedness.............................................................................7 Special Record Date.............................................................................8 Stated Maturity.................................................................................9 Trust Agreement.................................................................................9 Trust Indenture Act.............................................................................9 Trust Securities................................................................................9 Trustee 9 Vice President..................................................................................9 SECTION 102. COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATES AND OPINIONS.......................................................9 ------------------------------------ SECTION 103. FORM OF DOCUMENTS DELIVERED TO TRUSTEE....................................................10 -------------------------------------- SECTION 104. ACTS OF HOLDERS...........................................................................11 --------------- SECTION 105. NOTICES, ETC., TO TRUSTEE AND COMPANY.....................................................12 ------------------------------------- SECTION 106. NOTICE TO HOLDERS OF JUNIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES; WAIVER....................................13 ------------------------------------------------------ SECTION 107. CONFLICT WITH TRUST INDENTURE ACT.........................................................13 --------------------------------- SECTION 108. EFFECT OF HEADINGS AND TABLE OF CONTENTS..................................................13 ---------------------------------------- SECTION 109. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS....................................................................13 ---------------------- SECTION 110. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE.......................................................................14 ------------------- SECTION 111. BENEFITS OF INDENTURE.....................................................................14 --------------------- SECTION 112. GOVERNING LAW.............................................................................14 ------------- SECTION 113. LEGAL HOLIDAYS............................................................................14 -------------- SECTION 114. APPOINTMENT OF AGENT FOR SERVICE..........................................................14 -------------------------------- ARTICLE TWO......................................................................................................15 SECTION 201. FORMS GENERALLY...............................................................................14 SECTION 202. FORM OF TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION............................................................................16 SECTION 203. JUNIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES ISSUABLE IN THE FORM OF A GLOBAL SECURITY.......................16 ARTICLE THREE....................................................................................................18 SECTION 301. AMOUNT UNLIMITED; ISSUABLE IN SERIES......................................................18 SECTION 302. EXECUTION, AUTHENTICATION, DELIVERY AND DATING............................................21 SECTION 303. REGISTRATION, REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE.......................................23 SECTION 304. MUTILATED, DESTROYED, LOST AND STOLEN JUNIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES...........................24 SECTION 305. PAYMENT OF INTEREST; INTEREST RIGHTS PRESERVED............................................25 SECTION 306. PERSONS DEEMED OWNERS.....................................................................25 SECTION 307. CANCELLATION..............................................................................27 SECTION 308. COMPUTATION OF INTEREST...................................................................27 ARTICLE FOUR.....................................................................................................28 SECTION 401. SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE...................................................28 SECTION 402. APPLICATION OF TRUST......................................................................29 ARTICLE FIVE.....................................................................................................29 SECTION 501. EVENTS OF DEFAULT.........................................................................30 SECTION 502. ACCELERATION OF MATURITY; RESCISSION AND ANNULMENT........................................33 SECTION 503. COLLECTION OF INDEBTEDNESS AND SUITS FOR ENFORCEMENT BY TRUSTEE...........................34 SECTION 504. TRUSTEE MAY FILE PROOFS OF CLAIM..........................................................35 SECTION 505. TRUSTEE MAY ENFORCE CLAIMS WITHOUT POSSESSION OF JUNIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES................33 SECTION 506. APPLICATION OF MONEY COLLECTED............................................................36 SECTION 507. LIMITATION ON SUITS.......................................................................36 SECTION 508. UNCONDITIONAL RIGHT OF HOLDERS TO RECEIVE PRINCIPAL, PREMIUM AND INTEREST.................37 SECTION 509. RESTORATION OF RIGHTS AND REMEDIES........................................................38 ---------------------------------- SECTION 510. RIGHTS AND REMEDIES CUMULATIVE............................................................38 ------------------------------ SECTION 511. DELAY OR OMISSION NOT WAIVER..............................................................38 ---------------------------- SECTION 512. CONTROL BY HOLDERS OF JUNIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES...........................................39 ----------------------------------------------- SECTION 513. WAIVER OF PAST DEFAULTS...................................................................39 ----------------------- SECTION 514. UNDERTAKING FOR COSTS.....................................................................40 --------------------- SECTION 515. WAIVER OF STAY OR EXTENSION LAWS..........................................................40 -------------------------------- ARTICLE SIX......................................................................................................40 SECTION 601. CERTAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.......................................................40 SECTION 602. NOTICE OF DEFAULTS........................................................................42 SECTION 603. CERTAIN RIGHTS OF TRUSTEE.................................................................42 SECTION 604. NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR RECITALS OR ISSUANCE OF JUNIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES.....................44 SECTION 605. MAY HOLD JUNIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES........................................................45 ---------------------------------- SECTION 606. MONEY HELD IN TRUST.......................................................................45 ------------------- SECTION 607. COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT............................................................45 ------------------------------ SECTION 608. DISQUALIFICATION; CONFLICTING INTERESTS...................................................46 --------------------------------------- SECTION 609. CORPORATE TRUSTEE REQUIRED; ELIGIBILITY...................................................46 --------------------------------------- SECTION 610. RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL; APPOINTMENT OF SUCCESSOR.........................................47 ------------------------------------------------- SECTION 611. ACCEPTANCE OF APPOINTMENT BY SUCCESSOR....................................................48 -------------------------------------- SECTION 612. MERGER, CONVERSION, CONSOLIDATION OR SUCCESSION TO BUSINESS...............................50 ----------------------------------------------------------- SECTION 613. PREFERENTIAL COLLECTION OF CLAIMS AGAINST COMPANY.........................................50 SECTION 614. APPOINTMENT OF AUTHENTICATING AGENT.......................................................51 ARTICLE SEVEN....................................................................................................53 SECTION 701. COMPANY TO FURNISH TRUSTEE NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF HOLDERS.................................53 SECTION 702. PRESERVATION OF INFORMATION; COMMUNICATIONS TO HOLDERS....................................53 SECTION 703. REPORTS BY TRUSTEE........................................................................54 SECTION 704. REPORTS BY COMPANY........................................................................54 ARTICLE EIGHT....................................................................................................55 SECTION 801. COMPANY MAY CONSOLIDATE, ETC., ONLY ON CERTAIN TERMS......................................55 SECTION 802. SUCCESSOR CORPORATION SUBSTITUTED.........................................................56 ARTICLE NINE.....................................................................................................56 SECTION 901. SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES WITHOUT CONSENT OF HOLDERS........................................56 SECTION 902. SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES WITH CONSENT OF HOLDERS...........................................58 SECTION 903. GENERAL PROVISIONS REGARDING SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE.......................................59 SECTION 904. EXECUTION OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES......................................................59 SECTION 905. EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES.........................................................59 SECTION 906. CONFORMITY WITH TRUST INDENTURE ACT.......................................................60 SECTION 907. REFERENCE IN JUNIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES TO SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES.........................60 ARTICLE TEN......................................................................................................60 SECTION 1001. PAYMENT OF PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST.........................................................60 SECTION 1002. MAINTENANCE OF OFFICE OR AGENCY...........................................................61 SECTION 1003. MONEY FOR JUNIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES PAYMENTS TO BE HELD IN TRUST..........................61 SECTION 1004. ADDITIONAL INTEREST.......................................................................63 SECTION 1005. CORPORATE EXISTENCE.......................................................................63 SECTION 1006. LIMITATIONS ON DIVIDEND AND CERTAIN OTHER PAYMENTS........................................64 SECTION 1007. STATEMENT AS TO COMPLIANCE................................................................64 SECTION 1008. WAIVER OF CERTAIN COVENANTS...............................................................65 SECTION 1009. COVENANTS REGARDING TRUST.................................................................65 ARTICLE ELEVEN...................................................................................................66 SECTION 1101. APPLICABILITY OF ARTICLE..................................................................66 SECTION 1102. ELECTION TO REDEEM; NOTICE TO TRUSTEE.....................................................66 SECTION 1103. SELECTION BY TRUSTEE OF JUNIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES TO BE REDEEMED..........................67 SECTION 1104. NOTICE OF REDEMPTION......................................................................67 SECTION 1105. DEPOSIT OF REDEMPTION PRICE...............................................................68 SECTION 1107. JUNIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES REDEEMED IN PART................................................69 ARTICLE TWELVE...................................................................................................69 SECTION 1201. APPLICABILITY OF ARTICLE..................................................................69 SECTION 1202. SATISFACTION OF SINKING FUND PAYMENTS WITH JUNIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES........................ SECTION 1203. REDEMPTION OF JUNIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES FOR SINKING FUND..................................70 ARTICLE THIRTEEN.................................................................................................71 SECTION 1301. JUNIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES SUBORDINATE TO SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS..............................71 SECTION 1302. PAYMENT OF PROCEEDS UPON DISSOLUTION, ETC.................................................71 SECTION 1303. NO PAYMENT WHEN SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS IN DEFAULT............................................72 SECTION 1304. PAYMENT PERMITTED IF NO DEFAULT...........................................................73 SECTION 1305. SUBROGATION TO RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS...................................73 SECTION 1306. PROVISIONS SOLELY TO DEFINE RELATIVE RIGHTS...............................................74 SECTION 1307. TRUSTEE TO EFFECTUATE SUBORDINATION.......................................................74 SECTION 1308. NO WAIVER OF SUBORDINATION PROVISIONS.....................................................75 SECTION 1309. TRUST MONEYS NOT SUBORDINATED.............................................................76 SECTION 1310. NOTICE TO THE TRUSTEE.....................................................................76 SECTION 1311. RELIANCE ON JUDICIAL ORDER OR CERTIFICATE OF LIQUIDATING AGENT............................77 SECTION 1312. TRUSTEE NOT FIDUCIARY FOR HOLDERS OF SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS..................................77 SECTION 1313. RIGHTS OF TRUSTEE AS HOLDER OF SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS; PRESERVATION OF TRUSTEE'S RIGHTS......78 SECTION 1314. ARTICLE APPLICABLE TO PAYING AGENTS.......................................................78 SECTION 1315. RELIANCE BY HOLDERS OF SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS ON SUBORDINATION PROVISIONS....................78 ARTICLE FOURTEEN.................................................................................................79 SECTION 1401. NO RECOURSE AGAINST OTHERS................................................................79 SECTION 1402. SET-OFF...................................................................................79 SECTION 1403. ASSIGNMENT; BINDING EFFECT................................................................79 SECTION 1404. ADDITIONAL INTEREST.......................................................................80 |
SUBORDINATED NOTE INDENTURE
THIS SUBORDINATED NOTE INDENTURE is made as of January 1, 1997, between ALABAMA POWER COMPANY, a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Alabama (herein called the "Company"), having its principal office at 600 North 18th Street, Birmingham, Alabama 35291, and THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, a banking corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York, having its principal corporate trust office at 450 West 33rd Street, New York, New York 10001, as Trustee (herein called the "Trustee").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Subordinated Note Indenture to provide for the issuance from time to time of its unsecured subordinated debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness (herein called the "Junior Subordinated Notes"), to be issued in one or more series as in this Subordinated Note Indenture provided; and
WHEREAS, all things necessary to make this Subordinated Note Indenture a valid agreement of the Company, in accordance with its terms, have been done.
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the Junior Subordinated Notes by the Holders thereof, it is mutually covenanted and agreed, for the equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders of the Junior Subordinated Notes or of series thereof, as follows:
ARTICLE ONE
DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS
OF GENERAL APPLICATION
SECTION 101. DEFINITIONS.
For all purposes of this Subordinated Note Indenture, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) the terms defined in this Article have the meanings assigned to them in this Article and include the plural as well as the singular;
(2) all other terms used herein which are defined in the Trust Indenture Act, either directly or by reference therein, have the meanings assigned to them therein;
(3) all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, and, except as otherwise herein expressly provided, the term "generally accepted accounting principles" with respect to any computation required or permitted hereunder shall mean such accounting principles as are generally accepted in the United States of America at the date of such computation;
(4) the words "herein", "hereof" and "hereunder" and other words of similar import refer to this Subordinated Note Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision; and
(5) Trust Securities related to a particular series of Junior Subordinated Notes means the series of Trust Securities the proceeds of the sale of which were loaned to the Company in exchange for such series of Junior Subordinated Notes, and the guarantee related to such series of Trust Securities means the guarantee pursuant to which the Company has guaranteed, to the extent stated therein, the payment of distributions and certain other amounts with respect to such series of Trust Securities.
Certain terms, used principally in Article Six, are defined in that Article.
"ActAct" when used with respect to any Holder of a Junior Subordinated Note, has the meaning specified in Section 104.
"Additional InterestAdditional Interest" means (i) such additional amounts as may be required so that the net amounts received and retained by the Holder (if the Holder is a Securities Trust) after paying taxes, duties, assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature (other than withholding taxes) imposed by the United States or any other taxing authority will not be less than the amounts the Holder would have received had no such taxes, duties, assessments, or other governmental charges been imposed; and (ii) any interest due and not paid on an Interest Payment Date, together with interest thereon from such Interest Payment Date to the date of payment, compounded quarterly, on each Interest Payment Date.
"AffiliateAffiliate" 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. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Securities Trust organized by the Company shall not be deemed to be an Affiliate of the Company.
"Authenticating Agent"Authenticating Agent" means any Person or Persons authorized by the Trustee to authenticate one or more series of Junior Subordinated Notes.
"Board of Directors" means either the board of directors of the Company or any duly authorized committee of the officers and/or directors of the Company appointed by that board.
"Board ResolutionBoard Resolution" means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification, and delivered to the Trustee.
"Business DayBusiness Day" means a day other than (i) a Saturday or a Sunday, (ii) a day on which banks in New York, New York are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to remain closed, or (iii) a day on which the Trustee's Corporate Trust Office or Property Trustee's principal corporate trust office is closed for business.
"Certificate of a Firm of Independent Public AccountantsCertificate of a Firm of Independent Public Accountants67" means a certificate signed by an independent public accountant or a firm of independent public accountants who may be the independent public accountants regularly retained by the Company or who may be other independent public accountants. Such accountant or firm shall be entitled to rely upon an Opinion of Counsel as to the interpretation of any legal matters relating to such certificate.
"CommissionCommission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time to time constituted, created under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or, if at any time after the execution of this instrument such Commission is not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture Act, then the body performing such duties at such time.
"CompanyCompany" means the Person named as the "Company" in the first paragraph of this instrument until a successor corporation shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Subordinated Note Indenture, and thereafter "Company" shall mean such successor corporation.
"Company Request" or "Company OrderCompany Request" or "Company Order" means a written request or order signed in the name of the Company by its Chairman of the Board, its President or a Vice President, and by its Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, its Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, and delivered to the Trustee.
"Corporate Trust OfficeCorporate Trust Office" means the office of the Trustee in the Borough of Manhattan, New York City, at which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall be principally administered, which office at the date of execution of this Subordinated Note Indenture is located at 450 West 33rd Street, New York, New York 10001.
"CorporationCorporation" includes corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, associations, companies and business trusts.
"Defaulted InterestDefaulted Interest" has the meaning specified in
Section 305.
"DepositaryDepositary" means, unless otherwise specified by the Company pursuant to either Section 203 or 301, with respect to Junior Subordinated Notes of any series issuable or issued as a Global Security, The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, or any successor thereto registered as a clearing agency under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or other applicable statute or regulation.
"Event of DefaultEvent of Default" has the meaning specified in
Section 501.
"Global SecurityGlobal Security" means, with respect to any series of
Junior Subordinated Notes issued hereunder, a Junior Subordinated Note that is
executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee to the
Depositary or pursuant to the Depositary's instruction, all in accordance with
Section 203 of this Indenture and any indenture supplemental hereto.
"GuaranteeGuarantee" means a Guarantee Agreement, if any, executed and delivered by the Company for the benefit of the holders from time to time of all or a portion of the Trust Securities of a Securities Trust.
"HolderHolder", when used with respect to any Junior Subordinated Note, means the Person in whose name the Junior Subordinated Note is registered in the Security Register.
"IndentureIndenture" means this instrument as originally executed or as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof and shall include the terms of the particular series of Junior Subordinated Notes established as contemplated by Section 301.
"Interest Payment DateInterest Payment Date", when used with respect to any series of Junior Subordinated Notes, means the dates established for the payment of interest thereon, as provided in the supplemental indenture for such series.
"Junior Subordinated NoteJunior Subordinated Note" has the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture and more particularly means any Junior Subordinated Notes authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.
"MaturityMaturity", when used with respect to any Junior Subordinated Note, means the date on which the principal of such Junior Subordinated Note or an installment of principal becomes due and payable as therein or herein provided, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise.
"Officers' CertificateOfficers' Certificate" means a certificate signed by the Chairman of the Board, the President or a Vice President, and by the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, of the Company, and delivered to the Trustee.
"Opinion of CounselOpinion of Counsel" means a written opinion of counsel, who may be counsel for the Company, and who shall be acceptable to the Trustee.
"OutstandingOutstanding", when used with respect to Junior Subordinated Notes, means, as of the date of determination, all Junior Subordinated Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, except:
(i) Junior Subordinated Notes theretofore canceled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;
(ii) Junior Subordinated Notes for whose payment or redemption money in the necessary amount has been theretofore deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent (other than the Company) in trust or set aside and segregated in trust by the Company (if the Company shall act as its own Paying Agent) for the Holders of such Junior Subordinated Notes; provided that if such Junior Subordinated Notes are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee has been made;
(iii) Junior Subordinated Notes that have been paid or in exchange for or in lieu of which other Junior Subordinated Notes have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture, other than any such Junior Subordinated Notes in respect of which there shall have been presented to the Trustee proof satisfactory to it that such Junior Subordinated Notes are held by a bona fide purchaser in whose hands such Junior Subordinated Notes are valid obligations of the Company; and
(iv) Junior Subordinated Notes, or portions thereof, converted into or exchanged for another security if the terms of such Junior Subordinated Notes provide for such conversion or exchange;
provided, however, that in determining, during any period in which any Junior Subordinated Notes of a series are owned by any Person other than the Company or any Affiliate thereof, whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Junior Subordinated Notes of such series have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, Junior Subordinated Notes of such series owned by the Company or any Affiliate thereof shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding. In determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, only Junior Subordinated Notes that the Trustee knows to be so owned by the Company or an Affiliate of the Company in the above circumstances shall be so disregarded. Junior Subordinated Notes so owned that have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee's right so to act with respect to such Junior Subordinated Notes and that the pledgee is not the Company or any Affiliate of the Company.
"Paying Agent" means any Person authorized by the Company to pay the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on any Junior Subordinated Notes on behalf of the Company.
"Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
"Predecessor Security" of any particular Junior Subordinated Note means every previous Junior Subordinated Note evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such particular Junior Subordinated Note; and, for the purposes of this definition, any Junior Subordinated Note authenticated and delivered under Section 304 in exchange for or in lieu of a mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Junior Subordinated Note shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Junior Subordinated Note.
"Property Trustee", when used with respect to the Junior Subordinated Notes of any series, means the Person designated as such in the related Trust Agreement.
"Redemption Date", when used with respect to any Junior Subordinated Note to be redeemed, means the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Indenture.
"Redemption Price", when used with respect to any Junior Subordinated Note to be redeemed, means the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to this Indenture.
"Regular Record Date" for the interest payable on any Interest Payment Date on the Junior Subordinated Notes of any series means the date specified for that purpose as contemplated by Section 301, whether or not a Business Day.
"Responsible Officer", when used with respect to the Trustee, means the chairman or any vice-chairman of the board of directors, the chairman or any vice-chairman of the executive committee of the board of directors, the chairman of the trust committee, the president, any vice president, the secretary, any assistant secretary, the treasurer, any assistant treasurer, the cashier, any assistant cashier, any senior trust officer, any trust officer or assistant trust officer, the controller or any assistant controller or any other officer of the Trustee customarily performing functions similar to those performed by any of the above designated officers and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of his knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.
"Securities Trust" means any statutory business trust formed by the Company or an Affiliate to issue Trust Securities, the proceeds of which will be used to purchase Junior Subordinated Notes of one or more series.
"Security Register" and "Security Registrar" have the respective meanings specified in Section 303.
"Senior Indebtedness" means, with respect to the Company, (i) any payment due in respect of indebtedness of the Company, whether outstanding at the date of execution of this Subordinated Note Indenture or thereafter incurred, created, or assumed, (a) in respect of money borrowed (including any financial derivative, hedging or futures contract or similar instrument) and (b) evidenced by securities, debentures, bonds, notes or other similar instruments issued by the Company which, by their terms, are senior or senior subordinated debt securities including, without limitation, all obligations under its indentures with various trustees; (ii) all capital lease obligations; (iii) all obligations issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property, all conditional sale obligations and all obligations of the Company under any title retention agreement (but excluding trade accounts payable arising in the ordinary course of business and long-term purchase obligations); (iv) all obligations for the reimbursement of any letter of credit, banker's acceptance, security purchase facility or similar credit transaction; (v) all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (i) through (iv) above of other persons the payment of which the Company is responsible or liable as obligor, guarantor or otherwise; and (vi) all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (i) through (v) above of other persons secured by any lien on any property or asset of the Company (whether or not such obligation is assumed by the Company), except for (1) any such indebtedness that is by its terms subordinated to or pari passu with the Junior Subordinated Notes and (2) any unsecured indebtedness between or among the Company or its Affiliates. Such Senior Indebtedness shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of the subordination provisions contained in Article Thirteen irrespective of any amendment, modification or waiver of any term of such Senior Indebtedness.
"Special Record Date" for the payment of any Defaulted Interest on the Junior Subordinated Notes of any series means a date fixed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 305.
"Stated Maturity", when used with respect to any Junior Subordinated Note or any installment of principal thereof or interest thereon, means the date specified in such Junior Subordinated Note as the fixed date on which the principal of such Junior Subordinated Note or such installment of principal or interest is due and payable.
"Trust Agreement", when used with respect to a Securities Trust, means the agreement or instrument that governs the affairs of such Securities Trust.
"Trust Indenture Act" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and any reference herein to the Trust Indenture Act or a particular provision thereof shall mean such Trust Indenture Act or provision, as the case may be, as amended or replaced from time to time.
"Trust Securities" means the securities issued by a Securities Trust evidencing the entire beneficial interest therein.
"Trustee" means the Person named as the "Trustee" in the first paragraph of this instrument until a successor Trustee shall have become such with respect to one or more series of Junior Subordinated Notes pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter "Trustee" shall mean or include each Person who is then a Trustee hereunder, and if at any time there is more than one such Person, "Trustee" as used with respect to the Junior Subordinated Notes of any series shall mean the Trustee with respect to Junior Subordinated Notes of that series.
"Vice President", when used with respect to the Company or the Trustee, means any vice president, whether or not designated by a number or a word or words added before or after the title "vice president."
SECTION 102. COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATES AND OPINIONS.
Upon any application or request by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under any provision of this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate stating that all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with and an Opinion of Counsel stating that in the opinion of such counsel all such conditions precedent, if any, have been complied with, except that in the case of any such application or request as to which the furnishing of such documents is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture relating to such particular application or request, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.
Every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture shall include
(i) a statement that each individual signing such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition and the definitions herein relating thereto;
(ii) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;
(iii) a statement that, in the opinion of each such individual, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and
(iv) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such individual, such condition or covenant has been complied with.
SECTION 103. FORM OF DOCUMENTS DELIVERED TO TRUSTEE.
In any case where several matters are required to be certified by, or covered by an opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that all such matters be certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such Person, or that they be certified or covered by only one document, but one such Person may certify or give an opinion with respect to some matters and one or more other such Persons as to other matters, and any such Person may certify or give an opinion as to such matters in one or several documents.
Any certificate or opinion of an officer of the Company may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, counsel, unless such officer knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to the matters upon which his certificate or opinion is based are erroneous. Any such certificate or Opinion of Counsel may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an officer or officers of the Company stating that the information with respect to such factual matters is in the possession of the Company, unless such counsel knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to such matters are erroneous.
Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or other instruments under this Indenture, they may, but need not, be consolidated and form one instrument.
SECTION 104. ACTS OF HOLDERS.
(a) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given or taken by Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by agent duly appointed in writing. Except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Company. Such instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the "Act" of the Holders signing such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent, shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and (subject to Section 601) conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Company, if made in the manner provided in this Section.
(b) The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such execution or by a certificate of a notary public or other officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing such instrument or writing acknowledged to him the execution thereof. Where such execution is by a signer in a capacity other than his individual capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof of his authority.
(c) The principal amount and serial numbers of Junior Subordinated Notes held by any Person, and the date of holding the same, shall be proved by the Security Register.
(d) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, election, waiver or other Act of the Holder of any Junior Subordinated Note shall bind every future Holder of the same Junior Subordinated Note and the Holder of every Junior Subordinated Note issued upon the registration of transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof in respect of anything done, omitted or suffered to be done by the Trustee or the Company in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such Junior Subordinated Note.
(e) The fact and date of execution of any such instrument or writing and the authority of the Person executing the same may also be proved in any other manner which the Trustee deems sufficient; and the Trustee may in any instance require further proof with respect to any of the matters referred to in this Section.
(f) If the Company shall solicit from the Holders of Junior Subordinated Notes of any series any Act, the Company may, at its option, by Board Resolution, fix in advance a record date for the determination of Holders of Junior Subordinated Notes entitled to take such Act, but the Company shall have no obligation to do so. Any such record date shall be fixed at the Company's discretion. If such a record date is fixed, such Act may be sought or given before or after the record date, but only the Holders of record at the close of business on such record date shall be deemed to be Holders of Junior Subordinated Notes for the purpose of determining whether Holders of the requisite proportion of Junior Subordinated Notes of such series Outstanding have authorized or agreed or consented to such Act, and for that purpose the Junior Subordinated Notes of such series Outstanding shall be computed as of such record date.
SECTION 105. NOTICES, ETC., TO TRUSTEE AND COMPANY.
Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, election, waiver or Act of Holders or other document provided or permitted by this Indenture to be made upon, given or furnished to, or filed with,
(1) the Trustee by any Holder of a Junior Subordinated Note or by the Company shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if made, given, furnished or filed in writing to or with the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office, Attention: Corporate Trustee Administration Department, or
(2) the Company by the Trustee or by any Holder shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to the Company addressed to the attention of its Treasurer, 600 North 18th Street, Birmingham, Alabama 35291, or at any other address previously furnished in writing to the Trustee by the Company.
SECTION 106. NOTICE TO HOLDERS OF JUNIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES; WAIVER.
Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, where this Indenture provides for notice to Holders of Junior Subordinated Notes of any event, such notice shall be sufficiently given if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder affected by such event, at his address as it appears in the Security Register, not later than the latest date, and not earlier than the earliest date, prescribed for the giving of such Notice.
In case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service or by reason of any other cause it shall be impracticable to give such notice by mail, then such notification as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient notification for every purpose hereunder. 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 of Junior Subordinated Notes shall be filed with the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.
SECTION 107. CONFLICT WITH TRUST INDENTURE ACT.
If any provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with a provision of the Trust Indenture Act that is required to be a part of and govern this Indenture, such required provision shall control.
SECTION 108. EFFECT OF HEADINGS AND TABLE OF CONTENTS.
The Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.
SECTION 109. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.
All covenants and agreements in this Indenture by the Company shall bind its successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.
SECTION 110. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE.
In case any provision in this Indenture or the Junior Subordinated Notes shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
SECTION 111. BENEFITS OF INDENTURE.
Nothing in this Indenture or the Junior Subordinated Notes, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto, their successors hereunder and the Holders of Junior Subordinated Notes and, to the extent provided in Section 1403, the holders of Senior Indebtedness or Trust Securities, any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture.
SECTION 112. GOVERNING LAW.
This Indenture and the Junior Subordinated Notes shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York.
SECTION 113. LEGAL HOLIDAYS.
In any case where any Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity of any Junior Subordinated Note shall not be a Business Day, then (notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or of the Junior Subordinated Notes) payment of interest or principal (and premium, if any) need not be made on such date, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day, except that, if such Business Day is in the next succeeding calendar year, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made on the Interest Payment Date or Redemption Date, or at the Stated Maturity, provided that no interest shall accrue on the amount so payable for the period from and after such Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity, as the case may be.
SECTION 114. APPOINTMENT OF AGENT FOR SERVICE
By the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Company hereby appoints the Trustee as its agent upon which process may be served in any legal action or proceeding which may be instituted in any Federal or State court in the Borough of Manhattan, New York City, arising out of or relating to the Junior Subordinated Notes or this Indenture. Service of process upon such agent at the office of such agent at 450 West 33rd Street, New York, New York 10001, Attention: Corporate Trustee Administration Department (or such other address in the Borough of Manhattan, New York City, as may be the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee), and written notice of such service to the Company by the Person serving the same addressed as provided in Section 105, shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Company in any such legal action or proceeding, and the Company hereby submits to the jurisdiction of any such court in which any such legal action or proceeding is so instituted. Such appointment shall be irrevocable so long as the Holders of Junior Subordinated Notes shall have any rights pursuant to the terms thereof or of this Indenture until the appointment of a successor by the Company with the consent of the Trustee and such successor's acceptance of such appointment. The Company further agrees to take any and all action, including the execution and filing of any and all such documents and instruments, as may be necessary to continue such designation and appointment of such agent or successor.
By the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Trustee hereby agrees to act as such agent and undertakes promptly to notify the Company of receipt by it of service of process in accordance with this Section.
ARTICLE TWO
SECTION 201. FORMS GENERALLY.
The Junior Subordinated Notes of each series shall be in substantially the form appended to the supplemental indenture authorizing such series, in each case with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture, and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as may be required to comply with the rules of any securities exchange or as may, consistently herewith, be determined by the officers executing such Junior Subordinated Notes, as evidenced by their execution of the Junior Subordinated Notes.
The Junior Subordinated Notes of each series shall be issuable in registered form without coupons.
The definitive Junior Subordinated Notes may be printed, typewritten, lithographed or engraved on steel engraved borders or may be produced in any other manner, all as determined by the officers executing such Junior Subordinated Notes, as evidenced by their execution of such Junior Subordinated Notes.
SECTION 202. FORM OF TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
The form of the Trustee's Certificate of Authentication for a series of Junior Subordinated Notes shall be in substantially the form appended to the Supplemental Indenture authorizing such series.
SECTION 203.JUNIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES ISSUABLE IN THE FORM OF A GLOBAL SECURITY.
(a) If the Company shall establish pursuant to Section 301 that the Junior Subordinated Notes of a particular series are to be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities, then the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall, in accordance with Section 302 and the Company Order delivered to the Trustee thereunder, authenticate and deliver such Global Security or Securities, which (i) shall represent, and shall be denominated in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Junior Subordinated Notes of such series to be represented by such Global Security or Securities, (ii) may provide that the aggregate amount of Outstanding Junior Subordinated Notes represented thereby may from time to time be increased or reduced to reflect exchanges, (iii) shall be registered in the name of the Depositary for such Global Security or Securities or its nominee, (iv) shall be delivered by the Trustee to the Depositary or pursuant to the Depositary's instruction and (v) shall bear a legend in accordance with the requirements of the Depositary.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 203 or of
Section 303, subject to the provisions of paragraph (c) below, unless the terms
of a Global Security expressly permit such Global Security to be exchanged in
whole or in part for individual Junior Subordinated Notes, a Global Security may
be transferred, in whole but not in part and in the manner provided in Section
303, only to a nominee of the Depositary for such Global Security, or to the
Depositary, or to a successor Depositary for such Global Security selected or
approved by the Company, or to a nominee of such successor Depositary.
(c) (1) If at any time the Depositary for a Global Security notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such Global Security or if at any time the Depositary for the Junior Subordinated Notes for such series shall no longer be eligible or in good standing under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or other applicable statute or regulation, the Company shall appoint a successor Depositary with respect to such Global Security. If a successor Depositary for such Global Security is not appointed by the Company within 90 days after the Company receives such notice or becomes aware of such ineligibility, the Company will execute, and the Trustee, upon receipt of a Company Order for the authentication and delivery of individual Junior Subordinated Notes of such series in exchange for such Global Security, will authenticate and deliver individual Junior Subordinated Notes of such series of like tenor and terms in definitive form in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Global Security in exchange for such Global Security.
(2) The Company may at any time and in its sole discretion determine that the Junior Subordinated Notes of any series issued or issuable in the form of one or more Global Securities shall no longer be represented by such Global Security or Securities. In such event the Company will execute, and the Trustee, upon receipt of a Company Request for the authentication and delivery of individual Junior Subordinated Notes of such series in exchange in whole or in part for such Global Security, will authenticate and deliver individual Junior Subordinated Notes of such series of like tenor and terms in definitive form in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of such Global Security or Securities representing such series in exchange for such Global Security or Securities.
(3) If specified by the Company pursuant to Section 301 with respect to Junior Subordinated Notes issued or issuable in the form of a Global Security, the Depositary for such Global Security may surrender such Global Security in exchange in whole or in part for individual Junior Subordinated Notes of such series of like tenor and terms in definitive form on such terms as are acceptable to the Company and such Depositary. Thereupon the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, without service charge, (A) to each Person specified by such Depositary a new Junior Subordinated Note or Notes of the same series of like tenor and terms and of any authorized denomination as requested by such Person in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for such Person's beneficial interest in the Global Security; and (B) to such Depositary a new Global Security of like tenor and terms and in an authorized denomination equal to the difference, if any, between the principal amount of the surrendered Global Security and the aggregate principal amount of Junior Subordinated Notes delivered to Holders thereof.
(4) In any exchange provided for in any of the preceding three paragraphs, the Company will execute and the Trustee will authenticate and deliver individual Junior Subordinated Notes in definitive form in authorized denominations. Upon the exchange of the entire principal amount of a Global Security for individual Junior Subordinated Notes, such Global Security shall be cancelled by the Trustee. Except as provided in the preceding paragraph, Junior Subordinated Notes issued in exchange for a Global Security pursuant to this Section shall be registered in such names and in such authorized denominations as the Depositary for such Global Security, pursuant to instructions from its direct or indirect participants or otherwise, shall instruct the Trustee. Provided that the Company and the Trustee have so agreed, the Trustee shall deliver such Junior Subordinated Notes to the Persons in whose names the Junior Subordinated Notes are registered.
(5) Any endorsement of a Global Security to reflect the amount, or any increase or decrease in the amount, or changes in the rights of Holders, of Outstanding Junior Subordinated Notes represented thereby shall be made in such manner and by such Person or Persons as shall be specified therein or in the Company Order to be delivered pursuant to Section 302 with respect thereto. Subject to the provisions of Section 302, the Trustee shall deliver and redeliver any such Global Security in the manner and upon instructions given by the Person or Persons specified therein or in the applicable Company Order. If a Company Order pursuant to Section 302 has been, or simultaneously is, delivered, any instructions by the Company with respect to such Global Security shall be in writing but need not be accompanied by or contained in an Officers' Certificate and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel.
ARTICLE THREE
THE JUNIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES
SECTION 301. AMOUNT UNLIMITED; ISSUABLE IN SERIES.
The aggregate principal amount of Junior Subordinated Notes which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.
The Junior Subordinated Notes may be issued in one or more series. There may be established, pursuant to one or more indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the issuance of Junior Subordinated Notes of any series,
(1) the title of the Junior Subordinated Notes of the series (which shall distinguish the Junior Subordinated Notes of the series from Junior Subordinated Notes of all other series);
(2) any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Junior Subordinated Notes of the series which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except for Junior Subordinated Notes authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Junior Subordinated Notes of the series pursuant to Sections 203, 303, 304, 907 or 1107);
(3) the Person to whom interest on a Junior Subordinated Note of the series shall be payable if other than the Person in whose name that Junior Subordinated Note (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest;
(4) the date or dates on which the principal of the Junior Subordinated Notes of the series is payable, and the right, if any, to extend the Stated Maturity of the Junior Subordinated Notes and the conditions to such extension;
(5) the rate or rates at which the Junior Subordinated Notes of the series shall bear interest, if any, or any method by which such rate or rates shall be determined, the date or dates from which such interest shall accrue, the Interest Payment Dates on which such interest shall be payable, the Regular Record Date for the interest payable on Junior Subordinated Notes on any Interest Payment Date and the basis upon which interest shall be calculated if other than that of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months;
(6) the place or places where the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on Junior Subordinated Notes of the series shall be payable;
(7) the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which Junior Subordinated Notes of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company;
(8) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem or purchase Junior Subordinated Notes of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provision or at the option of a Holder thereof and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which, and the terms and conditions upon which, Junior Subordinated Notes of the series shall be redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;
(9) the denominations in which Junior Subordinated Notes of the series shall be issuable;
(10) if the amount of payments of principal of (and premium, if any) or interest (including Additional Interest) on the Junior Subordinated Notes of the series may be determined with reference to an index or formula, the manner in which such amounts shall be determined;
(11) if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of Junior Subordinated Notes of the series which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502;
(12) any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the Events of Default or covenants of the Company as provided herein pertaining to the Junior Subordinated Notes of the series, and any change in the rights of the Trustee or Holders of such series pursuant to Section 901 or 902;
(13) any additions to the definitions currently set forth in this Indenture with respect to such series;
(14) whether the Junior Subordinated Notes of the series shall be issued in whole or in part in the form of a Global Security or Securities; the terms and conditions, if any, upon which such Global Security or Securities may be exchanged in whole or in part for certificated Junior Subordinated Notes of such series and of like tenor of any authorized denomination and the circumstances under which such exchange may occur, if other than in the manner provided for in Section 203; the Depositary for such Global Security or Securities; and the form of any legend or legends to be borne by any such Global Security in addition to or in lieu of the legend referred to in Section 203;
(15) the right, if any, of the Company to extend the interest payment periods of such series of Junior Subordinated Notes, including the maximum duration of any such extension or extensions, the Additional Interest, if any, payable on such Junior Subordinated Notes during any extension of the interest payment period and any notice (which shall include notice to the Trustee) that must be given upon the exercise of such right to extend interest payment periods;
(16) any restriction or condition on the transferability of such Junior Subordinated Notes; and
(17) any other terms of the series.
All Junior Subordinated Notes of any one series shall be substantially identical except as to the date or dates from which interest, if any, shall accrue and denomination and except as may otherwise be provided in the terms of such Junior Subordinated Notes determined or established as provided above. All Junior Subordinated Notes of any one series need not be issued at the same time and, unless otherwise provided, a series may be reopened for issuances of additional Junior Subordinated Notes of such series.
SECTION 302. EXECUTION, AUTHENTICATION, DELIVERY AND DATING
The Junior Subordinated Notes shall be executed on behalf of the Company by its Chairman of the Board, its President or one of its Vice Presidents, under its corporate seal reproduced thereon attested by its Secretary or one of its Assistant Secretaries. The signature of any of these officers on the Junior Subordinated Notes may be manual or facsimile.
Junior Subordinated Notes bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of individuals who were at the time relevant to the authorization thereof the proper officers of the Company shall bind the Company, notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such Junior Subordinated Notes or did not hold such offices at the date of such Junior Subordinated Notes.
At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Junior Subordinated Notes of any series executed by the Company to the Trustee for authentication, together with a Company Order for the authentication and delivery of such Junior Subordinated Notes, and the Trustee, in accordance with the Company Order, shall authenticate and deliver such Junior Subordinated Notes. If all of the Junior Subordinated Notes of any series are not to be issued at one time and if the supplemental indenture establishing such series shall so permit, such Company Order may set forth procedures acceptable to the Trustee for the issuance of such Junior Subordinated Notes and determining the terms of particular Junior Subordinated Notes of such series, such as interest rate, maturity date, date of issuance and date from which interest shall accrue. In authenticating Junior Subordinated Notes hereunder, and accepting the additional responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Junior Subordinated Notes, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 601) shall be fully protected in relying upon:
(1) an Opinion of Counsel, to the effect that:
(a) the form and terms of such Junior Subordinated Notes or the manner of determining such terms have been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture; and
(b) such Junior Subordinated Notes, when authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and issued by the Company in the manner and subject to any conditions specified in such Opinion of Counsel, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject, as to enforcement, to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization and other laws of general applicability relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights and to general equity principles; and
(2) an Officers' Certificate stating, to the best knowledge of each signer of such certificate, that no event which is, or after notice or lapse of time would become, an Event of Default with respect to any of the Junior Subordinated Notes shall have occurred and be continuing.
The Trustee shall not be required to authenticate such Junior Subordinated Notes if the issue of such Junior Subordinated Notes pursuant to this Indenture will affect the Trustee's own rights, duties or immunities under the Junior Subordinated Notes and this Indenture or otherwise in a manner which is not reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.
If all the Junior Subordinated Notes of any series are not to be issued at one time, it shall not be necessary to deliver an Opinion of Counsel and Officers' Certificate at the time of issuance of each such Junior Subordinated Note, but such opinion and certificate shall be delivered at or before the time of issuance of the first Junior Subordinated Note of such series to be issued.
Each Junior Subordinated Note shall be dated the date of its authentication.
No Junior Subordinated Note shall be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose unless there appears on such Junior Subordinated Note a certificate of authentication substantially in the form provided for herein executed by the Trustee by manual signature, and such certificate upon any Junior Subordinated Note shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Junior Subordinated Note has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder and is entitled to the benefits of this Indenture.
SECTION 303. REGISTRATION, REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE.
SECTION 303. REGISTRATION, REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER AND EXCHANGECompany shall cause to be kept at the office of the Security Registrar designated pursuant to this Section 303 or Section 1002 a register (referred to as the "Security Register") in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Company shall provide for the registration of Junior Subordinated Notes and of transfers of Junior Subordinated Notes. The Trustee is hereby initially appointed as Security Registrar for the purpose of registering Junior Subordinated Notes and transfers of Junior Subordinated Notes as herein provided.
Subject to Section 203, upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Junior Subordinated Note of any series at the office or agency maintained for such purpose for such series, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Junior Subordinated Notes of the same series, Stated Maturity and original issue date, of any authorized denominations and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount.
Subject to Section 203, Junior Subordinated Notes of any series may be exchanged, at the option of the Holder, for Junior Subordinated Notes of the same series, Stated Maturity and original issue date, of any authorized denominations and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount, upon surrender of the Junior Subordinated Notes to be exchanged at any such office or agency.
Whenever any Junior Subordinated Notes are so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the Junior Subordinated Notes that the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive.
All Junior Subordinated Notes issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Junior Subordinated Notes shall be the valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Junior Subordinated Notes surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.
Every Junior Subordinated Note presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange shall (if so required by the Company or the Trustee) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed, by the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing.
No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of Junior Subordinated Notes, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any registration of transfer or exchange of Junior Subordinated Notes, other than exchanges pursuant to Section 304, 907 or 1107 not involving any transfer.
The Company shall not be required (i) to issue, to register the transfer of or to exchange Junior Subordinated Notes of any series during a period of 15 days immediately preceding the date notice is given identifying the serial numbers of the Junior Subordinated Notes of that series called for redemption, or (ii) to issue, to register the transfer of or to exchange any Junior Subordinated Notes so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Junior Subordinated Note being redeemed in part.
None of the Company, the Trustee, any Paying Agent or the Security Registrar will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests of a Global Security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.
SECTION 304. MUTILATED, DESTROYED, LOST AND STOLEN JUNIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES.
If any mutilated Junior Subordinated Note is surrendered to the Trustee, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a new Junior Subordinated Note of the same series, Stated Maturity and original issue date, and of like tenor and principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.
If there shall be delivered to the Company and the Trustee (i) evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Junior Subordinated Note and (ii) such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them and any agent of either of them harmless, then, in the absence of notice to the Company or the Trustee that such Junior Subordinated Note has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Company shall execute and upon its request the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen Junior Subordinated Note, a new Junior Subordinated Note of the same series, Stated Maturity and original issue date, and of like tenor and principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.
In case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Junior Subordinated Note has become or is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion may, instead of issuing a new Junior Subordinated Note, pay such Junior Subordinated Note.
Upon the issuance of any new Junior Subordinated Note under this Section, the Company may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith.
Every new Junior Subordinated Note of any series issued pursuant to this Section in lieu of any destroyed, lost or stolen Junior Subordinated Note shall constitute an original additional contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the destroyed, lost or stolen Junior Subordinated Note shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and any such new Junior Subordinated Note shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Junior Subordinated Notes of that series duly issued hereunder.
The provisions of this Section are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Junior Subordinated Notes.
SECTION 305. PAYMENT OF INTEREST; INTEREST RIGHTS PRESERVED.
Unless otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to any series of Junior Subordinated Notes, interest (including Additional Interest) on any Junior Subordinated Note that is payable, and is punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the Person in whose name that Junior Subordinated Note (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest.
Any interest (including Additional Interest) on any Junior Subordinated Note of any series that is payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for on any Interest Payment Date (herein called "Defaulted Interest") shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on the relevant Regular Record Date by virtue of having been such Holder, and such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Company, at its election in each case, as provided in Clause (1) or (2) below:
(1) The Company may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Interest to the Persons in whose names the Junior Subordinated Notes of such series (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be fixed in the following manner. The Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each Junior Subordinated Note of such series and the date of the proposed payment, and at the same time the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this Clause provided. Thereupon the Trustee shall fix a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest which shall be not more than 15 days and not less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed payment and not less than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company of such Special Record Date and, in the name and at the expense of the Company, shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor to be mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder of Junior Subordinated Notes of such series at the address of such Holder as it appears in the Security Register, not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date. Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor having been so mailed, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Persons in whose names the Junior Subordinated Notes of such series (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on such Special Record Date and shall no longer be payable pursuant to the following Clause (2).
(2) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest (including Additional Interest, if any) on the Junior Subordinated Notes of any series in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which such Junior Subordinated Notes may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if, after notice given by the Company to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this Clause, such manner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee.
Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section, each Junior Subordinated Note delivered under this Indenture upon registration of transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Junior Subordinated Note shall carry the rights to interest accrued (including Additional Interest, if any) and unpaid, and to accrue (including Additional Interest, if any), which were carried by such other Junior Subordinated Note.
SECTION 306. PERSONS DEEMED OWNERS.
Prior to due presentment of a Junior Subordinated Note for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name such Junior Subordinated Note is registered as the absolute owner of such Junior Subordinated Note for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of (and premium, if any) and (subject to Section 305) interest (including Additional Interest, if any) on such Junior Subordinated Note and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Junior Subordinated Note be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
SECTION 307. CANCELLATION
All Junior Subordinated Notes surrendered for payment, redemption,
registration of transfer or exchange or for credit against any sinking fund
payment shall, if surrendered to any Person other than the Trustee, be delivered
to the Trustee and shall be promptly cancelled by the Trustee. The Company may
at any time deliver to the Trustee for cancellation any Junior Subordinated
Notes previously authenticated and delivered hereunder which the Company may
have acquired in any manner whatsoever, and all Junior Subordinated Notes so
delivered shall be canceled by the Trustee. No Junior Subordinated Notes shall
be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Junior Subordinated Notes
canceled as provided in this Section, except as expressly permitted by this
Indenture. All cancelled Junior Subordinated Notes held by the Trustee shall be
disposed of in accordance with a Company Order and the Trustee shall promptly
deliver a certificate of disposition to the Company.
SECTION 308. COMPUTATION OF INTEREST.
Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Junior Subordinated Notes of any series, interest on the Junior Subordinated Notes of each series shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.
ARTICLE FOUR
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
SECTION 401. SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE..
This Indenture shall, upon Company Request, cease to be of further effect (except as to any surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of Junior Subordinated Notes herein expressly provided for) and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, when
(1) either
(A) all Junior Subordinated Notes theretofore
authenticated and delivered (other than (i) Junior
Subordinated Notes that have been destroyed, lost or stolen
and that have been replaced as provided for in Section 304 and
(ii) Junior Subordinated Notes for whose payment money has
theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in
trust by the Company and thereafter repaid to the Company or
discharged from such trust, as provided in Section 1003) have
been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or
(B) all such Junior Subordinated Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation have become due and payable, or have been called for redemption,
and the Company, in the case of (B) above, has deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as funds in trust for the purpose described above an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such Junior Subordinated Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal (and premium, if any) and interest to the date of the Stated Maturity or Redemption Date, as the case may be, or if later, the date of payment;
(2) the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Company; and
(3) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture have been complied with.
In the event there are Junior Subordinated Notes of two or more series hereunder, the Trustee shall be required to execute an instrument acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture only if requested to do so with respect to Junior Subordinated Notes of all series as to which it is Trustee and if the other conditions thereto are met. In the event there are two or more Trustees hereunder, then the effectiveness of any such instrument shall be conditioned upon receipt of such instruments from all Trustees hereunder.
If, subsequent to the date a discharge is effected pursuant to this
Section 401, Additional Interest (in excess of that established as of the date
such discharge is effected) becomes payable in respect of the series of Junior
Subordinated Notes discharged, in order to preserve the benefits of the
discharge established hereunder, the Company shall irrevocably deposit or cause
to be irrevocably deposited in accordance with the provisions of this Section
401, within ten Business Days prior to the date the first payment in respect of
any portion of such excess Additional Interest becomes due, such additional
funds as are necessary to satisfy the provisions of this Section 401 as if a
discharge were being effected as of the date of such subsequent deposit. Failure
to comply with the requirements of this paragraph shall result in the
termination of the benefits of the discharge established by this Section 401.
Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the obligations of the Company to the Trustee under Section 607, the obligations of the Trustee to any Authenticating Agent under Section 614 and, if money shall have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to subclause (B) of clause (1) of this Section, the obligations of the Trustee under Section 402 and the last paragraph of Section 1003 shall survive.
SECTION 402. APPLICATION OF TRUST.
Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003, all money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 401 shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the Junior Subordinated Notes, and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company or an Affiliate acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the principal (and premium, if any) and interest for whose payment such money has been deposited with the Trustee.
ARTICLE FIVE
REMEDIES
SECTION 501. EVENTS OF DEFAULT.
"Event of Default", wherever used herein with respect to Junior Subordinated Notes of any series, means any one of the following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body or occasioned by the operation of Article Thirteen):
(1) default in the payment of any interest upon any Junior
Subordinated Note of that series when it becomes due and payable on an
Interest Payment Date other than at Maturity, including Additional
Interest (as defined in clause (ii) of the definition thereof) in
respect thereof, and continuance of such default for a period of ten
(10) days; provided, however, that (i) a valid extension of the
interest payment period by the Company pursuant to the terms of a
supplemental indenture authorizing the Junior Subordinated Notes of
that series shall not constitute a default in the payment of interest
for this purpose and (ii) no such default shall be deemed to exist if,
on or prior to the date on which such interest became due, the Company
shall have made a payment sufficient to pay such interest pursuant to
the Guarantee related to the Trust Securities of the Securities Trust
owning such series of Junior Subordinated Notes, and shall have
delivered a notice to the Trustee to that effect; or
(2) default in payment of Additional Interest (as defined in clause (i) of the definition thereof) and the continuance of such default for a period of ten (10) days; or
(3) default in the payment of the principal of, (or premium,
if any) or interest (including Additional Interest as defined in clause
(ii) of the definition thereof) on any Junior Subordinated Note of that
series at its Maturity; provided, however, that no such default in the
payment of principal (or premium, if any) or interest (including
Additional Interest as defined in clause (ii) of the definition
thereof) shall be deemed to exist if, on or prior to the date such
principal (and premium, if any) or interest (including Additional
Interest as defined in clause (ii) of the definition thereof) became
due, the Company shall have made a payment sufficient to pay such
principal (and premium, if any) or interest (including Additional
Interest as defined in clause (ii) of the definition thereof) pursuant
to the Guarantee related to the Trust Securities of the Securities
Trust owning such series of Junior Subordinated Notes, and shall have
delivered a notice to the Trustee to that effect; or
(4) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when and as due by the terms of a Junior Subordinated Note of that series and continuance of such default for a period of 3 Business Days; or
(5) default in the performance or breach of any covenant or warranty of the Company in this Indenture (other than a covenant or warranty a default in whose performance or whose breach is elsewhere in this Section specifically dealt with or which has expressly been included in this Indenture solely for the benefit of one or more series of Junior Subordinated Notes other than that series), and continuance of such default or breach for a period of 90 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee, or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Junior Subordinated Notes of that series, a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a "Notice of Default" hereunder; or
(6) the entry by a court having jurisdiction in the premises of (A) a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or (B) a decree or order adjudging the Company a bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly filed a petition by one or more Persons other than the Company seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Company under any applicable federal or state law, or appointing a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official for the Company or for any substantial part of its property, or ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, and the continuance of any such decree or order for relief or any such other decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 90 consecutive days; or
(7) the commencement by the Company of a case or proceeding under any applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or of any other case or proceeding to be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or the consent by it to the entry of a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company in a case or proceeding under any applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or to the commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding against it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable federal or state law, or the consent by it to the filing of such petition or to the appointment of or taking possession by a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or similar official of the Company or of any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the admission by it in writing of its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due, or the taking of corporate action by the Company in furtherance of any such action; or
(8) any other Event of Default provided with respect to Junior Subordinated Notes of that series in the supplemental indenture authorizing such series.
SECTION 502. ACCELERATION OF MATURITY; RESCISSION AND ANNULMENT.
If an Event of Default with respect to Junior Subordinated Notes of any series at the time Outstanding occurs and is continuing, then in every such case the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Junior Subordinated Notes of that series may declare the principal amount (or such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of that series) of all of the Junior Subordinated Notes of that series to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by Holders), and upon any such declaration such principal amount (or specified amount) shall become immediately due and payable.
At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to Junior Subordinated Notes of any series has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee as hereinafter in this Article provided, the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Junior Subordinated Notes of that series, by written notice to the Company and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if
(1) the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay
(A) all overdue interest (including any Additional Interest) on all Junior Subordinated Notes of that series,
(B) the principal of (and premium, if any) any Junior Subordinated Notes of that series which have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and interest thereon at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Junior Subordinated Notes,
(C) to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest upon overdue interest (including any Additional Interest) at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Junior Subordinated Notes, and
(D) all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee
hereunder and the reasonable compensation, expenses,
disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and
counsel, and any other amounts due to the Trustee under
Section 607; and
(2) all Events of Default with respect to Junior Subordinated Notes of that series, other than the non-payment of the principal of Junior Subordinated Notes of that series which have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in Section 513.
No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon.
SECTION 503. COLLECTION OF INDEBTEDNESS AND SUITS FOR ENFORCEMENT BY TRUSTEE.
The Company covenants that if an Event of Default occurs under Section 501(1), (2), (3) or (4) with respect to any Junior Subordinated Notes the Company will, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to it, for the benefit of the Holders of such Junior Subordinated Notes, the whole amount then due and payable on such Junior Subordinated Notes for principal (and premium, if any) and interest (including Additional Interest, if any) and, to the extent that payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable, interest on any overdue principal (and premium, if any) and on any overdue interest (including Additional Interest, if any), at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Junior Subordinated Notes, and, in addition thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due to the Trustee under Section 607.
If the Company fails to pay such amounts forthwith upon such demand, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, may institute a judicial proceeding for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, may prosecute such proceeding to judgment or final decree and may enforce the same against the Company or any other obligor upon such Junior Subordinated Notes and collect the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Company or any other obligor upon such Junior Subordinated Notes, wherever situated.
If an Event of Default with respect to Junior Subordinated Notes of any series occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the Holders of Junior Subordinated Notes of such series by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most effectual to protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted herein, or to enforce any other proper remedy.
SECTION 504. TRUSTEE MAY FILE PROOFS OF CLAIM.
In case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial proceeding relative to the Company or any other obligor upon the Junior Subordinated Notes or the property of the Company or of such other obligor or their creditors, the Trustee (irrespective of whether the principal of the Junior Subordinated Notes shall then be due and payable as therein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Trustee shall have made any demand on the Company for the payment of overdue principal or interest) shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise,
(1) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of
principal (and premium, if any) and interest owing and unpaid in
respect of the Junior Subordinated Notes and to file such other papers
or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the
claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable
compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its
agents and counsel, and any other amounts due to the Trustee under
Section 607) and of the Holders of Junior Subordinated Notes allowed in
such judicial proceeding, and
(2) to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;
and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder of Junior Subordinated Notes to make such payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders of Junior Subordinated Notes, to pay to the Trustee any amount due it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 607.
Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder of a Junior Subordinated Note any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Junior Subordinated Notes or the rights of any Holder thereof or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder of a Junior Subordinated Note in any such proceeding.
SECTION 505. TRUSTEE MAY ENFORCE CLAIMS WITHOUT POSSESSION OF JUNIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES.
All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or the Junior Subordinated Notes may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the Junior Subordinated Notes or the production thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, and any such proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the Junior Subordinated Notes in respect of which such judgment has been recovered.
SECTION 506. APPLICATION OF MONEY COLLECTED.
Any money collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article shall be applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such money on account of principal (or premium, if any) or interest, upon presentation of the Junior Subordinated Notes, and the notation thereon of the payment if only partially paid and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:
First: To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee under
Section 607; and
Second: Subject to Article Thirteen, to the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid for principal of (and premium, if any) and interest (including Additional Interest, if any) on the Junior Subordinated Notes in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on such Junior Subordinated Notes for principal (and premium, if any) and interest (including Additional Interest, if any), respectively; and
Third: The balance, if any, to the Person or Persons entitled thereto.
SECTION 507. LIMITATION ON SUITS.
No Holder of any Junior Subordinated Note of any series shall have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless:
(1) such Holder has previously given written notice to the Trustee of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Junior Subordinated Notes of that series;
(2) the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Junior Subordinated Notes of that series shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as Trustee hereunder;
(3) such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request;
(4) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity has failed to institute any such proceeding; and
(5) no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the Trustee during such 60-day period by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Junior Subordinated Notes of that series;
it being understood and intended that no one or more of such Holders shall have any right in any manner whatsoever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other of such Holders or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any other of such Holders or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all of such Holders.
SECTION 508. UNCONDITIONAL RIGHT OF HOLDERS TO RECEIVE PRINCIPAL, PREMIUM AND INTEREST.
Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture but subject to
Article Thirteen, (1) the Holder of any Junior Subordinated Notes shall have the
right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive payment of the principal
of (and premium, if any) and (subject to Section 305) interest (including any
Additional Interest) on such Junior Subordinated Note on the due dates expressed
in such Junior Subordinated Note (or, in the case of redemption, on the
Redemption Date) and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment,
and such rights shall not be impaired without the consent of such Holder; and
(2) so long as the Junior Subordinated Notes of any series are held by a
Securities Trust, a registered holder of preferred securities issued by such
Securities Trust may institute a legal proceeding directly against the Company,
without first instituting a legal proceeding directly against or requesting or
directing that action be taken by the Property Trustee of such Securities Trust
or any other Person, for enforcement of payment to such registered holder of
principal of or interest on Junior Subordinated Notes of such series having a
principal amount equal to the aggregate stated liquidation amount of such
preferred securities of such registered holder on or after the due dates
therefor specified or provided for in the Junior Subordinated Notes of such
series.
SECTION 509. RESTORATION OF RIGHTS AND REMEDIES.
If the Trustee or any Holder of a Junior Subordinated Note has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or to such Holder, then and in every such case, subject to any determination in such proceeding, the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of Junior Subordinated Notes shall be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted.
SECTION 510. RIGHTS AND REMEDIES CUMULATIVE.
Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Junior Subordinated Notes in the last paragraph of Section 304, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders of Junior Subordinated Notes is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.
SECTION 511. DELAY OR OMISSION NOT WAIVER.
No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Junior Subordinated Note to exercise any right or remedy upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders of Junior Subordinated Notes may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders of Junior Subordinated Notes.
SECTION 512. CONTROL BY HOLDERS OF JUNIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES.
The Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Junior Subordinated Notes of any series shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee, with respect to the Junior Subordinated Notes of such series, provided that
(1) such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Indenture, and could not involve the Trustee in personal liability in circumstances where reasonable indemnity would not be adequate, and
(2) the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction.
SECTION 513. WAIVER OF PAST DEFAULTS.
The Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Junior Subordinated Notes of any series may, on behalf of the Holders of all the Junior Subordinated Notes of such series, waive any past default hereunder with respect to such series and its consequences, except a default
(1) in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest (including Additional Interest) on any Junior Subordinated Note of such series, or
(2) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under Article Nine cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Junior Subordinated Note of such series affected.
Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or impair any right consequent thereon.
SECTION 514. UNDERTAKING FOR COSTS.
All parties to this Indenture agree, and each Holder of any Junior Subordinated Note 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, against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; but the provisions of this Section shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Company, to any suit instituted by the Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Holder, or group of Holders, holding in the aggregate more than 10% in principal amount of the Outstanding Junior Subordinated Notes of any series, or to any suit instituted by any Holder of any Junior Subordinated Note for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest (including Additional Interest) on any Junior Subordinated Note on or after the Stated Maturity or Maturities expressed in such Junior Subordinated Note (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the Redemption Date).
SECTION 515. WAIVER OF STAY OR EXTENSION LAWS.
The Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it will not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Company (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law and covenants that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.
ARTICLE SIX
THE TRUSTEE
SECTION 601. CERTAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
(a) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default with respect to Junior Subordinated Notes of any series,
(1) the Trustee undertakes to perform, with respect to Junior Subordinated Notes of such series, such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and
(2) in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may, with respect to Junior Subordinated Notes of such series, conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture; but in the case of any such 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) In case an Event of Default with respect to Junior Subordinated Notes of any series has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall exercise, with respect to Junior Subordinated Notes of such series, 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 man would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his own affairs.
(c) 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 wilful misconduct, except that
(1) this Subsection shall not be construed to limit the effect of Subsection (a) of this Section;
(2) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer, unless it shall be proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts;
(3) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Junior Subordinated Notes of any series 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 with respect to the Junior Subordinated Notes of such series; and
(4) no provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.
(d) Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Section.
SECTION 602. NOTICE OF DEFAULTS.
Within 90 days after the occurrence of any default hereunder with respect to the Junior Subordinated Notes of any series, the Trustee shall transmit by mail to all Holders of Junior Subordinated Notes of such series entitled to receive reports pursuant to Section 313(c) of the Trust Indenture Act, notice of all defaults hereunder known to the Trustee, unless such default shall have been cured or waived; provided, however, that, except in the case of a default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest (including Additional Interest) on any Junior Subordinated Note of such series or in the payment of any sinking fund installment with respect to Junior Subordinated Notes 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 Responsible Officers of the Trustee in good faith determine that the withholding of such notice is in the interest of the Holders of Junior Subordinated Notes of such series; and provided, further, that in the case of any default of the character specified in Section 501(5) with respect to Junior Subordinated Notes of such series, no such notice to Holders shall be given until at least 45 days after the occurrence thereof. For the purpose of this Section, the term "default" means any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect to Junior Subordinated Notes of such series.
SECTION 603. CERTAIN RIGHTS OF TRUSTEE.
Subject to the provisions of Section 601:
(a) the Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;
(b) any request or direction of the Company mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Company Request or Company Order and a resolution of the Board of Directors may be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution;
(c) whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Trustee (unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, rely upon an Officers' Certificate;
(d) the Trustee may consult with counsel and the written advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon;
(e) the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders of Junior Subordinated Notes of any series pursuant to this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction;
(f) the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Company, personally or by agent or attorney;
(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 and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder; and
(h) the Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of any Event of Default with respect to the Junior Subordinated Notes of any series for which it is acting as Trustee unless either (1) a Responsible Officer of the Trustee assigned to the Corporate Trustee Administration Department and agency group of the Trustee (or any successor division or department of the Trustee) shall have actual knowledge of the Event of Default or (2) written notice of such Event of Default shall have been given to the Trustee by the Company, any other obligor on such Junior Subordinated Notes or by any Holder of such Junior Subordinated Notes.
SECTION 604. NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR RECITALS OR ISSUANCE OF JUNIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES
The recitals contained herein and in the Junior Subordinated Notes (except the Trustee's certificates of authentication) shall be taken as the statements of the Company, and the Trustee or any Authenticating Agent assumes no responsibility for their correctness. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Junior Subordinated Notes. The Trustee or any Authenticating Agent shall not be accountable for the use or application by the Company of Junior Subordinated Notes or the proceeds thereof.
The Trustee shall not be deemed to owe any fiduciary duty to the holders of Trust Securities and shall be entitled to rely on the delivery to it of a written notice by a Person representing himself to be a holder of a Trust Security to establish that such Person is such a holder. The Trustee may conclusively rely on an Officers' Certificate as evidence that the holders of the necessary percentage of liquidation preference of Trust Securities have taken any action contemplated hereunder and shall have no duty to investigate the truth or accuracy of any statement contained therein.
SECTION 605. MAY HOLD JUNIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES.
The Trustee, any Authenticating Agent, any Paying Agent, any Security Registrar or any other agent of the Company, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Junior Subordinated Notes and, subject to Sections 608 and 613, may otherwise deal with the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, Authenticating Agent, Paying Agent, Security Registrar or such other agent.
SECTION 606. MONEY HELD IN TRUST.
Money held by the Trustee in trust hereunder need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. The Trustee shall be under no liability for interest on any money received by it hereunder except as otherwise agreed with the Company.
SECTION 607. COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT.
The Company agrees
(1) to pay to the Trustee from time to time reasonable compensation for all services rendered by it hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust);
(2) except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse the Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee in accordance with any provision of this Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel), except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may be attributable to its negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith; and
(3) to indemnify the Trustee for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or expense incurred without negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith on its part, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the trust or trusts hereunder, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder.
As security for the performance of the obligations of the Company under this Section the Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Junior Subordinated Notes upon all property and funds held or collected by the Trustee as such, except funds held in trust for the payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on particular Junior Subordinated Notes.
SECTION 608. DISQUALIFICATION; CONFLICTING INTERESTS.
If the Trustee has or shall acquire any conflicting interest, within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act, it shall, within 90 days after ascertaining that it has such conflicting interest, either eliminate such conflicting interest or resign, to the extent and in the manner provided by, and subject to the provisions of, the Trust Indenture Act and this Indenture. To the extent permitted by the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall not be deemed to have a conflicting interest by virtue of being trustee under the Subordinated Note Indenture dated as of January 1, 1996, between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank (formerly known as Chemical Bank), as trustee.
SECTION 609. CORPORATE TRUSTEE REQUIRED; ELIGIBILITY.
There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder which shall be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust powers, having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000, subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authority and qualified and eligible under this Article and otherwise permitted by the Trust Indenture Act to act as Trustee under an Indenture qualified under the Trust Indenture Act. If such corporation publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of said supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such corporation shall be deemed to be its combined capital surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article.
SECTION 610. RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL; APPOINTMENT OF SUCCESSOR.
(a) No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a successor Trustee pursuant to this Article shall become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 611.
(b) The Trustee may resign at any time with respect to the Junior
Subordinated Notes of one or more series by giving written notice thereof to the
Company. If the instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee required by
Section 611 shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after
the giving of such notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee may petition any
court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with
respect to the Junior Subordinated Notes of such series.
(c) The Trustee may be removed at any time with respect to the Junior Subordinated Notes of any series by Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Junior Subordinated Notes of such series delivered to the Trustee and to the Company.
(d) If at any time:
(1) the Trustee shall fail to comply with Section 608 after written request therefor by the Company or by any Holder of a Junior Subordinated Note who has been a Holder of a Junior Subordinated Note for at least six months, or
(2) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible under Section 609 and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Company or by any such Holder, or
(3) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent or a receiver of the Trustee or of its property shall be appointed or any public officer shall take charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation,
then, in any such case, (i) the Company, by a Board Resolution, may remove the
Trustee with respect to all Junior Subordinated Notes, or (ii) subject to
Section 514, any Holder of a Junior Subordinated Note who has been a bona fide
Holder of a Junior Subordinated Note for at least six months may, on behalf of
himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent
jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee with respect to all Junior
Subordinated Notes and the appointment of a successor Trustee or Trustees.
(e) If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of
acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of Trustee for any cause, with
respect to the Junior Subordinated Notes of one or more series, the Company, by
a Board Resolution, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee or Trustees with
respect to the Junior Subordinated Notes of that or those series (it being
understood that any such successor Trustee may be appointed with respect to the
Junior Subordinated Notes of one or more or all of such series and that at any
time there shall be only one Trustee with respect to the Junior Subordinated
Notes of any particular series) and shall comply with the applicable
requirements of Section 611. If, within one year after such resignation, removal
or incapability, or the occurrence of such vacancy, a successor Trustee with
respect to the Junior Subordinated Notes of any series shall be appointed by Act
of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Junior
Subordinated Notes of such series delivered to the Company and the retiring
Trustee, the successor Trustee so appointed shall, forthwith upon its acceptance
of such appointment in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section
611, become the successor Trustee with respect to the Junior Subordinated Notes
of such series and to that extent supersede the successor Trustee appointed by
the Company. If no successor Trustee with respect to the Junior Subordinated
Notes of any series shall have been so appointed by the Company or the Holders
of Junior Subordinated Notes and accepted appointment in the manner required by
Section 611, any Holder of a Junior Subordinated Note who has been a bona fide
Holder of a Junior Subordinated Note of such series for at least six months may,
on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of
competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect
to the Junior Subordinated Notes of such series.
(f) The Company shall give notice of each resignation and each removal of the Trustee with respect to the Junior Subordinated Notes of any series and each appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Junior Subordinated Notes of any series by mailing written notice of such event by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to all Holders of such series of Junior Subordinated Notes as their names and addresses appear in the Security Register.
SECTION 611. ACCEPTANCE OF APPOINTMENT BY SUCCESSOR.
(a) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to all Junior Subordinated Notes, every such successor Trustee so appointed shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Company and to the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee; but, on the request of the Company or the successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all the rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee and shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder.
(b) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to the Junior Subordinated Notes of one or more (but not all) series, the Company, the retiring Trustee and each successor Trustee with respect to the Junior Subordinated Notes of one or more series shall execute and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto wherein each successor Trustee shall accept such appointment and which (1) shall contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, each successor Trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Junior Subordinated Notes of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates, (2) if the retiring Trustee is not retiring with respect to all Junior Subordinated Notes, shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Junior Subordinated Notes of that or those series as to which the retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in the retiring Trustee, and (3) shall add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being understood that nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture shall constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same trust and that each such Trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart from any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such Trustee; and upon the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein and each such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Junior Subordinated Notes of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates; but, on request of the Company or any successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder with respect to the Junior Subordinated Notes of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates.
(c) Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the Company shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor Trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section, as the case may be.
(d) No successor Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance such successor Trustee shall be qualified and eligible under this Article.
SECTION 612. MERGER, CONVERSION, CONSOLIDATION OR SUCCESSION TO BUSINESS.
Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided such corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto. In case any Junior Subordinated Notes shall have been authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such authentication and deliver the Junior Subordinated Notes so authenticated with the same effect as if such successor Trustee had itself authenticated such Junior Subordinated Notes.
SECTION 613. PREFERENTIAL COLLECTION OF CLAIMS AGAINST COMPANY
If and when the Trustee shall be or become a creditor of the Company (or any other obligor upon the Junior Subordinated Notes), the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act regarding the collection of claims against the Company (or any such other obligor). For purposes of Section 311(b)(4) and (6) of the Trust Indenture Act:
(a) "cash transaction" means any transaction in which full payment for goods or securities sold is made within seven days after delivery of the goods or securities in currency or in checks or other orders drawn upon banks or bankers and payable upon demand; and
(b) "self-liquidating paper" means any draft, bill of exchange, acceptance or obligation which is made, drawn, negotiated or incurred by the Company (or any such obligor) for the purpose of financing the purchase, processing, manufacturing, shipment, storage or sale of goods, wares or merchandise and which is secured by documents evidencing title to, possession of, or a lien upon, the goods, wares or merchandise or the receivables or proceeds arising from the sale of the goods, wares or merchandise previously constituting the security, provided the security is received by the Trustee simultaneously with the creation of the creditor relationship with the Company (or any such obligor) arising from the making, drawing, negotiating or incurring of the draft, bill of exchange, acceptance or obligation.
SECTION 614. APPOINTMENT OF AUTHENTICATING AGENT.
At any time when any of the Junior Subordinated Notes remain Outstanding the Trustee may appoint an Authenticating Agent or Agents with respect to one or more series of Junior Subordinated Notes that shall be authorized to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Junior Subordinated Notes of such series issued upon exchange, registration of transfer or partial redemption thereof or pursuant to Section 304, and Junior Subordinated Notes so authenticated shall be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture and shall be valid and obligatory for all purposes as if authenticated by the Trustee hereunder. Wherever reference is made in this Indenture to the authentication and delivery of Junior Subordinated Notes by the Trustee or the Trustee's certificate of authentication, such reference shall be deemed to include authentication and delivery on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent and a certificate of authentication executed on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent. Each Authenticating Agent shall be acceptable to the Company and shall at all times be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, authorized under such laws to act as Authenticating Agent, having a combined capital and surplus of not less than $50,000,000 and subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authority. If such Authenticating Agent publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of said supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such Authenticating Agent shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time an Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, such Authenticating Agent shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in this Section.
Any corporation into which an Authenticating Agent may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which such Authenticating Agent shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to the corporate agency or corporate trust business of an Authenticating Agent, shall continue to be an Authenticating Agent, provided such corporation shall be otherwise eligible under this Section, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent.
An Authenticating Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Trustee and to the Company. The Trustee may at any time terminate the agency of an Authenticating Agent by giving written notice thereof to such Authenticating Agent and to the Company. Upon receiving such a notice of resignation or upon such a termination, or in case at any time such Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, the Trustee may appoint a successor Authenticating Agent which shall be acceptable to the Company and shall mail written notice of such appointment by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to all Holders of Junior Subordinated Notes, if any, of the series with respect to which such Authenticating Agent will serve, as their names and addresses appear in the Security Register. Any successor Authenticating Agent upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder shall become vested with all the rights, powers and duties of its predecessor hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as an Authenticating Agent. No successor Authenticating Agent shall be appointed unless eligible under the provisions of this Section.
The Trustee agrees to pay to each Authenticating Agent from time to time reasonable compensation for its services under this Section, and the Trustee shall be entitled to be reimbursed for such payments, subject to the provisions of Section 607.
The provisions of Sections 306, 604 and 605 shall be applicable to each Authenticating Agent.
If an appointment with respect to one or more series is made pursuant to this Section, the Junior Subordinated Notes of such series may have endorsed thereon, in addition to the Trustee's certificate of authentication, an alternate certificate of authentication in the following form:
This is one of the Junior Subordinated Notes of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
As Trustee
By
As Authenticating Agent
By
Authorized Signatory
ARTICLE SEVEN
HOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY
SECTION 701. COMPANY TO FURNISH TRUSTEE NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF HOLDERS.
The Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee
(a) semi-annually, not later than June 1 and December 1, in each year, a list, in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, containing all the information in the possession or control of the Company, or any of its Paying Agents other than the Trustee, as to the names and addresses of the Holders of Junior Subordinated Notes as of the preceding May 15 or November 15, as the case may be, and
(b) at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, within 30 days after the receipt by the Company of any such request, a list of similar form and content as of the most recent Regular Record Date;
excluding from any such list names and addresses received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar.
SECTION 702. PRESERVATION OF INFORMATION; COMMUNICATIONS TO HOLDERS.
(a) The Trustee shall comply with the obligations imposed on it pursuant to Section 312 of the Trust Indenture Act.
(b) Every Holder of Junior Subordinated Notes, by receiving and holding the same, agrees with the Company and the Trustee that neither the Company nor the Trustee nor any agent of either of them shall be held accountable by reason of the disclosure of any such information as to the names and addresses of the Holders of Junior Subordinated Notes in accordance with Section 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act, regardless of the source from which such information was derived, and that the Trustee shall not be held accountable by reason of mailing any material pursuant to a request made under Section 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 703. REPORTS BY TRUSTEE.
(a) Within 60 days after May 15 of each year commencing with the first May 15 after the first issuance of Junior Subordinated Notes pursuant to this Indenture, if required by Section 313(a) of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall transmit a brief report dated as of such May 15 with respect to any of the events specified in such Section 313(a) that may have occurred since the later of the immediately preceding May 15 and the date of this Indenture.
(b) The Trustee shall transmit the reports required by Section 313(b) of the Trust Indenture Act at the times specified therein.
(c) Reports pursuant to this Section shall be transmitted in the manner and to the Persons required by Sections 313(c) and (d) of the Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 704. REPORTS BY COMPANY.
The Company, pursuant to Section 314(a) of the Trust Indenture Act, shall:
(1) file with the Trustee, within 15 days after the Company is
required to file the same with the Commission, copies of the annual
reports and of the information, documents and other reports (or copies
of such portions of any of the foregoing as the Commission may from
time to time by rules and regulations prescribe) that the Company may
be required to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or
Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; or,
if the Company is not required to file information, documents or
reports pursuant to either of said Sections, then it shall file with
the Trustee and the Commission, in accordance with rules and
regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission, such of the
supplementary and periodic information, documents and reports which may
be required pursuant to Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, in respect of a security listed and registered on a
national securities exchange as may be prescribed from time to time in
such rules and regulations;
(2) file with the Trustee and the Commission, in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission, such additional information, documents and reports with respect to compliance by the Company with the conditions and covenants of this Indenture as may be required from time to time by such rules and regulations;
(3) transmit, within 30 days after the filing thereof with the Trustee, to the Holders of Junior Subordinated Notes, in the manner and to the extent provided in Section 313(c) of the Trust Indenture Act, such summaries of any information, documents and reports required to be filed by the Company pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) of this Section 704 as may be required by rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission; and
(4) notify the Trustee when and as the Junior Subordinated Notes of any series become admitted to trading on any national securities exchange.
ARTICLE EIGHT
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE
SECTION 801. COMPANY MAY CONSOLIDATE, ETC., ONLY ON CERTAIN TERMS.
The Company shall not consolidate with or merge into any other corporation or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, unless
(1) in case the Company shall consolidate with or merge into another corporation or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, the corporation formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person which acquires by conveyance or transfer, or which leases, the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety shall be a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and shall expressly assume, by an indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest (including Additional Interest) on all the Junior Subordinated Notes and the performance of every covenant of this Indenture on the part of the Company to be performed or observed;
(2) immediately after giving effect to such transactions, no Event of Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of Default, shall have happened and be continuing; and
(3) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease complies with this Article and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been complied with.
SECTION 802. SUCCESSOR CORPORATION SUBSTITUTED.
Upon any consolidation by the Company with or merger by the Company into any corporation or any conveyance, transfer or lease of the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety in accordance with Section 801, the successor corporation formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or to which such conveyance, transfer or lease is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor corporation had been named as the Company herein, and thereafter, except in the case of a lease, the predecessor corporation shall be relieved of all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and the Junior Subordinated Notes.
ARTICLE NINE
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
SECTION 901. SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES WITHOUT CONSENT OF HOLDERS.
Without the consent of any Holders of Junior Subordinated Notes, the Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, for any of the following purposes:
(1) to evidence the succession of another corporation to the Company and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Company herein and in the Junior Subordinated Notes; or
(2) to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Junior Subordinated Notes (and if such covenants are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Junior Subordinated Notes, stating that such covenants are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series) or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Company; or
(3) to add any additional Events of Default; or
(4) to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture, to change or eliminate any restrictions on the payment of principal (or premium, if any) on Junior Subordinated Notes or to permit the issuance of Junior Subordinated Notes in uncertificated form, provided any such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Junior Subordinated Notes of any series in any material respect; or
(5) to change or eliminate any of the provisions of this Indenture with respect to any series of Junior Subordinated Notes theretofore unissued; or
(6) to secure the Junior Subordinated Notes; or
(7) to establish the form or terms of Junior Subordinated Notes of any series as permitted by Sections 201 and 301; or
(8) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor Trustee with respect to the Junior Subordinated Notes of one or more series and to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, pursuant to the requirements of Section 611(b); or
(9) to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision herein which may be inconsistent with any other provision herein, or to make provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this indenture, provided such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Junior Subordinated Notes of any series or holders of outstanding Trust Securities in any material respect; or
(10) subject to Section 903(a), to make any change in Article Thirteen that would limit or terminate the benefits available to any holder of Senior Indebtedness under such Article; or
(11) to modify, eliminate or add to the provisions of this Indenture to such extent as shall be necessary to effect the qualification of this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act or under any similar federal statute hereafter enacted, and to add to this Indenture such other provisions as may be expressly required by the Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 902. SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES WITH CONSENT OF HOLDERS.
With the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Junior Subordinated Notes of each series affected by such supplemental indenture, by Act of said Holders delivered to the Company and the Trustee, the Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee may enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of Junior Subordinated Notes of such series under this Indenture; provided, however, that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Junior Subordinated Note affected thereby,
(1) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any installment of principal of or interest on, any Junior Subordinated Note, or reduce the principal amount thereof or the rate of interest (including Additional Interest) thereon or any premium payable upon the redemption thereof, or change the method of calculating the rate of interest thereon, or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the Stated Maturity thereof (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the Redemption Date), or
(2) reduce the percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Junior Subordinated Notes of any series, the consent of whose Holders is required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose Holders is required for any waiver (of compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture or certain defaults hereunder and their consequences) provided for in this Indenture, or
(3) modify any of the provisions of this Section 902, Section
513 or Section 1008, except to increase any such percentage or to
provide that certain other provisions of this Indenture cannot be
modified or waived without the consent of the Holder of each
Outstanding Junior Subordinated Note affected thereby, provided,
however, that this clause shall not be deemed to require the consent of
any Holder of a Junior Subordinated Note with respect to changes in the
references to "the Trustee" and concomitant changes in this Section and
Section 1008, or the deletion of this proviso, in accordance with the
requirements of Sections 611(b) and 901(8), or
(4) modify the provisions of this Indenture with respect to the subordination of the Junior Subordinated Notes in a manner adverse to such Holder.
SECTION 903. GENERAL PROVISIONS REGARDING SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
(a) A supplemental indenture entered into pursuant to Section 901 or
Section 902 may not make any change that adversely affects the rights under
Article Thirteen of any holder of Senior Indebtedness then outstanding unless
the holders of such Senior Indebtedness (or any group or representative thereof
authorized to give a consent) consent to such change.
(b) A supplemental indenture which changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of this Indenture which has expressly been included solely for the benefit of one or more particular series of Junior Subordinated Notes, or which modifies the rights of the Holders of Junior Subordinated Notes of such series with respect to such covenant or other provision, shall be deemed not to affect the rights under this Indenture of the Holders of Junior Subordinated Notes of any other series.
(c) It shall not be necessary for any Act of Holders of Junior Subordinated Notes under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such Act or action shall approve the substance thereof.
SECTION 904. EXECUTION OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES.
In executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any supplemental indenture permitted by this Article or the modifications thereby of the trusts created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 601) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture. The Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such supplemental indenture which affects the Trustee's own rights, duties, immunities or liabilities under this Indenture or otherwise.
SECTION 905. EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES.
Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article, this Indenture shall be modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental indenture shall form a part of this Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder of Junior Subordinated Notes theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder shall be bound thereby.
SECTION 906. CONFORMITY WITH TRUST INDENTURE ACT.
Every supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article shall conform to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 907. REFERENCE IN JUNIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES TO SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES.
Junior Subordinated Notes of any series authenticated and delivered after the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article may, and shall if required by the Trustee, bear a notation in form approved by the Trustee as to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Company shall so determine, new Junior Subordinated Notes of any series so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Trustee and the Company, to any such supplemental indenture may be prepared and executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in exchange for Outstanding Junior Subordinated Notes of such series.
ARTICLE TEN
COVENANTS
SECTION 1001. PAYMENT OF PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST.
The Company covenants and agrees for the benefit of each series of Junior Subordinated Notes that it will duly and punctually pay the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, including Additional Interest (subject to the right of the Company to extend an interest payment period pursuant to the terms of a supplemental indenture authorizing the Junior Subordinated Notes of that series), on the Junior Subordinated Notes of that series in accordance with the terms of the Junior Subordinated Notes and this Indenture.
SECTION 1002. MAINTENANCE OF OFFICE OR AGENCY.
The Company or its Affiliate will maintain an office or agency where Junior Subordinated Notes of each series may be presented or surrendered for payment, where Junior Subordinated Notes of that series may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Junior Subordinated Notes of that series and this Indenture may be served. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency. If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency in respect of any series of Junior Subordinated Notes or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations and surrenders of Junior Subordinated Notes of that series may be made and notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and the Company hereby appoints the Trustee as its agent to receive such respective presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.
The Company may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the Junior Subordinated Notes of one or more series may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency.
SECTION 1003. MONEY FOR JUNIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES PAYMENTS TO BE HELD IN TRUST.
If the Company or one of its Affiliates shall at any time act as its own Paying Agent with respect to any series of Junior Subordinated Notes, it will, on or before each due date of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest (including Additional Interest, if any) on any of the Junior Subordinated Notes of that series, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto a sum sufficient to pay the principal (and premium, if any) or interest (including Additional Interest, if any) so becoming due until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided and will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act.
Whenever the Company shall have one or more Paying Agents for any series of Junior Subordinated Notes, it will, prior to each due date of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest (including Additional Interest, if any) on any Junior Subordinated Notes of that series, deposit with a Paying Agent a sum sufficient to pay the principal (and premium, if any) or interest (including Additional Interest, if any) so becoming due, such sum to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such principal, premium or interest (including Additional Interest, if any), and (unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the Company will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act.
The Company will cause each Paying Agent for any series of Junior Subordinated Notes other than the Trustee to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section, that such Paying Agent will:
(1) hold all sums held by it for the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest (including Additional Interest, if any) on Junior Subordinated Notes of that series in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided;
(2) give the Trustee notice of any default by the Company (or any other obligor upon the Junior Subordinated Notes of that series) in the making of any payment of principal of (and premium, if any) or interest (including Additional Interest, if any) on the Junior Subordinated Notes of that series; and
(3) at any time during the continuance of any such default, upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums so held in trust by such Paying Agent.
The Company may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or by Company Order direct any Paying Agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums held in trust by the Company or such Paying Agent, such sums to be held by the Trustee upon the same trusts as those upon which such sums were held by the Company or such Paying Agent; and, upon such payment by any Paying Agent to the Trustee, such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such money.
Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest (including Additional Interest, if any) on any Junior Subordinated Note of any series and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal (and premium, if any) or interest (including Additional Interest, if any) has become due and payable shall be paid to the Company on Company Request, or (if then held by the Company) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Junior Subordinated Note shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Company as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease; provided, however, that the Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, may at the expense of the Company cause to be published once, in a newspaper of general circulation in New York City notice that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which shall not be less than 30 days from the date of such publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining will be repaid to the Company.
SECTION 1004. ADDITIONAL INTEREST.
If the Junior Subordinated Notes of a series provide for the payment of Additional Interest (for purposes of this Section 1004, as defined in clause (i) of the definition thereof) to the Holders of such Junior Subordinated Notes, then the Company shall pay to each Holder of such Securities the Additional Interest as provided therein.
Except as otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture, if the Junior Subordinated Notes of a series provide for the payment of Additional Interest, at least 10 days prior to the first Interest Payment Date with respect to that series of Junior Subordinated Notes upon which such Additional Interest shall be payable (or, if the Junior Subordinated Notes of that series shall not bear interest prior to Maturity, the first day on which a payment of principal and any premium is made), and at least 10 days prior to each date of payment of principal and any premium or interest if there has been any change with respect to the matters set forth in the below-mentioned Officers' Certificate, the Company will furnish the Trustee and the Company's Paying Agents, if other than the Trustee or the Company, with an Officers' Certificate stating the amount of the Additional Interest payable per minimum authorized denomination of such Junior Subordinated Notes (and, if such Additional Interest is payable only with respect to particular Junior Subordinated Notes, then the names of the Holders of such Junior Subordinated Notes).
SECTION 1005. CORPORATE EXISTENCE.
Subject to Article Eight, the Company will do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence and the rights (charter and statutory) and franchises of the Company; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to preserve any such right or franchise if the Board of Directors shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Company, and that the loss thereof is not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.
SECTION 1006. LIMITATIONS ON DIVIDEND AND CERTAIN OTHER PAYMENTS.
The Company covenants, for the benefit of the Holders of each series of Junior Subordinated Notes, that, subject to the next succeeding sentence, (a) the Company shall not declare or pay any dividend or make any distributions with respect to, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of its capital stock, and (b) the Company shall not make any payment of interest, principal or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities (including guarantees) issued by the Company which rank pari passu with or junior to the Junior Subordinated Notes, (a) if at such time the Company shall have given notice of its election to extend an interest payment period for such series of Junior Subordinated Notes and such extension shall be continuing, (b) if at such time the Company shall be in default with respect to its payment or other obligations under the Guarantee with respect to the series of Trust Securities, if any, related to such series of Junior Subordinated Notes, or (c) if at such time an Event of Default hereunder with respect to such series of Junior Subordinated Notes shall have occurred and be continuing. The preceding sentence, however, shall not restrict (i) any of the actions described in the preceding sentence resulting from any reclassification of the Company's capital stock or the exchange or conversion of one class or series of the Company's capital stock for another class or series of the Company's capital stock, or (ii) the purchase of fractional interests in shares of the Company's capital stock pursuant to the conversion or exchange provisions of such capital stock or the security being converted or exchanged.
SECTION 1007. STATEMENT AS TO COMPLIANCE.
(a) The Company shall deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, a written statement, which need not comply with Section 102, signed by the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer or the principal accounting officer of the Company, as to his or her knowledge of the Company's compliance with all conditions and covenants under this Indenture. For purposes of this Section 1007, such compliance shall be determined without regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice under this Indenture.
(b) The Company shall deliver to the Trustee, no later than the Business Day on which the event occurs, written notice of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of a Securities Trust if such liquidation, dissolution or winding-up would occur earlier than the Stated Maturity of the Junior Subordinated Notes owned by such Securities Trust.
(c) The Company shall deliver to the Trustee, within five days after the occurrence thereof, written notice of any event which after notice or lapse of time or both would become an Event of Default pursuant to Section 501.
SECTION 1008. WAIVER OF CERTAIN COVENANTS.
The Company may omit in any particular instance to comply with any term, provision or condition set forth in Sections 1005 and 1006 with respect to the Junior Subordinated Notes of any series if before the time for such compliance the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Junior Subordinated Notes of such series shall, by Act of such Holders, either waive such compliance in such instance or generally waive compliance with such term, provision or condition, but no such waiver shall extend to or affect such term, provision or condition except to the extent so expressly waived, and, until such waiver shall become effective, the obligations of the Company and the duties of the Trustee in respect of any such term, provision or condition shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 1009. COVENANTS REGARDING TRUST.
For so long as the Trust Securities remain outstanding, the Company
covenants (i) to directly or indirectly maintain 100% ownership of the Common
Securities (as defined in the Trust Agreement relating to such securities) of
the Trust; provided, however, that any permitted successor of the Company
hereunder may succeed to the Company's ownership of such Common Securities, and
(ii) to use its reasonable efforts to cause the Trust (a) to remain a statutory
business trust, except in connection with the distribution of Junior
Subordinated Notes to the holders of Trust Securities in liquidation of the
Trust, the redemption of all of the Trust Securities of the Trust, or certain
mergers, consolidations or amalgamations, each as permitted under the Trust
Agreement, and (b) to otherwise continue to be classified as a grantor trust for
United States federal income tax purposes.
ARTICLE ELEVEN
REDEMPTION OF JUNIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES
SECTION 1101. APPLICABILITY OF ARTICLE.
Junior Subordinated Notes of any series which are redeemable before their Stated Maturity shall be redeemable in accordance with their terms and (except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Junior Subordinated Notes of any series) in accordance with this Article.
SECTION 1102. ELECTION TO REDEEM; NOTICE TO TRUSTEE.
The election of the Company to redeem any Junior Subordinated Notes shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution. In case of any redemption at the election of the Company of all of the Junior Subordinated Notes of any series, the Company shall, at least 60 days prior to the Redemption Date fixed by the Company (unless a shorter notice shall be satisfactory to the Trustee and the related Property Trustee), notify the Trustee and the related Property Trustee in writing of such Redemption Date. In case of any redemption at the election of the Company of less than all the Junior Subordinated Notes of any series, the Company shall, at least 60 days prior to the Redemption Date fixed by the Company (unless a shorter notice shall be satisfactory to the Trustee and the related Property Trustee), notify the Trustee and the related Property Trustee in writing of such Redemption Date and of the principal amount of Junior Subordinated Notes of such series to be redeemed. In the case of any redemption of Junior Subordinated Notes (i) prior to the expiration of any restriction on such redemption provided in the terms of such Junior Subordinated Notes or elsewhere in this Indenture, or (ii) pursuant to an election of the Company which is subject to a condition specified in the terms of such Junior Subordinated Notes, the Company shall furnish the Trustee with an Officers' Certificate evidencing compliance with such restriction or condition.
SECTION 1103. SELECTION BY TRUSTEE OF JUNIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES TO BE REDEEMED.
If the Junior Subordinated Notes are registered in the name of only one Holder, any partial redemptions shall be pro rata. If the Junior Subordinated Notes are held in definitive form by more than one Holder and if less than all the Junior Subordinated Notes of any series are to be redeemed, the particular Junior Subordinated Notes to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee, from the Outstanding Junior Subordinated Notes of such series not previously called for redemption, by lot or other such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate and which may provide for the selection for redemption of portions (equal to the minimum authorized denomination for Junior Subordinated Notes of that series or any integral multiple thereof) of the principal amount of Junior Subordinated Notes of such series of a denomination larger than the minimum authorized denomination for Junior Subordinated Notes of that series.
The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the Junior Subordinated Notes selected for redemption and, in the case of any Junior Subordinated Notes 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 Junior Subordinated Notes shall relate, in the case of any Junior Subordinated Notes redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the principal amount of such Junior Subordinated Notes which has been or is to be redeemed.
SECTION 1104. NOTICE OF REDEMPTION.
Notice of redemption shall be given in the manner provided in Section 106 to the Holders of Junior Subordinated Notes to be redeemed not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date.
All notices of redemption shall state:
(1) the Redemption Date,
(2) the Redemption Price,
(3) if less than all the Outstanding Junior Subordinated Notes of any series are to be redeemed, the identification (and, in the case of partial redemption, the principal amounts) of the particular Junior Subordinated Notes to be redeemed,
(4) that on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price will become due and payable upon each such Junior Subordinated Note to be redeemed and, if applicable, that interest thereon will cease to accrue on and after said date,
(5) the place or places where such Junior Subordinated Notes are to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price, and
(6) that the redemption is for a sinking fund, if such is the case.
Notice of redemption of Junior Subordinated Notes to be redeemed at the election of the Company shall be given by the Company or, at the Company's request, by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company.
SECTION 1105. DEPOSIT OF REDEMPTION PRICE.
Except as otherwise provided in a supplemental indenture pursuant to
Section 301, prior to any Redemption Date, the Company shall deposit with the
Trustee or with a Paying Agent (or, if the Company or its Affiliate is acting as
its own Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 1003)
an amount of money sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of and accrued
interest, if any, on all the Junior Subordinated Notes which are to be redeemed
on that date.
SECTION 1106. JUNIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES PAYABLE ON REDEMPTION DATE
Notice of redemption having been given as aforesaid, the Junior Subordinated Notes so to be redeemed shall, on the Redemption Date, become due and payable at the Redemption Price therein specified together with any accrued interest (including any Additional Interest) thereon, and from and after such date (unless the Company shall default in the payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest) such Junior Subordinated Notes shall cease to bear interest. Upon surrender of any such Junior Subordinated Note for redemption in accordance with such notice, such Junior Subordinated Note shall be paid by the Company at the Redemption Price, together with accrued interest, if any, and any Additional Interest to the Redemption Date; provided, however, that, except as otherwise provided in a supplemental indenture pursuant to Section 301, installments of interest on Junior Subordinated Notes whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Redemption Date shall be payable to the Holders of such Junior Subordinated Notes, or one or more Predecessor Securities, registered as such at the close of business on the relevant Record Dates according to their terms and the provisions of Section 305.
If any Junior Subordinated Note called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender thereof for redemption, the principal (and premium, if any) shall, until paid, bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate prescribed therefor in the Junior Subordinated Note.
SECTION 1107. JUNIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES REDEEMED IN PART.
Any Junior Subordinated Note that is to be redeemed only in part shall be surrendered at an office or agency of the Company therefor (with, if the Company or the Trustee so requires, due endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing), and the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Junior Subordinated Note without service charge, a new Junior Subordinated Note of the same series, Stated Maturity and original issue date of any authorized denomination as requested by such Holder, in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Junior Subordinated Note so surrendered.
ARTICLE TWELVE
SINKING FUNDS
SECTION 1201. APPLICABILITY OF ARTICLE.
The provisions of this Article shall be applicable to any sinking fund for the retirement of Junior Subordinated Notes of a series except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Junior Subordinated Notes of such series.
The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of Junior Subordinated Notes of any series is herein referred to as a "mandatory sinking fund payment", and any payment in excess of such minimum amount provided for by the terms of Junior Subordinated Notes of any series is herein referred to as an "optional sinking fund payment". If provided for by the terms of Junior Subordinated Notes of any series, the cash amount of any sinking fund payment may be subject to reduction as provided in Section 1202. Each sinking fund payment shall be applied to the redemption of Junior Subordinated Notes of any series as provided for by the terms of Junior Subordinated Notes of such series.
SECTION 1202. SATISFACTION OF SINKING FUND PAYMENTS WITH JUNIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES.
The Company (1) may deliver Outstanding Junior Subordinated Notes of a series (other than any previously called for redemption), and (2) may apply as a credit Junior Subordinated Notes of a series which have been redeemed either at the election of the Company pursuant to the terms of such Junior Subordinated Notes or through the application of permitted optional sinking fund payments pursuant to the terms of such Junior Subordinated Notes, in each case in satisfaction of all or any part of any sinking fund payment with respect to the Junior Subordinated Notes of such series required to be made pursuant to the terms of such Junior Subordinated Notes as provided for by the terms of such series; provided that such Junior Subordinated Notes have not been previously so credited. Such Junior Subordinated Notes shall be received and credited for such purpose by the Trustee at the Redemption Price specified in such Junior Subordinated Notes for redemption through operation of the sinking fund and the amount of such sinking fund payment shall be reduced accordingly.
SECTION 1203. REDEMPTION OF JUNIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES FOR SINKING FUND.
Not less than 60 days prior to each sinking fund payment date for any series of Junior Subordinated Notes, the Company will deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate specifying the amount of the next ensuing sinking fund payment for that series pursuant to the terms of that series, the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by payment of cash and the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by delivering and crediting Junior Subordinated Notes of that series pursuant to Section 1202 and stating the basis for such credit and that such Junior Subordinated Notes have not previously been so credited and will also deliver to the Trustee any Junior Subordinated Notes to be so delivered. Not less than 30 days before each such sinking fund payment date the Trustee shall select the Junior Subordinated Notes to be redeemed upon such sinking fund payment date in the manner specified in Section 1103 and cause notice of the redemption thereof to be given in the name of and at the expense of the Company in the manner provided in Section 1104. Such notice having been duly given, the redemption of such Junior Subordinated Notes shall be made upon the terms and in the manner stated in Sections 1106 and 1107.
ARTICLE THIRTEEN
SUBORDINATION
SECTION 1301. JUNIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES SUBORDINATE TO SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS.
The Company covenants and agrees, and each Holder of a Junior Subordinated Note, by his acceptance thereof, likewise covenants and agrees, that, to the extent and in the manner hereinafter set forth in this Article (subject to Article Four), the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest (including Additional Interest) on each and all of the Junior Subordinated Notes are hereby expressly made subordinate and subject in right of payment to the prior payment in full in cash of all Senior Indebtedness.
The Junior Subordinated Notes will rank pari passu with any and all junior subordinated notes issued pursuant to that certain indenture dated as of January 1, 1996, between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank (formerly known as Chemical Bank), as trustee.
SECTION 1302. PAYMENT OF PROCEEDS UPON DISSOLUTION, ETC.
Upon any payment or distribution of assets of the Company to creditors upon any liquidation, dissolution, winding-up, reorganization, assignment for the benefit of creditors, marshalling of assets or liabilities or any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceedings of the Company (each such event, if any, referred to as a "Proceeding"), the holders of Senior Indebtedness shall be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due on or to become due on or in respect of all Senior Indebtedness (including any interest accruing thereon after the commencement of any such Proceeding, whether or not allowed as a claim against the Company in such Proceeding), before the Holders of the Junior Subordinated Notes are entitled to receive any payment or distribution (excluding any payment described in Section 1309) on account of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest (including Additional Interest, if any) on the Junior Subordinated Notes or on account of any purchase, redemption or other acquisition of Junior Subordinated Notes by the Company (all such payments, distributions, purchases, redemptions and acquisitions, whether or not in connection with a Proceeding, herein referred to, individually and collectively, as a "Payment").
In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, any payment or distribution of assets of the Company of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, prohibited by the foregoing shall be received by the Trustee or the Holders of the Junior Subordinated Notes before all Senior Indebtedness 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 or to the trustee or trustees under any indenture pursuant to which any instruments evidencing any such Senior Indebtedness may have been issued, as their respective interests may appear, as calculated by the Company, for application to the payment of all Senior Indebtedness remaining unpaid to the extent necessary to pay all Senior Indebtedness in full 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, "assets of the Company" shall not be
deemed to include shares of stock of the Company as reorganized or readjusted,
or securities of the Company or any other corporation provided for by a plan of
reorganization or readjustment, the payment of which is subordinated at least to
the extent provided in this Article with respect to the Junior Subordinated
Notes to the payment of all Senior Indebtedness that may at the time be
outstanding, provided, however, that (i) the Senior Indebtedness 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 are
not, without the consent of such holders, altered by such reorganization or
readjustment. The consolidation of the Company with, or the merger of the
Company into, another corporation or the liquidation or dissolution of the
Company 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 Eight hereof shall not be deemed a
dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization for the purposes of this
Section 1302 if such other corporation shall, as a part of such consolidation,
merger, conveyance or transfer, comply with the conditions stated in Article
Eight hereof. Nothing in Section 1303 or in this Section 1302 shall apply to
claims of, or payments to, the Trustee under or pursuant to Section 607.
SECTION 1303. NO PAYMENT WHEN SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS IN DEFAULT
No payment of any principal, including redemption payments, if any, premium, if any, or interest on (including Additional Interest) the Junior Subordinated Notes shall be made if
(i) any Senior Indebtedness is not paid when due whether at the stated maturity of any such payment or by call for redemption and any applicable grace period with respect to such default has ended, with such default remaining uncured and such default has not been waived or otherwise ceased to exist;
(ii)the maturity of any Senior Indebtedness has been accelerated because of a default; or
(iii) notice has been given of the exercise of an option to require repayment, mandatory payment or prepayment or otherwise.
In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall make any Payment to the Trustee or any Holder prohibited by the foregoing provisions of this Section, then in such event such Payment shall be held in trust and paid over and delivered forthwith to the holders of the Senior Indebtedness.
The provisions of this Section shall not apply to any Payment with respect to which Section 1302 hereof would be applicable.
SECTION 1304. PAYMENT PERMITTED IF NO DEFAULT.
Nothing contained in this Article or elsewhere in this Indenture or in any of the Junior Subordinated Notes shall prevent the Company, at any time except during the pendency of any Proceeding referred to in Section 1302 hereof or under the conditions described in Section 1303 hereof, from making Payments. Nothing in this Article shall have any effect on the right of the Holders or the Trustee to accelerate the maturity of the Junior Subordinated Notes upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, but, in that event, no payment may be made in violation of the provisions of this Article with respect to the Junior Subordinated Notes. If payment of the Junior Subordinated Notes is accelerated because of an Event of Default, the Company shall promptly notify the holders of the Senior Indebtedness (or their representatives) of such acceleration.
SECTION 1305. SUBROGATION TO RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS.
The rights of the Holders of the Junior Subordinated Notes shall be subrogated to the rights of the holders of such Senior Indebtedness to receive payments and distributions of cash, property and securities applicable to the Senior Indebtedness until the principal of, premium, if any, and interest (including Additional Interest) on the Junior Subordinated Notes shall be paid in full. For purposes of such subrogation, no payments or distributions to the holders of the Senior Indebtedness of any cash, property or securities to which the Holders of the Junior Subordinated Notes or the Trustee would be entitled except for the provisions of this Article, and no payments pursuant to the provisions of this Article to the holders of Senior Indebtedness by Holders of the Junior Subordinated Notes or the Trustee, shall, as among the Company, its creditors other than holders of Senior Indebtedness and the Holders of the Junior Subordinated Notes, be deemed to be a payment or distribution by the Company to or on account of the Senior Indebtedness.
SECTION 1306. PROVISIONS SOLELY TO DEFINE RELATIVE RIGHTS.
The provisions of this Article are and are intended solely for the purpose of defining the relative rights of the Holders on the one hand and the holders of Senior Indebtedness on the other hand. Nothing contained in this Article or elsewhere in this Indenture or in the Junior Subordinated Notes is intended to or shall (a) impair, as among the Company, its creditors other than holders of Senior Indebtedness and the Holders of the Junior Subordinated Notes, the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional (and which, subject to the rights under this Article of the holders of Senior Indebtedness, is intended to rank equally with all other general obligations of the Company), to pay to the Holders of the Junior Subordinated Notes the principal of, premium, if any, and interest (including Additional Interest) on the Junior Subordinated Notes as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with their terms; or (b) affect the relative rights against the Company of the Holders of the Junior Subordinated Notes and creditors of the Company other than the holders of Senior Indebtedness; or (c) prevent the Trustee or the Holder of any Junior Subordinated Note from exercising all remedies otherwise permitted by applicable law upon default under this Indenture, subject to the rights, if any, under this Article of the holders of Senior Indebtedness to receive cash, property and securities otherwise payable or deliverable to the Trustee or such Holder or, under the conditions specified in Section 1303, to prevent any payment prohibited by such Section or enforce their rights pursuant to the penultimate paragraph in Section 1303.
SECTION 1307. TRUSTEE TO EFFECTUATE SUBORDINATION.
Each Holder of a Junior Subordinated Note by his acceptance thereof authorizes and directs the Trustee on his behalf to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination provided in this Article and appoints the Trustee his attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes, including, in the event of any dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization of the Company, whether in bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership proceedings, or otherwise, the timely filing of a claim for the unpaid balance of the indebtedness of the Company owing to such Holder in the form required in such proceedings and the causing of such claim to be approved.
SECTION 1308. NO WAIVER OF SUBORDINATION PROVISIONS.
No right of any present or future holder of any Senior Indebtedness to enforce the subordination provisions provided herein shall at any time in any way be prejudiced or impaired by any act or failure to act on the part of the Company or by any act or any failure to act, in good faith, by any such holder, or by any noncompliance by the Company with the terms, provisions and covenants of this Indenture, regardless of any knowledge thereof any such holder may have or be otherwise charged with.
Without in any way limiting the generality of the foregoing paragraph, the holders of Senior Indebtedness may, at any time and from time to time, without the consent of or notice to the Trustee or the Holders of the Junior Subordinated Notes, without incurring responsibility to the Holders of the Junior Subordinated Notes and without impairing or releasing the subordination provided in this Article or the obligations hereunder of the Holders of the Junior Subordinated Notes to the holders of Senior Indebtedness, do any one or more of the following: (i) change the manner, place or terms of payment or extend the time of payment of, or renew or alter, Senior Indebtedness, or otherwise amend or supplement in any manner Senior Indebtedness or any instrument evidencing the same or any agreement under which Senior Indebtedness is outstanding; (ii) permit the Company to borrow, repay and then reborrow any or all of the Senior Indebtedness; (iii) sell, exchange, release or otherwise deal with any property pledged, mortgaged or otherwise securing Senior Indebtedness; (iv) release any Person liable in any manner for the collection of Senior Indebtedness; (v) exercise or refrain from exercising any rights against the Company and any other Person; or (vi) apply any sums received by them to Senior Indebtedness.
SECTION 1309. TRUST MONEYS NOT SUBORDINATED.
Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, payments from money held in trust by the Trustee under Article Four for the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest (including Additional Interest) on any series of Junior Subordinated Notes shall not be subordinated to the prior payment of any Senior Indebtedness or subject to the restrictions set forth in this Article and no Holder of such Junior Subordinated Notes nor the Trustee shall be obligated to pay over such amount to the Company, any holder of Senior Indebtedness (or a designated representative of such holder) or any other creditor of the Company.
SECTION 1310. NOTICE TO THE TRUSTEE.
The Company shall give prompt written notice to a Responsible Officer of the Trustee of any fact known to the Company that would prohibit the making of any payment of monies to or by the Trustee in respect of the Junior Subordinated Notes pursuant to the provisions of this Article. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article or any other provision of this Indenture, the Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of the existence of any facts that would prohibit the making of any payment of monies to or by the Trustee in respect of the Junior Subordinated Notes pursuant to the provisions of this Article 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 Company 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 601, shall be entitled in all respects to assume that no such facts exist; provided, however, that if the Trustee shall not have received the notice provided for in this Section 1310 at least two Business Days prior to the date upon which, by the terms hereof, any money may become payable for any purpose (including, without limitation, the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any Junior Subordinated Note), then, anything herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall have full power and authority to receive such money and to apply the same to the purposes for which they were received, and shall not be affected by any notice to the contrary that may be received by it within two Business Days prior to such date.
The Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 601, shall be entitled to rely on the delivery to it of a written notice by a Person representing himself to be a holder of Senior Indebtedness (or a trustee on behalf of such holder) to establish that such notice has been given by a holder of Senior Indebtedness 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 to participate in any payment or distribution pursuant to this Article, the Trustee may request such Person to furnish evidence to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee as to the amount of Senior Indebtedness held by such Person, the extent to which such Person is entitled to participate in such payment or distribution and any other facts pertinent to the rights of such Person under this Article, and if such evidence is not furnished the Trustee may defer any payment to such Person pending judicial determination as to the right of such Person to receive such payment.
SECTION 1311. RELIANCE ON JUDICIAL ORDER OR CERTIFICATE OF LIQUIDATING AGENT.
Upon any payment or distribution of assets of the Company referred to in this Article, the Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 601 hereof, and the Holders of the Junior Subordinated Notes shall be entitled to rely upon any order or decree entered by any court of competent jurisdiction in which such Proceeding is pending, or a certificate of the trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, liquidating trustee, custodian, assignee for the benefit of creditors, agent or other Person making such payment or distribution, delivered to the Trustee or to the Holders of Junior Subordinated Notes, for the purpose of ascertaining the Persons entitled to participate in such payment or distribution, the holders of the Senior Indebtedness, the amount thereof or payable thereon, the amount or amounts paid or distributed thereon and all other facts pertinent thereto or to this Article, provided that the foregoing shall apply only if such court has been apprised of the provisions of this Article.
SECTION 1312. TRUSTEE NOT FIDUCIARY FOR HOLDERS OF SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS
Subject to the provisions of Section 601, the Trustee shall not be deemed to owe any fiduciary duty to the holders of Senior Indebtedness and shall not be liable to any such holders if it shall in good faith mistakenly pay over or distribute to Holders of Junior Subordinated Notes or to the Company or to any other Person cash, property or securities to which any holders of Senior Indebtedness shall be entitled by virtue of this Article or otherwise.
SECTION 1313. RIGHTS OF TRUSTEE AS HOLDER OF SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS; PRESERVATION OF TRUSTEE'S RIGHTS.
The Trustee in its individual capacity shall be entitled to all the rights set forth in this Article with respect to any Senior Indebtedness which may at any time be held by it, to the same extent as any other holder of Senior Indebtedness, and nothing in this Indenture shall deprive the Trustee of any of its rights as such holder.
Nothing in this Article shall apply to claims of, or payments to, the Trustee under or pursuant to Section 607 hereof.
SECTION 1314. ARTICLE APPLICABLE TO PAYING AGENTS.
In case at any time any Paying Agent other than the Trustee (or the Company or an Affiliate of the Company) shall have been appointed by the Company and be then acting hereunder, the term "Trustee" as used in this Article shall in such case (unless the context otherwise requires) be construed as extending to and including such Paying Agent within its meaning as fully for all intents and purposes as if such Paying Agent were named in this Article in addition to or in place of the Trustee.
SECTION 1315. RELIANCE BY HOLDERS OF SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS ON SUBORDINATION PROVISIONS.
Each Holder by accepting a Junior Subordinated Note acknowledges and agrees that the foregoing subordination provisions are, and are intended to be, an inducement and a consideration to each holder of any Senior Indebtedness, whether such Senior Indebtedness was created or acquired before or after the issuance of the Junior Subordinated Notes, to acquire and continue to hold, or to continue to hold, such Senior Indebtedness and such holder of Senior Indebtedness shall be deemed conclusively to have relied on such subordination provisions in acquiring and continuing to hold, or to continue to hold, such Senior Indebtedness.
ARTICLE FOURTEEN
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
SECTION 1401. NO RECOURSE AGAINST OTHERS.
An incorporator or any past, present or future director, officer, employee or stockholder, as such, of the Company shall not have any liability for any obligations of the Company under the Junior Subordinated Notes or this Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligations or their creation. By accepting a Junior Subordinated Note, each Holder shall waive and release all such liability. Such waiver and release shall be part of the consideration for the issue of the Junior Subordinated Notes.
SECTION 1402. SET-OFF.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture or in any Junior Subordinated Note of any series, prior to the dissolution of any Securities Trust that has issued Trust Securities related to a series of Junior Subordinated Notes, the Company shall have the right to set-off and apply against any payment it is otherwise required to make hereunder or thereunder with respect to the principal of or interest (including any Additional Interest) on the Junior Subordinated Notes of such series with and to the extent the Company has theretofore made, or is concurrently on the date of such payment making, a payment with respect to the Trust Securities of the series related to such series of Junior Subordinated Notes under the applicable Guarantee. Contemporaneously with, or as promptly as practicable after, any such payment under such Guarantee, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate (upon which the Trustee shall be entitled to rely conclusively without any requirement to investigate the facts contained therein) to the effect that such payment has been made and that, as a result of such payment, the corresponding payment under the related series of Junior Subordinated Notes has been set-off in accordance with this Section 1402.
SECTION 1403. ASSIGNMENT; BINDING EFFECT.
The Company shall have the right at all times to assign any of its rights or obligations under this Indenture to a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, provided that, in the event of any such assignment, the Company shall remain primarily liable for the performance of all such obligations. This Indenture may also be assigned by the Company in connection with a transaction described in Article Eight. This Indenture shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company, the Trustee, the Holders, any Security Registrar, Paying Agent, and Authenticating Agent and, to the extent specifically set forth herein, the holders of Senior Indebtedness and their respective successors and assigns. The provisions of clause (2) of Section 508 and Section 1006 are for the benefit of the holders of the series of Trust Securities referred to therein and, prior to the dissolution of the related Securities Trust, may be enforced by such holders. A holder of a Trust Security shall not have the right, as such a holder, to enforce any other provision of this Indenture.
SECTION 1404. ADDITIONAL INTEREST.
Whenever there is mentioned in this Indenture, in any context, the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on, or in respect of, any Junior Subordinated Note of any series, such mention shall be deemed to include mention of the payment of Additional Interest provided for by the terms of such series of Junior Subordinated Notes to the extent that, in such context, Additional Interest is, were or would be payable in respect thereof pursuant to such terms, and express mention of the payment of Additional Interest in any provisions hereof shall not be construed as excluding Additional Interest in those provisions hereof where such express mention is not made.
This instrument may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed, and their respective corporate seals to be hereunto affixed and attested, all as of the day and year first above written.
ALABAMA POWER COMPANY
By
Art P. Beattie
Vice President, Secretary
and Treasurer
Wayne Boston
Assistant Secretary
THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK
Trustee
By
L. O'Brien
Senior Trust Officer
Attest:
Senior Trust Officer
STATE OF NEW YORK ) ) SS.: CITY OF NEW YORK ) |
On the 15th day of January, 1997, before me personally came Art P. Beattie, to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he is Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer of Alabama Power Company, one of the corporations described herein and which executed the foregoing instrument; that he knows the seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to said instrument is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by authority of the Board of Directors of said corporation, and that he signed his name thereto by like authority.
Notary Public
[SEAL]
My Commission Expires:
STATE OF NEW YORK ) ) SS.: CITY OF NEW YORK ) |
On the 15th day of January, 1997, before me personally came L. O'Brien, to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he is a Senior Trust Officer of The Chase Manhattan Bank, one of the corporations described herein and which executed the foregoing instrument; that he knows the seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to said instrument is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by authority of the Board of Directors of said corporation, and that he signed his name thereto by like authority.
Notary Public
[SEAL]
My Commission Expires:
EXHIBIT 4.2
ALABAMA POWER COMPANY
TO
THE CHASE MANHATTTAN BANK,
TRUSTEE.
FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
DATED AS OF JANUARY 1, 1997
$206,185,575
SERIES B 7.60% JUNIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES
DUE DECEMBER 31, 2036
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE ARTICLE 1.................................................................1 SECTION 101. Establishment................................................1 SECTION 102. Definitions..................................................2 SECTION 103. Payment of Principal and Interest............................3 SECTION 104. Deferral of Interest Payments................................5 SECTION 105. Denominations................................................6 SECTION 106. Global Securities............................................6 SECTION 107. Transfer.....................................................7 SECTION 108. Redemption...................................................7 ARTICLE 2.................................................................8 SECTION 201. Recitals by Company..........................................8 SECTION 202. Ratification and Incorporation of Original Indenture.........8 SECTION 203. Executed in Counterparts.....................................8 SECTION 204. Listing of Notes.............................................9 |
THIS FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE is made as of the 1st day of January, 1997, by and between ALABAMA POWER COMPANY, an Alabama corporation, 600 North 18th Street, Birmingham, Alabama 35291 (the "Company"), and THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, a New York banking corporation, 450 West 33rd Street, New York, New York 10001 (the "Trustee").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Company has heretofore entered into a Subordinated Note Indenture, dated as of January 1, 1997 (the "Original Indenture") with The Chase Manhattan Bank;
WHEREAS, the Original Indenture is incorporated herein by this reference and the Original Indenture, as supplemented by this First Supplemental Indenture, is herein called the "Indenture";
WHEREAS, under the Original Indenture, a new series of Junior Subordinated Notes may at any time be established by the Board of Directors of the Company in accordance with the provisions of the Original Indenture and the terms of such series may be described by a supplemental indenture executed by the Company and the Trustee;
WHEREAS, the Company proposes to create under the Indenture a new series of Junior Subordinated Notes;
WHEREAS, additional Junior Subordinated Notes of other series hereafter established, except as may be limited in the Original Indenture as at the time supplemented and modified, may be issued from time to time pursuant to the Indenture as at the time supplemented and modified; and
WHEREAS, all conditions necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and recording of this First Supplemental Indenture and to make it a valid and binding obligation of the Company have been done or performed.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the agreements and obligations set forth herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
Series A Junior Subordinated Notes
SECTION 101. Establishment. There is hereby established a new series of Junior Subordinated Notes to be issued under the Indenture, to be designated as the Company's Series B 7.60% Junior Subordinated Notes due December 31, 2036 (the "Series B Notes").
There are to be authenticated and delivered $206,185,575 principal amount of Series B Notes, and no further Series B Notes shall be authenticated and delivered except as provided by Sections 203, 303, 304, 907 or 1107 of the Original Indenture. The Series B Notes shall be issued in definitive fully registered form.
The Series B Notes shall be in substantially the form set out in Exhibit A hereto. The entire principal amount of the Series B Notes shall initially be evidenced by one certificate issued to the Property Trustee of Alabama Power Capital Trust II.
The form of the Trustee's Certificate of Authentication for the Series B Notes shall be in substantially the form set forth in Exhibit B hereto.
Each Series B Note shall be dated the date of authentication thereof and shall bear interest from the date of original issuance thereof or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for.
SECTION 102. Definitions. The following defined terms used herein shall, unless the context otherwise requires, have the meanings specified below. Capitalized terms used herein for which no definition is provided herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Original Indenture.
"Deferred Interest" means each installment of interest not paid during any Extension Period, and interest thereon. Deferred installments of interest shall bear interest at the rate of 7.60% per annum from the applicable Interest Payment Date to the date of payment, compounded quarterly.
"Extension Period" means any period during which the Company has elected to defer payments of interest, which deferral may be for a period of up to twenty (20) consecutive quarters.
"Interest Payment Dates" means March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 of each year.
"Investment Company Act Event" means that the Company shall have received an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that, as a result of the occurrence of a change in law or regulation or a written change in interpretation or application of law or regulation by any legislative body, court, governmental agency or regulatory authority, there is more than an insubstantial risk that the Securities Trust is or will be considered an "investment company" that is required to be registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, which change becomes effective on or after the Original Issue Date.
"Original Issue Date" means January 16, 1997.
"Regular Record Date" means, with respect to each Interest Payment Date, the close of business on the 15th calendar day preceding such Interest Payment Date.
"Securities Trust" means Alabama Power Capital Trust II, a statutory business trust formed by the Company under Delaware law to issue Trust Securities, the proceeds of which will be used to purchase Series B Notes.
"Special Event" means an Investment Company Act Event or Tax Event.
"Stated Maturity" means December 31, 2036.
"Tax Event" means that the Company shall have received an Opinion of Counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that, as a result of (a) any amendment to, or change (including any announced prospective change) in, laws (or any regulations thereunder) of the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein or (b) any amendment to, or change in, an interpretation or application of such laws or regulations, there is more than an insubstantial risk that (i) the Securities Trust would be subject to United States federal income tax with respect to income accrued or received on the Series B Notes, (ii) interest payable to the Securities Trust on the Series B Notes would not be deductible by the Company for United States federal income tax purposes, or (iii) the Securities Trust would be subject to more than a de minimis amount of other taxes, duties or other governmental charges, which change or amendment becomes effective on or after the Original Issue Date.
SECTION 103. Payment of Principal and Interest. The unpaid principal
amount of the Series B Notes shall bear interest at the rate of 7.60% per annum
until paid or duly provided for.
Interest shall be paid quarterly in arrears on each Interest Payment Date to the
Person in whose name the Series B Notes are registered on the Regular Record
Date for such Interest Payment Date, provided that interest payable at the
Stated Maturity of principal or on a Redemption Date as provided herein will be
paid to the Person to whom principal is payable. So long as an Extension Period
is not occurring, any such interest that is not so punctually paid or duly
provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holders on such Regular
Record Date and may either be paid to the Person or Persons in whose name the
Series B Notes are registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date
for the payment of such defaulted interest to be fixed by the Trustee ("Special
Record Date"), notice whereof shall be given to Holders of the Series B Notes
not less than ten (10) days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any
time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any
securities exchange, if any, on which the Series B Notes shall be listed, and
upon such notice as may be required by any such exchange, all as more fully
provided in the Original Indenture.
Payments of interest on the Series B Notes will include interest accrued to but excluding the respective Interest Payment Dates. Interest payments for the Series B Notes shall be computed and paid on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. In the event that any date on which interest is payable on the Series B Notes is not a Business Day, then a payment of the interest payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day, except that, if such Business Day is in the next succeeding calendar year, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made on the date the payment was originally payable.
Payment of the principal and interest (including Additional Interest,
if any) due at the Stated Maturity or earlier redemption of the Series B Notes
shall be made upon surrender of the Series B Notes at the Corporate Trust Office
of the Trustee, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at
the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts.
Payments of interest (including interest on any Interest Payment Date) will be
made, subject to such surrender where applicable, at the option of the Company,
(i) by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such
address shall appear in the Security Register or (ii) by wire transfer at such
place and to such account at a banking institution in the United States as may
be designated in writing to the Trustee at least sixteen (16) days prior to the
date for payment by the Person entitled thereto.
The Company shall pay, as additional interest on the Series B Notes, when due to the United States or any other taxing authority, the amounts set forth in clause (i) of the definition of Additional Interest.
SECTION 104. Deferral of Interest Payments. The Company has the right
at any time and from time to time
to extend the interest payment period of the Series B Notes for up to twenty
(20) consecutive quarters (each, an "Extension Period"), but not beyond the
Stated Maturity. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company has no right to
extend its obligation to pay such amounts as are defined in clause (i) of the
definition of Additional Interest. Prior to the termination of any such
Extension Period, the Company may further extend the interest payment period,
provided that such Extension Period, together with all such previous and further
extensions of that Extension Period, shall not exceed twenty (20) consecutive
quarters. Upon the termination of any such Extension Period and upon the payment
of all accrued and unpaid interest and any Additional Interest then due, the
Company may select a new Extension Period, subject to the above limitations and
requirements.
Upon the termination of any Extension Period, which termination shall be on an Interest Payment Date, the Company shall pay all Deferred Interest on the next succeeding Interest Payment Date to the Person in whose name the Series B Notes are registered on the Regular Record Date for such Interest Payment Date, provided that Deferred Interest payable at Stated Maturity or on any Redemption Date will be paid to the Person to whom principal is payable.
If the Company shall have given notice of its election to select any Extension Period, the Company shall not (i) declare or pay any dividend or distribution on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of its capital stock, or make any guarantee payments with respect to the foregoing and (ii) make any payment of interest, principal or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities (including guarantees other than its guarantee of the Preferred Securities issued by the Securities Trust) issued by the Company that rank pari passu with or junior to the Series B Notes.
The Company shall give the Holder or Holders of the Series B Notes and the Trustee notice, as provided in Sections 105 and 106, respectively, of the Original Indenture, of its selection or extension of an Extension Period at least one Business Day prior to the earlier of (i) the Regular Record Date relating to the Interest Payment Date on which the Extension Period is to commence or relating to the Interest Payment Date on which an Extension Period that is being extended would otherwise terminate, or (ii) the date the Company or Securities Trust is required to give notice to the New York Stock Exchange or other applicable self-regulatory organization of the record date or the date such distributions are payable. The Company shall cause the Securities Trust to give notice of the Company's selection of such Extension Period to Holders of the Trust Securities. The month in which any notice is given pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence of this Section shall constitute the first month of the first quarter of the twenty (20) quarters, which comprise the Maximum Extension Period.
At any time any of the foregoing notices are given to the Trustee, the Company shall give to the Paying Agent for the Series B Notes such information as said Paying Agent shall reasonably require in order to fulfill its tax reporting obligations with respect to such Series B Notes.
SECTION 105. Denominations. The Series B Notes may be issued in the denominations of $25, or any integral multiple thereof.
SECTION 106. Global Securities. If the Series B Notes are distributed to Holders of the Trust Securities of the Securities Trust in liquidation of such Holders' interests therein, the Series B Notes will be issued in the form of one or more Global Securities registered in the name of the Depositary (which shall be The Depository Trust Company) or its nominee. Except under the limited circumstances described below, Series B Notes represented by the Global Security will not be exchangeable for, and will not otherwise be issuable as, Series B Notes in definitive form. The Global Securities described above may not be transferred except 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 to a successor Depositary or its nominee.
Owners of beneficial interests in such a Global Security will not be considered the Holders thereof for any purpose under the Indenture, and no Global Security representing a Series A Note shall be exchangeable, except for another Global Security of like denomination and tenor to be registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee or to a successor Depositary or its nominee. The rights of Holders of such Global Security shall be exercised only through the Depositary.
A Global Security shall be exchangeable for Series B Notes registered
in the names of persons other than the Depositary or its nominee only if (i) the
Depositary notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as a
Depositary for such Global Security and no successor Depositary shall have been
appointed, or if at any time the Depositary ceases to be a clearing agency
registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, at a time when
the Depositary is required to be so registered to act as such Depositary and no
successor Depositary shall have been appointed, (ii) the Company in its sole
discretion determines that such Global Security shall be so exchangeable, or
(iii) there shall have occurred an Event of Default with respect to the Series B
Notes. Any Global Security that is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding
sentence shall be exchangeable for Series B Notes registered in such names as
the Depositary shall direct.
SECTION 107. Transfer. No service charge will be made for any transfer or exchange of Series B Notes, but payment will be required of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection therewith.
The Company shall not be required (a) to issue, transfer or exchange
any Series B Notes during a period beginning at the opening of business fifteen
(15) days before the day of the mailing of a notice identifying the serial
numbers of the Series B Notes to be called for redemption, and ending at the
close of business on the day of the mailing, or (b) to transfer or exchange any
Series B Notes theretofore selected for redemption in whole or in part, except
the unredeemed portion of any Series B Note redeemed in part.
SECTION 108. Redemption. The Series B Notes shall be subject to redemption at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, without premium or penalty, at any time or from time to time on or after January 16, 2002, at a Redemption Price equal to 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed plus accrued but unpaid interest, including Additional Interest, if any, to the Redemption Date; provided, however, that if a redemption in part shall result in the delisting of the Preferred Securities issued by the Securities Trust, the Company may only redeem the Series B Notes in whole. In addition, upon the occurrence of a Special Event at any time, the Company may, within ninety (90) days following the occurrence thereof and subject to the terms and conditions of the Indenture, elect to redeem the Series B Notes, in whole, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed plus any accrued but unpaid interest (including Additional Interest) to the Redemption Date.
In the event of redemption of the Series B Notes in part only, a new Series B Note or Notes for the unredeemed portion will be issued in the name or names of the Holders thereof upon the surrender thereof.
The Series B Notes will not have a sinking fund.
Notice of redemption shall be given as provided in Section 1104 of the Original Indenture.
Any redemption of less than all of the Series B Notes shall, with respect to the principal thereof, be divisible by $25.
ARTICLE 2
Miscellaneous Provisions
SECTION 201. Recitals by Company. The recitals in this First Supplemental Indenture are made by the Company only and not by the Trustee, and all of the provisions contained in the Original Indenture in respect of the rights, privileges, immunities, powers and duties of the Trustee shall be applicable in respect of Series B Notes and of this First Supplemental Indenture as fully and with like effect as if set forth herein in full.
SECTION 202. Ratification and Incorporation of Original Indenture. As supplemented hereby, the Original Indenture is in all respects ratified and confirmed, and the Original Indenture, as heretofore supplemented and modified, and this First Supplemental Indenture shall be read, taken and construed as one and the same instrument.
SECTION 203. Executed in Counterparts. This First Supplemental Indenture may be simultaneously executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, and such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
SECTION 204. Listing of Notes. If the Series B Notes are to be issued as a Global Security in connection with the distribution of the Series B Notes to the Holders of the Preferred Securities issued by the Securities Trust, the Company will use its best efforts to list such Series B Notes on the New York Stock Exchange or any such other exchange on which such Preferred Securities are then listed and traded.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each party hereto has caused this instrument to be signed in its name and behalf by its duly authorized officers, all as of the day and year first above written.
ATTEST: ALABAMA POWER COMPANY By: By: Assistant Secretary Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer ATTEST: THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK By: By: Senior Trust Officer Senior Trust Officer |
EXHIBIT A
FORM OF SERIES B NOTE
NO. 1 CUSIP NO. __________
THE INDEBTEDNESS EVIDENCED BY THIS SECURITY IS, TO THE EXTENT PROVIDED IN THE INDENTURE, SUBORDINATE AND SUBJECT IN RIGHT OF PAYMENT TO THE PRIOR PAYMENT IN FULL OF ALL SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS AND THIS SECURITY IS ISSUED SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE INDENTURE WITH RESPECT THERETO.
ALABAMA POWER COMPANY
SERIES B 7.60% JUNIOR SUBORDINATED NOTE
DUE DECEMBER 31, 2036
Principal Amount: $_________ Regular Record Date: 15th calendar day prior to Interest Payment Date Original Issue Date: January 16, 1997 Stated Maturity: December 31, 2036 Interest Payment Dates: March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 Interest Rate: 7.60% per annum Authorized Denomination: $25 Initial Redemption Date: January 16, 2002 |
Alabama Power Company, an Alabama corporation (the "Company", which term includes any successor corporation under the Indenture referred to on the reverse hereof), for value received, hereby promises to pay to ________________, or registered assigns, the principal sum of ______________ DOLLARS ($_________) on the Stated Maturity shown above (or upon earlier redemption), and to pay interest thereon from the Original Issue Date shown above, or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, quarterly in arrears on each Interest Payment Date as specified above, commencing on the Interest Payment Date next succeeding the Original Issue Date shown above and on the Stated Maturity (or upon earlier redemption) at the rate per annum shown above until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment and on any overdue principal and on any overdue installment of interest. The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date (other than an Interest Payment Date that is the Stated Maturity or on a Redemption Date) will, as provided in such Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Note (the "Note") is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date as specified above next preceding such Interest Payment Date, provided that any interest payable at Stated Maturity or on any Redemption Date will be paid to the Person to whom principal is payable. Except as otherwise provided in the Indenture, any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Note is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such defaulted interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Notes of this series not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange, if any, on which the Notes of this series shall be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by any such exchange, all as more fully provided in the Indenture.
Payments of interest on this Note will include interest accrued to but excluding the respective Interest Payment Dates. Interest payments for this Note shall be computed and paid on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. In the event that any date on which interest is payable on this Note is not a Business Day, then payment of the interest payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day, except that, if such Business Day is in the next succeeding calendar year, payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made on the date the payment was originally payable. A "Business Day" shall mean any day other than a Saturday or a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in New York City are authorized or required by law or executive order to remain closed or a day on which the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee or the principal corporate trust office of the Property Trustee of the Securities Trust are closed for business.
The Company shall have the right at any time and from time to time during the term of this Note to extend the interest payment period of such Note for up to 20 consecutive quarters but not beyond the Stated Maturity of this Note (each, an "Extension Period"), during which periods unpaid interest (together with interest thereon) will compound quarterly at the Interest Rate ("Deferred Interest"). Upon the termination of each Extension Period, which shall be an Interest Payment Date, the Company shall pay all Deferred Interest on the next succeeding Interest Payment Date to the Person in whose name this Note is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such Interest Payment Date, provided that any Deferred Interest payable at Stated Maturity or on any Redemption Date will be paid to the Person to whom principal is payable. Prior to the termination of any such Extension Period, the Company may extend the interest payment period, provided that such Extension Period together with all such previous and further extensions thereof shall not exceed 20 consecutive quarters. Upon the termination of any such Extension Period, and the payment of all accrued and unpaid interest and any Additional Interest then due, the Company may select a new Extension Period, subject to the above requirements. If the Company shall have given notice of its election to select any Extension Period, the Company shall not (i) declare or pay any dividend or distribution on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of its capital stock, or make any guarantee payments with respect to the foregoing and (ii) make any payment of interest, principal or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities (including guarantees other than its guarantee of the Preferred Securities issued by the Securities Trust) issued by the Company that rank pari passu with or junior to this Note. The Company shall give the Holder of this Note and the Trustee notice of its selection or extension of an Extension Period at least one Business Day prior to the earlier of (i) the Regular Record Date relating to the Interest Payment Date on which the Extension Period is to commence or relating to the Interest Payment Date on which an Extension Period that is being extended would otherwise terminate or (ii) the date the Company or Securities Trust is required to give notice to the New York Stock Exchange or other applicable self-regulatory organization of the record date or the date distributions are payable.
The Company also shall be obligated to pay when due and without extension all additional amounts as may be required so that the net amount received and retained by the Holder of this Note (if the Holder is a Securities Trust) after paying taxes, duties, assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature (other than withholding taxes) imposed by the United States or any other taxing authority will not be less than the amounts such Holder would have received had no such taxes, duties, assessments, or other governmental charges been imposed.
Payment of the principal of and interest (including Additional Interest, if any) due at the Stated Maturity or earlier redemption of the Series B Notes shall be made upon surrender of the Series B Notes at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts. Payment of interest (including interest on an Interest Payment Date) will be made, subject to such surrender where applicable, at the option of the Company, (i) by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register or (ii) by wire transfer at such place and to such account at a banking institution in the United States as may be designated in writing to the Trustee at least 16 days prior to the date for payment by the Person entitled thereto.
The indebtedness evidenced by this Note is, to the extent provided in the Indenture, subordinate and subject in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness (as defined in the Indenture), and this Note is issued subject to the provisions of the Indenture with respect thereto. Each Holder of this Note, by accepting the same, (a) agrees to and shall be bound by such provisions, (b) authorizes and directs the Trustee on his behalf to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination so provided, and (c) appoints the Trustee his attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes. Each Holder hereof, by his acceptance hereof, waives all notice of the acceptance of the subordination provisions contained herein and in the Indenture by each holder of Senior Indebtedness, whether now outstanding or hereafter incurred, and waives reliance by each such holder upon said provisions.
REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE TO THE FURTHER PROVISIONS OF THIS NOTE SET FORTH ON THE REVERSE HEREOF, WHICH FURTHER PROVISIONS SHALL FOR ALL PURPOSES HAVE THE SAME EFFECT AS IF SET FORTH AT THIS PLACE.
Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee by manual signature, this Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed under its corporate seal.
Dated: ______ __, ____.
ALABAMA POWER COMPANY
By:
Art P. Beattie
Vice President, Secretary
and Treasurer
Attest:
Assistant Secretary
{Seal of ALABAMA POWER COMPANY appears here}
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the Notes referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK,
as Trustee
By:
Authorized Officer
(Reverse Side of Note)
This Note is one of a duly authorized issue of Junior Subordinated Notes of the Company (the "Notes"), issued and issuable in one or more series under a Subordinated Note Indenture, dated as of January 1, 1997, as supplemented (the "Indenture"), between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, Trustee (the "Trustee," which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), to which Indenture and all indentures incidental thereto reference is hereby made for a statement of the respective rights, limitation of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the Notes issued thereunder and of the terms upon which said Notes are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. This Note is one of the series designated on the face hereof as Series B 7.60% Junior Subordinated Notes due December 31, 2036 (the "Series B Notes") in the aggregate principal amount of up to $206,185,575. Capitalized terms used herein for which no definition is provided herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Indenture.
The Company shall have the right, subject to the terms and conditions of the Indenture, to redeem this Note at any time on or after January 16, 2002 at the option of the Company, without premium or penalty, in whole or in part, at a Redemption Price equal to 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed plus accrued but unpaid interest, including any Additional Interest, if any, to the Redemption Date. Upon the occurrence of a Special Event (as defined below) at any time, the Company may, within 90 days following the occurrence thereof and subject to the terms and conditions of the Indenture, redeem this Note without premium or penalty, in whole, at a Redemption Price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued but unpaid interest, including any Additional Interest, if any, to the Redemption Date. A Special Event may be a Tax Event or an Investment Company Act Event. "Tax Event" means that the Company shall have received an Opinion of Counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that, as a result of (a) any amendment to, or change (including any announced prospective change) in, laws (or any regulations thereunder) of the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein or (b) any amendment to, or change in, an interpretation or application of such laws or regulations, there is more than an insubstantial risk that (i) the related Securities Trust would be subject to United States federal income tax with respect to income accrued or received on the Series B Notes, (ii) interest payable to the related Securities Trust would not be deductible by the Company for United States federal income tax purposes, or (iii) the related Securities Trust would be subject to more than a de minimis amount of other taxes, duties or other governmental charges, which change or amendment becomes effective on or after the Original Issue Date. "Investment Company Act Event" means that the Company shall have received an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that, as a result of the occurrence of a change in law or regulation or a written change in interpretation or application of law or regulation by any legislative body, court, governmental agency or regulatory authority, there is more than an insubstantial risk that the related Securities Trust is or will be considered an "investment company" which is required to be registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, which change becomes effective on or after the Original Issue Date.
In the event of redemption of this Note in part only, a new Note or Notes of this series for the unredeemed portion hereof will be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the surrender hereof. The Notes will not have a sinking fund.
If an Event of Default with respect to the Notes of this series shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Notes of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner, with the effect and subject to the conditions provided in the Indenture.
The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the Holders of the Notes of each series to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Notes at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the Notes of each series at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Notes of such series, to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Note shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Note and of any Note issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange hereof or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Note.
No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Note or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and interest on this Note at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed.
As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Note is registrable in the Security Register, upon surrender of this Note for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Company for such purpose, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar and duly executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Notes of this series, of authorized denominations and of like tenor and for the same aggregate principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees. No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.
Prior to due presentment of this Note for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Note is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Note be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
The Notes of this series are issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations of $25 and any integral multiple thereof. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, Notes of this series are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Notes of this series of a different authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same upon surrender of the Note or Notes to be exchanged at the office or agency of the Company.
This Note shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York.
ABBREVIATIONS
The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this instrument, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations:
TEN COM- as tenants in UNIF GIFT MIN ACT- _______ Custodian ________ common (Cust) (Minor) TEN ENT- as tenants by the entireties under Uniform Gifts to JT TEN- as joint tenants Minors Act with right of survivorship and ________________________ not as tenants (State) in common |
Additional abbreviations may also be used though not on the above list.
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sell(s) and transfer(s) unto please insert Social Security or other identifying number of assignee)
PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING POSTAL ZIP CODE OF ASSIGNEE
the within Note and all rights thereunder, hereby irrevocably constituting and appointing
agent to transfer said Note on the books of the Company, with full power of substitution in the premises.
Dated:
NOTICE: The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the within instrument in every particular without alteration or enlargement, or any change whatever.
EXHIBIT B
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the Notes referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK,
as Trustee
By:
Authorized Officer
1This Table of Contents does not constitute part of the Indenture or have any bearing upon the interpretation of any of its terms and provisions.
EXHIBIT 4.5
ALABAMA POWER CAPITAL TRUST II
AMENDED AND RESTATED
TRUST AGREEMENT
among
ALABAMA POWER COMPANY, as Depositor,
THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, as Property Trustee,
CHASE MANHATTAN BANK DELAWARE, as Delaware Trustee,
and
WILLIAM E. ZALES, JR. and J. RANDY DERIEUX,
as Administrative Trustees
Dated as of January 1, 1997
ALABAMA POWER CAPITAL TRUST II
Certain Sections of this Trust Agreement relating to
Sections 310 through 318 of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939: Trust Indenture Trust Agreement Act Section Section Section 310(a)(1).............................................8.07 (a)(2)...............................................8.07 (a)(3)...............................................8.09 (a)(4).....................................Not Applicable (b)..................................................8.08 Section 311(a)................................................8.13 (b)..................................................8.13 Section 312(a)................................................5.07 (b)..................................................5.07 (c)..................................................5.07 Section 313(a).............................................8.14(a) (a)(4)............................................8.14(b) (b)...............................................8.14(b) (c)...............................................8.14(a) (d)......................................8.14(a), 8.14(b) Section 314(a)................................................8.15 (b)........................................Not Applicable (c)(1).........................................8.15, 8.16 (c)(2)...............................................8.16 (c)(3)...............................................8.16 (d)........................................Not Applicable (e)..................................................8.16 Section 315(a)................................................8.01 (b).........................................8.02, 8.14(b) (c)...............................................8.01(a) (d)............................................8.01, 8.03 (e)........................................Not Applicable Section 316(a)......................................Not Applicable (a)(1)(A)............................................8.19 (a)(1)(B)............................................8.19 (a)(2).....................................Not Applicable (b)........................................Not Applicable (c)........................................Not Applicable Section 317(a)(1)...................................Not Applicable (a)(2).....................................Not Applicable (b)..................................................5.09 Section 318(a)...............................................10.10 |
Note: This Cross-Reference Table does not constitute part of the Trust Agreement and shall not affect the interpretation of any of its terms and provisions.
TABLE OF CONTENTS ARTICLE I Section 1.01 Definitions 2 ARTICLE II Section 2.01 Name 12 Section 2.02 Offices of the Trustees; Principal Place of Business...............................................12 ---------------------------------------------------- Section 2.03 Initial Contribution of Trust Property; Organizational Expenses....................................12 --------------------------------------------------------------- Section 2.04 Issuance of the Preferred Securities...............................................................12 ------------------------------------ Section 2.05 Subscription and Purchase of Junior Subordinated Notes; Issuance of the Common Securities..........13 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Section 2.06 Declaration of Trust...............................................................................13 Section 2.07 Authorization to Enter into Certain Transactions...................................................14 ------------------------------------------------ Section 2.08 Assets of Trust....................................................................................19 Section 2.09 Title to Trust Property............................................................................20 ----------------------- Section 2.10 Mergers and Consolidations of the Trust............................................................20 --------------------------------------- |
ARTICLE III Section 3.01 Payment Account....................................................................................21 ARTICLE IV Section 4.01 Distributions......................................................................................22 Section 4.02 Redemption 23 Section 4.03 Subordination of Common Securities.................................................................25 ---------------------------------- Section 4.04 Payment Procedures.................................................................................26 Section 4.05 Tax Returns and Reports............................................................................26 ----------------------- ARTICLE V Section 5.01 Initial Ownership..................................................................................27 Section 5.02 The Trust Securities Certificates..................................................................27 --------------------------------- Section 5.03 Authentication of Trust Securities Certificates....................................................27 ----------------------------------------------- Section 5.04 Registration of Transfer and Exchange of Preferred Securities Certificates........................28 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Section 5.05 Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Trust Securities Certificates.................................29 ------------------------------------------------------------------ Section 5.06 Persons Deemed Securityholders.....................................................................29 Section 5.07 Access to List of Securityholders' Names and Addresses.............................................30 ------------------------------------------------------ Section 5.08 Maintenance of Office or Agency....................................................................30 ------------------------------- Section 5.09 Appointment of Paying Agent........................................................................30 --------------------------- Section 5.10 Ownership of Common Securities by Depositor........................................................31 ------------------------------------------- Section 5.11 Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificates; Common Securities Certificate........................32 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Section 5.12 Notices to Clearing Agency.........................................................................33 -------------------------- Section 5.13 Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates.......................................................33 -------------------------------------------- Section 5.14 Rights of Securityholders..........................................................................33 ARTICLE VI Section 6.01 Limitations on Voting Rights.......................................................................34 ---------------------------- Section 6.02 Notice of Meetings.................................................................................35 Section 6.03 Meetings of Preferred Securityholders..............................................................36 ------------------------------------- Section 6.04 Voting Rights......................................................................................36 Section 6.05 Proxies, etc.......................................................................................36 Section 6.06 Securityholder Action by Written Consent...........................................................37 ---------------------------------------- Section 6.07 Record Date for Voting and Other Purposes..........................................................37 ----------------------------------------- Section 6.08 Acts of Securityholders............................................................................37 Section 6.09 Inspection of Records..............................................................................38 ARTICLE VII Section 7.01 Representations and Warranties of the Trustees.....................................................39 ---------------------------------------------- ARTICLE VIII Section 8.01 Certain Duties and Responsibilities................................................................40 ----------------------------------- Section 8.02 Notice of Defaults.................................................................................41 Section 8.03 Certain Rights of Property Trustee.................................................................41 ---------------------------------- Section 8.04 Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities.............................................43 ------------------------------------------------------ Section 8.05 May Hold Securities................................................................................43 Section 8.06 Compensation; Fees; Indemnity......................................................................43 Section 8.07 Trustees Required; Eligibility.....................................................................44 Section 8.08 Conflicting Interests..............................................................................44 Section 8.09 Co-Trustees and Separate Trustee...................................................................45 -------------------------------- Section 8.10 Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor..................................................47 ------------------------------------------------- Section 8.11 Acceptance of Appointment by Successor.............................................................48 -------------------------------------- Section 8.12 Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business........................................49 ----------------------------------------------------------- Section 8.13 Preferential Collection of Claims Against Depositor or Trust.......................................49 ------------------------------------------------------------ Section 8.14 Reports by Property Trustee........................................................................50 --------------------------- Section 8.15 Reports to the Property Trustee....................................................................50 ------------------------------- Section 8.16 Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent...................................................50 ------------------------------------------------ Section 8.17 Number of Trustees.................................................................................51 Section 8.18 Delegation of Power................................................................................51 Section 8.19 Enforcement of Rights of Property Trustee by Securityholders.......................................52 ------------------------------------------------------------ ARTICLE IX Section 9.01 Termination Upon Expiration Date...................................................................53 -------------------------------- Section 9.02 Early Termination..................................................................................53 Section 9.03 Termination 53 Section 9.04 Liquidation 54 Section 9.05 Bankruptcy 55 ARTICLE X Section 10.01 Guarantee by the Depositor........................................................................56 -------------------------- Section 10.02 Limitation of Rights of Securityholders...........................................................56 --------------------------------------- Section 10.03 Amendment 56 Section 10.04 Separability......................................................................................58 Section 10.05 Governing Law.....................................................................................58 Section 10.06 Successors 58 Section 10.07 Headings 58 Section 10.08 Notice and Demand.................................................................................58 Section 10.09 Agreement Not to Petition.........................................................................59 ------------------------- Section 10.10 Conflict with Trust Indenture Act.................................................................59 --------------------------------- |
EXHIBIT A [INTENTIONALLY RESERVED] EXHIBIT B Form of Certificate Depository Agreement EXHIBIT C Form of Common Securities Certificate EXHIBIT D Form of Expense Agreement EXHIBIT E Form of Preferred Securities Certificate |
AMENDED AND RESTATED TRUST AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED TRUST AGREEMENT is made as of January 1,
1997, by and among (i) Alabama Power Company, an Alabama corporation (the
"Depositor" or the "Company"), (ii) The Chase Manhattan Bank, a banking
corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of New York, as trustee
(the "Property Trustee" and, in its separate corporate capacity and not in its
capacity as Trustee, the "Bank"), (iii) Chase Manhattan Bank Delaware, a banking
corporation duly organized under the laws of Delaware, as Delaware trustee (the
"Delaware Trustee" and, in its separate corporate capacity and not in its
capacity as Delaware Trustee, the "Delaware Bank"), (iv) William E. Zales, Jr.,
an individual, and J. Randy DeRieux, an individual, as administrative trustees
(each an "Administrative Trustee" and together the "Administrative Trustees")
(the Property Trustee, the Delaware Trustee and the Administrative Trustees
referred to collectively as the "Trustees") and (v) the several Holders, as
hereinafter defined.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Depositor and the Delaware Trustee have heretofore duly declared and established a business trust pursuant to the Delaware Business Trust Act by the entering into that certain Trust Agreement, dated as of November 27, 1996 (the "Original Trust Agreement"), and by the execution and filing by the Delaware Trustee with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware of the Certificate of Trust, dated November 27, 1996; and
WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to amend and restate the Original Trust Agreement in its entirety as set forth herein to provide for, among other things, (i) the addition of the Bank, William E. Zales, Jr. and J. Randy DeRieux as trustees of the Trust, (ii) the acquisition by the Trust from the Depositor of all of the right, title and interest in the Junior Subordinated Notes, (iii) the issuance of the Common Securities by the Trust to the Depositor, and (iv) the issuance and sale of the Preferred Securities by the Trust pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the agreements and obligations set forth herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, each party, for the benefit of the other parties and for the benefit of the Securityholders, hereby amends and restates the Original Trust Agreement in its entirety and agrees as follows:
ARTICLE I
Defined Terms
Section 1.01tion 1Definitions. For all purposes of this Trust Agreement, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) the terms defined in this Article have the meanings assigned to them in this Article and include the plural as well as the singular;
(b) all other terms used herein that are defined in the Trust Indenture Act, either directly or by reference therein, have the meanings assigned to them therein;
(c) unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to an "Article" or a "Section" refers to an Article or a Section, as the case may be, of this Trust Agreement; and
(d) the words "herein," "hereof" and "hereunder" and other words of similar import refer to this Trust Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision.
"Act" has the meaning specified in Section 6.08.
"Additional Amount" means, with respect to Trust Securities of a given Liquidation Amount and/or a given period, an amount equal to the Additional Interest (as defined in clause (ii) of the definition of "Additional Interest" in the Subordinated Indenture) paid by the Depositor on a Like Amount of Junior Subordinated Notes for such period.
"Administrative Trustee" means each of the individuals identified as an "Administrative Trustee" in the preamble to this Trust Agreement solely in their capacities as Administrative Trustees of the Trust formed and continued hereunder and not in their individual capacities, or such trustee's successor(s) in interest in such capacity, or any successor "Administrative Trustee" appointed as herein provided.
"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.
"Bank" has the meaning specified in the preamble to this Trust Agreement.
"Bankruptcy Event" means, with respect to any Person:
(i) the entry of a decree or order by a court having jurisdiction in the premises judging such Person a bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly filed a petition seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjudication or composition of or in respect of such Person under federal bankruptcy law or any other applicable federal or state law, or appointing a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of such Person or of any substantial part of its property, or ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, and the continuance of such decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days; or
(ii) the institution by such Person of proceedings to be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or the consent by it to the institution of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings against it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under federal bankruptcy law or any other applicable federal or state law, or the consent by it to the filing of such petition or to the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or similar official of such Person or of any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the admission by it in writing of its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due, or the taking of action by such Person in furtherance of any such action.
"Bankruptcy Laws" has the meaning specified in Section 10.09.
"Board Resolution" means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Depositor to have been duly adopted by the Depositor's Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification, and delivered to the Trustees.
"Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificates" means certificates representing Preferred Securities issued in global, fully registered form to the Clearing Agency as described in Section 5.11.
"Business Day" means a day other than (i) a Saturday or a Sunday, (ii) a day on which banks in New York, New York are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to remain closed or (iii) a day on which the Corporate Trust Office or the Indenture Trustee's principal corporate trust office is closed for business.
"Certificate Depository Agreement" means the agreement among the Trust, the Property Trustee and The Depository Trust Company, as the initial Clearing Agency, dated January 13, 1997, relating to the Preferred Securities Certificates, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit B, as the same may be amended and supplemented from time to time.
"Clearing Agency" means an organization registered as a "clearing agency" pursuant to Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Depository Trust Company will be the initial Clearing Agency.
"Clearing Agency Participant" means a broker, dealer, bank, other financial institution or other Person for whom from time to time a Clearing Agency effects book-entry transfers and pledges of securities deposited with the Clearing Agency.
"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
"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 of this instrument such Commission is not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture Act, then the body performing such duties at such time.
"Common Security" means an undivided beneficial ownership interest in the assets of the Trust having a Liquidation Amount of $25 and having the rights provided therefor in this Trust Agreement, including the right to receive Distributions and a Liquidation Distribution as provided herein.
"Common Securities Certificate" means a certificate evidencing ownership of a Common Security or Securities, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit C.
"Company" means Alabama Power Company.
"Corporate Trust Office" means the office of the Property Trustee at which its corporate trust business shall be principally administered.
"Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates" means either or both (as the context requires) of (i) Preferred Securities Certificates issued in certificated, fully registered form as provided in Section 5.11(a) and (ii) Preferred Securities Certificates issued in certificated, fully registered form as provided in Section 5.13.
"Delaware Bank" has the meaning specified in the preamble to this Trust Agreement.
"Delaware Business Trust Act" means Chapter 38 of Title 12 of the
Delaware Code, 12 Del. Code Section
3801 et seq., as it may be amended from time to time.
"Delaware Trustee" means the commercial bank or trust company or any other Person identified as the "Delaware Trustee" and has the meaning specified in the preamble to this Trust Agreement solely in its capacity as Delaware Trustee of the Trust formed and continued hereunder and not in its individual capacity, or its successor in interest in such capacity, or any successor Delaware Trustee appointed as herein provided.
"Depositor" means Alabama Power Company, in its capacity as "Depositor" under this Trust Agreement.
"Distribution Date" has the meaning specified in Section 4.01(a).
"Distributions" means amounts payable in respect of the Trust Securities as provided in Section 4.01.
"Event of Default" means any one of the following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body):
(i) the occurrence of an Indenture Event of Default; or
(ii) default by the Trust in the payment of any Distribution when it becomes due and payable, and continuation of such default for a period of 30 days; or
(iii) default by the Trust in the payment of any Redemption Price of any Trust Security when it becomes due and payable; or
(iv) default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty of the Trustees in this Trust Agreement (other than a covenant or warranty a default in whose performance or breach is dealt with in clause (ii) or (iii) above) and continuation of such default or breach for a period of 60 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Trustees by the Holders of at least 10% in Liquidation Amount of the Outstanding Preferred Securities a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a "Notice of Default" hereunder; or
(v) the occurrence of a Bankruptcy Event with respect to the Trust.
"Expense Agreement" means the Agreement as to Expenses and Liabilities between the Company and the Trust, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit D, as amended from time to time.
"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
"Guarantee" means the Guarantee Agreement executed and delivered by the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Guarantee Trustee, contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Trust Agreement, for the benefit of the Holders of the Preferred Securities, as amended from time to time.
"Indenture Event of Default" means an "Event of Default" as defined in the Subordinated Indenture.
"Indenture Redemption Date" means "Redemption Date," as defined in the Subordinated Indenture.
"Indenture Trustee" means the trustee under the Subordinated Indenture.
"Issue Date" means the date of the delivery of the Trust Securities.
"Junior Subordinated Notes" means the $206,185,575 aggregate principal amount of the Depositor's Series B 7.60% Junior Subordinated Notes due December 31, 2036, issued pursuant to the Subordinated Indenture.
"Lien" means any lien, pledge, charge, encumbrance, mortgage, deed of trust, adverse ownership interest, hypothecation, assignment, security interest or preference, priority or other security agreement or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever.
"Like Amount" means (i) Trust Securities having a Liquidation Amount equal to the principal amount of Junior Subordinated Notes to be contemporaneously redeemed in accordance with the Subordinated Indenture and the proceeds of which will be used to pay the Redemption Price of such Trust Securities and (ii) Junior Subordinated Notes having a principal amount equal to the Liquidation Amount of the Trust Securities of the Holder to whom such Junior Subordinated Notes are distributed.
"Liquidation Amount" means the stated amount of $25 per Trust Security.
"Liquidation Date" means the date on which Junior Subordinated Notes are to be distributed to Holders of Trust Securities in connection with a dissolution and liquidation of the Trust pursuant to Section 9.04.
"Liquidation Distribution" has the meaning specified in Section 9.05.
"Officers' Certificate" means a certificate signed by the Chairman of the Board, a Vice Chairman of the Board, the President or a Vice President, and by the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, of the Depositor, and delivered to the appropriate Trustee. One of the officers signing an Officers' Certificate given pursuant to Section 8.16 shall be the principal executive, financial or accounting officer of the Depositor. An Officers' Certificate delivered with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Trust Agreement shall include:
(a) a statement that each officer signing the Officers' Certificate has read the covenant or condition and the definitions relating thereto;
(b) a brief statement of the nature and scope of the examination or investigation undertaken by each officer in rendering the Officers' Certificate;
(c) a statement that each such officer has made such examination or investigation as is necessary, in such officer's opinion, 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, in the opinion of each such officer, such condition or covenant has been complied with.
"Opinion of Counsel" means a written opinion of counsel, who may be counsel for the Trust, the Trustees or the Depositor, but not an employee of the Trust or the Trustees, and who shall be reasonably acceptable to the Property Trustee. Any Opinion of Counsel pertaining to federal income tax matters may rely on published rulings of the Internal Revenue Service.
"Original Trust Agreement" has the meaning specified in the recitals to this Trust Agreement.
"Outstanding", when used with respect to Preferred Securities, means, as of the date of determination, all Preferred Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered under this Trust Agreement, except:
(i) Preferred Securities theretofore cancelled by the Administrative Trustees or delivered to the Administrative Trustees for cancellation;
(ii) Preferred Securities for whose payment or redemption money in the necessary amount has been theretofore deposited with the Property Trustee or any Paying Agent for the Holders of such Preferred Securities; provided that if such Preferred Securities are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Trust Agreement; and
(iii) Preferred Securities in exchange for or in lieu of which other Preferred Securities have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Trust Agreement;
provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite Liquidation Amount of the Outstanding Preferred Securities have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, Preferred Securities owned by the Depositor, the Holder of the Common Securities, any Trustee or any Affiliate of the Depositor or any Trustee shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that (a) in determining whether any Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, only Preferred Securities which such Trustee knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded and (b) the foregoing shall not apply at any time when all of the outstanding Preferred Securities are owned by the Depositor, the Holder of the Common Securities, one or more Trustees and/or any such Affiliate. Preferred Securities so owned which have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Administrative Trustees the pledgee's right so to act with respect to such Preferred Securities and that the pledgee is not the Depositor or any Affiliate of the Depositor.
"Owner" means each Person who is the beneficial owner of a Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificate as reflected in the records of the Clearing Agency or, if a Clearing Agency Participant is not the Owner, then as reflected in the records of a Person maintaining an account with such Clearing Agency (directly or indirectly, in accordance with the rules of such Clearing Agency).
"Paying Agent" means any paying agent or co-paying agent appointed pursuant to Section 5.09 and shall initially be the Property Trustee.
"Payment Account" means a segregated non-interest-bearing corporate trust account maintained by the Property Trustee for the benefit of the Securityholders in which all amounts paid in respect of the Junior Subordinated Notes will be held and from which the Property Trustee shall make payments to the Securityholders in accordance with Section 4.01.
"Person" means an individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, limited liability company or corporation, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
"Preferred Security" means an undivided beneficial ownership interest in the assets of the Trust having a Liquidation Amount of $25 and having rights provided therefor in this Trust Agreement, including the right to receive Distributions and a Liquidation Distribution as provided herein.
"Preferred Securities Certificate" means a certificate evidencing ownership of a Preferred Security or Securities, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit E.
"Property Trustee" means the commercial bank or trust company identified as the "Property Trustee" in the preamble to this Trust Agreement solely in its capacity as Property Trustee of the Trust formed and continued hereunder and not in its individual capacity, or its successor in interest in such capacity, or any successor "Property Trustee" as herein provided.
"Redemption Date" means, with respect to any Trust Security to be redeemed, the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Trust Agreement; provided that each Indenture Redemption Date shall be a Redemption Date for a Like Amount of Trust Securities.
"Redemption Price" means, with respect to any date fixed for redemption of any Trust Security, the Liquidation Amount of such Trust Security, plus accrued and unpaid Distributions to such date.
"Relevant Trustee" shall have the meaning specified in Section 8.10.
"Securities Register" and "Securities Registrar" are described in
Section 5.04.
"Securityholder" or "Holder" means a Person in whose name a Trust Security or Securities is registered in the Securities Register; any such Person is a beneficial owner within the meaning of the Delaware Business Trust Act.
"Subordinated Indenture" means the Subordinated Note Indenture, dated as of January 1, 1997, between the Depositor and the Indenture Trustee, as supplemented by the Supplemental Indenture.
"Supplemental Indenture" means the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 1, 1997, by and between the Depositor and the Indenture Trustee.
"Trust" means the Delaware business trust continued hereby and identified on the cover page to this Trust Agreement.
"Trust Agreement" means this Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, as the same may be modified, amended or supplemented in accordance with the applicable provisions hereof, including all exhibits hereto, including, for all purposes of this Amended and Restated Trust Agreement and any modification, amendment or supplement, the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are deemed to be a part of and govern this Amended and Restated Trust Agreement and any such modification, amendment or supplement, respectively.
"Trustees" means the Persons identified as "Trustees" in the preamble to this Trust Agreement solely in their capacities as Trustees of the Trust formed and continued hereunder and not in their individual capacities, or their successor in interest in such capacity, or any successor trustee appointed as herein provided.
"Trust Indenture Act" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as in force at the date as of which this instrument was executed; provided, however, that in the event the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 is amended after such date, "Trust Indenture Act" means, to the extent required by any such amendment, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as so amended.
"Trust Property" means (i) the Junior Subordinated Notes, (ii) any cash on deposit in, or owing to, the Payment Account, and (iii) all proceeds and rights in respect of the foregoing and any other property and assets for the time being held or deemed to be held by the Property Trustee pursuant to this Trust Agreement.
"Trust Securities Certificate" means any one of the Common Securities Certificates or the Preferred Securities Certificates.
"Trust Security" means any one of the Common Securities or the Preferred Securities.
"Underwriting Agreement" means the Underwriting Agreement, dated January 9, 1997, among the Trust, the Depositor and the underwriters named therein.
ARTICLE II
Establishment of the Trust
Section 2.01tion 2Name. The Trust continued hereby shall be known as "Alabama Power Capital Trust II", in which name the Trustees may conduct the business of the Trust, make and execute contracts and other instruments on behalf of the Trust and sue and be sued. The Administrative Trustees may change the name of the Trust from time to time following written notice to the Holders.
Section 2.02tion 2Offices of the Trustees; Principal Place of Business. The address of the Property Trustee is The Chase Manhattan Bank, 450 West 33rd Street, New York, New York 10001, or at such other address as the Property Trustee may designate by written notice to the Securityholders and the Depositor. The principal place of business of the Delaware Trustee is 1201 Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware, 19801, or at such other address in Delaware as the Delaware Trustee may designate by notice to the Depositor. The address of the Administrative Trustees is c/o Alabama Power Company, 600 North 18th Street, Birmingham, Alabama 35291, Attention: Treasurer. The principal place of business of the Trust is c/o Alabama Power Company, 600 North 18th Street, Birmingham, Alabama 35291. The Depositor may change the principal place of business of the Trust at any time by giving notice thereof to the Trustees.
Section 2.03tion 2Initial Contribution of Trust Property; Organizational Expenses. The Delaware Trustee acknowledges receipt in trust from the Depositor in connection with the Original Trust Agreement of the sum of $10, which constituted the initial Trust Property. The Depositor shall pay organizational expenses of the Trust as they arise or shall, upon request of the Trustees, promptly reimburse the Trustees for any such expenses paid by the Trustees. The Depositor shall make no claim upon the Trust Property for the payment of such expenses.
Section 2.04tion 2Issuance of the Preferred Securities. Contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Trust Agreement, the Administrative Trustees, on behalf of the Trust, shall execute and deliver to the underwriters named in the Underwriting Agreement Preferred Securities Certificates, registered in the name of the nominee of the initial Clearing Agency, in an aggregate amount of 8,000,000 Preferred Securities having an aggregate Liquidation Amount of $200,000,000, against receipt of the aggregate purchase price of such Preferred Securities of $200,000,000, which amount the Administrative Trustees shall promptly deliver to the Property Trustee.
Section 2.05 Subscription and Purchase of Junior Subordinated Notes; Issuance of the Common Securities. Contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Trust Agreement, the Administrative Trustees, on behalf of the Trust, shall execute and deliver to the Depositor Common Securities Certificates, registered in the name of the Depositor, in an aggregate amount of 247,423 Common Securities having an aggregate Liquidation Amount of $6,185,575, against payment by the Depositor of such amount. Contemporaneously therewith, the Administrative Trustees, on behalf of the Trust, shall subscribe to and purchase from the Depositor Junior Subordinated Notes, registered in the name of the Property Trustee, on behalf of the Trust and the Holders, and having an aggregate principal amount equal to $206,185,575, and, in satisfaction of the purchase price for such Junior Subordinated Notes, the Property Trustee, on behalf of the Trust, shall deliver to the Depositor the sum of $206,185,575.
Section 2.06 Declaration of Trust. The exclusive purposes and functions of the Trust are (i) to issue and sell the Trust Securities and use the proceeds from such sale to acquire the Junior Subordinated Notes, and (ii) to engage in those activities necessary, incidental, appropriate or convenient thereto. The Depositor hereby appoints each of the Bank, the Delaware Bank, William E. Zales, Jr. and J. Randy DeRieux as trustees of the Trust, to have all the rights, powers and duties to the extent set forth herein. The Property Trustee hereby declares that it will hold the Trust Property in trust upon and subject to the conditions set forth herein for the benefit of the Trust and the Securityholders. The Trustees shall have all rights, powers and duties set forth herein and in accordance with applicable law with respect to accomplishing the purposes of the Trust. The Delaware Trustee shall not be entitled to exercise any powers, nor shall the Delaware Trustee have any of the duties and responsibilities, of the Property Trustee or the Administrative Trustees set forth herein. The Delaware Trustee shall be one of the Trustees for the sole and limited purpose of fulfilling the requirements of the Delaware Business Trust Act.
Section 2.07Authorization to Enter into Certain Transactions. The Trustees shall conduct the affairs of the Trust in accordance with the terms of this Trust Agreement. Subject to the limitations set forth in paragraph C of this Section, and in accordance with the following paragraphs A and B, the Trustees shall have the authority to enter into all transactions and agreements determined by the Trustees to be appropriate in exercising the authority, express or implied, otherwise granted to the Trustees under this Trust Agreement, and to perform all acts in furtherance thereof, including without limitation, the following:
A. As among the Trustees, the Administrative Trustees, acting singly or jointly, shall have the exclusive power, duty and authority to act on behalf of the Trust with respect to the following matters:
(i) to acquire the Junior Subordinated Notes with the proceeds of the sale of the Trust Securities; provided, however, the Administrative Trustees shall cause legal title to all of the Junior Subordinated Notes to be vested in, and the Junior Subordinated Notes to be held of record in the name of, the Property Trustee for the benefit of the Trust and Holders of the Trust Securities;
(ii) to give the Depositor and the Property Trustee prompt written notice of the occurrence of any Special Event (as defined in the Supplemental Indenture) and to take any ministerial actions in connection therewith; provided, that the Administrative Trustees shall consult with the Depositor and the Property Trustee before taking or refraining to take any ministerial action in relation to a Special Event;
(iii) to establish a record date with respect to all actions to be taken hereunder that require a record date be established, including for the purposes of ss. 316(c) of the Trust Indenture Act and with respect to Distributions, voting rights, redemptions, and exchanges, and to issue relevant notices to Holders of the Trust Securities as to such actions and applicable record dates;
(iv) to bring or defend, pay, collect, compromise, arbitrate, resort to legal action, or otherwise adjust claims or demands of or against the Trust ("Legal Action"), unless pursuant to Section 2.07(B)(v), the Property Trustee has the power to bring such Legal Action;
(v) to employ or otherwise engage employees and agents (who may be designated as officers with titles) and managers, contractors, advisors, and consultants and pay reasonable compensation for such services;
(vi) to cause the Trust to comply with the Trust's obligations under the Trust Indenture Act;
(vii) to give the certificate to the Property Trustee required by ss. 314(a)(4) of the Trust Indenture Act, which certificate may be executed by any Administrative Trustee;
(viii) to take all actions and perform such duties as may be required of the Administrative Trustees pursuant to the terms of this Trust Agreement;
(ix) to take all action that may be necessary or appropriate for the preservation and the continuation of the Trust's valid existence, rights, franchises and privileges as a statutory business trust under the laws of the State of Delaware and of each other jurisdiction in which such existence is necessary to protect the limited liability of the Holders of the Trust Securities or to enable the Trust to effect the purposes for which the Trust has been created;
(x) to take all action necessary to cause all applicable tax returns and tax information reports that are required to be filed with respect to the Trust to be duly prepared and filed by the Administrative Trustees, on behalf of the Trust;
(xi) to issue and sell the Trust Securities;
(xii) to cause the Trust to enter into, and to execute, deliver and perform on behalf of the Trust, the Expense Agreement and the Certificate Depository Agreement and such other agreements as may be necessary or desirable in connection with the consummation hereof;
(xiii) to assist in the registration of the Preferred Securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and under state securities or blue sky laws, and the qualification of this Trust Agreement as a trust indenture under the Trust Indenture Act;
(xiv) to assist in the listing of the Preferred Securities upon such securities exchange or exchanges as shall be determined by the Depositor and the registration of the Preferred Securities under the Exchange Act, and the preparation and filing of all periodic and other reports and other documents pursuant to the foregoing;
(xv) to send notices (other than notices of default) and other information regarding the Trust Securities and the Junior Subordinated Notes to the Securityholders in accordance with this Trust Agreement;
(xvi) to appoint a Paying Agent (subject to Section 5.09), authenticating agent and Securities Registrar in accordance with this Trust Agreement;
(xvii) to register transfers of the Trust Securities in accordance with this Trust Agreement;
(xviii) to assist in, to the extent provided in this Trust Agreement, the winding up of the affairs of and termination of the Trust and the preparation, execution and filing of the certificate of cancellation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware; and
(xix) to take any action incidental to the foregoing as the Administrative Trustees may from time to time determine is necessary, appropriate, convenient or advisable to protect and conserve the Trust Property for the benefit of the Securityholders (without consideration of the effect of any such action on any particular Securityholder).
B. As among the Trustees, the Property Trustee shall have the exclusive power, duty and authority to act on behalf of the Trust with respect to the following matters:
(i) engage in such ministerial activities as shall be necessary or appropriate to effect promptly the redemption of the Trust Securities to the extent the Junior Subordinated Notes are redeemed or mature;
(ii) upon notice of distribution issued by the Administrative Trustees in accordance with the terms of this Trust Agreement, engage in such ministerial activities as shall be necessary or appropriate to effect promptly the distribution pursuant to terms of this Trust Agreement of Junior Subordinated Notes to Holders of Trust Securities;
(iii) subject to the terms hereof, exercise all of the rights, powers and privileges of a holder of the Junior Subordinated Notes under the Subordinated Indenture and, if an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, shall enforce for the benefit of, and subject to the rights of, the Holders of the Trust Securities, its rights as holder of the Junior Subordinated Notes under the Subordinated Indenture;
(iv) take all actions and perform such duties as may be specifically required of the Property Trustee pursuant to the terms of this Trust Agreement;
(v) take any Legal Action specifically required of the Property Trustee pursuant to the terms of this Trust Agreement which arises out of or in connection with an Event of Default or the Property Trustee's duties and obligations under this Trust Agreement, the Delaware Business Trust Act or the Trust Indenture Act;
(vi) the establishment and maintenance of the Payment Account;
(vii) the receipt of and holding of legal title to the Junior Subordinated Notes as described herein;
(viii) the collection of interest, principal and any other payments made in respect of the Junior Subordinated Notes in the Payment Account;
(ix) the distribution of amounts owed to the Securityholders in respect of the Trust Securities;
(x) the sending of notices of default and other information regarding the Trust Securities and the Junior Subordinated Notes to the Securityholders in accordance with this Trust Agreement;
(xi) the distribution of the Trust Property in accordance with the terms of this Trust Agreement;
(xii) as provided in this Trust Agreement, the winding up of the affairs of and termination of the Trust and the preparation, execution and filing of the certificate of cancellation with the Secretary of State of Delaware; and
(xiii) the taking of any action incidental to the foregoing as the Property Trustee may from time to time determine is necessary, appropriate, convenient or advisable to protect and conserve the Trust Property for the benefit of the Securityholders (without consideration of the effect of any such action on any particular Securityholder).
C. So long as this Trust Agreement remains in effect, the Trust (or the Trustees acting on behalf of the Trust) shall not undertake any business, activities or transaction except as expressly provided herein or contemplated hereby. In particular, the Trustees shall not (i) acquire any investments or engage in any activities not authorized by this Trust Agreement, (ii) sell, assign, transfer, exchange, pledge, set-off or otherwise dispose of any of the Trust Property or interests therein, including to Securityholders, except as expressly provided herein, (iii) take any action that would cause the Trust to fail or cease to qualify as a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes, (iv) incur any indebtedness for borrowed money, (v) take or consent to any action that would result in the placement of a Lien on any of the Trust Property, (vi) issue any securities other than the Trust Securities, or (vii) have any power to, or agree to any action by the Depositor that would, vary the investment (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 301.7701-4(c)) of the Trust or of the Securityholders. The Trustees shall defend all claims and demands of all Persons at any time claiming any Lien on any of the Trust Property adverse to the interest of the Trust or the Securityholders in their capacity as Securityholders.
D. In connection with the issue and sale of the Preferred Securities, the Depositor shall have the right and responsibility to assist the Trust with respect to, or effect on behalf of the Trust, the following (and any actions taken by the Depositor in furtherance of the following prior to the date of this Trust Agreement are hereby ratified and confirmed in all respects):
(i) to prepare for filing by the Trust with the Commission a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in relation to the Preferred Securities, including any amendments thereto;
(ii) to determine the states in which to take appropriate action to qualify or register for sale all or part of the Preferred Securities and to do any and all such acts, other than actions which must be taken by or on behalf of the Trust, and advise the Trustees of actions they must take on behalf of the Trust, and prepare for execution and filing any documents to be executed and filed by the Trust or on behalf of the Trust, as the Depositor deems necessary or advisable in order to comply with the applicable laws of any such States;
(iii) to prepare for filing by the Trust an application to the New York Stock Exchange or any other national stock exchange or the NASDAQ National Market for listing upon notice of issuance of any Preferred Securities;
(iv) to prepare for filing by the Trust with the Commission a registration statement on Form 8-A relating to the registration of the Preferred Securities under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act, including any amendments thereto;
(v) to negotiate the terms of the Underwriting Agreement providing for the sale of the Preferred Securities and to execute, deliver and perform the Underwriting Agreement on behalf of the Trust; and
(vi) any other actions necessary, incidental, appropriate or convenient to carry out any of the foregoing activities.
E. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Administrative Trustees are authorized and directed to conduct the affairs of the Trust and to operate the Trust so that the Trust will not be deemed to be an "investment company" required to be registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or taxed as other than a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes and so that the Junior Subordinated Notes will be treated as indebtedness of the Depositor for United States federal income tax purposes. In this connection, the Depositor and the Administrative Trustees are authorized to take any action, not inconsistent with applicable law, the Certificate of Trust or this Trust Agreement, that each of the Depositor and the Administrative Trustees determines in its discretion to be necessary or desirable for such purposes, as long as such action does not materially and adversely affect the interests of the Holders of the Preferred Securities.
Section 2.08 Assets of Trust. The assets of the Trust shall consist of the Trust Property.
Section 2.09 Title to Trust Property. Legal title to all Trust Property shall be vested at all times in the Property Trustee (in its capacity as such) and shall be held and administered by the Property Trustee for the benefit of the Securityholders and the Trust in accordance with this Trust Agreement. The right, title and interest of the Property Trustee to the Junior Subordinated Notes shall vest automatically in each Person who may thereafter be appointed as Property Trustee in accordance with the terms hereof. Such vesting and cessation of title shall be effective whether or not conveyancing documents have been executed and delivered.
Section 2.10 Mergers and Consolidations of the Trust. The Trust may not consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or be replaced by, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any corporation or other body, except as described below or otherwise provided in this Trust Agreement. The Trust may at the request of the Company, with the consent of the Administrative Trustees and without the consent of the Holders of the Trust Securities, consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or be replaced by a trust organized as such under the laws of any state; provided, that (i) such successor entity either (x) expressly assumes all of the obligations of the Trust with respect to the Trust Securities or (y) substitutes for the Preferred Securities other securities having substantially the same terms as the Trust Securities (herein referred to as the "Successor Securities") so long as the Successor Securities rank the same as the Trust Securities rank in priority with respect to Distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption and otherwise, (ii) the Company expressly appoints a trustee of such successor entity possessing the same powers and duties as the Property Trustee as the holder of legal title to the Junior Subordinated Notes, (iii) the Preferred Securities or any Successor Securities are listed, or any Successor Securities will be listed upon notification of issuance, on any national securities exchange or other organization on which the Preferred Securities are then listed, (iv) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement does not cause the Preferred Securities (including any Successor Securities) to be downgraded by any nationally recognized statistical rating organization, (v) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement does not adversely affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the Holders of the Trust Securities (including any Successor Securities) in any material respect, (vi) such successor entity has a purpose substantially identical to that of the Trust, (vii) prior to such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, or replacement, the Company has received an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that (A) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement does not adversely affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the Holders of the Trust Securities (including any Successor Securities) in any material respect, and (B) following such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement, neither the Trust nor such successor entity will be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, and (viii) the Company guarantees the obligations of such successor entity under the Successor Securities at least to the extent provided by the Guarantee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust shall not, except with the consent of Holders of 100% in Liquidation Amount of the Trust Securities, consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or be replaced by any other entity or permit any other entity to consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or replace it if such consolidation, amalgamation, merger or replacement would cause the Trust or the successor entity to be classified as other than a grantor trust for federal income tax purposes.
ARTICLE III
Payment Account
Section 3.01 Payment Account.
(a) On or prior to the Issue Date, the Property Trustee shall establish the Payment Account. The Property Trustee and an agent of the Property Trustee shall have exclusive control and sole right of withdrawal with respect to the Payment Account for the purpose of making deposits in and withdrawals from the Payment Account in accordance with this Trust Agreement. All monies and other property deposited or held from time to time in the Payment Account shall be held by the Property Trustee in the Payment Account for the exclusive benefit of the Securityholders and for distribution as herein provided, including (and subject to) any priority of payments provided for herein.
(b) The Property Trustee shall deposit in the Payment Account, promptly upon receipt, all payments of principal or interest on, and any other payments or proceeds with respect to, the Junior Subordinated Notes. Amounts held in the Payment Account shall not be invested by the Property Trustee pending distribution thereof.
ARTICLE IV
Distributions; Redemption
Section 4.01 Distributions.
(a) Distributions on the Trust Securities shall be cumulative and accrue from the Issue Date and, except in the event that the Depositor exercises its right to extend the interest payment period for the Junior Subordinated Notes pursuant to Section 104 of the Supplemental Indenture, shall be payable quarterly in arrears on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year, commencing on March 31, 1997. If any date on which Distributions are otherwise payable on the Trust Securities is not a Business Day, then the payment of such Distribution shall be made on the next succeeding day which is a Business Day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of any such delay) except that, if such Business Day is in the next succeeding calendar year, payment of such Distribution shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day, in each case, with the same force and effect as if made on such date (each such date, a "Distribution Date").
(b) Distributions payable on the Trust Securities shall be fixed at a rate of 7.60% per annum of the Liquidation Amount of the Trust Securities. The amount of Distributions payable for any full quarterly period shall be computed on the basis of twelve 30-day months and a 360-day year. If the interest payment period for the Junior Subordinated Notes is extended pursuant to Section 104 of the Supplemental Indenture (an "Extension Period"), then the rate per annum at which Distributions on the Trust Securities accumulate shall be increased by an amount such that the aggregate amount of Distributions that accumulate on all Trust Securities during any such Extension Period is equal to the aggregate amount of interest (including interest payable on unpaid interest at the percentage rate per annum set forth above, compounded quarterly) that accrues during any such Extension Period on the Junior Subordinated Notes. The payment of such deferred interest, together with interest thereon, will be distributed to the Holders of the Trust Securities as received at the end of any Extension Period. The amount of Distributions payable for any period shall include the Additional Amounts, if any.
(c) Distributions on the Trust Securities shall be made and shall be deemed payable on each Distribution Date only to the extent that the Trust has legally and immediately available funds in the Payment Account for the payment of such Distributions.
(d) Distributions, including Additional Amounts, if any, on the Trust Securities on each Distribution Date shall be payable to the Holders thereof as they appear on the Securities Register for the Trust Securities on the relevant record date, which shall be the close of business on the fifteenth calendar day prior to the relevant Distribution Date.
Each Trust Security upon registration of transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Trust Security shall carry the rights of Distributions accrued (including Additional Amounts, if any) and unpaid, and to accrue (including Additional Amounts, if any), which were carried by such other Trust Security.
Section 4.02 Redemption.
(a) On each Redemption Date with respect to the Junior Subordinated Notes, the Trust will be required to redeem a Like Amount of Trust Securities at the Redemption Price.
(b) Notice of redemption shall be given by the Property Trustee by first-class mail, postage prepaid, mailed not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date to each Holder of Trust Securities to be redeemed, at such Holder's address appearing in the Securities Register. All notices of redemption shall state:
(i) the Redemption Date;
(ii) the Redemption Price;
(iii) the CUSIP number;
(iv) if less than all the Outstanding Trust Securities are to be redeemed, the total Liquidation Amount of the Trust Securities to be redeemed; and
(v) that on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price will become due and payable upon each such Trust Security to be redeemed and that Distributions thereon will cease to accrue on and after such date.
(c) The Trust Securities redeemed on each Redemption Date shall be redeemed at the Redemption Price with the proceeds from the contemporaneous redemption of Junior Subordinated Notes. Redemptions of the Trust Securities shall be made and the Redemption Price shall be deemed payable on each Redemption Date only to the extent that the Trust has funds legally and immediately available in the Payment Account for the payment of such Redemption Price.
(d) If the Property Trustee gives a notice of redemption in respect of any Preferred Securities, then, by 2:00 p.m. New York time, on the Redemption Date, subject to Section 4.02(c), the Property Trustee will, so long as the Preferred Securities are in book-entry only form, irrevocably deposit with the Clearing Agency for the Preferred Securities funds sufficient to pay the applicable Redemption Price. If the Preferred Securities are no longer in book-entry only form, the Property Trustee, subject to Section 4.02(c), shall irrevocably deposit with the Paying Agent funds sufficient to pay the applicable Redemption Price and will give the Paying Agent irrevocable instructions to pay the Redemption Price to the Holders thereof upon surrender of their Preferred Securities Certificates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Distributions payable on or prior to the Redemption Date for any Trust Securities called for redemption shall be payable to the Holders of such Trust Securities as they appear on the Securities Register for the Trust Securities on the relevant record dates for the related Distribution Dates. If notice of redemption shall have been given and funds deposited as required, then upon the date of such deposit, all rights of Securityholders holding Trust Securities so called for redemption will cease, except the right of such Securityholders to receive the Redemption Price, but without interest, and such Securities will cease to be outstanding. In the event that any date on which any Redemption Price is payable is not a Business Day, then payment of the Redemption Price payable on such date shall be made on the next succeeding day which is a Business Day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of any such delay) except that, if such Business Day is in the next succeeding calendar year, payment of such Redemption Price shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day, in each case, with the same force and effect as if made on such date. In the event that payment of the Redemption Price in respect of Trust Securities is improperly withheld or refused and not paid either by the Trust or by the Depositor pursuant to the Guarantee, Distributions on such Trust Securities will continue to accrue at the then applicable rate, from such Redemption Date originally established by the Trust for such Preferred Securities to the date such Redemption Price is actually paid.
(e) Payment of the Redemption Price on the Trust Securities shall be made to the recordholders thereof as they appear on the Securities Register for the Trust Securities on the relevant record date, which shall be the close of business on the fifteenth calendar day prior to the Redemption Date.
(f) If less than all the Outstanding Trust Securities are to be redeemed on a Redemption Date, then the aggregate Liquidation Amount of Trust Securities to be redeemed shall be allocated 3% to the Common Securities and 97% to the Preferred Securities, with such adjustments that each amount so allocated shall be divisible by $25. The particular Preferred Securities to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Property Trustee from the Outstanding Preferred Securities not previously called for redemption, by such method as the Property Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate and which may provide for the selection for a redemption of portions (equal to $25 or integral multiple thereof) of the Liquidation Amount of Preferred Securities of a denomination larger than $25; provided, however, that before undertaking redemption of the Preferred Securities on other than a pro rata basis, the Property Trustee shall have received an Opinion of Counsel that the status of the Trust as a grantor trust for federal income tax purposes would not be adversely affected. The Property Trustee shall promptly notify the Securities Registrar in writing of the Preferred Securities selected for redemption and, in the case of any Preferred Securities selected for partial redemption, the Liquidation Amount thereof to be redeemed. For all purposes of this Trust Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Preferred Securities shall relate, in the case of any Preferred Securities redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the Liquidation Amount of Preferred Securities which has been or is to be redeemed.
(g) Subject to the foregoing provisions of Section 4.02 and to applicable law (including, without limitation, United States federal securities laws), the Company or its Affiliates may, at any time and from time to time, purchase outstanding Preferred Securities by tender, in the open market or by private agreement.
Section 4.03 Subordination of Common Securities.
(a) Payment of Distributions (including Additional Amounts, if applicable) on, and the Redemption Price of, the Trust Securities, as applicable, shall be made pro rata based on the Liquidation Amount of the Trust Securities; provided, however, that if on any Distribution Date or Redemption Date an Indenture Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, no payment of any Distribution (including Additional Amounts, if applicable) on, or Redemption Price of, any Common Security, and no other payment on account of the redemption, liquidation or other acquisition of Common Securities, shall be made unless payment in full in cash of all accumulated and unpaid Distributions (including Additional Amounts, if applicable) on all Outstanding Preferred Securities for all distribution periods terminating on or prior thereto, or in the case of payment of the Redemption Price the full amount of such Redemption Price on all Outstanding Preferred Securities, shall have been made or provided for, and all funds immediately available to the Property Trustee shall first be applied to the payment in full in cash of all Distributions (including Additional Amounts, if applicable) on, or Redemption Price of, Preferred Securities then due and payable.
(b) In the case of the occurrence of any Indenture Event of Default, the Holder of Common Securities will be deemed to have waived any such Event of Default under this Trust Agreement until the effect of all such Events of Default with respect to the Preferred Securities have been cured, waived or otherwise eliminated. Until any such Events of Default under this Trust Agreement with respect to the Preferred Securities have been so cured, waived or otherwise eliminated, the Property Trustee shall act solely on behalf of the Holders of the Preferred Securities and not the Holder of the Common Securities, and only the Holders of the Preferred Securities will have the right to direct the Property Trustee to act on their behalf.
Section 4.04 Payment Procedures. Payments in respect of the Preferred Securities shall be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear on the Securities Register or, if the Preferred Securities are held by a Clearing Agency, such Distributions shall be made to the Clearing Agency, which shall credit the relevant Persons' accounts at such Clearing Agency on the applicable distribution dates. Payments in respect of the Common Securities shall be made in such manner as shall be mutually agreed between the Property Trustee and the Holder of the Common Securities.
Section 4.05 Tax Returns and Reports. The Administrative Trustee(s) shall prepare (or cause to be prepared), at the Depositor's expense, and file all United States federal, state and local tax and information returns and reports required to be filed by or in respect of the Trust. The Administrative Trustee(s) shall provide or cause to be provided on a timely basis to each Holder any Internal Revenue Service form required to be so provided in respect of the Trust Securities.
ARTICLE V
Trust Securities Certificates
Section 5.01 Initial Ownership. Upon the creation of the Trust by the contribution by the Depositor pursuant to Section 2.03 and until the issuance of the Trust Securities, and at any time during which no Trust Securities are outstanding, the Depositor shall be the sole beneficial owner of the Trust.
Section 5.02 The Trust Securities Certificates. Each of the Preferred and Common Securities Certificates shall be issued in minimum denominations of $25 and integral multiples in excess thereof. The Trust Securities Certificates shall be executed on behalf of the Trust by manual or facsimile signature of at least one Administrative Trustee. Trust Securities Certificates bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of individuals who were, at the time when such signatures shall have been affixed, authorized to sign on behalf of the Trust, shall be validly issued and entitled to the benefits of this Trust Agreement, notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them shall have ceased to be so authorized prior to the authentication and delivery of such Trust Securities Certificates or did not hold such offices at the date of authentication and delivery of such Trust Securities Certificates. A transferee of a Trust Securities Certificate shall become a Securityholder, and shall be entitled to the rights and subject to the obligations of a Securityholder hereunder, upon due registration of such Trust Securities Certificate in such transferee's name pursuant to Section 5.04.
Section 5.03 Authentication of Trust Securities Certificates. On the Issue Date, the Administrative Trustees shall cause Trust Securities Certificates, in an aggregate Liquidation Amount as provided in Sections 2.04 and 2.05, to be executed on behalf of the Trust, authenticated and delivered to or upon the written order of the Depositor signed by its Chairman of the Board, its President or any Vice President, without further corporate action by the Depositor, in authorized denominations. No Trust Securities Certificate shall entitle its holder to any benefit under this Trust Agreement, or shall be valid for any purpose, unless there shall appear on such Trust Securities Certificate a certificate of authentication substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit E or Exhibit C, as applicable, executed by at least one Administrative Trustee by manual signature; such authentication shall constitute conclusive evidence that such Trust Securities Certificate shall have been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder. All Trust Securities Certificates shall be dated the date of their authentication.
Section 5.04 5Registration of Transfer and Exchange of Preferred Securities Certificates. The Securities Registrar shall keep or cause to be kept, at the office or agency maintained pursuant to Section 5.08, a Securities Register in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Securities Registrar shall provide for the registration of Preferred Securities Certificates and the Common Securities Certificates (subject to Section 5.10 in the case of the Common Securities Certificates) and registration of transfers and exchanges of Preferred Securities Certificates as herein provided. The Property Trustee shall be the initial Securities Registrar.
Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Preferred Securities
Certificate at the office or agency maintained pursuant to Section 5.08, the
Administrative Trustees shall execute, authenticate and deliver in the name of
the designated transferee or transferees one or more new Preferred Securities
Certificates in authorized denominations of a like aggregate Liquidation Amount
dated the date of authentication by the Administrative Trustee or Trustees. The
Securities Registrar shall not be required to register the transfer of any
Preferred Securities that have been called for redemption. At the option of a
Holder, Preferred Securities Certificates may be exchanged for other Preferred
Securities Certificates in authorized denominations of the same class and of a
like aggregate Liquidation Amount upon surrender of the Preferred Securities
Certificates to be exchanged at the office or agency maintained pursuant to
Section 5.08.
Every Preferred Securities Certificate presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange shall be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Trustees and the Securities Registrar duly executed by the Holder or his attorney duly authorized in writing. Each Preferred Securities Certificate surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange shall be cancelled and subsequently disposed of by the Securities Registrar in accordance with its customary practice.
No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of Preferred Securities Certificates, but the Securities Registrar or the Administrative Trustees may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any transfer or exchange of Preferred Securities Certificates.
Section 5.05 Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Trust Securities Certificates. If (a) any mutilated Trust Securities Certificate shall be surrendered to the Securities Registrar, or if the Securities Registrar shall receive evidence to its satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Trust Securities Certificate and (b) there shall be delivered to the Securities Registrar and the Administrative Trustees such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them harmless, then in the absence of notice that such Trust Securities Certificate shall have been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Administrative Trustees or any one of them on behalf of the Trust shall execute and authenticate and make available for delivery, in exchange for or in lieu of any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Trust Securities Certificate, a new Trust Securities Certificate of like class, tenor and denomination. In connection with the issuance of any new Trust Securities Certificate under this Section, the Administrative Trustees or the Securities Registrar may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection therewith. Any duplicate Trust Securities Certificate issued pursuant to this Section shall constitute conclusive evidence of an ownership interest in the Trust, as if originally issued, whether or not the lost, stolen or destroyed Trust Securities Certificate shall be found at any time.
Section 5.06 Persons Deemed Securityholders. Prior to due presentation of a Trust Securities Certificate for registration of transfer, the Trustees or the Securities Registrar shall treat the Person in whose name any Trust Securities Certificate shall be registered in the Securities Register as the owner of such Trust Securities Certificate for the purpose of receiving Distributions (subject to Section 4.01(d)) and for all other purposes whatsoever, and neither the Trustees nor the Securities Registrar shall be bound by any notice to the contrary.
Section 5.07 Access to List of Securityholders' Names and Addresses. The Administrative Trustees shall furnish or cause to be furnished to (i) the Depositor and the Property Trustee semi-annually, not later than June 1 and December 1 in each year, and (ii) the Depositor or the Property Trustee, as the case may be, within 15 days after receipt by any Administrative Trustee of a request therefor from the Depositor or the Property Trustee, as the case may be, in writing, a list, in such form as the Depositor or the Property Trustee, as the case may be, may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Securityholders as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such list is furnished. If three or more Securityholders or one or more Holders of Trust Securities Certificates evidencing not less than 25% of the outstanding Liquidation Amount apply in writing to the Administrative Trustees, and such application states that the applicants desire to communicate with other Securityholders with respect to their rights under this Trust Agreement or under the Trust Securities Certificates and such application is accompanied by a copy of the communication that such applicants propose to transmit, then the Administrative Trustees shall, within five Business Days after the receipt of such application, afford such applicants access during normal business hours to the current list of Securityholders. Each Holder, by receiving and holding a Trust Securities Certificate, shall be deemed to have agreed not to hold either the Depositor or the Administrative Trustees accountable by reason of the disclosure of its name and address, regardless of the source from which such information was derived.
Section 5.08 Maintenance of Office or Agency. The Administrative Trustees shall maintain in the Borough of Manhattan, New York, an office or offices or agency or agencies where Preferred Securities Certificates may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Trustees in respect of the Trust Securities Certificates may be served. The Administrative Trustees initially designate The Chase Manhattan Bank, 450 West 33rd Street, New York, New York 10001, as its principal agency for such purposes. The Administrative Trustees shall give prompt written notice to the Depositor and to the Securityholders of any change in the location of the Securities Register or any such office or agency.
Section 5.09 Appointment of Paying Agent. The Paying Agent shall make Distributions and other payments provided hereby to Securityholders from the Payment Account and shall report the amounts of such Distributions and payments to the Property Trustee and the Administrative Trustees. Any Paying Agent shall have the revocable power to withdraw funds from the Payment Account for the purpose of making the Distributions and payments provided hereby. The Administrative Trustees may revoke such power and remove the Paying Agent if such Trustees determine in their sole discretion that the Paying Agent shall have failed to perform its obligations under this Agreement in any material respect. The Paying Agent shall initially be the Property Trustee, and it may choose any co-paying agent that is acceptable to the Administrative Trustees and the Depositor. Any Person acting as Paying Agent shall be permitted to resign as Paying Agent upon 30 days' written notice to the Administrative Trustees and the Depositor. In the event that a Paying Agent shall resign or be removed, the Administrative Trustees shall appoint a successor that is acceptable to the Depositor to act as Paying Agent (which shall be a bank or trust company). The Administrative Trustees shall cause such successor Paying Agent or any additional Paying Agent appointed by the Administrative Trustees to execute and deliver to the Trustees an instrument in which such successor Paying Agent or additional Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustees that as Paying Agent, such successor Paying Agent or additional Paying Agent will hold all sums, if any, held by it for payment to the Securityholders in trust for the benefit of the Securityholders entitled thereto until such sums shall be paid to such Securityholders. The Paying Agent shall return all unclaimed funds to the Property Trustee and upon removal of a Paying Agent such Paying Agent shall also return all funds in its possession to the Property Trustee. The provisions of Sections 8.01, 8.03 and 8.06 shall apply to the Property Trustee also in its role as Paying Agent, for so long as the Property Trustee shall act as Paying Agent and, to the extent applicable, to any other paying agent appointed hereunder. Any reference in this Agreement to the Paying Agent shall include any co-paying agent unless the context requires otherwise.
Section 5.10 Ownership of Common Securities by Depositor. On the Issue
Date, the Depositor shall acquire, and thereafter retain, beneficial and record
ownership of the Common Securities. Any attempted transfer of the Common
Securities, except for transfers by operation of law, shall be void. The
Administrative Trustees shall cause each Common Securities Certificate issued to
the Depositor to contain a legend stating "THIS CERTIFICATE IS NOT
TRANSFERABLE".
Section 5.11 Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificates; Common Securities Certificate.
(a) The Preferred Securities Certificates, upon original issuance, will be issued in the form of a typewritten Preferred Securities Certificate or Certificates representing Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificates, to be delivered to The Depository Trust Company, the initial Clearing Agency, by, or on behalf of, the Trust. Such Preferred Securities Certificate or Certificates shall initially be registered on the Securities Register in the name of Cede & Co., the nominee of the initial Clearing Agency, and no Owner will receive a definitive Preferred Securities Certificate representing such beneficial owner's interest in such Preferred Securities, except as provided in Section 5.13. Unless and until Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates have been issued to Owners pursuant to Section 5.13:
(i) the provisions of this Section 5.11(a) shall be in full force and effect;
(ii) the Securities Registrar and the Trustees shall be entitled to deal with the Clearing Agency for all purposes of this Trust Agreement relating to the Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificates (including the payment of principal of and interest on the Book-Entry Preferred Securities and the giving of instructions or directions to Owners of Book-Entry Preferred Securities) as the sole Holder of Book-Entry Preferred Securities and shall have no obligations to the Owners thereof;
(iii) to the extent that the provisions of this Section conflict with any other provisions of this Trust Agreement, the provisions of this Section shall control; and
(iv) the rights of the Owners of the Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificates shall be exercised only through the Clearing Agency and shall be limited to those established by law and agreements between such Owners and the Clearing Agency and/or the Clearing Agency Participants. Pursuant to the Certificate Depository Agreement, unless and until Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates are issued pursuant to Section 5.13, the Clearing Agency will make book-entry transfers among the Clearing Agency Participants and receive and transmit payments on the Preferred Securities to such Clearing Agency Participants.
(b) A single Common Securities Certificate representing the Common Securities shall be issued to the Depositor in the form of a definitive Common Securities Certificate.
Section 5.12tion 5Notices to Clearing Agency. To the extent a notice or other communication to the Owners is required under this Trust Agreement, unless and until Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates shall have been issued to Owners pursuant to Section 5.13, the Trustees shall give all such notices and communications specified herein to be given to Owners to the Clearing Agency, and shall have no obligations to the Owners.
Section 5.13 Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates. If (i) the Depositor advises the Trustees in writing that the Clearing Agency is no longer willing or able to properly discharge its responsibilities with respect to the Preferred Securities Certificates, and the Depositor is unable to locate a qualified successor, or (ii) the Depositor at its option advises the Trustees in writing that it elects to terminate the book-entry system through the Clearing Agency, then the Administrative Trustees shall notify the Clearing Agency and Holders of the Preferred Securities. Upon surrender to the Administrative Trustees of the typewritten Preferred Securities Certificate or Certificates representing the Book-Entry Preferred Securities Certificates by the Clearing Agency, accompanied by registration instructions, the Administrative Trustees or any one of them shall execute and authenticate the Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates in accordance with the instructions of the Clearing Agency. Neither the Securities Registrar nor the Trustees shall be liable for any delay in delivery of such instructions and may conclusively rely on, and shall be protected in relying on, such instructions. Upon the issuance of Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates, the Trustees shall recognize the Holders of the Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates as Securityholders. The Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates shall be printed, lithographed or engraved or may be produced in any other manner as is reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Trustees, as evidenced by the execution thereof by the Administrative Trustees or any one of them.
Section 5.14 Rights of Securityholders. The legal title to the Trust
Property is vested exclusively in the Property Trustee (in its capacity as such)
in accordance with Section 2.09, and the Securityholders shall not have any
right or title therein other than the beneficial ownership interest in the
assets of the Trust conferred by their Trust Securities, and they shall have no
right to call for any partition or division of property, profits or rights of
the Trust except as described below. The Trust Securities shall be personal
property giving only the rights specifically set forth therein and in this Trust
Agreement. The Trust Securities shall have no preemptive or other similar rights
and when issued and delivered to Securityholders against payment of the purchase
price therefor, except as otherwise provided in the Expense Agreement and
Section 10.01 hereof, will be fully paid and nonassessable by the Trust. Except
as otherwise provided in the Expense Agreement and Section 10.01 hereof, the
Holders of the Trust Securities shall be entitled to the same limitation of
personal liability extended to stockholders of private corporations for profit
organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
ARTICLE VI
Acts of Securityholders; Meetings; Voting
Section 6.01 Limitations on Voting Rights.
(a) Except as provided in this Section, in Section 8.10 or Section 10.03 of this Trust Agreement, in the Subordinated Indenture, and as otherwise required by law, no Holder of Preferred Securities shall have any right to vote or in any manner otherwise control the administration, operation and management of the Trust or the obligations of the parties hereto, nor shall anything herein set forth, or contained in the terms of the Trust Securities Certificates, be construed so as to constitute the Securityholders from time to time as partners or members of an association.
(b) So long as any Junior Subordinated Notes are held by the Property Trustee, the Trustees shall not (i) direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Indenture Trustee, or executing any trust or power conferred on the Indenture Trustee with respect to such Junior Subordinated Notes, (ii) waive any past default which is waivable under Section 513 of the Subordinated Indenture, (iii) exercise any right to rescind or annul a declaration that the principal of all the Junior Subordinated Notes shall be due and payable or (iv) consent to any amendment, modification or termination of the Subordinated Indenture or the Junior Subordinated Notes, where such consent shall be required, or to any other action, as holder of the Junior Subordinated Notes, under the Subordinated Indenture, without, in each case, obtaining the prior approval of the Holders of at least 66-2/3% in Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities; provided, however, that where a consent under the Subordinated Indenture would require the consent of each holder of Junior Subordinated Notes affected thereby, no such consent shall be given by the Trustees without the prior written consent of each Holder of Preferred Securities. The Trustees shall not revoke any action previously authorized or approved by a vote of the Holders of Preferred Securities, except pursuant to a subsequent vote of the Holders of Preferred Securities. The Property Trustee shall notify all Holders of the Preferred Securities of any notice of default received from the Indenture Trustee with respect to the Junior Subordinated Notes. In addition to obtaining the foregoing approvals of the Holders of the Preferred Securities, prior to taking any of the foregoing actions, the Trustees shall, at the expense of the Depositor, obtain an Opinion of Counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that the Trust will not be classified as other than a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes on account of such action.
(c) If any proposed amendment to this Trust Agreement provides for, or the Trustees otherwise propose to effect, (i) any action that would adversely affect the powers, preferences or special rights of the Preferred Securities, whether by way of amendment to this Trust Agreement or otherwise, or (ii) the dissolution, winding-up or termination of the Trust, other than pursuant to the terms of this Trust Agreement, then the Holders of Outstanding Preferred Securities as a class will be entitled to vote on such amendment or proposal and such amendment or proposal shall not be effective except with the approval of the Holders of at least 66-2/3% in Liquidation Amount of the Outstanding Preferred Securities. In addition to obtaining the foregoing approvals of the Holders of the Preferred Securities, prior to taking any of the foregoing actions, the Trustees shall, at the expense of the Depositor, obtain an Opinion of Counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that the Trust will not be classified as other than a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes on account of such action.
Section 6.02 Notice of Meetings. Notice of all meetings of the Preferred Securityholders, stating the time, place and purpose of the meeting, shall be given by the Administrative Trustees pursuant to Section 10.08 to each Preferred Securityholder of record, at his registered address, at least 15 days and not more than 90 days before the meeting. At any such meeting, any business properly before the meeting may be so considered whether or not stated in the notice of the meeting. Any adjourned meeting may be held as adjourned without further notice.
Section 6.03 Meetings of Preferred Securityholders. No annual meeting of Securityholders is required to be held. The Administrative Trustees, however, shall call a meeting of Securityholders to vote on any matter upon the written request of the Preferred Securityholders of record of 25% of the Preferred Securities (based upon their Liquidation Amount) and the Administrative Trustees or the Property Trustee may, at any time in their discretion, call a meeting of Preferred Securityholders to vote on any matters as to which Preferred Securityholders are entitled to vote.
Preferred Securityholders of record of 50% of the Preferred Securities (based upon their Liquidation Amount), present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of Securityholders.
If a quorum is present at a meeting, an affirmative vote by the Preferred Securityholders of record present, in person or by proxy, holding more than 66-2/3% of the Preferred Securities (based upon their Liquidation Amount) held by the Preferred Securityholders of record present, either in person or by proxy, at such meeting shall constitute the action of the Securityholders, unless this Trust Agreement requires a greater number of affirmative votes.
Section 6.04 Voting Rights. Securityholders shall be entitled to one vote for each $25 of Liquidation Amount represented by their Trust Securities in respect of any matter as to which such Securityholders are entitled to vote.
Section 6.05 Proxies, etc. At any meeting of Securityholders, any Securityholder entitled to vote may vote by proxy, provided that no proxy shall be voted at any meeting unless it shall have been placed on file with the Administrative Trustees, or with such other officer or agent of the Trust as the Administrative Trustees may direct, for verification prior to the time at which such vote shall be taken. Pursuant to a resolution of the Property Trustee, proxies may be solicited in the name of the Property Trustee or one or more officers of the Property Trustee. Only Securityholders of record shall be entitled to vote. When Trust Securities are held jointly by several Persons, any one of them may vote at any meeting in person or by proxy in respect of such Trust Securities, but if more than one of them shall be present at such meeting in person or by proxy, and such joint owners or their proxies so present disagree as to any vote to be cast, such vote shall not be received in respect of such Trust Securities. A proxy purporting to be executed by or on behalf of a Securityholder shall be deemed valid unless challenged at or prior to its exercise, and the burden of proving invalidity shall rest on the challenger. No proxy shall be valid more than three years after its date of execution.
Section 6.06 Securityholder Action by Written Consent. Any action which may be taken by Securityholders at a meeting may be taken without a meeting if Securityholders holding at least 66-2/3% of all outstanding Trust Securities entitled to vote in respect of such action (or such other proportion thereof as shall be required by any express provision of this Trust Agreement) shall consent to the action in writing (based upon their Liquidation Amount).
Section 6.07 Record Date for Voting and Other Purposes. For the purposes of determining the Securityholders who are entitled to notice of and to vote at any meeting or by written consent, or to participate in any Distribution on the Trust Securities in respect of which a record date is not otherwise provided for in this Trust Agreement, or for the purpose of any other action, the Administrative Trustees may from time to time fix a date, not more than 90 days prior to the date of any meeting of Securityholders or the payment of Distribution or other action, as the case may be, as a record date for the determination of the identity of the Securityholders of record for such purposes.
Section 6.08 Acts of Securityholders. Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided or permitted by this Trust Agreement to be given, made or taken by Securityholders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Securityholders in person or by an agent appointed in writing; and, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered to the Administrative Trustees. Such instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the "Act" of the Securityholders signing such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Trust Agreement and (subject to Section 8.01) conclusive in favor of the Trustees, if made in the manner provided in this Section.
The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such execution or by a certificate of a notary public or other officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing such instrument or writing acknowledged to him the execution thereof. Where such execution is by a signer acting in a capacity other than his individual capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof of his authority. The fact and date of the execution of any such instrument or writing, or the authority of the Person executing the same, may also be proved in any other manner which the Trustees deem sufficient.
The ownership of Preferred Securities shall be proved by the Securities Register.
Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act of the Securityholder of any Trust Security shall bind every future Securityholder of the same Trust Security and the Securityholder of every Trust Security issued upon the registration of transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof in respect of anything done, omitted or suffered to be done by the Trustees or the Trust in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such Trust Security.
Without limiting the foregoing, a Securityholder entitled hereunder to take any action hereunder with regard to any particular Trust Security may do so with regard to all or any part of the Liquidation Amount of such Trust Security or by one or more duly appointed agents each of which may do so pursuant to such appointment with regard to all or any part of such Liquidation Amount.
If any dispute shall arise between the Securityholders of Trust Securities and the Administrative Trustees or among such Securityholders or Trustees with respect to the authenticity, validity or binding nature of any request, demand, authorization, direction, consent, waiver or other Act of such Securityholder or Trustee under this Article VI, then the determination of such matter by the Property Trustee shall be conclusive with respect to such matter.
Section 6.09tion 6Inspection of Records. Upon reasonable notice to the Trustees, the records of the Trust shall be open to inspection by Securityholders during normal business hours for any purpose reasonably related to such Securityholder's interest as a Securityholder.
ARTICLE VII
Representations and Warranties of the Trustees
Section 7.01 Representations and Warranties of the Trustees. The Bank, the Delaware Bank, the Property Trustee and the Delaware Trustee, each on behalf of and as to itself, hereby represents and warrants for the benefit of the Depositor and the Securityholders that:
(a) the Bank is a banking corporation or trust company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of New York, and the Delaware Trustee is a banking corporation or trust company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware;
(b) each of the Bank and the Delaware Bank has full corporate power, authority and legal right to execute, deliver and perform their obligations under this Trust Agreement and has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance by it of this Trust Agreement;
(c) this Trust Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by each of the Bank and the Delaware Bank and constitutes the valid and legally binding agreement of each of the Bank and the Delaware Bank, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles;
(d) the execution, delivery and performance by each of the Bank and the Delaware Bank of this Trust Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Bank, the Property Trustee, the Delaware Bank and the Delaware Trustee and do not require any approval of stockholders of the Bank or the Delaware Bank and such execution, delivery and performance will not (i) violate the Bank's or the Delaware Bank's Charter or By-laws, or (ii) violate any law, governmental rule or regulation of the United States or the State of New York or Delaware, as the case may be, governing the banking or trust powers of the Bank and the Property Trustee or the Delaware Bank and the Delaware Trustee, or any order, judgment or decree applicable to the Bank, the Property Trustee, the Delaware Bank or the Delaware Trustee; and
(e) neither the authorization, execution or delivery by the Bank or the Delaware Bank of this Trust Agreement, nor the consummation of any of the transactions by the Bank, the Property Trustee, the Delaware Bank or the Delaware Trustee (as appropriate in context) contemplated herein or therein, nor the issuance of the Trust Securities Certificates pursuant to this Trust Agreement require the consent or approval of, the giving of notice to, the registration with or the taking of any other action with respect to any governmental authority or agency under any existing federal, New York or Delaware law governing the banking or trust powers of the Bank or the Delaware Bank.
ARTICLE VIII
The Trustees
Section 8.01 Certain Duties and Responsibilities.
(a) The rights, duties and responsibilities of the Trustees shall be as provided by this Trust Agreement and, in the case of the Property Trustee, the Trust Indenture Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no provision of this Trust Agreement shall require the Trustees to expend or risk their own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of their duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of their rights or powers, if they shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to them. Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Trust Agreement relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustees shall be subject to the provisions of this Section.
(b) All payments made by the Property Trustee in respect of the Trust Securities shall be made only from the income and proceeds from the Trust Property and only to the extent that there shall be sufficient income or proceeds from the Trust Property to enable the Property Trustee to make payments in accordance with the terms hereof. Each Securityholder, by its acceptance of a Trust Security, agrees that it will look solely to the income and proceeds from the Trust Property to the extent available for distribution to it as herein provided and that the Trustees are not personally liable to it for any amount distributable in respect of any Trust Security or for any other liability in respect of any Trust Security. This Section 8.01(b) does not limit the liability of the Trustees expressly set forth elsewhere in this Trust Agreement or, in the case of the Property Trustee, in the Trust Indenture Act.
Section 8.02 Notice of Defaults. Within 90 days after the occurrence of any default, the Property Trustee shall transmit, in the manner and to the extent provided in Section 10.08, notice of any default known to the Property Trustee to the Securityholders, the Administrative Trustees and the Depositor, unless such default shall have been cured or waived. For the purpose of this Section, the term "default" means any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default.
Section 8.03 Certain Rights of Property Trustee. Subject to the provisions of Section 8.01 and except as provided by law:
(i) the Property Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting in good faith upon any resolution, Opinion of Counsel, certificate, written representation of a Holder or transferee, certificate of auditors or any other certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, appraisal, bond or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;
(ii) if (A) in performing its duties under this Trust Agreement the Property Trustee is required to decide between alternative courses of action, or (B) in construing any of the provisions in this Trust Agreement the Property Trustee finds the same ambiguous or inconsistent with any other provisions contained herein, or (C) the Property Trustee is unsure of the application of any provision of this Trust Agreement, then, except as to any matter as to which the Preferred Securityholders are entitled to vote under the terms of this Trust Agreement, the Property Trustee shall deliver a notice to the Depositor requesting written instructions of the Depositor as to the course of action to be taken. The Property Trustee shall take such action, or refrain from taking such action, as the Property Trustee shall be instructed in writing to take, or to refrain from taking, by the Depositor; provided, however, that if the Property Trustee does not receive such instructions of the Depositor within ten Business Days after it has delivered such notice, or such reasonably shorter period of time set forth in such notice (which to the extent practicable shall not be less than two Business Days), it may, but shall be under no duty to, take or refrain from taking such action not inconsistent with this Trust Agreement as it shall deem advisable and in the best interests of the Securityholders, in which event the Property Trustee shall have no liability except for its own bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct;
(iii) the Property Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection and the written advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon;
(iv) the Property Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Trust Agreement at the request or direction of any of the Securityholders pursuant to this Trust Agreement, unless such Securityholders shall have offered to the Property Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction;
(v) the Property 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, bond or other document, unless requested in writing to do so by one or more Securityholders; and
(vi) the Property Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through its agents or attorneys, provided that the Property Trustee shall be responsible for its own negligence or recklessness with respect to selection of any agent or attorney appointed by it hereunder.
Section 8.04 Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities. The recitals contained herein and in the Trust Securities Certificates shall be taken as the statements of the Trust, and the Trustees do not assume any responsibility for their correctness. The Trustees shall not be accountable for the use or application by the Trust of the proceeds of the Trust Securities in accordance with Section 2.05.
The Property Trustee may conclusively assume that any funds held by it hereunder are legally available unless an officer of the Property Trustee assigned to its Corporate Trustee Administrative Department shall have received written notice from the Company, any Holder or any other Trustee that such funds are not legally available.
Section 8.05 May Hold Securities. Except as provided in the definition of the term "Outstanding" in Article I, any Trustee or any other agent of the Trustees or the Trust, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Trust Securities and may otherwise deal with the Trust with the same rights it would have if it were not a Trustee or such other agent.
Section 8.06 Compensation; Fees; Indemnity.ndemnity
The Depositor agrees:
(1) to pay to the Trustees from time to time reasonable compensation for all services rendered by the Trustees hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust);
(2) except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse the Trustees upon request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustees in accordance with any provision of this Trust Agreement (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of their agents and counsel), except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may be attributable to their willful misconduct, negligence or bad faith; and
(3) to indemnify the Trustees for, and to hold the Trustees harmless against, any and all loss, damage, claims, liability or expense incurred without willful misconduct, negligence or bad faith on their part, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of this Trust Agreement, including the costs and expenses of defending themselves against any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of their powers or duties hereunder.
The provisions of this Section 8.06 shall survive the termination of this Trust Agreement.
Section 8.07 Trustees Required; Eligibility.gibility
(a) There shall at all times be a Property Trustee hereunder with respect to the Trust Securities. The Property Trustee shall be a Person that has a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000. If any such Person publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of its supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such Person shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time the Property Trustee with respect to the Trust Securities shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article.
(b) There shall at all times be one or more Administrative Trustees hereunder with respect to the Trust Securities. Each Administrative Trustee shall be either a natural person who is at least 21 years of age or a legal entity that shall act through one or more persons authorized to bind such entity.
(c) There shall at all times be a Delaware Trustee with respect to the Trust Securities. The Delaware Trustee shall either be (i) a natural person who is at least 21 years of age and a resident of the State of Delaware or (ii) a legal entity authorized to conduct a trust business and with its principal place of business in the State of Delaware that shall act through one or more persons authorized to bind such entity.
Section 8.08 Conflicting Interests.
If the Property Trustee has or shall acquire a conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act, the Property Trustee shall either eliminate such interest or resign, to the extent and in the manner provided by, and subject to the provisions of, the Trust Indenture Act and this Trust Agreement. To the extent permitted by the Trust Indenture Act, the Property Trustee shall not be deemed to have a conflicting interest by virtue of being trustee under (i) the Guarantee, (ii) the amended and restated trust agreement dated as of January 1, 1996, among the Company, as Depositor, Chase Manhattan Bank Delaware (formerly known as Chemical Bank Delaware), as Delaware Trustee, the Administrative Trustees named therein and The Chase Manhattan Bank (formerly known as Chemical Bank), as Property Trustee, relating to Alabama Power Capital Trust I, and (iii) the guarantee agreement dated as of January 1, 1996, between the Company, as Guarantor, and The Chase Manhattan Bank (formerly known as Chemical Bank), as trustee, relating to Alabama Power Capital Trust I.
Section 8.09 Co-Trustees and Separate Trustee.
At any time or times, for the purpose of meeting the legal requirements
of the Trust Indenture Act or of any jurisdiction in which any part of the Trust
Property may at the time be located, the Holder of the Common Securities and the
Property Trustee shall have power to appoint, and upon the written request of
the Property Trustee, the Depositor shall for such purpose join with the
Property Trustee in the execution, delivery and performance of all instruments
and agreements necessary or proper to appoint, one or more Persons approved by
the Property Trustee either to act as co-trustee, jointly with the Property
Trustee, of all or any part of such Trust Property, or to act as separate
trustee of any such Trust Property, in either case with such powers as may be
provided in the instrument of appointment, and to vest in such Person or Persons
in the capacity aforesaid, any property, title, right or power deemed necessary
or desirable, subject to the other provisions of this Section. If the Depositor
does not join in such appointment within 15 days after the receipt by it of a
request so to do, or in case an Indenture Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing, the Property Trustee alone shall have power to make such
appointment. Any co-trustee or separate trustee appointed pursuant to this
Section shall satisfy the requirements of Section 8.07.
Should any written instrument from the Depositor be required by any co-trustee or separate trustee so appointed for more fully confirming to such co-trustee or separate trustee such property, title, right, or power, any and all such instruments shall, on request, be executed, acknowledged, and delivered by the Depositor.
Every co-trustee or separate trustee shall, to the extent permitted by law, but to such extent only, be appointed subject to the following terms, namely:
(i) The Trust Securities shall be executed, authenticated and delivered and all rights, powers, duties, and obligations hereunder in respect of the custody of securities, cash and other personal property held by, or required to be deposited or pledged with, the Trustees hereunder, shall be exercised, solely by the Trustees.
(ii) The rights, powers, duties, and obligations hereby conferred or imposed upon the Property Trustee in respect of any property covered by such appointment shall be conferred or imposed upon and exercised or performed by the Property Trustee or by the Property Trustee and such co-trustee or separate trustee jointly, as shall be provided in the instrument appointing such co-trustee or separate trustee, except to the extent that under any law of any jurisdiction in which any particular act is to be performed, the Property Trustee shall be incompetent or unqualified to perform such act, in which event such rights, powers, duties, and obligations shall be exercised and performed by such co-trustee or separate trustee.
(iii) The Property Trustee at any time, by an instrument in writing executed by it, with the written concurrence of the Depositor, may accept the resignation of or remove any co-trustee or separate trustee appointed under this Section, and, in case an Indenture Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Property Trustee shall have power to accept the resignation of, or remove, any such co-trustee or separate trustee without the concurrence of the Depositor. Upon the written request of the Property Trustee, the Depositor shall join with the Property Trustee in the execution, delivery, and performance of all instruments and agreements necessary or proper to effectuate such resignation or removal. A successor to any co-trustee or separate trustee so resigned or removed may be appointed in the manner provided in this Section.
(iv) No co-trustee or separate trustee hereunder shall be personally liable by reason of any act or omission of the Property Trustee, or any other such trustee hereunder.
(v) The Trustees shall not be liable by reason of any act of a co-trustee or separate trustee.
(vi) Any Act of Holders delivered to the Property Trustee shall be deemed to have been delivered to each such co-trustee and separate trustee.
Section 8.10 Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor. No resignation or removal of any Trustee (the "Relevant Trustee") and no appointment of a successor Relevant Trustee pursuant to this Article shall become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Relevant Trustee in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 8.11.
The Relevant Trustee may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Securityholders. If the instrument of acceptance by a successor Relevant Trustee required by Section 8.11 shall not have been delivered to the Relevant Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such notice of resignation, the resigning Relevant Trustee may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Relevant Trustee.
Unless an Indenture Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Relevant Trustee may be removed at any time by Act of the Holder of the Common Securities. If an Indenture Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Relevant Trustee may be removed at such time by Act of the Securityholders of a majority in Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities Certificates, delivered to the Relevant Trustee (in its individual capacity and on behalf of the Trust).
If the Relevant Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of
continuing to act as Trustee at a time when no Indenture Event of Default shall
have occurred and be continuing, the Holder of the Common Securities, by Act of
the Holder of the Common Securities delivered to the retiring Relevant Trustee,
shall promptly appoint a successor Relevant Trustee or Trustees, and the
retiring Relevant Trustee shall comply with the applicable requirements of
Section 8.11. If the Relevant Trustee shall resign, be removed or become
incapable of continuing to act as the Relevant Trustee at a time when an
Indenture Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Holders of
Preferred Securities, by Act of the Securityholders of a majority in Liquidation
Amount of the Preferred Securities then outstanding delivered to the retiring
Relevant Trustee, shall promptly appoint a successor Relevant Trustee or
Trustees, and the Relevant Trustee shall comply with the applicable requirements
of Section 8.11. If no successor Relevant Trustee shall have been so appointed
in accordance with this Section 8.10 and accepted appointment in the manner
required by Section 8.11, any Securityholder who has been a Securityholder of
Trust Securities for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all
others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the
appointment of a successor Relevant Trustee.
The retiring Relevant Trustee shall give notice of each resignation and each removal of the Relevant Trustee, and each appointment of a successor Trustee to all Securityholders in the manner provided in Section 10.08 and shall give notice to the Depositor. Each notice shall include the name of the successor Relevant Trustee and the address of its Corporate Trust Office if it is the Property Trustee.
Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Trust
Agreement, in the event any Administrative Trustee or a Delaware Trustee who is
a natural person dies or becomes incompetent or incapacitated, the vacancy
created by such death, incompetence or incapacity may be filled by (i) the act
of the remaining Administrative Trustee or (ii) otherwise by the Depositor (with
the successor in each case being an individual who satisfies the eligibility
requirement for Administrative Trustees set forth in Section 8.07).
Additionally, notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Trust
Agreement, in the event the Depositor believes that any Administrative Trustee
has become incompetent or incapacitated, the Depositor, by notice to the
remaining Trustees, may terminate the status of such Person as an Administrative
Trustee (in which case the vacancy so created will be filled in accordance with
the preceding sentence).
Section 8.11 Acceptance of Appointment by Successor. In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Relevant Trustee, every such successor Relevant Trustee so appointed shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Trust and to the retiring Relevant Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Relevant Trustee shall become effective and such successor Relevant Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Relevant Trustee; but, on the request of the Depositor or the successor Relevant Trustee, such retiring Relevant Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Relevant Trustee all the rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Relevant Trustee and shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Relevant Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Relevant Trustee hereunder.
Upon request of any such successor Relevant Trustee, the Trust shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor Relevant Trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred to in the preceding paragraph.
No successor Relevant Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance such successor Relevant Trustee shall be qualified and eligible under this Article.
Section 8.12 Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business. Any Person into which the Property Trustee, Delaware Trustee or any Administrative Trustee which is not a natural person may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any Person resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which such Relevant Trustee shall be a party, or any Person succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business of such Relevant Trustee, shall be the successor of such Relevant Trustee hereunder, provided such Person shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto.
Section 8.13 Preferential Collection of Claims Against Depositor or Trust. If and when the Property Trustee shall be or become a creditor of the Depositor or the Trust (or any other obligor upon the Junior Subordinated Notes or the Trust Securities), the Property Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act regarding the collection of claims against the Depositor or Trust (or any such other obligor). For purposes of Section 311(b)(4) and (6) of the Trust Indenture Act:
(a) "cash transaction" means any transaction in which full payment for goods or securities sold is made within seven days after delivery of the goods or securities in currency or in checks or other orders drawn upon banks or bankers and payable upon demand; and
(b) "self-liquidating paper" means any draft, bill of exchange, acceptance or obligation which is made, drawn, negotiated or incurred by the Depositor or the Trust (or any such obligor) for the purpose of financing the purchase, processing, manufacturing, shipment, storage or sale of goods, wares or merchandise and which is secured by documents evidencing title to, possession of, or a lien upon, the goods, wares or merchandise or the receivables or proceeds arising from the sale of the goods, wares or merchandise previously constituting the security, provided the security is received by the Property Trustee simultaneously with the creation of the creditor relationship with the Depositor or the Trust (or any such obligor) arising from the making, drawing, negotiating or incurring of the draft, bill of exchange, acceptance or obligation.
Section 8.14 Reports by Property Trustee.
(a) Within 60 days after May 15 of each year commencing with May 15, 1997, if required by Section 313(a) of the Trust Indenture Act, the Property Trustee shall transmit a brief report dated as of such May 15 with respect to any of the events specified in such Section 313(a) that may have occurred since the later of the date of this Trust Agreement or the preceding May 15.
(b) The Property Trustee shall transmit to Securityholders the reports required by Section 313(b) of the Trust Indenture Act at the times specified therein.
(c) Reports pursuant to this Section shall be transmitted in the manner and to the Persons required by Sections 313(c) and (d) of the Trust Indenture Act.
Section 8.15 Reports to the Property Trustee. The Depositor and the
Administrative Trustees on behalf of the Trust shall provide to the Property
Trustee such documents, reports and information as required by Section 314 of
the Trust Indenture Act (if any) and, within 120 days after the end of each
fiscal year of the Depositor, the compliance certificate required by Section
314(a)(4) of the Trust Indenture Act in the form and in the manner required by
Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act.
Section 8.16 Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent. Each of the Depositor and the Administrative Trustees on behalf of the Trust shall provide to the Property Trustee such evidence of compliance with any conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Trust Agreement that relate to any of the matters set forth in Section 314(c) of the Trust Indenture Act. Any certificate or opinion required to be given pursuant to Section 314(c)(1) of the Trust Indenture Act shall comply with Section 314(e) of the Trust Indenture Act.
Section 8.17 Number of Trustees.Trustees
(a) The number of Trustees shall initially be four, provided that the Depositor by written instrument may increase or decrease the number of Administrative Trustees.
(b) If a Trustee ceases to hold office for any reason and the number of
Administrative Trustees is not reduced pursuant to Section 8.17(a), or if the
number of Trustees is increased pursuant to Section 8.17(a), a vacancy shall
occur. The vacancy shall be filled with a Trustee appointed in accordance with
Section 8.10.
(c) The death, resignation, retirement, removal, bankruptcy, incompetence or incapacity to perform the duties of a Trustee shall not operate to annul the Trust. Whenever a vacancy in the number of Administrative Trustees shall occur, until such vacancy is filled by the appointment of an Administrative Trustee in accordance with Section 8.10, the Administrative Trustees in office, regardless of their number (and notwithstanding any other provision of this Trust Agreement), shall have all powers granted to the Administrative Trustees and shall discharge the duties imposed upon the Administrative Trustees by this Trust Agreement.
Section 8.18 Delegation of Power.of Power
(a) Any Administrative Trustee may, by power of attorney consistent with applicable law, delegate to any other natural person over the age of 21 his or her power for the purpose of executing any documents contemplated in Section 2.07(A), including any registration statement or amendment thereto filed with the Commission, or making any other governmental filing; and
(b) The Administrative Trustees shall have power to delegate from time to time to such of their number the doing of such things and the execution of such instruments either in the name of the Trust or the names of the Administrative Trustees or otherwise as the Administrative Trustees may deem expedient, to the extent such delegation is not prohibited by applicable law or contrary to the provisions of the Trust, as set forth herein.
Section 8.19 Enforcement of Rights of Property Trustee by Securityholders. If (i) the Trust fails to pay Distributions in full on the Preferred Securities for more than 20 consecutive quarterly distribution periods, or (ii) an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, then the Holders of Preferred Securities will rely on the enforcement by the Property Trustee of its rights against the Company as the holder of the Junior Subordinated Notes. In addition, the Holders of a majority in aggregate Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities will have the right to direct the time, method, and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Property Trustee or to direct the exercise of any trust or power conferred upon the Property Trustee under this Trust Agreement, including the right to direct the Property Trustee to exercise the remedies available to it as a holder of the Junior Subordinated Notes, provided that such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Trust Agreement, and could not involve the Property Trustee in personal liability in circumstances where reasonable indemnity would not be adequate. If the Property Trustee fails to enforce its rights under the Junior Subordinated Notes, a Holder of Preferred Securities may, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, institute a legal proceeding against the Company to enforce its rights under this Trust Agreement without first instituting any legal proceeding against the Property Trustee or any other Person, including the Trust; it being understood and intended that no one or more of such Holders shall have any right in any manner whatsoever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision of this Trust Agreement to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other of such Holders or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any other of such Holders or to enforce any right under this Trust Agreement, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all such Holders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Holder of Preferred Securities may institute a legal proceeding directly against the Company, without first instituting a legal proceeding against or requesting or directing that action be taken by the Property Trustee or any other Person, for enforcement of payment to such Holder of principal of or interest on the Series B Junior Subordinated Notes having a principal amount equal to the aggregate stated liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities of such Holder on or after the due dates therefor specified or provided for in the Series B Junior Subordinated Notes. The Company shall be subrogated to all rights of the Holders of Preferred Securities in respect of any amounts paid to such Holders by the Company pursuant to this Section.
ARTICLE IX
Termination and Liquidation
Section 9.01 Termination Upon Expiration Date. The Trust shall automatically terminate on December 31, 2041 (the "Expiration Date") or earlier pursuant to Section 9.02.
Section 9.02 Early Termination. Upon the first to occur of any of the following events (such first occurrence, an "Early Termination Event"), the Trust shall be dissolved and terminated in accordance with the terms hereof:
(i) the occurrence of a Bankruptcy Event in respect of the Depositor, dissolution or liquidation of the Depositor, or the dissolution of the Trust pursuant to judicial decree;
(ii) the delivery of written direction to the Property Trustee by the Depositor at any time (which direction is optional and wholly within the discretion of the Depositor) to terminate the Trust and distribute the Junior Subordinated Notes to Securityholders as provided in Section 9.04; and
(iii) the payment at maturity or redemption of all of the Junior Subordinated Notes, and the consequent payment of the Preferred Securities.
Section 9.03 Termination. The respective obligations and responsibilities of the Trust and the Trustees created hereby shall terminate upon the latest to occur of the following: (a) the distribution by the Property Trustee to Securityholders upon the liquidation of the Trust pursuant to Section 9.04, or upon the redemption of all of the Trust Securities pursuant to Section 4.02, of all amounts or instruments required to be distributed hereunder upon the final payment of the Trust Securities; (b) the payment of any expenses owed by the Trust; and (c) the discharge of all administrative duties of the Administrative Trustees, including the performance of any tax reporting obligations with respect to the Trust or the Securityholders.
Section 9.04 Liquidation.
(a) If any Early Termination Event specified in clause (ii) of Section 9.02 occurs, the Trust shall be liquidated and the Property Trustee shall distribute the Junior Subordinated Notes to the Securityholders as provided in this Section 9.04.
(b) In connection with a distribution of the Junior Subordinated Notes, each Holder of Trust Securities shall be entitled to receive, after the satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of the Trust (as evidenced by a certificate of the Administrative Trustees), a Like Amount of Junior Subordinated Notes. Notice of liquidation shall be given by the Trustees by first-class mail, postage prepaid, mailed not later than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the Liquidation Date to each Holder of Trust Securities at such Holder's address appearing in the Securities Register. All notices of liquidation shall:
(i) state the Liquidation Date;
(ii) state that from and after the Liquidation Date, the Trust Securities will no longer be deemed to be Outstanding and any Trust Securities Certificates not surrendered for exchange will be deemed to represent a Like Amount of Junior Subordinated Notes; and
(iii) provide such information with respect to the mechanics by which Holders may exchange Trust Securities Certificates for Junior Subordinated Notes as the Administrative Trustees or the Property Trustee shall deem appropriate.
(c) In order to effect the liquidation of the Trust and distribution of the Junior Subordinated Notes to Securityholders, the Property Trustee shall establish a record date for such distribution (which shall be not more than 45 days prior to the Liquidation Date) and, either itself acting as exchange agent or through the appointment of a separate exchange agent, shall establish such procedures as it shall deem appropriate to effect the distribution of Junior Subordinated Notes in exchange for the Outstanding Trust Securities Certificates.
(d) After the Liquidation Date, (i) the Trust Securities will no longer be deemed to be Outstanding, (ii) certificates representing a Like Amount of Junior Subordinated Notes will be issued to Holders of Trust Securities Certificates, upon surrender of such certificates to the Administrative Trustees or their agent for exchange, (iii) any Trust Securities Certificates not so surrendered for exchange will be deemed to represent a Like Amount of Junior Subordinated Notes, accruing interest at the rate provided for in the Junior Subordinated Notes from the last Distribution Date on which a Distribution was made on such Trust Certificates until such certificates are so surrendered (and until such certificates are so surrendered, no payments of interest or principal will be made to Holders of Trust Securities Certificates with respect to such Junior Subordinated Notes) and (iv) all rights of Securityholders holding Trust Securities will cease, except the right of such Securityholders to receive Junior Subordinated Notes upon surrender of Trust Securities Certificates.
(e) The Depositor will use its best efforts to have the Junior Subordinated Notes that are distributed in exchange for the Preferred Securities to be listed on such securities exchange as the Preferred Securities are then listed. The Depositor may elect to have the Junior Subordinated Notes issued in book-entry form to the Clearing Agency or its nominee pursuant to a Certificate Depository Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit B.
Section 9.05 Bankruptcy. If an Early Termination Event specified in clause
(i) of Section 9.02 has occurred, the Trust shall be liquidated. The Property
Trustee shall distribute the Junior Subordinated Notes to the Securityholders as
provided in Section 9.04, unless such distribution is determined by the
Administrative Trustees not to be practical, in which event the Holders will be
entitled to receive out of the assets of the Trust available for distribution to
Securityholders, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors, an amount equal
to the Liquidation Amount per Trust Security plus accrued and unpaid
Distributions thereon to the date of payment (such amount being the "Liquidation
Distribution"). If such Liquidation Distribution can be paid only in part
because the Trust has insufficient assets available to pay in full the aggregate
Liquidation Distribution, then, subject to the next succeeding sentence, the
amounts payable by the Trust on the Trust Securities shall be paid on a pro rata
basis (based upon Liquidation Amounts). The Holder of the Common Securities will
be entitled to receive Liquidation Distributions upon any such dissolution,
winding-up or termination pro rata (determined as aforesaid) with Holders of
Preferred Securities, except that, if an Indenture Event of Default has occurred
and is continuing, the Preferred Securities shall have a priority over the
Common Securities.
ARTICLE X
Miscellaneous Provisions
Section 10.01 Guarantee by the Depositor. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Depositor irrevocably and unconditionally guarantees to each Person to whom the Trust is now or hereafter becomes indebted or liable (the "Beneficiaries") the full payment, when and as due, of any and all Obligations (as hereinafter defined) to such Beneficiaries. As used herein, "Obligations" means any indebtedness, expenses or liabilities of the Trust, other than obligations of the Trust to pay to Holders of any Preferred Securities or other similar interests in the Trust the amounts due such Holders pursuant to the terms of the Preferred Securities or such other similar interests, as the case may be. This guarantee is intended to be for the benefit of, and to be enforceable by, all such Beneficiaries, whether or not such Beneficiaries have received notice hereof.
Section 10.02 Limitation of Rights of Securityholders. The death or incapacity of any Person having an interest, beneficial or otherwise, in a Trust Security shall not operate to terminate this Trust Agreement, nor entitle the legal representatives or heirs of such Person or any Securityholder for such Person, to claim an accounting, take any action or bring any proceeding in and for a partition or winding up of the arrangements contemplated hereby, nor otherwise affect the rights, obligations and liabilities of the parties hereto or any of them.
Section 10.03 Amendment.
(a) This Trust Agreement may be amended from time to time by the Trustees and the Depositor, without the consent of any Securityholders, (i) to cure any ambiguity, correct or supplement any provision herein which may be inconsistent with any other provision herein, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Trust Agreement, which shall not be inconsistent with the other provisions of this Trust Agreement, provided, however, that any such amendment shall not adversely affect in any material respect the interests of any Securityholder or (ii) to modify, eliminate or add to any provisions of this Trust Agreement to such extent as shall be necessary to ensure that the Trust will not be classified as other than a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes at any time that any Trust Securities are outstanding; provided, however, that, except in the case of clause (ii), such action shall not adversely affect in any material respect the interests of any Securityholder and, in the case of clause (i), any amendments of this Trust Agreement shall become effective when notice thereof is given to the Securityholders.
(b) Except as provided in Section 10.03(c) hereof, any provision in this Trust Agreement may be amended by the Trust or the Trustees with (i) the consent of Trust Securityholders representing not less than 66-2/3% (based upon Liquidation Amounts) of the Trust Securities then Outstanding and (ii) receipt by the Trustees of an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such amendment or the exercise of any power granted to the Trustees in accordance with such amendment will not affect the Trust's status as a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes or the Trust's exemption from status of an "investment company" under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
(c) In addition to and notwithstanding any other provision in this Trust Agreement, without the consent of each affected Securityholder (such consent being obtained in accordance with Section 6.03 or 6.06 hereof), this Trust Agreement may not be amended to (i) change the amount or timing of any Distribution on the Trust Securities or otherwise adversely affect the amount of any Distribution required to be made in respect of the Trust Securities as of a specified date, (ii) restrict the right of a Securityholder to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such date, or (iii) change the consent required pursuant to Section 10.03.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Trust Agreement, the Trustees shall not enter into or consent to any amendment to this Trust Agreement which would cause the Trust to fail or cease to qualify for the exemption from status of an "investment company" under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, afforded by Rule 3a-5 thereunder.
(e) Without the consent of the Depositor, this Trust Agreement may not be amended in a manner which imposes any additional obligation on the Depositor. In executing any amendment permitted by this Trust Agreement, the Trustees shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 8.01) shall be fully protected in relying upon an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such amendment is authorized or permitted by this Trust Agreement. Any Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such amendment which affects such Trustee's own rights, duties, immunities or liabilities under this Trust Agreement or otherwise.
(f) In the event that any amendment to this Trust Agreement is made, the Administrative Trustees shall promptly provide to the Depositor a copy of such amendment.
Section 10.04ion 1Separability. In case any provision in this Trust Agreement or in the Trust Securities Certificates shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
Section 10.05 Governing Law. THIS TRUST AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS OF EACH OF THE SECURITYHOLDERS, THE TRUST AND THE TRUSTEES WITH
RESPECT TO THIS TRUST AGREEMENT AND THE TRUST SECURITIES SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE;
PROVIDED THAT THE IMMUNITIES AND STANDARD OF CARE OF THE PROPERTY TRUSTEE SHALL
BE GOVERNED BY NEW YORK LAW.
Section 10.06 Successors. This Trust Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of any successor to both the Trust and the Trustees, including any successor by operation of law.
Section 10.07 Headings. The Article and Section headings are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction of this Trust Agreement.
Section 10.08 Notice and Demand. Any notice, demand or other communication
which by any provision of this Trust Agreement is required or permitted to be
given or served to or upon any Securityholder or the Depositor may be given or
served in writing by deposit thereof, first-class postage prepaid, in the United
States mail, hand delivery or facsimile transmission, in each case, addressed,
(i) in the case of a Preferred Securityholder, to such Preferred Securityholder
as such Securityholder's name and address appear on the Securities Register and
(ii) in the case of the Common Securityholder or the Depositor, to Alabama Power
Company, 600 North 18th Street, Birmingham, Alabama 35291, Attention: Treasurer,
Facsimile No. (205) 250-2445, with a copy to Southern Company Services, Inc., 64
Perimeter Center East, Atlanta, Georgia 30346, Attention: Corporate Finance
Department, Facsimile No. (770) 821-4460. Such notice, demand or other
communication to or upon a Securityholder shall be deemed to have been
sufficiently given or made, for all purposes, upon hand delivery, mailing or
transmission.
Any notice, demand or other communication which by any provision of
this Trust Agreement is required or permitted to be given or served to or upon
the Trust or the Trustees shall be given in writing addressed (until another
address is published by the Trust) as follows: (i) with respect to the Property
Trustee and the Delaware Trustee, The Chase Manhattan Bank, 450 West 33rd
Street, New York, New York, 10001, Attention: Corporate Trustee Administration
Department; Chase Manhattan Bank Delaware, 1201 Market Street, Wilmington,
Delaware 19801, Attention: Corporate Trust Department, as the case may be; and
(ii) with respect to the Administrative Trustees, to them at the address above
for notices to the Depositor, marked Attention: Administrative Trustees of
Alabama Power Capital Trust II c/o Treasurer. Such notice, demand or other
communication to or upon the Trust or the Trustees shall be deemed to have been
sufficiently given or made only upon actual receipt of the writing by the
applicable Trustee.
Section 10.09 1Agreement Not to Petition. Each of the Trustees and the Depositor agrees for the benefit of the Securityholders that, until at least one year and one day after the Trust has been terminated in accordance with Article IX, it shall not file, or join in the filing of, a petition against the Trust under any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, liquidation or other similar law (including, without limitation, the United States Bankruptcy Code) (collectively, "Bankruptcy Laws") or otherwise join in the commencement of any proceeding against the Trust under any Bankruptcy Law. In the event the Depositor takes action in violation of this Section 10.09, the Property Trustee agrees, for the benefit of Securityholders, that it shall file an answer with the bankruptcy court or otherwise properly contest the filing of such petition by the Depositor against the Trust or the commencement of such action and raise the defense that the Depositor has agreed in writing not to take such action and should be stopped and precluded therefrom and such other defenses, if any, as counsel for the Trustees or the Trust may assert. The provisions of this Section 10.09 shall survive the termination of this Trust Agreement.
Section 10.10 Conflict with Trust Indenture Act.ture Act
(a) This Trust Agreement is subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are required to be part of this Trustee Agreement and shall, to the extent applicable, be governed by such provisions.
(b) The Property Trustee shall be the only Trustee which is a Trustee for the purposes of the Trust Indenture Act.
(c) If any provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with another provision hereof which is required to be included in this Trust Agreement by any of the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act, such required provision shall control.
(d) The application of the Trust Indenture Act to this Trust Agreement shall not affect the nature of the Trust Securities as equity securities representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust.
THE RECEIPT AND ACCEPTANCE OF A TRUST SECURITY OR ANY INTEREST THEREIN BY OR ON BEHALF OF A SECURITYHOLDER OR ANY BENEFICIAL OWNER, WITHOUT ANY SIGNATURE OR FURTHER MANIFESTATION OF ASSENT, SHALL CONSTITUTE THE UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE BY THE SECURITYHOLDER AND ALL OTHERS HAVING A BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN SUCH TRUST SECURITY OF ALL THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THIS TRUST AGREEMENT AND AGREEMENT TO THE SUBORDINATION PROVISIONS AND OTHER TERMS OF THE GUARANTEE AND THE SUBORDINATED INDENTURE AND THE AGREEMENT OF THE TRUST, SUCH SECURITYHOLDER AND SUCH OTHERS THAT THOSE TERMS AND PROVISIONS SHALL BE BINDING, OPERATIVE AND EFFECTIVE AS BETWEEN THE TRUST AND SUCH SECURITYHOLDER AND SUCH OTHERS.
Exhibit B - Page 6
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Trust Agreement or have caused this Trust Agreement to be executed on their behalf, all as of the day and year first above written.
ALABAMA POWER COMPANY,
as Depositor
By: Art P. Beattie Title: Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer |
THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK,
as Property Trustee
By:
L. O'Brien
Title: Senior Trust Officer
CHASE MANHATTAN BANK DELAWARE,
as Delaware Trustee
By:
Title:
William E. Zales, Jr., as Administrative Trustee
J. Randy DeRieux,
as Administrative Trustee
Exhibit A - Page 1
EXHIBIT A
[INTENTIONALLY RESERVED]
January 13, 1997
The Depository Trust Company
55 Water Street, 49th Floor
New York, New York 10041-0099
Attention: General Counsel's Office
Re: Alabama Power Capital Trust II 7.60% Trust Originated Preferred Securities
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The purpose of this letter is to set out certain matters relating to the above-referenced Preferred Securities (CUSIP No. 010388205) (the "Securities") of Alabama Power Capital Trust II, a Delaware statutory business trust (the "Trust"). The Securities are guaranteed to the extent set forth in the Prospectus dated December 13, 1996 as supplemented by the Prospectus Supplement dated January 9, 1997 relating to the Securities by Alabama Power Company, an Alabama corporation. The Trust is selling the Securities to certain underwriters (the "Underwriters") pursuant to an Underwriting Agreement dated January 9, 1997, and the Underwriters wish to take delivery of the Securities through The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"). The Chase Manhattan Bank, in its capacity as the Property Trustee of the Trust (the "Property Trustee"), initially will act as transfer agent and registrar and paying agent in relation to the Securities.
To induce DTC to accept the Securities as eligible for deposit at DTC, and to act in accordance with its Rules with respect to the Securities, the Trust and the Property Trustee severally, as set forth below, each make the following representations to DTC.
1. Before the closing of the sale of the Securities to the Underwriters, which is expected to occur on or about January 16, 1997, one or more global certificates (the "Global Certificate") shall be registered in the name of DTC's nominee, Cede & Co., for 8,000,000 Securities. The Global Certificate(s) shall remain in the Property Trustee's custody as a "Balance Certificate" subject to the provisions of the Balance Certificate Agreement between the Property Trustee and DTC currently in effect.
Each Security certificate shall bear the following legend:
Unless this certificate is presented by an authorized representative of The Depository Trust Company, a New York corporation ("DTC"), to Issuer or its agent for registration of transfer, exchange, or payment, and any certificate 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.
Issuer: (a) understands that DTC has no obligation to, and will not, communicate to its Participants or to any person having an interest in the Securities any information contained in the Security certificate(s); and (b) acknowledges that neither DTC's Participants nor any person having an interest in the Securities shall be deemed to have notice of the provisions of the Security certificate(s) by virtue of submission of such certificate(s) to DTC.
2. The Amended and Restated Trust Agreement dated as of
January 1, 1997 provides for the voting by holders of the Securities under
certain circumstances (with no provisions for revocation of consents or votes by
subsequent holders). The Trust shall establish a record date for such purposes
and shall, to the extent possible, give DTC notice of such record date not less
than 15 calendar days in advance of such record date. Notices to DTC pursuant to
this paragraph by telecopy shall be sent to DTC's Reorganization Department at
(212) 709-6896 or (212) 709-6897, and receipt of such notices shall be confirmed
by telephoning (212) 709-6870. Notices to DTC pursuant to this paragraph by mail
or by other means shall be sent to DTC's Reorganization Department as indicated
in paragraph 6.
3. In the event of a stock split, conversion, recapitalization, reorganization or any other similar transaction resulting in the cancellation of all or any part of the Securities outstanding, the Trust shall send DTC a notice of such event ass soon as the information is available but not less than at least 5 business days prior to the effective date of such event.
4. In the event of a distribution with respect to the Securities outstanding, the Property Trustee shall send DTC a notice specifying the amount of and conditions, if any, applicable to such payment or distribution. Such notice shall be sent to DTC by a secure means (e.g., legible telecopy, registered or certified mail, overnight delivery) in a timely manner designed to assure that such notice is in DTC's possession no later than the close of business on the business day before the record date for such distribution. (The Property Trustee shall have a method to verify subsequently the use of such means and the timeliness of such notice.) After establishing the amount of payment to be made on the Securities, the Property Trustee will notify DTC's Dividend Department of such payment at least 5 business days prior to payment date.
5. In the event of a redemption by the Trust of the
Securities, notice to holders of the Securities by the Trust specifying the
terms of the redemption shall be sent to DTC not less than 30 days prior to such
event by a secure means in the manner set forth in the preceding paragraph. Such
redemption notice shall be sent to DTC's Call Notification Department at (516)
227-4039 or 4190, and receipt of such notice shall be confirmed by telephoning
(516) 227-4070. Notice by mail or by any other means shall be sent to:
Call Notification Department The Depository Trust Company 711 Stewart Avenue Garden City, New York 11530-4719
6. In the event of any invitation to tender the Securities, notice by the Trust to holders of the Securities specifying the terms of the tender shall be sent to DTC by the Trust by a secure means by the close of business on the business day before such notice is given to such holders. Notices to DTC pursuant to this paragraph and notices of other corporate actions (including mandatory tenders, exchanges and capital changes), shall be sent by telecopy to DTC's Reorganization Department at (212) 709-1093 or (212) 709-1094, and receipt of such notices shall be confirmed by telephoning (212) 709-6884, or by mail or any other means to:
Manager, Reorganization Department Reorganization Window The Depository Trust Company 7 Hanover Square, 23rd Floor New York, New York 10004-2695
7. The Property Trustee must provide DTC, no later than noon (Eastern Time)on the payment date, the CUSIP number of the Securities, as well as the dollar amount of the payment for the Securities. Notification of payment details should be sent using automated communications.
8. Dividend payments shall be received by Cede & Co., as
nominee of DTC, or its registered assigns in same-day funds, no later than 2:30
p.m. (Eastern Time) on each payment date (in accordance with existing
arrangements between the Property Trustee and DTC). Absent any other
arrangements between the Property Trustee and DTC, such funds shall be wired as
follows:
The Chase Manhattan Bank
ABA # 021000021
For credit to A/C Cede & Co.
c/c The Depository Trust Company
Dividend Deposit Account # 066-026776
The Property Trustee shall provide dividend payment information to a standard announcement service subscribed to by DTC as soon as the information is available. In the unlikely event that no such service exists, the Property Trustee shall provide this information directly to DTC electronically, as previously arranged by the Property Trustee, as soon as the information is available. If electronic transmission has not been arranged, absent any other arrangements between the Property Trustee and DTC, such information should be sent by telecopy to DTC's Dividend Department at (212) 709-1723 or (212) 709-1686, and receipt of such notices shall be confirmed by telephoning (212) 709-1270. Notices to DTC pursuant to the above by mail or by any other means shall be sent to:
Manager; Announcements Dividend Department The Depository Trust Company 7 Hanover Square, 22nd Floor New York, New York 10004-2695
9. Redemption payments shall be received by Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC or its registered assigns allocated with respect to each CUSIP number on the payable date in same-day funds no later than 2:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the payment date. Absent any other arrangements between the Property Trustee and DTC, such funds shall be wired as follows:
The Chase Manhattan Bank
ABA # 021000021
For credit to A/C Cede & Co.
c/o The Depository Trust Company
Redemption Deposit Account # 066-027306
10. Reorganization payments and CUSIP-level detail resulting from corporate action (such as tender offers, remarketing, or mergers) shall be received by Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC or its registered assigns on the first payable date in same-day funds no later than 2:30 p.m. (Eastern Time). Absent any other arrangement between the Property Trustee and DTC, such funds shall be wired as follows:
The Chase Manhattan Bank
ABA # 021000021
For credit to A/C Cede & Co.
c/o The Depository Trust Company
Reorganization Deposit Account #066-027608
11. DTC may direct the Trust and the Property Trustee to use any other telecopy number or address of DTC as the number or address to which notices or payments may be sent.
12. In the event of a conversion, redemption, or any other similar transaction (e.g., tender made and accepted in response to the Trust's invitation) necessitating a reduction in the aggregate number of Securities outstanding, DTC, in its discretion: (a) may request the Trust to issue and authenticate a new Security certificate; or (b) may make an appropriate notation on the Security certificate indicating the date and amount of such reduction.
13. DTC may discontinue its services at any time by giving reasonable notice to the Trust (at which time DTC will confirm with the Trust the aggregate number of Securities) and discharging its responsibilities with respect thereto under applicable law. Under such circumstances, at DTC's request, the Trust shall cooperate fully with DTC by taking prompt appropriate action to make alternative arrangements for book-entry settlement for the Securities or to make available one or more separate certificates evidencing Securities, to any participant having Securities credited to its DTC account.
14. In the event that the Trust determines that beneficial owners of Securities shall be able to obtain certificated Securities, the Trust shall notify DTC of the availability of certificates. In such event, the Trust shall issue, transfer and exchange certificates in appropriate amounts, as required by DTC and others.
15. The Trust: (a) understands that DTC has no obligation to, and will not, communicate to its Participants or to any person having an interest in the Securities any information contained in the Security certificate(s); and (b) acknowledges that neither DTC's Participants nor any person having an interest in the Securities shall be deemed to have notice of the provisions of the Security certificate(s) by virtue of submission of such certificate(s) to DTC.
16. Nothing herein shall require the Property Trustee to advance its own funds for any purposes.
This letter may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
Very truly yours,
Alabama Power Capital Trust II
By:
Name: J. Randy DeRieux
Title: Administrative Trustee
THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK,
as Property Trustee of
Alabama Power Capital Trust II
By:
Name: _______________________
Title: _______________________
RECEIVED AND ACCEPTED:
THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY
By:
Authorized Officer
Exhibit C - Page 2
EXHIBIT C
THIS CERTIFICATE IS NOT TRANSFERABLE
Certificate Number Number of Common Securities C-1 ________ Certificate Evidencing Common Securities of Alabama Power Capital Trust II |
Common Securities
(liquidation amount $25 per Common Security)
Alabama Power Capital Trust II, a statutory business trust created under the laws of the State of Delaware (the "Trust"), hereby certifies that Alabama Power Company (the "Holder") is the registered owner of _____________ (_______) common securities of the Trust representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust and designated the Common Securities (liquidation amount $25 per Common Security) (the "Common Securities"). In accordance with Section 5.10 of the Trust Agreement (as defined below) the Common Securities are not transferable, except by operation of law, and any attempted transfer hereof shall be void. The designations, rights, privileges, restrictions, preferences and other terms and provisions of the Common Securities are set forth in, and this certificate and the Common Securities represented hereby are issued and shall in all respects be subject to the terms and provisions of, the Amended and Restated Trust Agreement of the Trust dated as of January 1, 1997, as the same may be amended from time to time (the "Trust Agreement"), including the designation of the terms of the Common Securities as set forth therein. The Trust will furnish a copy of the Trust Agreement to the Holder without charge upon written request to the Trust at its principal place of business or registered office.
Upon receipt of this certificate, the Holder is bound by the Trust Agreement and is entitled to the benefits thereunder.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Administrative Trustees of the Trust have executed this certificate this ____ day of ______, ____.
Alabama Power Capital Trust II
By:
William E. Zales, Jr.,
as Administrative Trustee
By:
J. Randy DeRieux,
as Administrative Trustee
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the Common Securities referred to in the within-mentioned Trust Agreement.
as Administrative Trustee
Exhibit D - Page 4
Exhibit D - Page 1
EXHIBIT D
AGREEMENT AS TO EXPENSES AND LIABILITIES
THIS AGREEMENT AS TO EXPENSES AND LIABILITIES (this "Agreement") is made as of January 16, 1997, between Alabama Power Company, an Alabama corporation (the "Company"), and Alabama Power Capital Trust II, a Delaware business trust (the "Trust").
WHEREAS, the Trust intends to issue its Common Securities (the "Common Securities") to and receive Junior Subordinated Notes from the Company and to issue and sell Alabama Power Capital Trust II 7.60% Trust Originated Preferred Securities (the "Preferred Securities") with such powers, preferences and special rights and restrictions as are set forth in the Amended and Restated Trust Agreement of the Trust dated as of January 1, 1997 as the same may be amended from time to time (the "Trust Agreement"); and
WHEREAS, the Company is the issuer of the Junior Subordinated Notes.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the purchase by each holder of the Preferred Securities, which purchase the Company hereby agrees shall benefit the Company and which purchase the Company acknowledges will be made in reliance upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Company and the Trust hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
Section 1.01. Guarantee by the Company. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Company hereby irrevocably and unconditionally guarantees to each person or entity to whom the Trust is now or hereafter becomes indebted or liable (the "Beneficiaries") the full payment, when and as due, of any and all Obligations (as hereinafter defined) to such Beneficiaries. As used herein, "Obligations" means any indebtedness, expenses or liabilities of the Trust, other than obligations of the Trust to pay to holders of any Preferred Securities or other similar interests in the Trust the amounts due such holders pursuant to the terms of the Preferred Securities or such other similar interests, as the case may be. This Agreement is intended to be for the benefit of, and to be enforceable by, all such Beneficiaries, whether or not such Beneficiaries have received notice hereof.
Section 1.02. Term of Agreement. This Agreement shall terminate and be of no further force and effect upon the date on which there are no Beneficiaries remaining; provided, however, that this Agreement shall continue to be effective or shall be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any holder of Preferred Securities or any Beneficiary must restore payment of any sums paid under the Preferred Securities, under any Obligation, under the Guarantee Agreement dated the date hereof by the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as guarantee trustee, or under this Agreement for any reason whatsoever. This Agreement is continuing, irrevocable, unconditional and absolute.
Section 1.03. Waiver of Notice. The Company hereby waives notice of acceptance of this Agreement and of any Obligation to which it applies or may apply, and the Company hereby waives presentment, demand for payment, protest, notice of nonpayment, notice of dishonor, notice of redemption and all other notices and demands.
Section 1.04. No Impairment. The obligations, covenants, agreements and duties of the Company under this Agreement shall in no way be affected or impaired by reason of the happening from time to time of any of the following:
(a) the extension of time for the payment by the Trust of all or any portion of the Obligations or for the performance of any other obligation under, arising out of, or in connection with, the Obligations;
(b) any failure, omission, delay or lack of diligence on the part of the Beneficiaries to enforce, assert or exercise any right, privilege, power or remedy conferred on the Beneficiaries with respect to the Obligations or any action on the part of the Trust granting indulgence or extension of any kind; or
(c) the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, sale of any collateral, receivership, insolvency, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, reorganization, arrangement, composition or readjustment of debt of, or other similar proceedings affecting, the Trust or any of the assets of the Trust.
There shall be no obligation of the Beneficiaries to give notice to, or obtain the consent of, the Company with respect to the happening of any of the foregoing.
Section 1.05. Enforcement. A Beneficiary may enforce this Agreement directly against the Company and the Company waives any right or remedy to require that any action be brought against the Trust or any other person or entity before proceeding against the Company.
ARTICLE II
Section 2.01. Binding Effect. All guarantees and agreements contained in this Agreement shall bind the successors, assigns, receivers, trustees and representatives of the Company and shall inure to the benefit of the Beneficiaries.
Section 2.02. Amendment. So long as there remains any
Beneficiary or any Preferred Securities of
any series are outstanding, this Agreement shall not be modified or
amended in any manner adverse to such
Beneficiary or to the holders of the Preferred Securities.
Section 2.03. Notices. Any notice, request or other communication required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be given in writing by delivering the same against receipt therefor by facsimile transmission (confirmed by mail), telex or by registered or certified mail, addressed as follows (and if so given, shall be deemed given when mailed or upon receipt of an answer-back, if sent by telex), to-wit:
Alabama Power Capital Trust II
c/o The Chase Manhattan Bank
450 West 33rd Street
New York, New York 10001
Facsimile No.: (212) 946-8159 Attention: Corporate Trustee Administration Department |
Alabama Power Company
600 North 18th Street
Birmingham, Alabama 35291
Facsimile No.: (205) 250-2445
Attention: Treasurer
Section 2.04. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF ALABAMA.
THIS AGREEMENT is executed as of the date and year first above written.
ALABAMA POWER COMPANY
By:
Art P. Beattie
Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer
ALABAMA POWER CAPITAL TRUST II
By:
J. Randy DeRieux, as
Administrative Trustee
Exhibit E - Page 2
EXHIBIT E
Unless this certificate is presented by an authorized representative of The Depository Trust Company, a New York corporation ("DTC"), to Alabama Power Capital Trust II or its agent for registration of transfer, exchange, or payment, and any certificate 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 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 thereof, Cede & Co., has an interest herein.
Certificate Evidencing Preferred Securities
of
Alabama Power Capital Trust II
7.60% Trust Originated Preferred Securities
(Liquidation amount $25 per Preferred Security)
Alabama Power Capital Trust II, a statutory business trust created under the laws of the State of Delaware (the "Trust"), hereby certifies that Cede & Co. (the "Holder") is the registered owner of _____ (_______) preferred securities of the Trust representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust and designated the Alabama Power Capital Trust II 7.60% Trust Originated Preferred Securities (liquidation amount $25 per Preferred Security) (the "Preferred Securities"). The Preferred Securities are transferable on the books and records of the Trust, in person or by a duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of this certificate duly endorsed and in proper form for transfer as provided in Section 5.04 of the Trust Agreement (as defined below). The designations, rights, privileges, restrictions, preferences and other terms and provisions of the Preferred Securities are set forth in, and this certificate and the Preferred Securities represented hereby are issued and shall in all respects be subject to the terms and provisions of, the Amended and Restated Trust Agreement of the Trust, dated as of January 1, 1997, as the same may be amended from time to time (the "Trust Agreement"), including the designation of the terms of Preferred Securities as set forth therein. The holder of this certificate is entitled to the benefits of a guarantee by Alabama Power Company, an Alabama corporation (the "Company"), pursuant to a Guarantee Agreement between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as guarantee trustee, dated as of January 1, 1997, as the same may be amended from time to time (the "Guarantee"), to the extent provided therein. The Trust will furnish a copy of the Trust Agreement and the Guarantee to the holder of this certificate without charge upon written request to the Trust at its principal place of business or registered office.
Upon receipt of this certificate, the holder of this certificate is bound by the Trust Agreement and is entitled to the benefits thereunder.
Exhibit E - Page 2
Exhibit E - Page 3
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Administrative Trustees of the Trust have executed this certificate this ____ day of _______, ____.
ALABAMA POWER CAPITAL TRUST II
By:
William E. Zales, Jr.,
as Administrative Trustee
By:
J. Randy DeRieux,
as Administrative Trustee
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the Preferred Securities referred to in the within-mentioned Trust Agreement.
as Administrative Trustee
Exhibit E - Page 4
ASSIGNMENT
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned assigns and transfers this Preferred Security to:
(Insert assignee's social security or tax identification number)
(Insert address and zip code of assignee)
and irrevocably appoints
agent to transfer this Preferred Securities Certificate on the books of the Trust. The agent may substitute another to act for him or her.
Date:
Signature:
(Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Preferred Securities Certificate)
EXHIBIT 4.8
GUARANTEE AGREEMENT
Between
Alabama Power Company
(as Guarantor)
and
The Chase Manhattan Bank
(as Trustee)
dated as of
January 1, 1997
CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE1
Section of Section of Trust Indenture Act Guarantee of 1939, as amended Agreement 310(a)..............................................4.01(a) 310(b)........................................4.01(c), 2.08 310(c).........................................Inapplicable 311(a)..............................................2.02(b) 311(b)..............................................2.02(b) 311(c).........................................Inapplicable 312(a)..............................................2.02(a) 312(b)..............................................2.02(b) 313....................................................2.03 314(a).................................................2.04 314(b).........................................Inapplicable 314(c).................................................2.05 314(d).........................................Inapplicable 314(e).....................................1.01, 2.05, 3.02 314(f)...........................................2.01, 3.02 315(a)..............................................3.01(d) 315(b).................................................2.07 315(c).................................................3.01 315(d)..............................................3.01(d) 315(e).........................................Inapplicable 316(a)........................................5.04(i), 2.06 316(b).................................................5.03 316(c).................................................2.02 317(a).........................................Inapplicable 317(b).........................................Inapplicable 318(a)..............................................2.01(b) 318(b).................................................2.01 318(c)..............................................2.01(a) |
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ARTICLE I.........................................................................................................1 SECTION 1.01. Definitions.........................................................................................1 ARTICLE II........................................................................................................4 SECTION 2.01. Trust Indenture Act; Application....................................................................4 SECTION 2.02. Lists of Holders of Securities......................................................................5 SECTION 2.03. Reports by the Trustee..............................................................................5 SECTION 2.04. Periodic Reports to Trustee.........................................................................5 SECTION 2.05. Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent....................................................5 SECTION 2.06. Events of Default; Waiver...........................................................................6 SECTION 2.07. Event of Default; Notice............................................................................6 SECTION 2.08. Conflicting Interests...............................................................................6 ARTICLE III.......................................................................................................7 SECTION 3.01. Powers and Duties of the Trustee....................................................................7 SECTION 3.02. Certain Rights of Trustee...........................................................................8 SECTION 3.03. Compensation; Fees; Indemnity......................................................................10 ARTICLE IV.......................................................................................................10 SECTION 4.01. Trustee; Eligibility...............................................................................10 SECTION 4.02. Appointment, Removal and Resignation of Trustee....................................................11 ARTICLE V........................................................................................................12 SECTION 5.01. Guarantee..........................................................................................12 SECTION 5.02. Waiver of Notice and Demand........................................................................12 SECTION 5.03. Obligations Not Affected...........................................................................12 SECTION 5.04. Rights of Holders..................................................................................13 SECTION 5.05. Guarantee of Payment...............................................................................14 SECTION 5.06. Subrogation........................................................................................14 SECTION 5.07. Independent Obligations............................................................................14 ARTICLE VI.......................................................................................................15 SECTION 6.01. Subordination......................................................................................15 ARTICLE VII......................................................................................................15 SECTION 7.01. Termination........................................................................................15 ARTICLE VIII.....................................................................................................15 SECTION 8.01. Successors and Assigns.............................................................................15 SECTION 8.02. Amendments.........................................................................................15 SECTION 8.03. Notices............................................................................................16 SECTION 8.04. Benefit............................................................................................17 SECTION 8.05. Interpretation.....................................................................................17 SECTION 8.06. Governing Law......................................................................................17 |
GUARANTEE AGREEMENT
This GUARANTEE AGREEMENT ("Guarantee Agreement"), dated as of January 1, 1997, between ALABAMA POWER COMPANY, an Alabama corporation (the "Guarantor"), and THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, a New York banking corporation, as trustee (the "Trustee"), for the benefit of the Holders (as defined herein) from time to time of the Preferred Securities (as defined herein) of ALABAMA POWER CAPITAL TRUST II, a Delaware statutory business trust (the "Trust").
WHEREAS, pursuant to an Amended and Restated Trust Agreement (the "Trust Agreement"), dated as of January 1, 1997, among the Trustee, the other Trustees named therein, Alabama Power Company, as Depositor, and the holders of undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust, the Trust is issuing as of the date hereof $200,000,000 aggregate liquidation amount of its 7.60% Trust Originated Preferred Securities (the "Preferred Securities") representing preferred undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust and having the terms set forth in the Trust Agreement;
WHEREAS, the Preferred Securities will be issued by the Trust and the proceeds thereof will be used to purchase the Junior Subordinated Notes (as defined in the Trust Agreement) of the Guarantor, which will be held by the Trust as trust assets; and
WHEREAS, as incentive for the Holders to purchase the Preferred Securities, the Guarantor desires to irrevocably and unconditionally agree, to the extent set forth herein, to pay to the Holders the Guarantee Payments (as defined herein) and to make certain other payments on the terms and conditions set forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the payment for Preferred Securities by each Holder (as defined herein) thereof, which payment the Guarantor hereby agrees shall benefit the Guarantor, the Guarantor executes and delivers this Guarantee Agreement for the benefit of the Holders from time to time of the Preferred Securities.
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.01. Definitions. As used in this Guarantee Agreement, the terms set forth below shall, unless the context otherwise requires, have the following meanings. Capitalized or otherwise defined terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Trust Agreement as in effect on the date hereof.
"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.
"Common Securities" means the securities representing common undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust.
"Event of Default" means a failure by the Guarantor to perform any of its payment obligations under this Guarantee Agreement.
"Guarantee Payments" shall mean the following payments or distributions, without duplication, with respect to the Preferred Securities, to the extent not paid or made by or on behalf of the Trust: (i) any accrued and unpaid distributions that are required to be paid on such Preferred Securities but if and only if and to the extent the Trust has funds legally and immediately available therefor to make such payment; (ii) the redemption price, including all accrued and unpaid distributions to the date of redemption (the "Redemption Price"), with respect to the Preferred Securities called for redemption by the Trust but if and only if and to the extent that the Trust has funds legally and immediately available therefor sufficient to make such payment; and (iii) upon a voluntary or involuntary dissolution, winding-up or termination of the Trust (other than in connection with the distribution of Junior Subordinated Notes to the holders of Trust Securities or the redemption of all of the Preferred Securities), the lesser of (a) the aggregate of the liquidation amount and all accrued and unpaid distributions on the Preferred Securities to the date of payment, to the extent the Trust has funds legally and immediately available therefor, and (b) the amount of assets of the Trust remaining available for distribution to Holders in liquidation of the Trust (in either case, the "Liquidation Distribution").
"Holder" shall mean any holder, as registered on the books and records of the Trust, of any Preferred Securities; provided, however, that in determining whether the holders of the requisite percentage of Preferred Securities have given any request, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, "Holder" shall not include the Guarantor or any Affiliate of the Guarantor.
"Indenture" means the Subordinated Note Indenture dated as of January 1, 1997, among the Guarantor, as Subordinated Note Issuer, and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as trustee, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 1, 1997, by and between the Guarantor and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee.
"Majority in liquidation amount of Preferred Securities" means a vote by Holder(s) of Preferred Securities, voting separately as a class, of more than 50% of the liquidation amount of all Preferred Securities outstanding at the time of determination.
"Officers' Certificate" means a certificate signed by the Chairman of the Board, the President or a Vice President, and by the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, of the Guarantor, and delivered to the Trustee. Any Officers' Certificate delivered with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Guarantee Agreement shall include:
(a) a statement that each officer signing the Officers' Certificate has read the covenant or condition and the definitions relating thereto;
(b) a brief statement of the nature and scope of the examination or investigation undertaken by each officer in rendering the Officers' Certificate;
(c) a statement that each such officer has made such examination or investigation as, in such officer's opinion, is necessary to enable such officer 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, in the opinion of each such officer, such condition or covenant has been complied with.
"Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
"Responsible Officer" means, with respect to the Trustee, any vice president, any assistant vice president, the secretary, any assistant secretary, the treasurer, any assistant treasurer, any senior trust officer, trust officer or assistant trust officer or any other officer of the Corporate Trust Department of the Trustee customarily performing functions similar to those performed by any of the above designated officers and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of that officer's knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.
"Successor Trustee" means a successor Trustee possessing the qualifications to act as Trustee under Section 4.01.
"Trust Indenture Act" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.
"Trustee" means The Chase Manhattan Bank until a Successor Trustee has been appointed and has accepted such appointment pursuant to the terms of this Guarantee Agreement and thereafter means each such Successor Trustee.
ARTICLE II
TRUST INDENTURE ACT
SECTION 2.01. Trust Indenture Act; Application.
(a) This Guarantee Agreement is subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are required to be part of this Guarantee Agreement and shall, to the extent applicable, be governed by such provisions; and
(b) If and to the extent that any provision of this Guarantee Agreement limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by Sections 310 to 317, inclusive, of the Trust Indenture Act, such imposed duties shall control.
SECTION 2.02. Lists of Holders of Securities.
(a) The Guarantor shall furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee
(a) semiannually, not later than June 1 and December 1 in each year, a list, in
such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of
the Holders ("List of Holders") as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the
time such list is furnished, and (b) at such other times as the Trustee may
request in writing, within 30 days after the receipt by the Guarantor of any
such request, a List of Holders as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the
time such list is furnished; provided that, the Guarantor shall not be obligated
to provide such List of Holders at any time the List of Holders does not differ
from the most recent List of Holders given to the Trustee by the Guarantor. The
Trustee may destroy any List of Holders previously given to it on receipt of a
new List of Holders.
(b) The Trustee shall comply with its obligations under Sections 311(a), 311(b) and 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 2.03. Reports by the Trustee. Within 60 days after May 15 of
each year commencing May 15, 1997, the
Trustee shall provide to the Holders of the Preferred Securities such reports as
are required by Section 313(a) of the Trust Indenture Act, if any, in the form
and in the manner provided by Section 313 of the Trust Indenture Act. The
Trustee shall also comply with the other requirements of Section 313 of the
Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 2.04. Periodic Reports to Trustee. The Guarantor shall provide
to the Trustee such documents, reports
and information as required by Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act (if any)
in the form, in the manner and at the times required by Section 314 of the Trust
Indenture Act, and shall provide, within 120 days after the end of each of its
fiscal years, the compliance certificate required by Section 314(a)(4) of the
Trust Indenture Act in the form and in the manner required by such Section.
SECTION 2.05. Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent. The
Guarantor shall
provide to the Trustee such evidence of compliance with any conditions
precedent, if any, provided for in this Guarantee Agreement that relate to any
of the matters set forth in Section 314(c) of the Trust Indenture Act. Any
certificate or opinion required to be given by an officer pursuant to Section
314(c)(1) may be given in the form of an Officers' Certificate.
SECTION 2.06. Events of Default; Waiver. The Holders of a Majority in liquidation amount of Preferred Securities may, by vote, on behalf of all of the Holders, waive any past Event of Default and its consequences. Upon such waiver, any such Event of Default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Guarantee Agreement, but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon.
SECTION 2.07. Event of Default; Notice.
(a) The Trustee shall, within 90 days after the occurrence of an Event of Default, transmit by mail, first class postage prepaid, to the Holders, notices of all Events of Default known to the Trustee, unless such defaults have been cured before the giving of such notice, provided that 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 and/or Responsible Officers of the Trustee in good faith determines that the withholding of such notice is in the interests of the Holders.
(b) The Trustee shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any Event of Default unless the Trustee shall have received written notice, or a Responsible Officer charged with the administration of the Trust Agreement shall have obtained written notice, of such Event of Default.
SECTION 2.08. Conflicting Interests.
The Trust Agreement, the amended and restated trust agreement dated as of
January 1, 1996, among the Guarantor, as Depositor, Chase Manhattan Bank
Delaware (formerly known as Chemical Bank Delaware), as Delaware Trustee, the
Administrative Trustees named therein and The Chase Manhattan Bank (formerly
known as Chemical Bank), as Property Trustee, relating to Alabama Power Capital
Trust I, and the guarantee agreement dated as of January 1, 1996, between the
Guarantor, as guarantor, and The Chase Manhattan Bank (formerly known as
Chemical Bank), as trustee, relating to Alabama Power Capital Trust I shall be
deemed to be specifically described in this Guarantee Agreement for the purposes
of clause (i) of the first proviso contained in Section 310(b) of the Trust
Indenture Act.
ARTICLE III
POWERS, DUTIES AND RIGHTS OF TRUSTEE
SECTION 3.01. Powers and Duties of the Trustee.
(a) This Guarantee Agreement shall be held by the Trustee for the benefit of the Holders, and the Trustee shall not transfer this Guarantee Agreement to any Person except the Trustee shall assign rights hereunder to a Holder to the extent such assignment is necessary to exercise such Holder's rights pursuant to Section 5.04 or to a Successor Trustee upon acceptance by such Successor Trustee of its appointment to act as Successor Trustee. The right, title and interest of the Trustee shall automatically vest in any Successor Trustee, and such vesting and cessation of title shall be effective whether or not conveyancing documents have been executed and delivered pursuant to the appointment of such Successor Trustee.
(b) If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall enforce this Guarantee Agreement for the benefit of the Holders.
(c) The Trustee, before the occurrence of any Event of Default and after the curing or waiving of all Events of Default that may have occurred, shall undertake to perform only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Guarantee Agreement, and no implied covenants shall be read into this Guarantee Agreement against the Trustee. In case an Event of Default has occurred (that has not been cured or waived pursuant to Section 2.06), the Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Guarantee Agreement, and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise thereof, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his or her own affairs.
(d) No provision of this Guarantee Agreement 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) prior to the occurrence of any Event of Default and after the curing or waiving of all such Events of Default that may have occurred:
(A) the duties and obligations of the Trustee shall be determined solely by the express provisions of this Guarantee Agreement, and the Trustee shall not be liable except for the performance of such duties and obligations as are specifically set forth in this Guarantee Agreement; and
(B) 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 certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Guarantee Agreement; but in the case of any such certificates or opinions that 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 Guarantee Agreement;
(ii) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer of the Trustee, unless it shall be proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts upon which such judgment was made;
(iii) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of the Holders of a Majority in liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities 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 Guarantee Agreement; and
(iv) no provision of this Guarantee Agreement 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 the Trustee shall have reasonable grounds for believing that the repayment of such funds or liability is not reasonably assured to it under the terms of this Guarantee Agreement or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.
SECTION 3.02. Certain Rights of Trustee.
(a) Subject to the provisions of Section 3.01:
(i) the Trustee may rely and shall be fully protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or presented by the proper party or parties;
(ii) any direction or act of the Guarantor contemplated by this Guarantee Agreement shall be sufficiently evidenced by an Officers' Certificate;
(iii) whenever, in the administration of this Guarantee Agreement, the Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established before taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Trustee (unless other evidence is herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, request and rely upon an Officers' Certificate which, upon receipt of such request, shall be promptly delivered by the Guarantor;
(iv) the Trustee may consult with counsel of its choice, and the written advice or opinion of such counsel with respect to legal matters shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in accordance with such advice or opinion; such counsel may be counsel to the Guarantor or any of its Affiliates and may include any of its employees; the Trustee shall have the right at any time to seek instructions concerning the administration of this Guarantee Agreement from any court of competent jurisdiction;
(v) the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Guarantee Agreement at the request or direction of any Holder, unless such Holder shall have provided to the Trustee such adequate security and indemnity as would satisfy a reasonable person in the position of the Trustee, against the costs, expenses (including attorneys' fees and expenses) and liabilities that might be incurred by it in complying with such request or direction, including such reasonable advances as may be requested by the Trustee; provided that nothing contained in this Section 3.02(a)(v) shall be taken to relieve the Trustee, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, of its obligation to exercise the rights and powers vested in it by this Guarantee Agreement;
(vi) the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit;
(vii) the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys, and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder; and
(viii) whenever in the administration of this Guarantee Agreement the Trustee shall deem it desirable to receive instructions with respect to enforcing any remedy or right or taking any other action hereunder, the Trustee (i) may request instructions from the Holders, (ii) may refrain from enforcing such remedy or right or taking such other action until such instructions are received, and (iii) shall be protected in acting in accordance with such instructions.
(b) No provision of this Guarantee Agreement shall be deemed to impose any duty or obligation on the Trustee to perform any act or acts or exercise any right, power, duty or obligation conferred or imposed on it in any jurisdiction in which it shall be illegal, or in which the Trustee shall be unqualified or incompetent in accordance with applicable law, to perform any such act or acts or to exercise any such right, power, duty or obligation. No permissive power or authority available to the Trustee shall be construed to be a duty.
SECTION 3.03. Compensation; Fees; Indemnity.
The Guarantor agrees:
(a) to pay to the Trustee from time to time reasonable compensation for all services rendered by the Trustee hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust);
(b) except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse the Trustee upon request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee in accordance with any provision of this Guarantee Agreement (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel), except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may be attributable to its negligence or bad faith; and
(c) to indemnify the Trustee for, and to hold the Trustee harmless against, any and all loss, damage, claims, liability or expense incurred without negligence or bad faith on its part, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of this Guarantee Agreement, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder.
The provisions of this Section 3.03 shall survive the termination of this Guarantee Agreement.
ARTICLE IV
TRUSTEE
SECTION 4.01. Trustee; Eligibility.
(a) There shall at all times be a Trustee which shall:
(i) not be an Affiliate of the Guarantor; and
(ii) be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America or any State or Territory thereof or of the District of Columbia, or a corporation or Person permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission to act as an institutional trustee under the Trust Indenture Act, authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust powers, having a combined capital and surplus of at least 50 million U.S. dollars ($50,000,000), and subject to supervision or examination by Federal, State, Territorial or District of Columbia authority. If such corporation publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of the supervising or examining authority referred to above, then, for the purposes of this Section 4.01(a)(ii), the combined capital and surplus of such corporation shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published.
(b) If at any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible to so act under Section 4.01(a), the Trustee shall immediately resign in the manner and with the effect set out in Section 4.02(c).
(c) If the Trustee has or shall acquire any "conflicting interest" within the meaning of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee and Guarantor shall in all respects comply with the provisions of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act, subject to the rights of the Trustee under the penultimate paragraph thereof.
SECTION 4.02. Appointment, Removal and Resignation of Trustee.
(a) Subject to Section 4.02(b), the Trustee may be appointed or removed without cause at any time by the Guarantor.
(b) The Trustee shall not be removed until a Successor Trustee has been appointed and has accepted such appointment by written instrument executed by such Successor Trustee and delivered to the Guarantor.
(c) The Trustee appointed to office shall hold office until a Successor Trustee shall have been appointed or until its removal or resignation. The Trustee may resign from office (without need for prior or subsequent accounting) by an instrument in writing executed by the Trustee and delivered to the Guarantor, which resignation shall not take effect until a Successor Trustee has been appointed and has accepted such appointment by instrument in writing executed by such Successor Trustee and delivered to the Guarantor and the resigning Trustee.
(d) If no Successor Trustee shall have been appointed and accepted appointment as provided in this Section 4.02 within 60 days after delivery to the Guarantor of an instrument of resignation, the resigning Trustee may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for appointment of a Successor Trustee. Such court may thereupon, after prescribing such notice, if any, as it may deem proper, appoint a Successor Trustee.
ARTICLE V
GUARANTEE
SECTION 5.01. Guarantee. The Guarantor irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to pay in full to the Holders the Guarantee Payments (without duplication of amounts theretofore paid by or on behalf of the Trust), as and when due, regardless of any defense, right of set-off or counterclaim which the Guarantor may have or assert against any Person. The Guarantor's obligation to make a Guarantee Payment may be satisfied by direct payment of the required amounts by the Guarantor to the Holders or by causing the Trust to pay such amounts to the Holders.
SECTION 5.02. Waiver of Notice and Demand. The Guarantor hereby waives
notice of acceptance of this Guarantee
Agreement and of any liability to which it applies or may apply, presentment,
demand for payment, any right to require a proceeding first against the Trust or
any other Person before proceeding against the Guarantor, protest, notice of
nonpayment, notice of dishonor, notice of redemption and all other notices and
demands.
SECTION 5.03. Obligations Not Affected. The obligation of the Guarantor to make the Guarantee Payments under this Guarantee Agreement shall in no way be affected or impaired by reason of the happening from time to time of any of the following:
(a) the release or waiver, by operation of law or otherwise, of the performance or observance by the Trust of any express or implied agreement, covenant, term or condition relating to the Preferred Securities to be performed or observed by the Trust;
(b) the extension of time for the payment by the Trust of all or any portion of the Distributions, Redemption Price, Liquidation Distribution or any other sums payable under the terms of the Preferred Securities or the extension of time for the performance of any other obligation under, arising out of, or in connection with, the Preferred Securities (other than an extension of time for payment of Distributions, Redemption Price, Liquidation Distribution or other sum payable that results from the extension of any interest payment period on the Junior Subordinated Notes permitted by the Indenture);
(c) any failure, omission, delay or lack of diligence on the part of the Holders to enforce, assert or exercise any right, privilege, power or remedy conferred on the Holders pursuant to the terms of the Preferred Securities, or any action on the part of the Trust granting indulgence or extension of any kind;
(d) the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, sale of any collateral, receivership, insolvency, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, reorganization, arrangement, composition or readjustment of debt of, or other similar proceedings affecting, the Trust or any of the assets of the Trust;
(e) any invalidity of, or defect or deficiency in, the Preferred Securities;
(f) the settlement or compromise of any obligation guaranteed hereby or hereby incurred; or
(g) any other circumstance whatsoever that might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a guarantor, it being the intent of this Section 5.03 that the obligations of the Guarantor hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional under any and all circumstances.
There shall be no obligation of the Holders to give notice to, or obtain consent of, the Guarantor with respect to the happening of any of the foregoing.
SECTION 5.04. Rights of Holders. The Guarantor expressly acknowledges that: (i) this Guarantee Agreement will be deposited with the Trustee to be held for the benefit of the Holders; (ii) the Trustee has the right to enforce this Guarantee Agreement on behalf of the Holders; (iii) the Holders of a Majority in liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee in respect of this Guarantee Agreement or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee under this Guarantee Agreement, provided that such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Guarantee Agreement, and could not involve the Trustee in personal liability in circumstances where reasonable indemnity would not be adequate; and (iv) any Holder may institute a legal proceeding directly against the Guarantor to enforce its rights under this Guarantee Agreement, without first instituting a legal proceeding against or requesting or directing that action be taken by the Trustee or any other Person; it being understood and intended that no one or more of such Holders shall have any right in any manner whatsoever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision of this Guarantee Agreement to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other of such Holders or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any other of such Holders or to enforce any right under this Guarantee Agreement, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all of such Holders.
SECTION 5.05. Guarantee of Payment.
This Guarantee Agreement creates a guarantee of payment and not of collection.
This Guarantee Agreement will not be discharged except by payment of the
Guarantee Payments in full (without duplication) or upon the distribution of
Junior Subordinated Notes to the Holders in exchange for all of the Preferred
Securities.
SECTION 5.06. Subrogation. The Guarantor shall be subrogated to all (if any) rights of the Holders against the Trust in respect of any amounts paid to the Holders by the Guarantor under this Guarantee Agreement; provided, however, that the Guarantor shall not (except to the extent required by mandatory provisions of law) be entitled to enforce or exercise any rights which it may acquire by way of subrogation or any indemnity, reimbursement or other agreement, in all cases as a result of payment under this Guarantee Agreement, if, at the time of any such payment, any amounts of Guarantee Payments are due and unpaid under this Guarantee Agreement. If any amount shall be paid to the Guarantor in violation of the preceding sentence, the Guarantor agrees to hold such amount in trust for the Holders and to pay over such amount to the Holders.
SECTION 5.07. Independent Obligations. The Guarantor acknowledges that
its obligations hereunder are
independent of the obligations of the Trust with respect to the Preferred
Securities and that the Guarantor shall be liable as principal and as debtor
hereunder to make Guarantee Payments pursuant to the terms of this Guarantee
Agreement notwithstanding the occurrence of any event referred to in subsections
(a) through (g), inclusive, of Section 5.03 hereof.
ARTICLE VI
SUBORDINATION
SECTION 6.01. Subordination. This Guarantee
Agreement will constitute an unsecured obligation of the Guarantor and will rank
(i) subordinate and junior in right of payment to all other liabilities of the
Guarantor, including the Junior Subordinated Notes, except those obligations or
liabilities made pari passu or subordinate by their terms, (ii) pari passu with
the most senior preferred or preference stock now or hereafter issued by the
Guarantor and with any guarantee now or hereafter entered into by the Guarantor
in respect of any preferred or preference securities of any Affiliate of the
Guarantor, and (iii) senior to all common stock of the Guarantor.
ARTICLE VII
TERMINATION
SECTION 7.01. Termination. This Guarantee Agreement shall terminate and be of no further force and effect upon: (i) full payment of the Redemption Price of all Preferred Securities, (ii) the distribution of Junior Subordinated Notes to the Holders in exchange for all of the Preferred Securities, or (iii) full payment of the amounts payable in accordance with the Trust Agreement upon liquidation of the Trust. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Guarantee Agreement will continue to be effective or will be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any Holder must restore payment of any sums paid with respect to Preferred Securities or under this Guarantee Agreement.
ARTICLE VIII
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 8.01. Successors and Assigns. All guarantees and agreements
contained in this Guarantee Agreement
shall bind the successors, assigns, receivers, trustees and representatives of
the Guarantor and shall inure to the benefit of the Holders of the Preferred
Securities then outstanding. Except in connection with a consolidation, merger,
conveyance, transfer, or lease involving the Guarantor that is permitted under
Article Eight of the Indenture, the Guarantor shall not assign its obligations
hereunder.
SECTION 8.02. Amendments. Except with respect to any changes which do not materially and adversely affect the rights of Holders (in which case no consent of Holders will be required), this Guarantee Agreement may only be amended with the prior approval of the Holders of not less than 66-2/3% in liquidation amount of all the outstanding Preferred Securities. The provisions of Article Six of the Trust Agreement concerning meetings of Holders shall apply to the giving of such approval.
SECTION 8.03. Notices. Any notice, request or other
communication
required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing, duly signed
by the party giving such notice, and
delivered, telecopied or mailed by first class mail as follows:
(a) if given to the Guarantor, to the address set forth below or such other address as the Guarantor may give notice of to the Trustee and the Holders:
Alabama Power Company 600 North 18th Street Birmingham, Alabama 35291 Facsimile No.: (205) 250-2445 Attn: Treasurer
with copy to:
Southern Company Services, Inc. 270 Peachtree Street, N.W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Facsimile No.: (404) 506-0674
Attention: Corporate Finance Department
(b) if given to the Trust, in care of the Trustee, or to the Trustee at the Trust's (and the Trustee's) address set forth below or such other address as the Trustee on behalf of the Trust may give notice to the Holders:
Alabama Power Capital Trust II c/o The Chase Manhattan Bank 450 W. 33rd Street New York, New York 10001 Attn: Corporate Trustee Administration Department
(c) if given to any Holder, at the address set forth on the books and records of the Trust.
All notices hereunder shall be deemed to have been given when received in person, telecopied with receipt confirmed, or mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid except that if a notice or other document is refused delivery or cannot be delivered because of a changed address of which no notice was given, such notice or other document shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date of such refusal or inability to deliver.
SECTION 8.04. Benefit. This Guarantee
Agreement is solely for the benefit
of the Holders and, subject to Section 3.01(a), is not separately transferable
from the Preferred Securities.
SECTION 8.05. Interpretation. In this Guarantee Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) capitalized terms used in this Guarantee Agreement but not defined in the preamble hereto have the respective meanings assigned to them in Section 1.01;
(b) a term defined anywhere in this Guarantee Agreement has the same meaning throughout;
(c) all references to "the Guarantee Agreement" or "this Guarantee Agreement" are to this Guarantee Agreement as modified, supplemented or amended from time to time;ta
(d) all references in this Guarantee Agreement to Articles and Sections are to Articles and Sections of this Guarantee Agreement unless otherwise specified;
(e) a term defined in the Trust Indenture Act has the same meaning when used in this Guarantee Agreement unless otherwise defined in this Guarantee Agreement or unless the context otherwise requires;
(f) a reference to the singular includes the plural and vice versa; and
(g) the masculine, feminine or neuter genders used herein shall include the masculine, feminine and neuter genders.
SECTION 8.06. Governing Law. THIS GUARANTEE
AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. THE GUARANTOR HEREBY IRREVOCABLY
SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN
DISTRICT OF NEW YORK AND ANY COURT IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK LOCATED IN THE CITY
AND COUNTY OF NEW YORK IN ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT AGAINST IT AND
RELATED TO OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS GUARANTEE AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS
CONTEMPLATED THEREBY, AND TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE
GUARANTOR HEREBY WAIVES AND AGREES NOT TO ASSERT BY WAY OF MOTION, AS A DEFENSE
OR OTHERWISE IN ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING, ANY CLAIM THAT IT IS NOT
PERSONALLY SUBJECT TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS, THAT THE SUIT, ACTION OR
PROCEEDING IS BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM, THAT THE VENUE OF THE SUIT,
ACTION OR PROCEEDING IS IMPROPER, OR THAT THIS GUARANTEE AGREEMENT OR ANY
DOCUMENT OR ANY INSTRUMENT REFERRED TO HEREIN OR THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF MAY
NOT BE LITIGATED IN OR BY SUCH COURTS. TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE
LAW, THE GUARANTOR AGREES NOT TO SEEK AND HEREBY WAIVES THE RIGHT TO ANY REVIEW
OF THE JUDGMENT OF ANY SUCH COURT BY ANY COURT OF ANY OTHER NATION OR
JURISDICTION WHICH MAY BE CALLED UPON TO GRANT AN ENFORCEMENT OF SUCH JUDGMENT.
THE GUARANTOR AGREES THAT SERVICE OF PROCESS MAY BE MADE UPON IT BY CERTIFIED OR
REGISTERED MAIL TO THE ADDRESS FOR NOTICES SET FORTH IN THIS GUARANTEE AGREEMENT
OR ANY METHOD AUTHORIZED BY THE LAWS OF NEW YORK.
This instrument may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
THIS GUARANTEE AGREEMENT is executed as of the day and year first above written.
ALABAMA POWER COMPANY
By: Name: Art P. Beattie Title: Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer |
THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK
By: Name: L. O'Brien Title: Senior Trust Officer |
1This Cross-Reference Table does not constitute part of the Guarantee Agreement and shall not affect the interpretation of any of its terms or provisions.