As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 11, 2008
Registration No. 333-
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
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FORM S-3
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(Names, addresses, including zip codes, and telephone numbers, including area codes, of agents for service)
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Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of the Registration Statement.
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If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. [ ]
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. [ X ]
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. [ ]
If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. [ ]
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of each class of
Proposed maximum aggregate offering price (1)
Mortgage Bonds
$1,200,000,000
$47,160
securities to be registered
Amount of registration fee (1)
(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o).
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The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these mortgage bonds until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these mortgage bonds and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these mortgage bonds in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
PROSPECTUS
Subject to completion
Dated September [ ] , 2008
$1,200,000,000
We -
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The Mortgage Bonds -
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You -
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This prospectus may be used to offer and sell series of mortgage bonds only if accompanied by the prospectus supplement for that series. We will provide the specific terms of these mortgage bonds, including their offering prices, interest rates and maturities, in supplements to this prospectus. The supplements may also add, update or change the information in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and any supplements carefully before you invest.
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Investing in the mortgage bonds offered by this prospectus involves risks. See "Risk Factors" on page 2.
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Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
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We may offer the mortgage bonds directly or through underwriters, agents or dealers. Each prospectus supplement will provide the terms of the plan of distribution for the related series of mortgage bonds.
The date of this prospectus is , 2008.
RISK FACTORS
In considering whether to purchase the mortgage bonds being offered (the "Bonds"), you should carefully consider the information we have included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. In particular, you should carefully consider the information under the heading "Risk Factors" as well as the factors listed under the heading "Forward-Looking Information," in each case, contained in our registration statement on Form 10, as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 10/A and Amendment No. 2 on Form 10/A (File No. 000-53134), and our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008, each of which is incorporated by reference herein.
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), utilizing a "shelf" registration process. Under this shelf process, we may sell the Bonds described in this prospectus in one or more offerings up to a total dollar amount of $1,200,000,000. This prospectus provides a general description of the Bonds being offered. Each time we sell a series of Bonds we will provide a prospectus supplement containing specific information about the terms of that series of Bonds and the related offering. It is important for you to consider the information contained in this prospectus and the related prospectus supplement together with the additional information referenced under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information" in making your investment decision.
Our Business
We are a business corporation organized under the laws of the State of Texas. Effective December 31, 2007, Entergy Gulf States, Inc. ("EGSI") operating as a public utility in Louisiana and Texas reorganized pursuant to a jurisdictional separation plan into two vertically integrated utility companies - Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C. ("EGSL") operating as a public utility in Louisiana and us operating as a public utility in Texas. Our principal executive offices are located at 350 Pine Street, Beaumont, Texas 77701. Our telephone number is (409) 838-6631.
We are a public utility company engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electric energy to approximately 394,000 customers in the State of Texas. All of our common stock is owned by Entergy Corporation. The other major public utilities owned by Entergy Corporation are Entergy Arkansas, Inc., EGSL, Entergy Louisiana, LLC, Entergy Mississippi, Inc. and Entergy New Orleans, Inc. Entergy Corporation also owns all of the common stock of System Energy Resources, Inc., the principal asset of which is its interest in the Grand Gulf Electric Generating Station, and Entergy Operations, Inc., a nuclear management services company.
We are subject to regulation by the Public Utility Commission of Texas as to electric service, retail rates and charges, certification of generating facilities, power or capacity purchase contracts, depreciation, accounting and other matters involving our service territory, which is exclusively within Texas. We are also subject to regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Jurisdictional Separation and Asset Allocation
Effective December 31, 2007, EGSI reorganized pursuant to a jurisdictional separation plan into two vertically integrated utility companies - EGSL and us. We own all of EGSI's distribution and transmission assets located in Texas, the gas-fired generating plants located in Texas, undivided 42.5% ownership shares of EGSI's 70% ownership interest in Nelson 6 and 42% ownership interest in Big Cajun 2, Unit 3, which are coal-fired generating plants located in Louisiana, and other assets and contract rights to the extent related to EGSI's utility operations in Texas. On a book value basis, approximately 41.9% of the EGSI assets were allocated to us and approximately 58.1% were allocated to EGSL.
We purchase from EGSL, pursuant to a life-of-the-unit purchased power agreement ("PPA"), a 42.5% share of capacity and energy from the 70% of River Bend Steam Electric Generating Station (nuclear) ("River Bend") subject to retail regulation. We assumed a share of River Bend's nuclear and environmental liabilities that is identical to the share of the plant's output we purchase under this PPA. EGSL purchases a 57.5% share of capacity and energy from the gas-fired generating plants owned by us, and we purchase a 42.5% share of capacity and energy from the gas-fired generating plants owned by EGSL. The PPAs associated with the gas-fired generating plants will terminate when retail open access commences in our jurisdiction or when the associated unit is no longer dispatched by the Entergy system. The dispatch and operation of the generating plants has not changed as a result of the jurisdictional separation.
Debt and Liability Assumption Provisions of the Jurisdictional Separation Plan
We executed separate instruments of assumption in favor of the trustees of EGSI's debt pursuant to which we assumed our pro rata share of the long-term debt issued by EGSI that was outstanding as of December 31, 2007, which share was approximately 46% of EGSI's long-term debt and aggregated approximately $1.1 billion of first mortgage bonds at such date (we have paid approximately $149 million of this assumed debt as of the date of this prospectus). As a result, we are obligated to pay to the applicable trustee for such assumed debt the aggregate principal amount of such assumed debt, the premium, if any, and interest on, the assumed debt, such amounts to be paid when due and without demand on the dates, in the amounts and in the manner provided for by such assumed debt or the instruments pursuant to which such assumed debt was issued, upon the earlier of December 31, 2010, maturity, redemption or otherwise (but not upon the acceleration of maturity of any assumed debt not caused by our default). In the event of the acceleration of the maturity of any assumed debt not caused by our default, we will be released from any further obligations to each such trustee with respect to such assumed debt but will be required to make scheduled payments on such assumed debt to EGSL as though such acceleration had not occurred, regardless of whether EGSL has paid the accelerated amount of such debt.
In these instruments of assumption, we have expressly acknowledged the applicable trustees' respective rights to enforce against us these assumed obligations, and we have agreed to pay the assumed obligations on or before the dates specified in the instruments of assumption (in each case, December 31, 2010 or earlier). These instruments of assumption provide that no provision thereof can be waived, amended or supplemented except by written instrument executed by each of EGSL, the applicable trustee and us. Accordingly, no extensions of the dates scheduled therein or any other amendments to the instruments of assumption can be effected by us without the written agreement of EGSL and the applicable trustee for the affected series of assumed debt. However, neither the Mortgage Trustee (as defined below) nor the holders of the Bonds will have any ability to prevent any waivers, amendments or supplements of these instruments of assumption or the below-referenced debt assumption agreement.
Pursuant to a debt assumption agreement between EGSL and us entered into concurrently with the execution and delivery of the instruments of assumption and an instrument of correction to such debt assumption agreement (collectively, the "debt assumption agreement"), we agreed to reimburse EGSL in the event that EGSL makes any payments on the assumed debt. To secure our reimbursement obligations to EGSL under the debt assumption agreement, we granted to EGSL a first lien (subject to permitted encumbrances) on our assets that were previously subject to EGSL's mortgage. We may obtain releases of portions of our assets from such lien up to three times before the obligations under the debt assumption agreement have been satisfied, if the aggregate principal amount of the assumed debt then outstanding will be less than 60% of the net book value of the property remaining subject to such lien immediately after such release. The debt assumption agreement (and related lien and security agreements) will terminate when we have performed our obligations under the debt assumption agreement. A breach of the debt assumption agreement (or related lien and security agreements) or the various instruments of assumption by us will not, in and of itself, give rise to an event of default under our mortgage. Please see our registration statement on Form 10, as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 10/A and Amendment No. 2 on Form 10/A (File No. 000-53134), incorporated by reference in this prospectus, for copies of the debt assumption agreement (and related lien and security agreements) and forms of the various instruments of assumption.
The information above is only a summary and is not complete. You should read the incorporated documents listed under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information" for more specific information concerning our business and affairs, including significant contingencies, significant factors and known trends, our general capital requirements, our financing plans and capabilities, and pending legal and regulatory proceedings, including the status of industry restructuring in our service area.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
100 F Street, N.E.
Room 1580
Washington, D.C. 20549-1004
Call the SEC at 1-800-732-0330 for more information about the public reference room and how to request documents.
The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" the information filed by us with the SEC, which means we can refer you to important information without restating it in this prospectus. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and all documents that we file with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of the initial registration statement to which this prospectus relates and prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement, along with any future filings that we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act until we have sold all of the Bonds described in this prospectus:
1. our registration statement on Form 10, as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 10/A and Amendment No. 2 on Form 10/A (File No. ), with respect to our common stock;
2. our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008; and
3. our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008.
You may access a copy of any or all of these filings, free of charge, at our web site, which is located at http://www.entergy.com , or by writing or calling us at the following address:
Ms. Dawn A. Abuso
Assistant Secretary
Entergy Texas, Inc.
639 Loyola Avenue
New Orleans, Louisiana 70113
(504) 576-6755
You may also direct your requests via e-mail to dabuso@entergy.com. We do not intend our internet address to be an active link or to otherwise incorporate the contents of the website into this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement.
You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement. We have not, nor have any underwriters, dealers or agents, authorized anyone else to provide you with different information about us or the Bonds. We are not, nor are any underwriters, dealers or agents, making an offer of the Bonds in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of those documents or that the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus are accurate as of any date other than the date those documents were filed with the SEC. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since these dates.
RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
We have calculated ratios of earnings to fixed charges pursuant to Item 503 of Regulation S-K of the SEC as follows:
Twelve Months Ended
June 30,
December 31,
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2.60
2.07
2.12
2.06
2.07
1.21
"Earnings" represent the aggregate of (1) income before the cumulative effect of an accounting change, (2) taxes based on income, (3) investment tax credit adjustments-net and (4) fixed charges. "Fixed Charges" include interest (whether expensed or capitalized), related amortization and estimated interest applicable to rentals charged to operating expenses. We accrue interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense and do not include it in fixed charges.
USE OF PROCEEDS
The net proceeds from the offering of the Bonds will be used either (a) to acquire or redeem one or more series of our outstanding securities on their stated due dates or in some cases prior to their stated due dates, including Assumed Debt (see "Description of the Bonds - Existing Mortgage" below) or (b) for other general corporate purposes. The specific purposes for the proceeds of a particular series of Bonds or the specific securities, if any, to be acquired or redeemed with the proceeds of a particular series of Bonds will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to that series.
DESCRIPTION OF THE BONDS
The following description sets forth the general terms and provisions of the Bonds that we may offer by this prospectus. We will describe the particular terms of the Bonds, and provisions that vary from those described below, in one or more prospectus supplements.
We may issue the Bonds from time to time in the future, in one or more series, under an indenture as it may be supplemented from time to time (the "Mortgage") between us and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (the "Mortgage Trustee"). A form of the Mortgage and a form of officer's certificate are each filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. All mortgage bonds to be issued under the Mortgage, including the Bonds offered by this prospectus, are referred to herein as "mortgage bonds."
This section of the prospectus contains a summary of all material provisions of the Mortgage. The Mortgage contains the full legal text of the matters described in this section. Because this section is a summary, it does not describe every aspect of the Bonds or the Mortgage. This summary is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to all the provisions of the Mortgage, including the definitions of some of the terms used in the Mortgage. We also include references in parentheses to some of the sections of the Mortgage. Whenever we refer to particular sections or defined terms of the Mortgage in this prospectus or in a prospectus supplement, these sections or defined terms are incorporated by reference into this prospectus or into the prospectus supplement. This summary is also subject to and qualified by reference to the description of the particular terms of each series of Bonds described in the applicable prospectus supplement or supplements. The Mortgage has been qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, and you should also refer to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 for provisions that apply to the Bonds.
General
The Mortgage permits us to issue mortgage bonds from time to time in an unlimited aggregate amount subject to the limitations described under "- Issuance of Bonds." All mortgage bonds of any one series need not be issued at the same time, and a series may be reopened for issuances of additional mortgage bonds of that series. This means that we may from time to time, without the consent of the existing holders of the mortgage bonds of any series, including the Bonds, create and issue additional mortgage bonds of a series having the same terms and conditions as the previously issued mortgage bonds of that series in all respects, except for issue date, issue price and, if applicable, the initial interest payment on those additional mortgage bonds. Additional mortgage bonds issued in this manner will be consolidated with and will form a single series with, the previously issued mortgage bonds of that series. For more information, see the discussion below under "- Issuance of Bonds."
A prospectus supplement and any supplemental indenture, board resolution and officer's certificate relating to any series of Bonds being offered by this prospectus will include specific terms relating to that offering. These terms will include some or all of the following terms that apply to that series:
(Mortgage, Section 301.)
We may sell Bonds at a discount below their principal amount. United States Federal income tax considerations applicable to Bonds sold at an original issue discount will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement if we sell Bonds at an original issue discount. In addition, important United States Federal income tax or other tax considerations applicable to any Bonds denominated or payable in a currency or currency unit other than United States dollars will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement if we sell Bonds denominated or payable in a currency or currency unit other than United States dollars.
Except as may otherwise be described in the applicable prospectus supplement, the covenants contained in the Mortgage will not afford holders of Bonds protection in the event of a highly-leveraged or a change of control transaction involving us.
Redemption
We will set forth any terms for the redemption of Bonds of any series in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless we indicate differently in a prospectus supplement, and except with respect to Bonds redeemable at the option of the holder of those Bonds, Bonds will be redeemable upon notice to holders by mail at least 30 days prior to the redemption date. (Mortgage, Section 504.) Unless the Bonds are held in book-entry only form through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), in which case DTC's procedures for selection shall apply (see "- Book-Entry Only Issuance"), if less than all of the Bonds of any series or any tranche thereof are to be redeemed, the Mortgage Trustee will select the Bonds to be redeemed. In the absence of any provision for selection, the Mortgage Trustee will choose a method of random selection as it may deem appropriate in accordance with the procedures of the DTC. (Mortgage, Section 503.)
Unless we default in the payment of the redemption price and accrued interest, if any, in the case of an unconditional notice of redemption, Bonds will cease to bear interest on the redemption date. (Mortgage, Section 505.) We will pay the redemption price and any accrued interest to the redemption date upon surrender of any Bond for redemption. (Mortgage, Section 505.) If only part of a Bond is redeemed, the Mortgage Trustee will deliver to the holder of the Bond a new Bond of the same series for the remaining portion without charge. (Mortgage, Section 506.)
We may make any redemption at our option conditional upon the receipt by the paying agent, on or prior to the date fixed for redemption, of money sufficient to pay the redemption price and accrued interest, if any. If the paying agent has not received the money by the date fixed for redemption, we will not be required to redeem the Bonds. (Mortgage, Section 504.)
Payment and Paying Agents
Except as may be provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, interest, if any, on each Bond payable on any interest payment date will be paid to the person in whose name that Bond is registered at the close of business on the regular record date for that interest payment date. However, interest payable at maturity will be paid to the person to whom the principal is paid. If there has been a default in the payment of interest on any Bond, the defaulted interest may be paid to the holder of that Bond as of the close of business on a date between 10 and 15 days before the date proposed by us for payment of the defaulted interest or in any other manner permitted by any securities exchange on which that Bond may be listed, if the Mortgage Trustee finds it workable. (Mortgage, Section 307.)
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Bonds at maturity will be payable upon presentation of the Bonds at the corporate trust office of The Bank of New York Mellon in The City of New York, as our paying agent. However, we may choose to make payment of interest by check mailed to the address of the persons entitled to payment as they may appear or have appeared in the security register for the Bonds. We may change the place of payment on the Bonds, appoint one or more additional paying agents (including us) and remove any paying agent, all at our discretion. (Mortgage, Section 702.)
As long as the Bonds are registered in the name of DTC, or its nominee, as described under "- Book-Entry Only Issuance," payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest will be made to DTC for subsequent disbursement to beneficial owners of the Bonds.
Registration and Transfer
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, and subject to restrictions related to the issuance of Bonds through DTC's book-entry system, the transfer of Bonds may be registered, and Bonds may be exchanged for other Bonds of the same series or tranche, of authorized denominations and with the same terms and principal amount, at the corporate trust office of the Mortgage Trustee in The City of New York. (Mortgage, Section 305.) We may, upon prompt written notice to the Mortgage Trustee and the holders of the Bonds, designate one or more additional places, or change the place or places previously designated, for registration of transfer and exchange of the Bonds. (Mortgage, Section 702.) No service charge will be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of the Bonds. However, we may require payment to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with a registration of transfer or exchange. We will not be required to execute or to provide for the registration, transfer or exchange of any Bond
(Mortgage, Section 305.)
Lien of the Mortgage
The Mortgage creates a lien on all of our tangible electric utility property located in Texas, together with our franchises, permits and licenses that are transferable and necessary for the operation of such property and our recorded easements and rights of way, other than Excepted Property (as defined below). These properties are sometimes referred to as our "Mortgaged Property." As of June 30, 2008, substantially all of this property is included within the category of property, plant and equipment on our balance sheet, and this property had a net book value as of June 30, 2008 of approximately $1,703 million.
Existing Mortgage
Substantially all of the Mortgaged Property owned by us on December 31, 2007, and therefore, the lien of the Mortgage, is subject to the lien of an existing Mortgage, Deed of Trust and Security Agreement effective as of December 31, 2007 (as amended, the "Existing Mortgage") in favor of EGSL. The Existing Mortgage secures our obligations under a Debt Assumption Agreement dated effective as of December 31, 2007 between us and EGSL, pursuant to which we were obligated to pay, as of December 31, 2007, principal, interest and premium on $1,079,094,000 in aggregate principal amount of debt securities issued by EGSI (the "Assumed Debt"). On June 2, 2008, we paid at maturity $148,837,000 in aggregate principal amount of debt securities included in the Assumed Debt, such that as of the date of this prospectus, we are obligated to pay principal, interest and premium on $930,257,000 in aggregate principal amount of debt securities included in the Assumed Debt. Under the Existing Mortgage, we will be entitled to obtain up to three releases of property subject to the lien of the Existing Mortgage when we pay enough Assumed Debt so that the remaining Assumed Debt will be less than 60% of the net book value of the property remaining subject to the lien of the Existing Mortgage after the release.
We plan to use the proceeds of each series of Bonds to pay Assumed Debt to the extent described in the related prospectus supplement and to obtain the release of property from the lien of the Existing Mortgage when we become entitled to the release of property with a net book value of at least $500 million. We have agreed in the Mortgage that, each time we become entitled to obtain the release of Mortgaged Property from the lien of the Existing Mortgage with an aggregate net book value in excess of $500 million, we shall use our best reasonable efforts to obtain the release of such Mortgaged Property from the lien of the Existing Mortgage within 30 days after we become so entitled under the terms of the Mortgage. (Mortgage, Section 707.)
We have agreed to pay all of the Assumed Debt by the earlier of December 31, 2010, maturity, redemption or otherwise (but not upon the acceleration of any Assumed Debt not caused by our default). Upon payment of the Assumed Debt in full and satisfaction of our other obligations under the Existing Mortgage, we will be entitled to the discharge of the Existing Mortgage, and we have agreed in the Mortgage to use our best reasonable efforts to obtain this discharge within 30 days after we have paid all Assumed Debt and satisfied our other obligations under the terms of the Mortgage. (Mortgage, Section 707.)
Priority of the Lien of the Mortgage
The Mortgage secures the Bonds. We can issue more mortgage bonds in the future and those mortgage bonds will also be secured by the Mortgage. The Mortgage will constitute a first lien on (i) all Mortgaged Property acquired by us after December 31, 2007 ("Property Additions"), and (ii) all Mortgaged Property that is released from the Existing Mortgage (including upon the discharge of the Existing Mortgage) pursuant to the provisions set forth above under "- Existing Mortgage") and will constitute a second lien on all Mortgaged Property owned by us on December 31, 2007 until the lien of the Existing Mortgage is released or discharged, subject in each case to Permitted Liens, as discussed below.
Permitted Liens
The lien of the Mortgage is subject to Permitted Liens described in the Mortgage. These Permitted Liens include, among others,
(Mortgage, Granting Clauses and Section 101.)
The Mortgage provides that the Mortgage Trustee will have a lien, prior to the lien on the Mortgaged Property securing the Bonds, for the payment of its reasonable compensation and expenses and for indemnity against specified liabilities. (Mortgage, Section 1007.) This lien would be a Permitted Lien under the Mortgage.
Excepted Property
The lien of the Mortgage does not cover, among other things, the following types of property whether owned as of the Execution Date or acquired thereafter:
We sometimes refer to property of ours not covered by the lien of the Mortgage as "Excepted Property." (Mortgage, Granting Clauses.)
Funded Property
The Mortgaged Property that was owned by us on December 31, 2007 and on the Execution Date will be Funded Property when the Mortgage is executed and will be deemed funded at its net book value on December 31, 2007. Property Additions will become Funded Property when used under the Mortgage for the issuance of mortgage bonds, the release or retirement of Funded Property, or the withdrawal of cash deposited with the Mortgage Trustee for the issuance of mortgage bonds.
Issuance of Bonds
Subject to the issuance restrictions described below, the aggregate principal amount of Bonds that may be authenticated and delivered under the Mortgage is unlimited. (Mortgage, Section 301) Mortgage bonds of any series may be issued from time to time only on the basis of, and in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding, the sum of the following:
"Retired Securities" mean
(Mortgage, Sections 101, 1601, 1602, 1603, 1604 and 1605.)
Release of Property
Unless an event of default under the Mortgage has occurred and is continuing, we may obtain the release from the lien of the Mortgage of any collateral for the mortgage bonds that constitutes Funded Property, except for cash held by the Mortgage Trustee, upon delivery to the Mortgage Trustee of an amount in cash equal to the amount, if any, by which the lower of the cost or fair value of the property to be released exceeds the aggregate of:
(Mortgage, Section 1803.)
Unless an event of default under the Mortgage has occurred and is continuing, we may obtain the release from the lien of the Mortgage of any part of the Mortgaged Property or any interest therein, which does not constitute Funded Property or Funded Cash held by the Mortgage Trustee, without depositing any cash or property with the Mortgage Trustee as long as (a) the aggregate amount of cost or fair value to us (whichever is less) of all Property Additions which do not constitute Funded Property (excluding the property to be released) after specified deductions and additions, primarily including adjustments to offset property retirements, is not less than zero or (b) the cost or fair value (whichever is less) of property to be released does not exceed the aggregate amount of the cost or fair value to us (whichever is less) of Property Additions acquired, made or constructed within the 90-day period preceding the release. (Mortgage, Section 1804.)
The Mortgage provides simplified procedures for the release of Mortgaged Property with a net book value of up to the greater of $10 million or 3% of outstanding mortgage bonds during a calendar year and for the release of Mortgaged Property taken or sold in connection with the power of eminent domain, provides for dispositions of certain obsolete or unnecessary Mortgaged Property and for grants or surrender of certain easements, leases or rights of way without any release or consent by the Mortgage Trustee. (Mortgage Sections 1802, 1805 and 1807.)
If we retain any interest in any property released from the lien of the Mortgage, the Mortgage will not become a lien on the property or the interest in the property or any improvements, extensions or additions to, or any renewals, replacements or substitutions of or for, any part or parts of the property unless we subject such property to the lien of the Mortgage. (Mortgage, Section 1810.)
The Mortgage also provides that we may terminate, abandon, surrender, cancel, release, modify or dispose of any of our franchises, permits or licenses that are Mortgaged Property without any consent of the Trustee or the holders of outstanding mortgage bonds; provided that (i) such action is, in our opinion, necessary, desirable or advisable in the conduct of our business, and (ii) any of our franchises, permits or licenses that, in our opinion, cease to be necessary for the operation of Mortgaged Property shall cease to be Mortgaged Property without any release or consent, or report to, the Trustee. (Mortgage, Section 1802.)
Withdrawal of Cash
Unless an event of default under the Mortgage has occurred and is continuing, and subject to specified limitations, cash held by the Mortgage Trustee may, generally, (1) be withdrawn by us (a) to the extent of the cost or fair value to us (whichever is less) of Property Additions not constituting Funded Property, after specified deductions and additions, primarily including adjustments to offset retirements (except that these adjustments need not be made if the Property Additions were acquired, made or constructed within the 90-day period preceding the withdrawal) or (b) in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of mortgage bonds that we would be entitled to issue on the basis of Retired Securities or bond credits (with the entitlement to the issuance being waived by operation of the withdrawal) or (c) in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of any outstanding mortgage bonds delivered to the Mortgage Trustee (with the mortgage bonds to be cancelled by the Mortgage Trustee), or (2) upon our request, be applied to (a) the purchase of mortgage bonds or (b) the payment (or provision for payment) at stated maturity of any mortgage bonds or the redemption (or provision for payment) of any mortgage bonds which are redeemable. (Mortgage, Section 1806.)
Satisfaction and Discharge of Bonds
We will be discharged from our obligations on the Bonds if we irrevocably deposit with the Mortgage Trustee or any paying agent, other than us, sufficient cash or government securities to pay the principal, interest, any premium and any other sums when due on the stated maturity date or a redemption date of the Bonds. (Mortgage, Section 801.)
Consolidation, Merger and Conveyance of Assets
Under the terms of the Mortgage, we may not consolidate with or merge into any other entity or convey, transfer or lease as, or substantially as, an entirety to any entity the Mortgaged Property, unless:
(Mortgage, Section 1201.) In the case of the conveyance or other transfer of the Mortgaged Property as, or substantially as, an entirety to any other person, upon the satisfaction of all the conditions described above, we would be released and discharged from all our obligations and covenants under the Mortgage and on the mortgage bonds then outstanding unless we elect to waive such release and discharge. (Mortgage, Section 1204.)
The Mortgage does not prevent or restrict:
Although the successor entity may, in its sole discretion, subject to the lien of the Mortgage property then owned or thereafter acquired by the successor entity, the lien of the Mortgage generally will not cover the property of the successor entity other than the property it acquires from us and improvements, extensions and additions to such property and renewals, replacements and substitutions thereof, within the meaning of the Mortgage. (Mortgage, Section 1203)
The terms of the Mortgage do not restrict mergers in which we are the surviving entity. (Mortgage, Section 1205.) A statutory merger of the sort permitted by Texas law in which a company's assets and liabilities may be allocated among one or more entities shall not be considered to be a merger, consolidation or conveyance of Mortgaged Property subject to the provisions of the Mortgage described above unless all or substantially all of the Mortgaged Property is allocated to one or more other entities.
Events of Default
"Event of default," when used in the Mortgage with respect to mortgage bonds, means any of the following:
(Mortgage, Sections 301, 901 and 1301.)
Remedies
If an event of default under the Mortgage occurs and is continuing, then the Mortgage Trustee, by written notice to us, or the holders of at least 33% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding mortgage bonds, by written notice to us and the Mortgage Trustee, may declare the principal amount of all of the mortgage bonds to be due and payable immediately, and upon our receipt of such notice, such principal amount, together with premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest will become immediately due and payable.
At any time after such a declaration of acceleration has been made but before any sale of the Mortgaged Property and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Mortgage Trustee, the event of default under the Mortgage giving rise to such declaration of acceleration will be considered cured, and such declaration and its consequences will be considered rescinded and annulled, if:
(1) all overdue interest on all outstanding mortgage bonds;
(2) the principal of and premium, if any, on the outstanding mortgage bonds that have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and overdue interest thereon;
(3) interest on overdue interest to the extent lawful; and
(4) all amounts due to the Mortgage Trustee under the Mortgage; and
(Mortgage, Section 902.)
There is no automatic acceleration, even in the event of our bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization.
Subject to the Mortgage, under specified circumstances and to the extent permitted by law, if an event of default under the Mortgage occurs and is continuing, the Mortgage Trustee has the power to appoint a receiver for the Mortgaged Property, and is entitled to all other remedies available to mortgagees and secured parties under the Uniform Commercial Code or any other applicable law. (Mortgage, Section 916.)
Other than its duties in case of an event of default under the Mortgage, the Mortgage Trustee is not obligated to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Mortgage at the request, order or direction of any of the holders, unless the holders offer the Mortgage Trustee an indemnity satisfactory to it. (Mortgage, Section 1003.) If they provide this indemnity, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding mortgage bonds will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Mortgage Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Mortgage Trustee. The Mortgage Trustee is not obligated to comply with directions that conflict with law or other provisions of the Mortgage or that could involve the Mortgage Trustee in personal liability in circumstances where indemnity would not, in the Mortgage Trustee's sole discretion, be adequate. (Mortgage, Section 912.)
No holder of mortgage bonds will have any right to institute any proceeding under the Mortgage, or any remedy under the Mortgage, unless:
(Mortgage, Section 907.) However, these limitations do not apply to the absolute and unconditional right of a holder of a mortgage bond to institute suit for payment of the principal, premium, if any, or interest on the mortgage bond on or after the applicable due date. (Mortgage, Section 908.)
We will provide to the Mortgage Trustee an annual statement by an appropriate officer as to our compliance with all conditions and covenants under the Mortgage. (Mortgage, Section 705.)
Modification and Waiver
Without the consent of any holder of mortgage bonds, we and the Mortgage Trustee may enter into one or more supplemental indentures for any of the following purposes:
(1) when the consent of the holders of mortgage bonds of such series has been obtained in accordance with the Mortgage; or
(2) when no mortgage bonds of the affected series remain outstanding under the Mortgage;
(Mortgage, Section 1301.)
The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of then outstanding mortgage bonds, considered as one class, may waive compliance by us with some restrictive provisions of the Mortgage. (Mortgage, Section 706.) The holders of a majority in principal amount of then outstanding mortgage bonds may waive any past default under the Mortgage, except a default in the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest and certain covenants and provisions of the Mortgage that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding mortgage bond of any affected series. (Mortgage, Section 913.)
Except as provided below, the consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of then outstanding mortgage bonds, considered as one class, is required for all other amendments or modifications to the Mortgage. However, if less than all of the series of mortgage bonds outstanding are directly affected by a proposed amendment or modification, then the consent of the holders of only a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding mortgage bonds of all series that are directly affected, considered as one class, will be required. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no amendment or modification may be made without the consent of the holder of each directly affected mortgage bond then outstanding to:
A supplemental indenture that changes the Mortgage solely for the benefit of one or more particular series of mortgage bonds, or modifies the rights of the holders of mortgage bonds of one or more series, will not affect the rights under the Mortgage of the holders of the mortgage bonds of any other series. (Mortgage, Section 1302.)
The Mortgage provides that mortgage bonds owned by us or anyone else required to make payment on the mortgage bonds shall be disregarded and considered not to be outstanding in determining whether the required holders have given a request or consent. (Mortgage, Section 101.)
We may fix in advance a record date to determine the holders entitled to give any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or similar act of the holders, but we have no obligation to do so. If we fix a record date, that request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other act of the holders may be given before or after that record date, but only the holders of record at the close of business on that record date will be considered holders for the purposes of determining whether holders of the required percentage of the outstanding mortgage bonds have authorized or agreed or consented to the request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other act of the holders. For that purpose, the outstanding mortgage bonds will be computed as of the record date.
Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, election, waiver or other act of a holder of any mortgage bond will bind every future holder of that mortgage bond and the holder of every mortgage bond issued upon the registration of transfer of or in exchange for that mortgage bond. A transferee will also be bound by acts of the Mortgage Trustee or us in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of that action is made upon the mortgage bond. (Mortgage, Section 106.)
Resignation of a Mortgage Trustee
The Mortgage Trustee may resign at any time by giving written notice to us or may be removed at any time by an act of the holders of a majority in principal amount of mortgage bonds then outstanding delivered to the Mortgage Trustee and us. No resignation or removal of the Mortgage Trustee and no appointment of a successor trustee will be effective until the acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee. So long as no event of default or event which, after notice or lapse of time, or both, would become an event of default has occurred and is continuing and except with respect to a trustee appointed by act of the holders, if we have delivered to the Mortgage Trustee a board resolution appointing a successor trustee and the successor has accepted the appointment in accordance with the terms of the Mortgage, the Mortgage Trustee will be deemed to have resigned and the successor will be deemed to have been appointed as trustee in accordance with the Mortgage. (Mortgage, Section 1010.)
Notices
Notices to holders of Bonds will be given by mail to the addresses of the holders as they may appear in the security register for the Bonds. (Mortgage, Section 108.)
Title
We, the Mortgage Trustee, and any of our or the Mortgage Trustee's agents, may treat the person in whose name Bonds are registered as the absolute owner thereof, whether or not the Bonds may be overdue, for the purpose of making payments and for all other purposes irrespective of notice to the contrary. (Mortgage, Section 308.)
Governing Law
The Mortgage is, and the Bonds will be, governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York except where otherwise required by law, including with respect to the creation, perfection, priority or enforcement of the lien of the Mortgage. (Mortgage, Section 114.)
Information about the Mortgage Trustee
The Mortgage Trustee will be The Bank of New York Mellon. In addition to acting as Mortgage Trustee, The Bank of New York Mellon also acts, and may act, as trustee under various other of our and our affiliates' indentures, trusts and guarantees. We and our affiliates maintain deposit accounts and credit and liquidity facilities and conduct other banking transactions with the Mortgage Trustee and its affiliates in the ordinary course of our respective businesses.
Book-Entry Only Issuance
The Bonds will be issued in book-entry only form and will be represented by one or more registered global securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC (or another depository which may replace DTC as depository for the book-entry Bonds) and registered in the name of the depository or a nominee of the depository.
The following is based solely on information furnished by DTC:
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, DTC, New York, New York, will act as securities depository for the Bonds. The Bonds will be issued as fully-registered securities registered in the name of Cede & Co. (DTC's partnership nominee) or such other name as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. One fully-registered Bond certificate will be issued for each issue of the Bonds, in the aggregate principal amount of such issue, and will be deposited with DTC or its custodian. If, however, the aggregate principal amount of any issue exceeds $500 million, one certificate will be issued with respect to each $500 million of principal amount, and an additional certificate will be issued with respect to any remaining principal amount of such issue.
DTC, the world's largest securities depository, is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC holds and provides asset servicing for over 3.5 million issues of U.S. and non-U.S. equity issues, corporate and municipal debt issues, and money market instruments (from over 100 countries) that DTC's participants ("Direct Participants") deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the post-trade settlement among Direct Participants of sales and other securities transactions in deposited securities, through electronic computerized book-entry transfers and pledges between Direct Participants' accounts. This eliminates the need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct Participants include both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations. DTC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation ("DTCC"). DTCC is the holding company for DTC, National Securities Clearing Corporation and Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, all of which are registered clearing agencies. DTCC is owned by the users of its regulated subsidiaries. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, and clearing corporations that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Direct Participant, either directly or indirectly ("Indirect Participants"). DTC has Standard & Poor's highest rating: AAA. The DTC rules applicable to its Direct and Indirect Participants are on file with the SEC. More information about DTC can be found at www.dtcc.com and www.dtc.org .
Purchases of Bonds under the DTC system must be made by or through Direct Participants, which will receive a credit for the Bonds on DTC's records. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser of each Bond ("Beneficial Owner") is in turn to be recorded on the Direct and Indirect Participants' records. Beneficial Owners will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchase. Beneficial Owners are, however, expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the Direct or Indirect Participant through which the Beneficial Owner entered into the transaction. Transfers of ownership interests in the Bonds are to be accomplished by entries made on the books of Direct and Indirect Participants acting on behalf of Beneficial Owners. Beneficial Owners will not receive certificates representing their ownership interests in Bonds, except in the event that use of the book-entry system for the Bonds is discontinued.
To facilitate subsequent transfers, all Bonds deposited by Direct Participants with DTC are registered in the name of DTC's partnership nominee, Cede & Co., or such other name as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. The deposit of the Bonds with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede & Co. or such other DTC nominee do not effect any change in beneficial ownership. DTC has no knowledge of the actual Beneficial Owners of the Bonds; DTC's records reflect only the identity of the Direct Participants to whose accounts such Bonds are credited, which may or may not be the Beneficial Owners. The Direct and Indirect Participants will remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.
Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to Direct Participants, by Direct Participants to Indirect Participants, and by Direct Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time. Beneficial Owners of the Bonds may wish to take certain steps to augment the transmission to them of notices of significant events with respect to the Bonds, such as redemptions, tenders, defaults, and proposed amendments to the Mortgage. For example, Beneficial Owners of Bonds may wish to ascertain that the nominee holding the Bonds for their benefit has agreed to obtain and transmit notices to Beneficial Owners. In the alternative, Beneficial Owners may wish to provide their names and addresses to the Mortgage Trustee and request that copies of notices be provided directly to them.
Redemption notices shall be sent to DTC. If less than all the Bonds within an issue are being redeemed, DTC's practice is to determine by lot the amount of the interest of each Direct Participant in such issue to be redeemed.
Neither DTC nor Cede & Co. (nor any other DTC nominee) will consent or vote with respect to Bonds unless authorized by a Direct Participant in accordance with DTC's MMI Procedures. Under its usual procedures, DTC mails an Omnibus Proxy to us as soon as possible after the record date. The Omnibus Proxy assigns Cede & Co.'s consenting or voting rights to those Direct Participants to whose accounts Bonds are credited on the record date (identified in a listing attached to the Omnibus Proxy).
Redemption proceeds, principal payments, interest payments, and any premium payments, if any, on the Bonds will be made to Cede & Co. or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. DTC's practice is to credit Direct Participants' accounts upon DTC's receipt of funds and corresponding detail information from us or the Mortgage Trustee on the payable date in accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC's records. Payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in "street name," and will be the responsibility of such Participant and not of DTC or its nominee, the Mortgage Trustee, any underwriters or dealers or agents, or us, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time. Payment of redemption proceeds, principal payments, interest payments, and any premium payments, if any, on the Bonds to Cede & Co. (or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC) is the responsibility of either the Mortgage Trustee or us, disbursement of such payments to Direct Participants will be the responsibility of DTC, and disbursement of such payments to the Beneficial Owners will be the responsibility of Direct and Indirect Participants.
A Beneficial Owner shall give notice to elect to have its Bonds purchased or tendered, through its Participant, to the tender or remarketing agent and shall effect delivery of such Bonds by causing the Direct Participant to transfer the Participant's interest in the Bonds, on DTC's records, to the tender or remarketing agent. The requirement for physical delivery of Bonds in connection with an optional tender or a mandatory purchase will be deemed satisfied when the ownership rights in the Bonds are transferred by Direct Participants on DTC's records and followed by a book-entry credit of tendered Bonds to the tender or remarketing agent's DTC account.
DTC may discontinue providing its services as depository with respect to the Bonds at any time by giving reasonable notice to the Mortgage Trustee or us. Under such circumstances, in the event that a successor depository is not obtained, certificates representing the Bonds are required to be printed and delivered.
We may decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry only transfers through DTC (or a successor securities depository) with respect to the Bonds. In that event, certificates representing the Bonds will be printed and delivered to DTC.
Except as provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, a Beneficial Owner will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of the Bonds. Accordingly, each Beneficial Owner must rely on the procedures of DTC to exercise any rights under the Bonds.
The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC's book-entry system has been obtained from sources, including DTC, that we believe to be reliable, but we do not take responsibility for the accuracy of this information.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Methods and Terms of Sale
We may use a variety of methods to sell the Bonds including:
The prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of the Bonds will set forth the terms of the offering of the Bonds, including:
Underwriters
If we sell the Bonds through underwriters, they will acquire the Bonds for their own account and may resell them from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. The underwriters for a particular underwritten offering of Bonds will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement and, if an underwriting syndicate is used, the managing underwriter or underwriters will be named on the cover page of the applicable prospectus supplement. In connection with the sale of Bonds, the underwriters may receive compensation from us or from purchasers in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions. The obligations of the underwriters to purchase Bonds will be subject to certain conditions. The underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the Bonds of a particular series if any are purchased. However, the underwriters may purchase less than all of the Bonds of a particular series should certain circumstances involving a default of one or more underwriters occur.
The initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers by any underwriters may be changed from time to time.
Stabilizing Transactions
Underwriters may engage in stabilizing transactions and syndicate covering transactions in accordance with Rule 104 under the Exchange Act. Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying Bond so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum. Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the Bonds in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. These stabilizing transactions and syndicate covering transactions may cause the price of the Bonds to be higher than it would otherwise be if such transactions had not occurred.
Agents
If we sell the Bonds through agents, the applicable prospectus supplement will set forth the name of any agent involved in the offer or sale of the Bonds as well as any commissions we will pay to them. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, any agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment.
Related Transactions
Underwriters, dealers and agents (or their affiliates) may engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us or our affiliates in the ordinary course of business.
Indemnification
We will agree to indemnify any underwriters, dealers, agents or purchasers and their controlling persons against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.
Listing
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the Bonds will not be listed on a national securities exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market. No assurance can be given that any broker-dealer will make a market in any series of the Bonds and, in any event, no assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the trading market for any of the Bonds.
The financial statements and the related financial statement schedule, incorporated in this prospectus by reference from Entergy Texas, Inc.'s Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form 10/A have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph regarding the effects of the distribution of certain assets and liabilities from Entergy Gulf States, Inc. as part of a jurisdictional separation plan), which is incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements and financial statement schedule have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
LEGALITY
The legality of the mortgage bonds will be passed upon for us by Thelen LLP, New York, New York , as to matters of New York law, and by Clark, Thomas & Winters, A Professional Corporation, Austin, Texas, as to matters of Texas law. Certain legal matters with respect to the mortgage bonds will be passed on for any underwriters, dealers or agents by Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, New York, New York. Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP regularly represents us and our affiliates in connection with various matters. Thelen LLP and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP may rely on the opinion of Clark, Thomas & Winters, A Professional Corporation, as to matters of Texas law relevant to their opinions.
All matters pertaining to our organization and franchises, titles to property and the lien of the Mortgage under Texas law will be passed upon for us by Clark, Thomas & Winters, A Professional Corporation. All matters pertaining to the creation of the lien of the Mortgage on personal property and fixtures under New York law will be passed upon for us by Thelen LLP.
The statements in this prospectus as to matters of law and legal conclusions made under "Description of the Bonds - Priority of the Lien of the Mortgage," have been reviewed by Clark, Thomas & Winters, A Professional Corporation, and are set forth herein in reliance upon the opinion of said counsel, and upon their authority as experts.
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
|
|
|
|
Each
|
Filing Fees-Securities and Exchange Commission: |
|
|
|
|
Registration Statement |
$ |
47,160 |
$ |
0 |
*Rating Agencies' fees |
|
294,000 |
|
0 |
*Trustee's fees |
|
10,000 |
|
10,000 |
*Fees of Company's Counsel: |
|
|
|
|
Clark, Thomas & Winters, A Professional Corporation |
|
7,500 |
|
5,000 |
Thelen LLP |
|
60,000 |
|
50,000 |
*Fees of Entergy Services, Inc. |
|
35,000 |
|
25,000 |
*Accounting fees |
|
35,000 |
|
35,000 |
*Printing and engraving costs |
|
25,000 |
|
15,000 |
*Miscellaneous expenses (including Blue-Sky expenses) |
|
20,000 |
|
15,000 |
*Total Expenses |
$ |
533,660 |
$ |
155,000 |
__________________
*Estimated
Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Item 16. Exhibits.
See the Exhibit Index at the end of this registration statement.
Item 17. Undertakings.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of this Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in this Registration Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement; and
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in this Registration Statement or any material change to such information in this Registration Statement;
provided, however, that paragraphs (1)(i), (1)(ii) and (1)(iii) of this section do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by the registrant pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is a part of the registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered herein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:
(i) Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be a part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and
(ii) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 (b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415 (a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however , that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.
(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, that in a primary offering of securities of the registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
(6) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered herein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(7) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
(8) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
(9) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that the security rating requirement will be met by the time of sale and that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New Orleans, State of Louisiana, on September 11, 2008.
ENTERGY TEXAS, INC. |
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Steven C. McNeal |
|
Steven C. McNeal
|
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears immediately below constitutes and appoints Theodore H. Bunting, Jr., Steven C. McNeal, and Frank Williford, and each of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution, for him and in his name, place, and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement (and any Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933) and to file the same with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and to perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature |
|
Title |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Joseph F. Domino |
|
|
|
|
Joseph F. Domino |
|
Director and President and
|
|
September 11, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Theodore H. Bunting, Jr. |
|
|
|
|
Theodore H. Bunting, Jr. |
|
Senior Vice President and
|
|
September 11, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Jay A. Lewis |
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|
|
|
Jay A. Lewis |
|
Vice President,
|
|
September 11, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Leo P. Denault |
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|
|
|
Leo P. Denault |
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Director |
|
September 11, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Mark T. Savoff |
|
|
|
|
Mark T. Savoff |
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Director |
|
September 11, 2008 |
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|
|
|
|
/s/ Gary J. Taylor |
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|
|
|
Gary J. Taylor |
|
Director |
|
September 11, 2008 |
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|
|
|
|
EXHIBIT INDEX
Number |
Description of Exhibit |
1.01 |
Form of Underwriting Agreement relating to the Bonds. |
*3.01 |
Certificate of Formation of Entergy Texas, Inc., effective December 31, 2007 (filed as Exhibit 3(i) to the Registration Statement on Form 10 of Entergy Texas, Inc. in File No. 000-53134). |
*3.02 |
By-Laws of Entergy Texas, Inc., effective December 31, 2007, and as presently in effect (filed as Exhibit 3(ii) to the Registration Statement on Form 10 of Entergy Texas, Inc. in File No. 000-53134). |
4.01 |
Form of Mortgage. |
4.02 |
Form of Officer's Certificate for the creation of a series of Bonds under the Mortgage including form of Bond. |
5.01 |
Opinion of Clark, Thomas & Winters, a Professional Corporation. |
5.02 |
Opinion of Thelen LLP. |
*12.01 |
Statement Re: Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (filed as Exhibit 12 to the Registration Statement on Form 10 of Entergy Texas, Inc. with respect to its common stock in File No. 000-53134). |
*12.02 |
Statement Re: Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (filed as Exhibit 12(f) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Entergy Texas, Inc. for the quarter ended June 30, 2008). |
23.01 |
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP. |
23.02 |
Consent of Clark, Thomas & Winters, a Professional Corporation (included in Exhibit 5.01 hereto). |
23.03 |
Consent of Thelen LLP (included in Exhibit 5.02 hereto). |
24.01 |
Powers of Attorney of certain officers and directors of Entergy Texas, Inc. (included on pages S-1 and S-2 hereof). |
25.01 |
Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of The Bank of New York Mellon. |
___________________
*Incorporated by reference herein.
Exhibit 1.01
Entergy Texas, Inc.
$[___],000,000
Mortgage Bonds,
[___]% Series due [________], 20[__]
UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
[__________], 2008
c/o [Name(s) of Representatives(s)]
[
Address(es) of Representative(s)
]
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned, Entergy Texas, Inc., a Texas corporation (the "Company"), proposes to issue and sell to the several underwriters set forth in Schedule I attached hereto (the "Underwriters," which term, when the context permits, shall also include any underwriters substituted as hereinafter in Section 11 provided), for whom [ ] and [ ] are acting as representatives (the "Representatives"), an aggregate of $[__],000,000 principal amount of the Company's Mortgage Bonds, [___]% Series due [________], 20[__] (the "Bonds"), in accordance with the terms set forth in this Underwriting Agreement (this "Underwriting Agreement"), as follows:
If any of the conditions specified in this Section 7 shall not have been fulfilled, this Underwriting Agreement may be terminated by the Representatives at any time on or prior to the Closing Date upon notice thereof to the Company. Any such termination shall be without liability of any party to any other party, except as otherwise provided in paragraph (h) of Section 6 and in Section 10 hereof.
In case any of the conditions specified in this Section 8 shall not have been fulfilled, this Underwriting Agreement may be terminated by the Company at any time on or prior to the Closing Date upon notice thereof to the Representatives. Any such termination shall be without liability of any party to any other party, except as otherwise provided in paragraph (h) of Section 6 and in Section 10 hereof.
The Company and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 9(d) were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph. The amount paid or payable to an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages and liabilities referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 9(d), no Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which the Bonds underwritten by it and distributed to the public were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any damages which such Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Underwriters' obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 9(d) are several in proportion to their respective underwriting obligations and not joint.
[ Signature page follows ]
Very truly yours,
Entergy Texas, Inc.
By: ________________________________
Name:
Title:
Accepted as of the date first above written.
[Name(s) of Underwriters(s)]
By: [Name of Representative]
By: __________________________________
Name:
Title:
By: [Name of Representative]
By: __________________________________
Name:
Title:
SCHEDULE I
Entergy Texas, Inc.
$[___],000,000
Mortgage Bonds,
[___]% Series due [________], 20[__]
Name of Underwriters |
Principal Amount of Bonds |
[ ] |
$[ ] |
[ ] |
$[ ] |
[ ] |
$[ ] |
[ ] |
$[ ] |
TOTAL |
$[___],000,000 |
Schedule II
Part A - Schedule of Free Writing Prospectuses included in the Disclosure Package
Part B - Schedule of Free Writing Prospectuses not included in the Disclosure Package
Part C - Additional Documents Incorporated by Reference
Part D
ANNEX A TO SCHEDULE II
Entergy Texas, Inc.
$[___],000,000
Mortgage Bonds,
[___]% Series due [________], 20[__]
Final Terms and Conditions
[________], 2008
Issuer: |
|
Entergy Texas, Inc. |
|
|
|
Market Type: |
|
Mortgage Bonds (SEC Registered) |
|
|
|
Expected Ratings (1) : |
|
[_____] by Moody's Investors Service
|
|
|
|
Trade Date: |
|
[________], 2008 |
|
|
|
Settlement Date (T+[__]): |
|
[________], 2008 |
|
|
|
Principal Amount: |
|
$[__________] |
|
|
|
Coupon: |
|
|
|
|
|
Coupon Payment Dates: |
|
|
|
|
|
First Payment Date: |
|
|
|
|
|
Final Maturity: |
|
|
|
|
|
Call Date & Terms: |
|
|
|
|
|
UST Benchmark: |
|
|
|
|
|
Treasury Price: |
|
|
|
|
|
Treasury Yield: |
|
|
|
|
|
Re-offer Spread: |
|
|
|
|
|
Re-offer Yield: |
|
|
|
|
|
Issue Price to Public: |
|
|
|
|
|
Joint Book-Running Managers: |
|
[__________] |
|
|
[__________] |
|
|
[__________] |
|
|
|
CUSIP / ISIN: |
|
|
______________________
1
A securities rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time.
The issuer has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus) with the SEC for the offering to which this communication relates. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus in that registration statement and other documents the issuer has filed with the SEC for more complete information about the issuer and this offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov.
Alternatively, a copy of the prospectus for the offering can be obtained by calling (i) [__________] toll free at [__________], (ii) [__________] toll free at [__________], or (iii) [__________] toll free at [__________].
EXHIBIT A
[Letterhead of Entergy Services, Inc.]
[__________], 2008
[Name(s) of Underwriters(s)]
c/o [Name(s) of Representatives(s)]
[
Address(es) of Representative(s)
]
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I, together with Thelen LLP, of New York, New York, and Clark, Thomas & Winters, A Professional Corporation, of Austin, Texas, have acted as counsel for Entergy Texas, Inc., a Texas corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the issuance and sale to you, pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, dated [__________], 2008 (the "Underwriting Agreement"), between the Company and you, of $[___],000,000 aggregate principal amount of its Mortgage Bonds, [___]% Series due [________], 20[__] (the "Bonds"), issued pursuant to the Company's Indenture, Deed of Trust and Security Agreement, dated [________], 2008, with The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (the "Trustee") (the Indenture, Deed of Trust and Security Agreement, including the officer's certificate establishing the terms of the Bonds, being hereinafter referred to as the "Mortgage"). This opinion is rendered to you at the request of the Company. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Underwriting Agreement.
In my capacity as such counsel, I have either participated in the preparation of or have examined and am familiar with: (a) the Company's Certificate of Formation and the Company's By-laws; (b) the Underwriting Agreement; (c) the Mortgage; (d) the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus; (e) the records of various corporate proceedings relating to the authorization, issuance and sale of the Bonds by the Company and the execution and delivery by the Company of the Mortgage and the Underwriting Agreement; and (f) the proceedings before and the order or orders entered by the FERC under the Federal Power Act relating to the issuance and sale of the Bonds by the Company. I have also examined or caused to be examined such other documents and have satisfied myself as to such other matters as I have deemed necessary in order to render this opinion.
In my examination, I have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to me as originals, the legal capacity of natural persons, the conformity with the originals of all documents submitted to me as copies, and the authenticity of the originals of such latter documents. In making my examination of documents and instruments executed or to be executed by persons other than the Company, I have assumed that each such other person had the requisite power and authority to enter into and perform fully its obligations thereunder, the due authorization by each such other person for the execution, delivery and performance thereof by such person, and the due execution and delivery by or on behalf of such person of each such document and instrument. In the case of any such other person that is not a natural person, I have also assumed, insofar as it is relevant to the opinions set forth below, that each such other person is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which such other person was created, and is duly qualified and in good standing in each other jurisdiction where the failure to be so qualified could reasonably be expected to have a material effect upon the ability of such other person to execute, deliver and/or perform such other person's obligations under any such document or instrument. I have further assumed that each document, instrument, agreement, record and certificate reviewed by me for purposes of rendering the opinions expressed below has not been amended by oral agreement, conduct or course of dealing of the parties thereto, although I have no knowledge of any facts or circumstances that could give rise to such amendment.
As to questions of fact material to the opinions expressed herein, I have relied upon statements in the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package, the Prospectus and upon certificates and representations of officers of the Company (including but not limited to those contained in the Underwriting Agreement and the Mortgage and certificates delivered at the closing of the sale of the Bonds) and appropriate public officials without independent verification of such matters except as otherwise described herein.
Whenever my opinions herein with respect to the existence or absence of facts are stated to be to my knowledge or awareness, I intend to signify that no information has come to my attention or the attention of any other attorneys acting for or on behalf of the Company or any of its affiliates that have participated in the negotiation of the transactions contemplated by the Underwriting Agreement and the Mortgage, in the preparation of the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or in the preparation of this opinion letter that would give me, or them, actual knowledge that would contradict such opinions. However, except to the extent necessary in order to give the opinions hereinafter expressed, neither I nor they have undertaken any independent investigation to determine the existence or absence of such facts, and no inference as to knowledge of the existence or absence of such facts (except to the extent necessary in order to give the opinions hereinafter expressed) should be assumed.
My opinion in paragraph (1) below, insofar as it relates to the good standing of the Company under Louisiana, is given exclusively in reliance upon a certification of the Secretary of State of Louisiana, upon which I believe I am justified in relying. A copy of such certification has been provided to you.
In rendering the opinion set forth in paragraph (2) below, I have relied upon reports and/or opinions by counsel who historically acted on behalf of the Company in real estate transactions and transactions involving the Mortgage and in whom I have confidence and information from officers of the Company responsible for the acquisition of real property and/or maintenance of records with respect thereto, which I believe to be satisfactory in form and scope and which I have no reason to believe are inaccurate in any material respect. I have not, for purposes of rendering such opinion, conducted an independent examination or investigation of official title records (or abstracts thereof) with respect to property (i) acquired by the Company prior to the date of the most recent report and/or opinions of counsel, (ii) as to which title insurance has been obtained or (iii) the aggregate purchase price of which was not material.
Subject to the foregoing and to the further exceptions and qualifications set forth below, I am of the opinion that:
In connection with the preparation by the Company of the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, I have had discussions with certain of the officers, employees, and representatives of the Company and Entergy Services, Inc., with other counsel for the Company, and with the independent registered public accountants of the Company who audited certain of the financial statements incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. Based on my review of the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and the above-mentioned discussions, although I have not independently verified the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the statements included or incorporated by reference therein and take no responsibility therefor (except to the extent such statements relate to me or as expressly set forth in paragraph (4) above), no facts have come to my attention that cause me to believe that (i) the Registration Statement, as of the latest date as of which any part of the Registration Statement relating to the Bonds became, or is deemed to have become, effective under the Securities Act in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, 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 not misleading, (ii) the Disclosure Package, at the Applicable Time, contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of circumstances under which they were made, not misleading or (iii) that the Prospectus, at the time it was filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) or at the date hereof, contained or contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted 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. I do not express any opinion or belief as to (a) the financial statements or other financial, statistical or accounting data included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, (b) the Statement of Eligibility, (c) the information contained in the Prospectus under the caption "Description of the Bonds-Book-Entry Securities" or (d) assessments of or reports on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package or the Prospectus.
I have examined the opinions of even date herewith rendered to you by Thelen LLP and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP and concur in the conclusions expressed therein insofar as they involve questions of Louisiana law.
I am a member of the Bar of the State of Louisiana, and this opinion is limited to the laws of the State of Louisiana and the United States of America.
This opinion is solely for your benefit in connection with the Underwriting Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereunder, and it may not be relied upon in any manner by any other person or for any other purpose, without my prior written consent, except that Thelen LLP and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP may rely on this opinion as to all matters of Louisiana law in rendering their opinions required to be delivered under the Underwriting Agreement.
Very truly yours,
[Mark G. Otts]
[Senior Counsel-Corporate and Securities]
EXHIBIT B
[Letterhead of Clark, Thomas & Winters, A Professional Corporation]
[__________], 2008
[Name(s) of Underwriters(s)]
c/o [Name(s) of Representatives(s)]
[
Address(es) of Representative(s)
]
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We, together with [__________], Esq. [__________] of Entergy Services, Inc. and Thelen LLP, have acted as Texas counsel to Entergy Texas, Inc., a Texas corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the issuance and sale to you, pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, dated [__________], 2008 (the "Underwriting Agreement"), between the Company and you, of $[___],000,000 aggregate principal amount of its Mortgage Bonds, [___]% Series due [________], 20[__] (the "Bonds"), issued pursuant to the Company's Indenture, Deed of Trust and Security Agreement, dated [________], 2008, with The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (the "Trustee") (the Indenture, Deed of Trust and Security Agreement, including the officer's certificate establishing the terms of the Bonds, being hereinafter referred to as the "Mortgage"). This opinion is rendered to you at the request of the Company. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Underwriting Agreement.
In our capacity as such counsel, we have either participated in the preparation of or have examined and are familiar with: (a) the Company's Certificate of Formation and the Company's By-Laws; (b) the Underwriting Agreement; (c) the Mortgage; (d) the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus; and (e) the records of various corporate proceedings relating to the authorization, issuance and sale of the Bonds by the Company and the execution and delivery by the Company of the Mortgage and the Underwriting Agreement. In such examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, and the conformity to the originals of the documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic copies and the authenticity of the originals of such latter documents. We have also examined or caused to be examined such other documents and have satisfied ourselves as to such other matters as we have deemed necessary in order to render this opinion. We have not examined the Bonds, except a specimen thereof, and we have relied upon a certificate of the Trustee as to the authentication and delivery thereof.
Opinions
Subject to the foregoing, and to the further exceptions, assumptions and qualifications set forth below, we are of the opinion that:
Additional Qualifications and Assumptions
Our opinions above are subject, with your permission, to the following additional qualifications and assumptions:
(a) Our opinion in paragraph 1 above is limited to the power and authority conferred by the laws of the State of Texas, and we express no opinion concerning the power or authority of the Company, under Louisiana law, to own property or conduct business in the State of Louisiana.
(b) We express no opinion as to the effects, if any, of (i) any usury, fraudulent transfer and conveyance, bankruptcy, choice of law, "blue sky" and state securities laws, or tax laws, rules, and regulations and (ii) the status of title of any property of the Company.
(c) We express no opinion as to the statutes and ordinances, the administrative decisions, and the rules and regulations of counties, towns, municipalities, and special political subdivisions (whether created or enabled through legislative action at the federal, state, local, or regional level), and judicial decisions to the extent that they deal with any of the foregoing.
(d) We express no opinion as to the enforceability of any documents or agreements other than the Bonds and the Mortgage, and we assume that (other than as set forth therein) the provisions of the Bonds and the Mortgage are governed by the laws of the State of New York.
(e) We are not members of the bar of the State of New York, and, with your permission and without investigation, our opinion with respect to enforceability in paragraphs 2 and 3 above, to the extent New York law is the governing law, and our opinions in paragraphs 4 and 6 above, to the extent New York law governs the creation of the security interest under the Mortgage, are based solely on, and we have relied exclusively on, the opinions relating thereto (and all assumptions, limitations, and qualifications stated therein, each of which is incorporated into this opinion letter) delivered by Thelen LLP dated [__________], 2008.
(f) Our opinion set forth in paragraph 8 above relates only to statutory laws, rules, regulations, and orders that we, in the exercise of customary professional diligence, would reasonably recognize as being directly applicable to the Company, the transactions contemplated by the Underwriting Agreement, the Mortgage, or both.
(g) Regarding our opinion set forth in paragraph 9(b)(ii) above concerning the non-violation of any orders, writs, judgments and decrees of any Texas governmental instrumentality, with your permission we have limited our inquiry as follows. With respect to the existence and effect of orders, writs, judgments and decrees of Texas governmental instrumentalities on matters other than orders, writs, judgments and decrees of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (the "PUCT") and of Texas courts on matters regarding appeals of PUCT proceedings, our inquiry has been limited to a request made to the Company that it identify to us for our review any presently outstanding orders, writs, judgments and decrees of Texas governmental instrumentalities other than those constituting only money judgments and to our reliance on the Company's certificate that there are no such presently outstanding orders, writs, judgments and decrees of Texas governmental instrumentalities other than money judgments. With respect to the existence and effect of orders, writs, judgments and decrees of the PUCT and of Texas courts on matters regarding appeals of PUCT proceedings, our inquiry has not been so limited.
(h) We assume that all public documents examined by us are accurate, complete, and authentic and that all official public records related thereto (including their proper indexing and filing) are accurate and complete.
(i) We assume as to all factual matters that (x) all representations and warranties of the parties contained in the Underwriting Agreement are true, correct, and complete in all material respects, (y) all covenants of the parties to the Underwriting Agreement will be, in all material respects, fully complied with, and (z) all parties to the Underwriting Agreement will act in accordance with and refrain from taking any action forbidden by the terms and conditions of the Underwriting Agreement.
(j) We assume there are no agreements or understandings among the parties, written or oral, and there is no usage of trade or course of prior dealing among the parties that would, in either case, define, supplement or qualify the terms of the Underwriting Agreement, the Bonds or the Mortgage.
(k) We assume that each party to the Underwriting Agreement and the Mortgage (other than the Company) has satisfied those legal requirements that are applicable to such party to the extent necessary to make the Underwriting Agreement and the Mortgage enforceable against such party.
(l) We assume that each party to the Underwriting Agreement and the Mortgage (other than the Company) has complied with all legal requirements pertaining to its status as such status relates to its rights to enforce the Underwriting Agreement and the Mortgage against the Company.
(m) We assume there has been no mutual mistake of fact, misunderstanding, duress, fraud, collusion or undue influence between any of the parties to the Underwriting Agreement and the Mortgage.
In each instance in this opinion letter in which we state that we have made certain assumptions, we wish to advise you that we have no knowledge of any inaccuracy of any such assumption, but we do not express an opinion with respect to matters so assumed.
We are members of the bar of the State of Texas and, except as set forth in paragraph (e) above, we express no opinion as to the laws of any jurisdiction, domestic or foreign (including the United States of America), other than the laws of the State of Texas.
The opinion set forth above is solely for your benefit in connection with the Underwriting Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereunder and it may not be relied upon in any manner by any other person or for any other purpose, without our prior written consent, except that Thelen LLP and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP may rely on this opinion as to all matters of Texas law in rendering their opinions dated the date hereof required to be delivered under the Underwriting Agreement.
Very truly yours,
CLARK, THOMAS & WINTERS,
A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
[Letterhead of Thelen LLP]
[__________], 2008
[Name(s) of Underwriters(s)]
c/o [Name(s) of Representatives(s)]
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We, together with Mark G. Otts, Esq., Senior Counsel-Corporate and Securities of Entergy Services, Inc., and Clark, Thomas & Winters, A Professional Corporation, of Austin, Texas, have acted as counsel for Entergy Texas, Inc., a Texas corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the issuance and sale to you, pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, dated [__________], 2008, (the "Underwriting Agreement"), between the Company and you, of $[___],000,000 aggregate principal amount of its Mortgage Bonds, [___]% Series due [________], 20[__] (the "Bonds"), issued pursuant to the Company's Indenture, Deed of Trust and Security Agreement, dated [________], 2008, with The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (the "Trustee") (the Indenture, Deed of Trust and Security Agreement, including the officer's certificate establishing the terms of the Bonds, being hereinafter referred to as the "Mortgage"). This opinion is being rendered to you at the request of the Company. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Underwriting Agreement.
In our capacity as such counsel, we have either participated in the preparation of or have examined and are familiar with: (a) the Company's Certificate of Formation and the Company's By-Laws; (b) the Underwriting Agreement; (c) the Mortgage; (d) the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus; (e) the records of various corporate proceedings relating to the authorization, issuance and sale of the Bonds by the Company and the execution and delivery by the Company of the Mortgage and the Underwriting Agreement; and (f) the proceedings before and the order or orders entered by the FERC under the Federal Power Act relating to the issuance and sale of the Bonds by the Company. As to such questions of fact material to the opinions expressed herein, we have relied upon representations and certifications of officers of the Company (including but not limited to those contained in the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package, the Prospectus, the Underwriting Agreement and the Mortgage and certificates delivered at the closing of the sale of the Bonds) and appropriate public officials without independent verification of such matters except as otherwise described herein. We have also examined or caused to be examined such other documents and have satisfied ourselves as to such other matters as we have deemed necessary in order to render this opinion. In such examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, and the conformity to the originals of the documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic copies and the authenticity of the originals of such latter documents. We have not examined the Bonds, except a specimen thereof, and we have relied upon a certificate delivered by or on behalf of the Trustee as to the authentication and delivery thereof.
Subject to the foregoing and to the further exceptions and qualifications set forth below, we are of the opinion that:
In passing upon the forms of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, we necessarily assume the correctness, completeness and fairness of the statements made by the Company and information included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and take no responsibility therefor, except insofar as such statements relate to us and as set forth in paragraph (3) above. In connection with the preparation by the Company of the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, we have had discussions with certain officers, employees and representatives of the Company and Entergy Services, Inc., with other counsel for the Company, and with the independent registered public accountants of the Company who audited certain of the financial statements incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. Based on our review of the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and the above-mentioned discussions, although we have not independently verified the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the statements included or incorporated by reference therein and take no responsibility therefor (except to the extent such statements relate to us or as expressly set forth in paragraph (3) above), no facts have come to our attention that cause us to believe that (i) the Registration Statement, as of the latest date as of which any part of the Registration Statement relating to the Bonds became, or is deemed to have become, effective under the Securities Act in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, 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 not misleading, (ii) the Disclosure Package, at the Applicable Time, contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of circumstances under which they were made, not misleading or (iii) that the Prospectus, at the time it was filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) or at the date hereof, contained or contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted 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. We do not express any opinion or belief as to (a) the financial statements or other financial, statistical or accounting data included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, (b) the Statement of Eligibility, (c) the information contained in the Prospectus under the caption "Description of the Bonds-Book-Entry Securities" or (d) assessments of or reports on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package or the Prospectus.
This opinion is limited to the laws of the States of New York, Texas and Louisiana and the United States of America. As to all matters of Louisiana law, we have relied (without independent inquiry) upon the opinion of even date herewith addressed to you by [Mark G. Otts, Esq., Senior Counsel-Corporate and Securities of Entergy Services, Inc.], and as to all matters of Texas law, we have relied upon the opinion of even date herewith addressed to you of Clark, Thomas & Winters, A Professional Corporation, Texas counsel to the Company. We have not examined into and are not expressing an opinion upon matters relating to incorporation of the Company, titles to property, franchises or, except as set forth in paragraph (7) above, the lien of the Mortgage.
The opinion set forth above is solely for your benefit in connection with the Underwriting Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereunder and it may not be relied upon in any manner by any other person or for any other purpose, without our prior written consent, except that Clark, Thomas & Winters, A Professional Corporation, may rely on this opinion as to all matters of New York law in rendering its opinion required to be delivered under the Underwriting Agreement.
Very truly yours,
Thelen LLP
EXHIBIT D
[Letterhead of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP]
[__________], 2008
[Name(s) of Underwriters(s)]
c/o [Name(s) of Representatives(s)]
[
Address(es) of Representative(s)
]
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as your counsel in connection with the issuance and sale by Entergy Texas, Inc., a Texas corporation (the "Company"), of $[__],000,000 aggregate principal amount of Mortgage Bonds, [___]% Series due [________], 20[__] (the "Bonds"), under the Company's Indenture, Deed of Trust and Security Agreement, dated [________], 2008, with The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (the "Trustee") (the Indenture, Deed of Trust and Security Agreement, including the officer's certificate establishing the terms of the Bonds, being hereinafter referred to as the "Mortgage"), pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement between you and the Company dated [__________], 2008 (the "Underwriting Agreement"). This letter is delivered to you pursuant to Section 7(e) of the Underwriting Agreement. Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in the Underwriting Agreement.
We are members of the New York Bar and, for purposes of this letter, do not hold ourselves out as experts on any laws other than the internal laws of the State of New York and the federal laws of the United States of America. We have, with your consent, relied (without independent inquiry) upon the opinions of even date herewith addressed to you by [Mark G. Otts, Esq., Senior Counsel-Corporate and Securities of Entergy Services, Inc.], as to all matters of Louisiana law related to this letter, and by Clark, Thomas & Winters, A Professional Corporation, as to all matters of Texas law related to this letter.
We have reviewed, and have relied as to matters of fact material to this letter upon, the documents delivered to you at the closing of the transaction contemplated by the Underwriting Agreement, and we have reviewed such other documents and have satisfied ourselves as to such other matters as we have deemed necessary or relevant for purposes of this letter. As to such matters of fact material to this letter, we have also relied upon representations and certifications of the Company in the Underwriting Agreement and in such other documents, and upon statements in the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. In such review, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity of natural persons, the conformity to the originals of the documents submitted to us as facsimile, electronic, certified or photostatic copies, the authenticity of the originals of such documents and all documents submitted to us as originals and the correctness of all statements of fact contained in all such original documents. We have not reviewed the Bonds, except a specimen thereof, and we have relied upon a certificate delivered by or on behalf of the Trustee as to the authentication and delivery thereof and as to the authorization, execution and delivery by the Trustee of the Mortgage. We express no opinion or belief as to matters relating to title to property, franchises, the creation, existence, validity and priority of the lien purported to be created by the Mortgage or the recordation or perfection of such lien. We have assumed, without independent verification, the validity and accuracy of all certificates and opinions delivered under the Mortgage in connection with the issuance and sale of the Bonds. We also express no opinion or belief regarding compliance with covenants in any agreement to which the Company or any of its affiliates is a party, or in any regulatory order pertaining to the Company or any of its affiliates, incorporating calculations of a financial or accounting nature.
Based upon the foregoing and subject to the qualifications and limitations stated herein, we are of the opinion that:
In connection with the preparation by the Company of the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, we have had discussions with certain officers, employees and representatives of the Company and Entergy Services, Inc., with counsel for the Company, with your representatives and with the independent registered public accountants of the Company who audited certain of the financial statements incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. While we reviewed certain corporate records and documents and statements of officers and other representatives of the Company as to the existence and consequences of certain factual and other matters, the primary purpose of our professional engagement was not to establish or confirm factual matters, legal matters not governed by New York law or United States federal law or financial or quantitative information. Based on our review of the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and the above-mentioned discussions, although we have not independently verified the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the statements included or incorporated by reference therein and take no responsibility therefor (except to the extent such statements relate to us or as expressly set forth in paragraph (3) above), no facts have come to our attention that cause us to believe that (i) the Registration Statement, as of the latest date as of which any part of the Registration Statement relating to the Bonds became, or is deemed to have become, effective under the Securities Act in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, 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 not misleading, (ii) the Disclosure Package, at the Applicable Time, included an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted 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 or (iii) the Prospectus, as of its date or at the date hereof, included or includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted 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. We do not express any belief as to (A) the financial statements and other financial, statistical or accounting data included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, (B) the Statement of Eligibility or (C) assessments of or reports on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package or the Prospectus.
This letter is delivered only to you in connection with the transaction contemplated by the Underwriting Agreement and is solely for your benefit. This letter is not to be used, circulated, quoted or otherwise referred to for any other purpose or relied upon by any other person for any purpose without our prior written consent (including by any person that acquires any of the Bonds from you).
Very truly yours,
PILLSBURY WINTHROP SHAW PITTMAN LLP
EXHIBIT E
ITEMS CONTAINED IN EXCHANGE ACT DOCUMENTS
PURSUANT TO SECTION 7(f)(iv) OF THE UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
FOR INCLUSION IN THE LETTER OF THE ACCOUNTANTS
REFERRED TO THEREIN
Exchange Act Document |
Caption |
Page |
Item |
Form 10 initially filed on March 14, 2008, as amended on July 15, 2008 and August 28, 2008 |
"SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA FIVE-YEAR COMPARISON" |
48 |
The amounts of electric operating revenues (by source) for the twelve month periods ended December 31, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003 |
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2008 |
"SELECTED OPERATING RESULTS" |
129 |
The amounts of electric operating revenues (by source) for the six month periods ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 |
ENTERGY TEXAS, INC.,
Issuer
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON,
Trustee
Indenture, Deed of Trust and Security Agreement
THIS INSTRUMENT GRANTS A SECURITY INTEREST
BY A UTILITY
THIS INSTRUMENT CONTAINS AFTER-ACQUIRED
PROPERTY PROVISIONS
__________________________________________
ENTERGY TEXAS, INC.
Reconciliation and tie between Trust Indenture Act of 1939
and Indenture, Deed of Trust and Security Agreement, dated as of ________ 1, 2008
Trust Indenture Act Section |
Indenture Section |
310 (a)(1) 9; 9; |
1009 |
(a)(2) 9; 9; |
1009 |
(a)(3) 9; 9; |
1014 |
(a)(4) 9; 9; |
Not Applicable |
(b) 9; 9; |
1008, 1010 |
311 (a) 9; 9; |
1013 |
(b) 9; 9; |
1013 |
(c) 9; 9; |
Not Applicable |
312 (a) 9; 9; |
1101 |
(b) 9; 9; |
1101 |
(c) 9; 9; |
1101 |
313 (a) 9; 9; |
1102 |
(b)(1) 9; 9; |
Not Applicable |
(b)(2) 9; 9; |
1102 |
(c) 9; 9; |
1102 |
(d) 9; 9; |
1102 |
314 (a) 9; 9; |
1102 |
(a)(4) |
705 |
(b) 9; 9; |
1816 |
(c)(1) 9; 9; |
104 |
(c)(2) 9; 9; |
104 |
(c)(3) 9; 9; |
Not Applicable |
(d) 9; 9; |
1603, 1803, 1804, 1805, 1810 |
(e) 9; 9; |
104 |
315 (a) 9; 9; |
1001(a) |
(b) 9; 9; |
1002 |
(c) 9; 9; |
1001(b) |
(d) 9; 9; |
1001(c) |
(d)(1) 9; 9; |
1001(a)(1), 1001(c)(1) |
(d)(2) 9; 9; |
1001(c)(2) |
(d)(3) 9; 9; |
1001(c)(3) |
(e) 9; 9; |
914 |
316 (a) 9; 9; |
912, 913 |
(a)(1)(A) 9; 9; |
902, 912 |
(a)(1)(B) 9; 9; |
913 |
(a)(2) 9; 9; |
Not Applicable |
(b) 9; 9; |
908 |
317 (a)(1) 9; 9; |
903 |
(a)(2) 9; 9; |
904 |
(b) 9; 9; |
703 |
318 (a) 9; 9; |
109 |
THIS INSTRUMENT GRANTS A SECURITY INTEREST BY A UTILITY
THIS INSTRUMENT CONTAINS AFTER-ACQUIRED PROPERTY PROVISIONS
THIS INDENTURE, DEED OF TRUST AND SECURITY AGREEMENT made by and between ENTERGY TEXAS, INC., as of ___________ 1, 2008 (the "Execution Date"), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Texas whose address is 350 Pine Street, Beaumont, Texas 77701 (hereinafter sometimes called the "Company"), party of the first part, and on the Execution Date THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, a banking corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York, and having its principal corporate trust office at 101 Barclay Street, Floor 8 West, New York, New York 10286 (hereinafter sometimes called the Trustee"), for the benefit of Holders of Securities (as hereinafter defined) herein represented by the Trustee, party of the second part.
The Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance from time to time of its debt securities (the "Securities") in an unlimited aggregate principal amount, to be issued in one or more series as contemplated herein, and to provide security for the payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Securities;
The Outstanding Securities will be secured by a lien on the Mortgaged Property (as hereinafter defined) to the extent provided herein.
All acts necessary to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the Company have been performed. For all purposes of this Indenture, except as otherwise expressly provided herein or unless the context otherwise requires, capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in Article One of this Indenture.
NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH, that, in consideration of the premises and of the purchase of the Securities by the Holders thereof, and in order to secure the payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Securities from time to time Outstanding and the performance of the covenants therein and herein contained, and to declare the terms and conditions on which such Securities are secured, the Company hereby grants, bargains, sells, conveys, assigns, transfers, mortgages, pledges, sets over and confirms to the Trustee, in trust, and grants to the Trustee a security interest in and lien on, the following (subject, however, to the terms and conditions set forth in this Indenture):
All right, title and interest of the Company, as of the Execution Date, or thereafter acquired, in and to all of the Company's tangible electric utility property located in the State of Texas (other than Excepted Property), together with the Company's franchises, permits and licenses that are transferable and necessary for the operation of such property and all easements and rights of way with respect to which the ownership interests of the Company have been recorded in the appropriate public records in the State of Texas, including the property which is described in Exhibit A hereto;
Any Excepted Property, which may, from time to time after the Execution Date, by delivery or by an instrument supplemental to this Indenture, be subjected to the Lien hereof by the Company, the Trustee being hereby authorized to receive the same at any time as additional security hereunder; it being understood that any such subjection to the Lien hereof of any Excepted Property as additional security may be made subject to such reservations, limitations or conditions respecting the use and disposition of such property or the proceeds thereof as shall be set forth in such instrument;
Expressly excepting and excluding, however, from the Lien of this Indenture all right, title and interest of the Company in and to the following property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired (herein sometimes called "Excepted Property"):
(a) all cash on hand or in banks or other financial institutions, deposit accounts, securities accounts, shares of stock, interests in business trusts, general or limited partnerships or limited liability companies, bonds, notes, mortgages, other evidences of indebtedness and other securities, security entitlements, commodities accounts and other investment property and policies of insurance on lives of officers of the Company, of whatsoever kind and nature, not hereafter paid or delivered to, deposited with or held by the Trustee hereunder or required so to be;
(b) all contracts, leases, operating agreements and other agreements of whatsoever kind and nature and rights thereunder (other than the Company's franchises, permits and licenses that are transferable and necessary for the operation of the Mortgaged Property); all bills, notes and other instruments and chattel paper (except to the extent that any of the same constitute securities, security entitlements or investment property, in which case they are separately excepted from the Lien of this Indenture under clause (a) above); all revenues, income and earnings, all accounts, accounts receivable, rights to payment, payment intangibles and unbilled revenues, rights or property consisting of rights granted by statute or governmental action to bill and collect revenues or other amounts from customers or others, including rate stabilization charges and other special charges, and all rents, tolls, issues, product and profits, dividends, income, claims, credits, demands and judgments; all governmental and other licenses, permits and franchises (other than the Company's franchises, permits and licenses that are transferable and necessary for the operation of Mortgaged Property); all unrecorded easements and rights of way; all consents and allowances, including emission allowances and regulatory assets; all documents, including warehouse receipts; all cooperative interests; and all patents, patent licenses and other patent rights, patent applications, trade names, trademarks, copyrights and other intellectual property; and all claims, credits, choses in action, commercial tort claims, tax credits and other intangible property and general intangibles including, but not limited to, computer software;
(c) all automobiles, buses, trucks, truck cranes, tractors, trailers and similar vehicles and movable equipment; all rolling stock, rail cars and other railroad equipment; all vessels, boats, barges, and other marine equipment; all airplanes, helicopters, aircraft engines and other flight equipment; all parts, accessories and supplies used in connection with any of the foregoing; and all personal property of such character that the perfection of a security interest therein or other Lien thereon is not governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the jurisdiction in which the Company is organized;
(d) all merchandise and appliances acquired for the purpose of resale in the ordinary course and conduct of the business of the Company, and all materials and supplies held for consumption in operation or held in advance of use thereof for fixed capital purposes;
(e) all electric energy and capacity, gas, steam and other materials and products generated, manufactured, produced or purchased by the Company for sale, distribution or use in the ordinary course and conduct of its business;
(f) all property which is the subject of a lease agreement designating the Company as lessee and all right, title and interest of the Company in and to such property and in, to and under such lease agreement, whether or not such lease agreement is intended as security and the last day of the term of any lease or leasehold which may hereafter become subject to the Lien hereof;
(g) all property, real, personal and mixed, which subsequent to the Execution Date has been released from the Lien of this Indenture, and any improvements, extensions and additions to such properties and renewals, replacements and substitutions of or for any parts thereof; and
(h) all property located at Edison Plaza in Beaumont, Texas, including the property which is described in Exhibit B hereto.
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD all such property, real, personal and mixed, unto the Trustee, its successors in trust and their assigns forever;
SUBJECT, HOWEVER, to Permitted Liens, including the Existing Mortgage;
IN TRUST, NEVERTHELESS, for the equal and ratable benefit and security of the Holders from time to time of all Outstanding Securities without any priority of any such Security over any other such Security;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the right, title and interest of the Trustee in and to the Mortgaged Property shall cease, terminate and become void in accordance with, and subject to the conditions set forth in, Article Eight, and if the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Securities shall have been paid to the Holders thereof, or shall have been paid to the Company pursuant to Section 703 hereof or to the appropriate Governmental Authority pursuant to applicable law after the Maturity thereof, then and in that case this Indenture shall terminate, and the Trustee shall execute and deliver to the Company such instruments as the Company shall require to evidence such termination; otherwise this Indenture, and the estate and rights hereby granted, shall be and remain in full force and effect; and
IT IS HEREBY COVENANTED AND AGREED by and between the Company and the Trustee that all the Securities are to be authenticated and delivered, and that the Mortgaged Property is to be held, subject to the further covenants, conditions and trusts hereinafter set forth, and the Company hereby covenants and agrees to and with the Trustee, for the equal and ratable benefit of all holders of the Securities, as follows:
Definitions And Other Provisions Of General Application
For all purposes of this Indenture, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:
means a person engaged in the accounting profession or otherwise qualified to pass on accounting matters (including, but not limited to, a Person certified or licensed as a public accountant, whether or not then engaged in the public accounting profession), which Person, unless required to be Independent, may be an employee or Affiliate of the Company.
, when used with respect to any Holder of a Security, has the meaning specified in Section 106.
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 generally 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.
has the meaning specified in Section 1301.
means the one billion seventy-nine million ninety-four thousand ($1,079,094,000) principal amount of debt securities that the Company has assumed and agreed to pay pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Debt Assumption Agreement.
means any Person or Persons (other than the Company or an Affiliate of the Company) authorized by the Trustee to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate the Securities of one or more series.
means the Chairman of the Board, the Vice Chairman, the President, any Vice President, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, or any other officer, manager or agent of the Company duly authorized pursuant to a Board Resolution to act in respect of matters relating to this Indenture.
means the authentication and delivery of Securities, the release of property and/or the withdrawal of cash under any of the provisions of this Indenture.
means either the board of directors, board of managers or similar governing body of the Company or any committee thereof duly authorized to act in respect of matters relating to this Indenture.
means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary, an Assistant Secretary or an Authorized Officer 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.
means credits under this Indenture that (i) entitle the Company to the authentication and delivery of an aggregate principal amount of Securities equal to the amount of such credits and (ii) have not been made the basis under any of the provisions of this Indenture of one or more Authorized Purposes. On the Execution Date, the Company shall have Bond Credits in the aggregate amount of $125,000,000.
, when used with respect to a Place of Payment or any other particular location specified in the Securities or this Indenture, means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, which is not a day on which banking institutions or trust companies in such Place of Payment or other location are generally authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to remain closed, except as may be otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301.
means the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time to time constituted, created under the Exchange Act, or, if at any time after the Execution Date such Commission is not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture Act, then the body, if any, performing such duties at such time.
means the Person named as the "Company" in the first paragraph of this Indenture until a successor Person shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter "Company" shall mean such successor Person.
"Company Order" or "Company Request"
mean, respectively, a written order or request, as the case may be, signed in the name of the Company by an Authorized Officer and delivered to the Trustee.
means the principal office of the Trustee in New York at which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall be administered, which office at the Execution Date is located at 101 Barclay Street, Floor 8 West, New York, New York 10286 or such other address in New York as the Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Company; provided that copies of all notices and any other documents delivered to the Corporate Trust Office shall also be sent to the Trustee pursuant to the requirements of Section 107.
means a corporation, association, company, limited liability company, partnership, limited partnership, joint stock company or business trust, and references to "corporate" and other derivations of "corporation" herein shall be deemed to include appropriate derivations of such entities.
with respect to Property Additions has the meaning specified in Section 103.
means the Debt Assumption Agreement, dated effective as of December 31, 2007, 1:02 p.m. Central Standard Time, between the Company and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Inc., a Texas corporation, now Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C., a Louisiana limited liability company ("EGSL"), as amended by the Instrument of Correction, dated March 20, 2008 between the Company and EGSL.
has the meaning specified in Section 307.
means any Security which provides for an amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 902. "Interest" with respect to a Discount Security means interest, if any, borne by such Security at a Stated Interest Rate.
means a dollar or other equivalent unit in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time shall be legal tender for the payment of public and private debts.
means:
has the meaning specified in Section 901.
has the meaning specified in the granting clauses of this Indenture.
means, as of any time, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as in effect at such time.
has the meaning specified in the first paragraph of this Indenture.
means the Mortgage, Deed of Trust and Security Agreement, dated effective as of December 31, 2007, 1:05p.m. Central Standard Time, made by the Company to Mark G. Otts, as trustee for the benefit of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Inc., a Texas corporation, now EGSL, as amended.
means a Person which is an engineer, appraiser or other expert and which, with respect to any certificate to be signed by such Person and delivered to the Trustee, is qualified to pass upon the matters set forth in such certificate. For purposes of this definition, (a) "engineer" means a Person engaged in the engineering profession or otherwise qualified to pass upon engineering matters (including, but not limited to, a Person licensed as a professional engineer, whether or not then engaged in the engineering profession) and (b) "appraiser" means a Person engaged in the business of appraising property or otherwise qualified to pass upon the Fair Value or fair market value of property.
means a certificate signed by an Authorized Officer and by an Expert (which Expert (a) shall be selected either by the Board of Directors or by an Authorized Officer, the execution of such certificate by such Authorized Officer to be conclusive evidence of such selection, and (b) except as otherwise required in Sections 1206, 1603, 1810, may be an employee or Affiliate of the Company) and delivered to the Trustee. The amount stated in any Expert's Certificate as to the Cost, Fair Value or fair market value of property shall be conclusive and binding upon the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities.
, with respect to property, means the fair value of such property as determined in the reasonable judgment of the Person certifying to such value, such determination to be based on any one or more factors deemed relevant by such Person, including, without limitation, (a) the amount which would be likely to be obtained in an arm's-length transaction with respect to such property between an informed and willing buyer and an informed and willing seller, under no compulsion, respectively, to buy or sell, (b) the amount of investment with respect to such property which, together with a reasonable return thereon, would be likely to be recovered through ordinary business operations or otherwise, (c) the Cost, accumulated depreciation, and replacement cost with respect to such property and/or (d) any other relevant factors; provided, however, that (x) the Fair Value of property shall be determined without deduction for any Liens on such property prior to the Lien of this Indenture (except as otherwise provided in Section 1803) and (y) the Fair Value to the Company of Property Additions may be of less value to a Person which is not the owner or operator of the Mortgaged Property or any portion thereof than to a Person which is such owner or operator. Fair Value may be determined, without physical inspection, by the use of accounting and engineering records and other data maintained by the Company or otherwise available to the Expert certifying the same.
has the meaning specified in Section 102.
has the meaning specified in Section 102.
means the government of the United States or of any State or Territory thereof or of the District of Columbia or of any county, municipality or other political subdivision of any thereof, or any department, agency, authority or other instrumentality of any of the foregoing.
means securities which are (a) (i) direct obligations of the United States where the payment or payments thereunder are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States or (ii) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States where the timely payment or payments thereunder are unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States or (b) depository receipts issued by a bank (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act, which may include the Trustee or any Paying Agent) as custodian with respect to any such Government Obligation or a specific payment of interest on or principal of or other amount with respect to any such Government Obligation held by such custodian for the account of the holder of a depository receipt, provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the Government Obligation or the specific payment of interest on or principal of or other amount with respect to the Government Obligation evidenced by such depository receipt.
means a Person in whose name a Security is registered in the Security Register.
means this instrument as originally executed and as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof, including, for all purposes of this instrument and any such supplemental indenture, the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are deemed to be a part of and govern this Indenture and any such supplemental indenture, respectively. The term "Indenture" shall also include the provisions or terms of particular series of Securities established in any Officer's Certificate, Board Resolution or Company Order delivered pursuant to Sections 201, 301, 303 and 1307.
, when applied to any Accountant or Expert, means such a Person who (a) is in fact independent, (b) does not have any direct material financial interest in the Company or in any other obligor upon the Securities or in any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor, and (c) is not connected with the Company or such other obligor as an officer, employee, promoter, underwriter, trustee, partner, director or any person performing similar functions.
"Independent Expert's Certificate"
means a certificate signed by an Expert who is Independent and delivered to the Trustee.
with respect to a Discount Security means interest, if any, borne by such Security at a Stated Interest Rate rather than interest calculated at any imputed rate.
, when used with respect to any Security, means the Stated Maturity of an installment of interest on such Security.
means any of the following obligations or securities on which neither the Company, any other obligor on the Securities nor any Affiliate of either is the obligor: (a) Government Obligations; (b) interest bearing deposit accounts (which may be represented by certificates of deposit) in any national or state bank (which may include the Trustee or any Paying Agent) or savings and loan association which has outstanding securities rated by a nationally recognized rating organization in either of the two (2) highest rating categories (without regard to modifiers) for short term securities or in any of the three (3) highest rating categories (without regard to modifiers) for long term securities; (c) bankers' acceptances drawn on and accepted by any commercial bank (which may include the Trustee or any Paying Agent) which has outstanding securities rated by a nationally recognized rating organization in either of the two (2) highest rating categories (without regard to modifiers) for short term securities or in any of the three (3) highest rating categories (without regard to modifiers) for long term securities; (d) direct obligations of, or obligations the principal of and interest on which are unconditionally guaranteed by, any State or Territory of the United States or the District of Columbia, or any political subdivision of any of the foregoing, which are rated by a nationally recognized rating organization in either of the two (2) highest rating categories (without regard to modifiers) for short term securities or in any of the three (3) highest rating categories (without regard to modifiers) for long term securities; (e) bonds or other obligations of any agency or instrumentality of the United States; (f) corporate debt securities which are rated by a nationally recognized rating organization in either of the two (2) highest rating categories (without regard to modifiers) for short term securities or in any of the three (3) highest rating categories (without regard to modifiers) for long term securities; (g) repurchase agreements with respect to any of the foregoing obligations or securities with any banking or financial institution (which may include the Trustee or any Paying Agent) which has outstanding securities rated by a nationally recognized rating organization in either of the two (2) highest rating categories (without regard to modifiers) for short term securities or in any of the three (3) highest rating categories (without regard to modifiers) for long term securities; (h) securities issued by any regulated investment company (including any investment company for which the Trustee or any Paying Agent is the advisor), as defined in Section 851 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any successor section of such Code or successor federal statute, provided that the portfolio of such investment company is limited to obligations or securities of the character and investment quality contemplated in clauses (a) through (f) above and repurchase agreements which are fully collateralized by any of such obligations or securities; and (i) any other obligations or securities which may lawfully be purchased by the Trustee in its capacity as such.
means any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, security interest, encumbrance, easement, lease, reservation, restriction, servitude, charge or similar right and any other lien of any kind, including, without limitation, any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature thereof, and any defect, irregularity, exception or limitation in record title.
when used with respect to any Security, means the date on which the principal of such Security or an installment of principal becomes due and payable as provided in such Security or in this Indenture, whether at the Stated Maturity, by declaration of acceleration, upon call for redemption or otherwise.
means, as of any particular time, all property which at such time is subject to the Lien of this Indenture (which, for the avoidance of doubt, includes Funded Cash, Investment Securities and obligations secured by Purchase Money Liens to the extent held by the Trustee as part of the Mortgaged Property as set forth herein).
means a written notice of the kind specified in Section 901(c).
means a certificate signed by an Authorized Officer of the Company and delivered to the Trustee.
means a written opinion of counsel, who may be counsel for the Company, or an individual who is an employee of the Company or an Affiliate of the Company, and who shall be acceptable to the Trustee.
,
(I) when used with respect to Securities, means, as of the date of determination, all Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, except:
provided, however, that in determining whether or not the Holders of the requisite principal amount of the Securities Outstanding under this Indenture, or the Outstanding Securities of any series or Tranche, have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder or whether or not a quorum is present at a meeting of Holders of Securities,
(x) Securities owned by the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor (unless the Company, such Affiliate or such obligor owns all Securities Outstanding under this Indenture or (except for the purposes of actions to be taken by Holders of more than one series or more than one Tranche, as the case may be, voting as a class under Section 1302) all Outstanding Securities of each such series and each such Tranche, as the case may be, determined without regard to this clause (x)) shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver or upon any such determination as to the presence of a quorum, only Securities which the Responsible Officer of the Trustee actually knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded; provided, however, that Securities so owned which have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if it is established to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee that the pledgee, and not the Company, or any such other obligor or Affiliate of either thereof, has the right so to act with respect to such Securities and that the pledgee is not the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor; and provided, further, that in no event shall any Security which shall have been delivered to evidence or secure, in whole or in part, the Company's obligations in respect of other indebtedness be deemed to be owned by the Company if the principal of such Security is payable, whether at Stated Maturity or upon mandatory redemption or acceleration, at the same time as the principal of such other indebtedness is payable, whether at Stated Maturity or upon mandatory redemption or acceleration, but only to the extent of such portion of the principal amount of such Security as does not exceed the principal amount of such other indebtedness, and
(y) the principal amount of a Discount Security that shall be deemed to be Outstanding for such purposes shall be the amount of the principal thereof that would be due and payable as of the date of such determination upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 902; and
(z) the principal amount of any Security which is denominated in a currency other than Dollars or in a composite currency that shall be deemed to be Outstanding for such purposes shall be the amount of Dollars which could have been purchased by the principal amount (or, in the case of a Discount Security, the Dollar equivalent on the date determined as set forth below of the amount determined as provided in (y) above) of such currency or composite currency evidenced by such Security, in each such case certified to the Trustee in an Officer's Certificate, based (i) on the average of the mean of the buying and selling spot rates quoted by three banks which are members of the New York Clearing House Association selected by the Company in effect at 11:00 A.M. (New York time) in The City of New York on the fifth Business Day preceding any such determination or (ii) if on such fifth Business Day it shall not be possible or practicable to obtain such quotations from such three banks, on such other quotations or alternative methods of determination which shall be as consistent as practicable with the method set forth in (i) above;
provided, further, that in the case of any Security the principal of which is payable from time to time without presentment or surrender, the principal amount of such Security that shall be deemed to be Outstanding at any time for all purposes of this Indenture shall be the original principal amount thereof less the aggregate amount of principal thereof theretofore paid.
(II) when used with respect to Assumed Debt, means all Assumed Debt except Assumed Debt that has been paid by the Company or for the payment of which the Company has caused sufficient moneys to be irrevocably deposited with the applicable trustee, paying agent or holder thereof.
means any Person, including the Company, authorized by the Company to pay the principal of, and premium, if any, or interest, if any, on any Securities on behalf of the Company.
means an offering of Securities of a series from time to time any or all of the specific terms of which Securities, including without limitation the rate or rates of interest, if any, thereon, the Stated Maturity or Maturities thereof and the redemption provisions, if any, with respect thereto, are to be determined by the Company or its agents from time to time subsequent to the initial request for the authentication and delivery of such Securities by the Trustee, as contemplated in Section 301 and clause (b) of Section 303.
means, as of any particular time, any of the following:
(a) Liens existing at the Execution Date, including the Existing Mortgage;
(b) as to property acquired by the Company after the Execution Date, Liens existing or placed thereon at the time of the acquisition thereof and any Purchase Money Liens;
(c) Liens for taxes, assessments and other governmental charges or requirements which are not delinquent or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings or of which at least ten (10) Business Days notice has not been given to the general counsel of the Company or to such other Person designated by the Company to receive such notices;
(d) mechanics', workmen's, repairmen's, materialmen's, warehousemen's, and carriers' Liens, other Liens incident to construction, Liens or privileges of any employees of the Company for salary or wages earned, but not yet payable, and other Liens, including without limitation Liens for worker's compensation awards, arising in the ordinary course of business for charges or requirements which are not delinquent or which are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings or of which at least ten (10) Business Days notice has not been given to the general counsel of the Company or to such other Person designated by the Company to receive such notices;
(e) Liens in respect of attachments, judgments or awards arising out of judicial or administrative proceedings (i) in an amount not exceeding the greater of (A) Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) and (B) three percent (3%) of the principal amount of the Securities then Outstanding or (ii) with respect to which the Company shall (X) in good faith be prosecuting an appeal or other proceeding for review and with respect to which the Company shall have secured a stay of execution pending such appeal or other proceeding or (Y) have the right to prosecute an appeal or other proceeding for review or (Z) have not received at least ten (10) Business Days notice given to the general counsel of the Company or to such other Person designated by the Company to receive such notices;
(f) easements, leases, reservations or other rights of others in, on, over and/or across, and laws, regulations and restrictions affecting, and defects, irregularities, exceptions and limitations in title to, the Mortgaged Property or any part thereof; provided, however, that such easements, leases, reservations, rights, laws, regulations, restrictions, defects, irregularities, exceptions and limitations do not in the aggregate materially impair the use by the Company of the Mortgaged Property considered as a whole for the purposes for which it is held by the Company;
(g) Liens, defects, irregularities, exceptions and limitations in (i) title to real property subject to rights-of-way in favor of the Company or otherwise or used or to be used by the Company primarily for right-of-way purposes; (ii) real property held under lease, easement, license or similar right; or (iii) the rights-of-way, leases, easements, licenses or similar rights in favor of the Company; provided, however, that (A) the Company shall have obtained from the apparent owner or owners of such real property a sufficient right, by the terms of the instrument granting such right-of-way, lease, easement, license or similar right, to the use thereof for the purposes for which the Company acquired the same; (B) the Company has power under eminent domain or similar statutes to remove or subordinate such Liens, defects, irregularities, exceptions or limitations or (C) such defects, irregularities, exceptions and limitations may be otherwise remedied without undue effort or expense; and defects, irregularities, exceptions and limitations in title to flood lands, flooding rights and/or water rights;
(h) Liens securing indebtedness or other obligations neither created, assumed nor guaranteed by the Company nor on account of which it customarily pays interest upon real property or rights in or relating to real property acquired by the Company for the purpose of the transmission or distribution of electric energy, gas or water, for the purpose of telephonic, telegraphic, radio, wireless or other electronic communication or otherwise for the purpose of obtaining rights-of-way;
(i) leases existing at the Execution Date affecting properties owned by the Company at said date and renewals and extensions thereof; and leases affecting such properties entered into after such date or affecting properties acquired by the Company after such date which, in either case, (i) have respective terms of not more than ten (10) years (including extensions or renewals at the option of the tenant) or (ii) do not materially impair the use by the Company of such properties for the respective purposes for which they are held by the Company;
(j) Liens vested in lessors, licensors, franchisors or permitters for rent or other amounts to become due or for other obligations or acts to be performed, the payment of which rent or the performance of which other obligations or acts is required under leases, subleases, licenses, franchises or permits, so long as the payment of such rent or other amounts or the performance of such other obligations or acts is not delinquent or is being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings;
(k) controls, restrictions, obligations, duties and/or other burdens imposed by federal, state, municipal or other law, or by rules, regulations or orders of Governmental Authorities, upon the Mortgaged Property or any part thereof or the operation or use thereof or upon the Company with respect to the Mortgaged Property or any part thereof or the operation or use thereof or with respect to any franchise, grant, license, permit or public purpose requirement, or any rights reserved to or otherwise vested in Governmental Authorities to impose any such controls, restrictions, obligations, duties and/or other burdens;
(l) rights which Governmental Authorities may have by virtue of franchises, grants, licenses, permits or contracts, or by virtue of law, to purchase, recapture or designate a purchaser of or order the sale of the Mortgaged Property or any part thereof, to terminate franchises, grants, licenses, permits, contracts or other rights or to regulate the property and business of the Company; and any and all obligations of the Company correlative to any such rights;
(m) Liens required by law or governmental regulations (i) as a condition to the transaction of any business or the exercise of any privilege or license, (ii) to enable the Company to maintain self-insurance or to participate in any funds established to cover any insurance risks, (iii) in connection with workmen's compensation, unemployment insurance, social security, any pension or welfare benefit plan or (iv) to share in the privileges or benefits required for companies participating in one or more of the arrangements described in clauses (ii) and (iii) above;
(n) Liens on the Mortgaged Property or any part thereof which are granted by the Company to secure duties or public or statutory obligations or to secure, or serve in lieu of, surety, stay or appeal bonds;
(o) rights reserved to or vested in others to take or receive any part of any coal, ore, gas, oil and other minerals, any timber and/or any electric capacity or energy, gas, water, steam and any other products, developed, produced, manufactured, generated, purchased or otherwise acquired by the Company or by others on property of the Company;
(p) (i) rights and interests of Persons other than the Company arising out of contracts, agreements and other instruments to which the Company is a party and which relate to the common ownership or joint use of property; and (ii) all Liens on the interests of Persons other than the Company in property owned in common by such Persons and the Company if and to the extent that the enforcement of such Liens would not adversely affect the interests of the Company in such property in any material respect;
(q) any restrictions on assignment and/or requirements of any assignee to qualify as a permitted assignee and/or public utility or public service corporation;
(r) any Liens which have been bonded for the full amount in dispute or for the payment of which other adequate security arrangements have been made;
(s) any controls, liens, restrictions, regulations, easements, exceptions or reservations of any public authority or unit applying particularly to any form of space satellites (including but not limited to solar power satellites), space stations and other analogous facilities whether or not in the earth's atmosphere;
(t) rights and interests granted pursuant to Section 1802(c);
(u) any Lien of the Trustee granted pursuant to Section 1007; and
(v) Prepaid Liens.
"Person "
means any individual, corporation, joint venture, trust or unincorporated organization or any Governmental Authority.
, when used with respect to the Securities of any series, or Tranche thereof, means the place or places, specified as contemplated by Section 301, at which, subject to Section 702, principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Securities of such series or Tranche are payable.
means any Lien securing indebtedness for the payment of which money in the necessary amount shall have been irrevocably deposited in trust with the trustee or other holder of such Lien; provided, however, that if such indebtedness is to be redeemed or otherwise prepaid prior to the Stated Maturity thereof, any notice requisite to such redemption or prepayment shall have been given in accordance with the mortgage or other instrument creating such Lien or irrevocable instructions to give such notice shall have been given to such trustee or other holder.
has the meaning specified in Section 103.
means, with respect to any property being acquired or disposed of by the Company or being released from the Lien of this Indenture, a Lien on such property which
(a) is taken or retained by the transferor of such property to secure all or part of the purchase price thereof;
(b) is granted to one or more Persons other than the transferor which, by making advances or incurring an obligation, give value to enable the grantor of such Lien to acquire rights in or the use of such property;
(c) is granted to any other Person in connection with the release of such property from the Lien of this Indenture on the basis of the deposit with the Trustee or the trustee or other holder of a Lien prior to the Lien of this Indenture of obligations secured by such Lien on such property (as well as any other property subject thereto);
(d) is held by a trustee or agent for the benefit of one or more Persons described in clause (a), (b) and/or (c) above, provided that such Lien may be held, in addition, for the benefit of one or more other Persons which shall have theretofore given, or may thereafter give, value to or for the benefit or account of the grantor of such Lien for one or more other purposes; or
(e) otherwise constitutes a purchase money mortgage or a purchase money security interest under applicable law;
and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, for purposes of this Indenture, the term Purchase Money Lien shall be deemed to include any Lien described above whether or not such Lien (x) shall permit the issuance or other incurrence of additional indebtedness secured by such Lien on such property, (y) shall permit the subjection to such Lien of additional property and the issuance or other incurrence of additional indebtedness on the basis thereof and/or (z) shall have been granted prior to the acquisition, disposition or release of such property, shall attach to or otherwise cover property other than the property being acquired, disposed of or released and/or shall secure obligations issued prior and/or subsequent to the issuance of the obligations delivered in connection with such acquisition, disposition or release.
, when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, means the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Indenture.
, when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, means the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to this Indenture, exclusive of accrued and unpaid interest.
for the interest payable on any Interest Payment Date on the Securities of any series means the date specified for that purpose as contemplated by Section 301.
has the meaning specified in Section 311.
, when used with respect to the Trustee, means any officer within the corporate trust department of the Trustee, including any director, Vice President, Assistant Vice President, Trust Officer or any other officer of the Trustee who customarily performs functions similar to those performed by the persons who at the time shall be such officers, respectively, or to whom any corporate trust matter is referred because of such person's knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject and who shall have direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture.
means
(a) any Securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture which (i) no longer remain Outstanding by reason of the applicability of clause I(a) or I(b) in the definition of "Outstanding" (other than any Predecessor Security of any Security), (ii) have not been made the basis under any of the provisions of this Indenture of one or more Authorized Purposes; and (iii) have not been paid, redeemed, purchased or otherwise retired by the application thereto of Funded Cash; and
(b) any Assumed Debt which (i) no longer remains Outstanding by reason of the applicability of the exception in clause II in the definition of "Outstanding"; (ii) has not been made the basis under any of the provisions of this Indenture of one or more Authorized Purposes; and (iii) has not been paid, redeemed, purchased or otherwise retired by the application thereto of Funded Cash.
has the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture and more particularly means any securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.
means, as of any time, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as in effect at such time.
"Security Register" and "Security Registrar"
have the respective meanings specified in Section 305.
for the payment of any Defaulted Interest on the Securities of any series means a date fixed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 307.
means a rate (whether fixed or variable) at which an obligation by its terms is stated to bear simple interest. Any calculation or other determination to be made under this Indenture by reference to the Stated Interest Rate on a Security shall be made without regard to the effective interest cost to the Company of such Security and without regard to the Stated Interest Rate on, or the effective cost to the Company of, any other indebtedness the Company's obligations in respect of which are evidenced or secured in whole or in part by such Security.
, when used with respect to any Security or any obligation or any installment of principal thereof or interest thereon, means the date on which the principal of such obligation or such installment of principal or interest is stated to be due and payable (without regard to any provisions for redemption, prepayment, acceleration, purchase or extension).
has the meaning set forth in Section 1201.
"supplemental indenture" or "indenture supplemental hereto"
means a group of Securities which (a) are of the same series and (b) have identical terms except as to principal amount and/or date of issuance.
means the Person named as the "Trustee" in the first paragraph of this Indenture until a successor Trustee shall have been appointed by the Company pursuant to Section 1010 or otherwise have become such with respect to one or more series of Securities pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter "Trustee" shall mean or include each Person who is then a Trustee hereunder, and if at any time there is more than one such Person, "Trustee" as used with respect to the Securities of any series shall mean the Trustee with respect to Securities of that series.
means, as of any time, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, as in effect at such time.
means the United States of America, its territories, its possessions and other areas subject to its jurisdiction.
"Funded Property" means:
(a) all Mortgaged Property owned by the Company on December 31, 2007 (other than the Company's franchises, permits and licenses that are transferable and necessary for the operation of the Mortgaged Property) that was Mortgaged Property on the Execution Date;
(b) all Property Additions to the extent that the same shall have been made the basis of the authentication and delivery of Securities under this Indenture pursuant to Section 1603;
(c) all Property Additions to the extent that the same shall have been made the basis of the release of Funded Property from the Lien of this Indenture pursuant to Section 1803;
(d) all Property Additions to the extent that the same shall have been substituted for Funded Property retired pursuant to Section 103;
(e) all Property Additions to the extent that the same shall have been made the basis of the withdrawal of cash held by the Trustee pursuant to Section 1605 or 1806; and
(f) all Property Additions to the extent that the same shall have been used as the basis of a credit against, or otherwise in satisfaction of, the requirements of any sinking, improvement, maintenance, replacement or similar fund or analogous provision established with respect to the Securities of any series, or any Tranche thereof, as contemplated by Section 301; provided, however, that any such Property Additions shall cease to be Funded Property when all of the Securities of such series or Tranche shall cease to be Outstanding.
In the event that in any certificate filed with the Trustee in connection with any of the Property Additions referred to in clauses (b), (c), (e) and (f) of this definition of Funded Property, only a part of the Cost or Fair Value of the Property Additions described in such certificate shall be required for the purposes of such certificate, then such Property Additions shall be deemed to be Funded Property only to the extent so required for the purpose of such certificate.
All Funded Property that shall be abandoned, destroyed, released or otherwise disposed of shall for the purpose of Section 103 hereof be deemed Funded Property retired and for other purposes of this Indenture shall thereupon cease to be Funded Property but as in this Indenture provided may at any time thereafter again become Funded Property. Neither any reduction in the Cost or book value of property recorded in the plant account of the Company, nor the transfer of any amount appearing in such account to intangible and/or adjustment accounts, otherwise than in connection with actual retirements of physical property abandoned, destroyed, released or disposed of, and otherwise than in connection with the removal of such property in its entirety from plant account, shall be deemed to constitute a retirement of Funded Property.
The Company, and any Expert or other Person providing certificates or opinions under this Indenture, may make allocations, on a pro-rata or other reasonable basis (including, but not limited to, the designation of specific properties or the designation of all or a specified portion of the properties reflected in one or more generic accounts or subaccounts in the Company's books of account), for the purpose of determining the extent to which fungible properties, or other properties not otherwise identified, reflected in the same generic account or subaccount in the Company's books of account constitute Mortgaged Property, Property Additions, Funded Property or Funded Property retired or any part thereof.
"Funded Cash" means:
provided, however, that the aggregate of the amounts added under clause (ii) above shall in no event exceed the amounts deducted under clause (i) above.
If any Property Additions are shown by the Expert's Certificate provided for in Section 1603(b)(ii) to include property which has been used or operated by others than the Company in a business similar to that in which it has been or is to be used or operated by the Company, the Cost thereof need not be reduced by any amount in respect of any goodwill, going concern value rights and/or intangible property simultaneously acquired for which no separate or distinct consideration shall have been paid or apportioned, and in such case the term Property Additions as defined herein may include such goodwill, going concern value rights and intangible property.
Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Indenture, 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 Officer's Certificate stating that in the opinion of the Authorized Officer executing such Officer's Certificate all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action (including any covenants compliance with which constitutes a condition precedent) 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:
Any Expert's Certificate may be based (without further examination or investigation), insofar as it relates to or is dependent upon legal matters, upon an opinion of, or representations by, counsel, and insofar as it relates to or is dependent upon factual matters, information with respect to which is in the possession of the Company and which are not subject to verification by Experts, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an officer or officers of the Company, unless such expert has actual knowledge that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to the matters upon which his certificate or opinion may be based as aforesaid are erroneous.
Any certificate of an Accountant may be based (without further examination or investigation), insofar as it relates to or is dependent upon legal matters, upon an opinion of, or representations by, counsel, and in so far as it relates to or is dependent upon factual matters, information with respect to which is in the possession of the Company and which are not subject to verification by Accountants, upon a certificate of, or representations by, an officer or officers of the Company, unless such Accountant has actual knowledge that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to the matters upon which his certificate or opinion may be based as aforesaid are erroneous.
Any Opinion of Counsel may be based (without further examination or investigation), insofar as it relates to or is dependent upon factual matters, information with respect to which is in the possession of the Company, upon a certificate of, or representations by, an officer or officers of the Company, and, insofar as it relates to or is dependent upon matters which are subject to verification by Accountants upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an Accountant, and, insofar as it relates to or is dependent upon matters required in this Indenture to be covered by a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an Expert, upon the certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an Expert, unless such counsel has actual knowledge that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to the matters upon which his opinion may be based as aforesaid are erroneous. In addition, any Opinion of Counsel may be based (without further examination or investigation), insofar as it relates to or is dependent upon matters covered in an Opinion of Counsel rendered by other counsel, upon such other Opinion of Counsel, unless such counsel has actual knowledge that the Opinion of Counsel rendered by such other counsel with respect to the matters upon which his Opinion of Counsel may be based as aforesaid are erroneous. Further, any Opinion of Counsel with respect to the status of title to or the sufficiency of descriptions of property, and/or the existence of Liens thereon, and/or the recording or filing of documents, and/or any similar matters, may be based (without further examination or investigation) upon (i) title insurance policies or commitments and reports, abstracts of title, lien search certificates and other similar documents or (ii) certificates of, or representations by, officers, employees, agents and/or other representatives of the Company or (iii) any combination of the documents referred to in (i) and (ii), unless, in any case, such counsel has actual knowledge that the document or documents with respect to the matters upon which his opinion may be based as aforesaid are erroneous. If, in order to render any Opinion of Counsel provided for herein, the signer thereof shall deem it necessary that additional facts or matters be stated in any Officer's Certificate, certificate of an Accountant or Expert's Certificate provided for herein, then such certificate may state all such additional facts or matters as the signer of such Opinion of Counsel may request.
Except as otherwise provided herein, 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, the Trustee by any Holder or by the Company, or the Company by the Trustee or by any Holder, shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise expressly provided herein) if in writing and delivered personally to an officer or other responsible employee of the addressee, or transmitted by facsimile transmission or other direct written electronic means (such means of delivery being acceptable to the Trustee) to such telephone number or other electronic communications address set forth for such party below or such other address as the parties hereto shall from time to time designate, or delivered by registered or certified mail or reputable overnight courier, charges prepaid, to the applicable address set forth for such party below or to such other address as either party hereto may from time to time designate:
If to the Trustee, to:
The Bank of New York Mellon
101 Barclay Street, Floor 8W
New York, New York 10286
Attention: Corporate Trust Division - Corporate Finance Unit
With a copy to:
The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.
10161 Centurion Parkway
Jacksonville, FL 32256
Attn: Ms. Geri Creswell, Assistant Treasurer, Corporate Trust
Telephone: (904) 998-4724
Telecopy: (904) 645-1921
Email Address: geri.creswell@bnymellon.com
If to the Company, to:
Entergy Texas, Inc.
350 Pine Street
Beaumont, Texas 77701
Attention: [ ]
Telephone: [ ]
Telecopy: [ ]
Email Address: [ ]
Any communication contemplated herein shall be deemed to have been made, given, furnished and filed if personally delivered, on the date of delivery, if transmitted by facsimile transmission or other direct written electronic means, on the date of transmission, and if transmitted by registered or certified mail or reputable overnight courier, on the date of receipt.
Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, where this Indenture provides for notice to Holders of any event, such notice shall be sufficiently given, and shall be deemed given, to Holders if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder affected by such event, at the address of such Holder as it appears in the Security Register, not later than the latest date, and not earlier than the earliest date, if any, 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 to Holders 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.
Any notice required by this Indenture may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event otherwise to be specified therein, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Holders shall be filed with the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.
If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with another provision hereof which is required or deemed to be included in this Indenture by, or is otherwise governed by, any provision of the Trust Indenture Act, such other provision shall control; and if any provision hereof otherwise conflicts with the Trust Indenture Act, the Trust Indenture Act shall control unless otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to any series of Securities.
The Article and Section headings in this Indenture and the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.
All covenants and agreements in this Indenture by the Company and Trustee shall bind their respective successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.
In case any provision in this Indenture or the Securities shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
Nothing in this Indenture or the Securities, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto, their successors hereunder and the Holders of any Outstanding Securities, any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture.
This Indenture and the Securities shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of New York (including without limitation Section 5-1401 of the New York General Obligations Law or any successor to such statute), except to the extent that the Trust Indenture Act shall be applicable and except to the extent that the law of any jurisdiction wherein any portion of the Mortgaged Property is located shall mandatorily govern the creation of a mortgage lien on or security interest in, or perfection, priority or enforcement of the Lien of this Indenture or exercise of remedies with respect to, such portion of the Mortgaged Property.
In any case where any Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity of any Security shall not be a Business Day at any Place of Payment, then (notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or of the Securities other than a provision in Securities of any series, or any Tranche thereof, or in the indenture supplemental hereto, Board Resolution or Officer's Certificate which establishes the terms of the Securities of such series or Tranche, which specifically states that such provision shall apply in lieu of this Section) payment of interest or principal and premium, if any, need not be made at such Place of Payment on such date, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day at such Place of Payment with the same force and effect as if made on the Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date, or Stated Maturity, and, if such payment is made or duly provided for on such Business Day, 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, to such Business Day.
Any cash held by the Trustee or any Paying Agent under any provision of this Indenture shall, except as otherwise provided in Section 1806 or in Article Eight, at the request of the Company evidenced by Company Order, be invested or reinvested in Investment Securities designated by the Company (such Company Order to contain a representation to the effect that the securities designated therein constitute Investment Securities), and any interest on such Investment Securities shall be promptly paid over to the Company as received free and clear of any Lien. Such Investment Securities shall be held subject to the same provisions hereof as the cash used to purchase the same, but upon a like request of the Company shall be sold, in whole or in designated part, and the proceeds of such sale shall be held subject to the same provisions hereof as the cash used to purchase the Investment Securities so sold. If the cash used to purchase such Investment Securities was being held as part of the Mortgaged Property, then such Investment Securities and proceeds shall also be held as part of the Mortgaged Property. If such sale shall produce a net sum less than the cost of the Investment Securities so sold, the Company shall pay to the Trustee or any such Paying Agent, as the case may be, such amount in cash as, together with the net proceeds from such sale, shall equal the cost of the Investment Securities so sold, and if such sale shall produce a net sum greater than the cost of the Investment Securities so sold, the Trustee or any such Paying Agent, as the case may be, shall promptly pay over to the Company an amount in cash equal to such excess, free and clear of any Lien. In no event shall the Trustee be liable for any loss incurred in connection with the sale of any Investment Security pursuant to this Section.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, interest on Investment Securities and any gain upon the sale thereof shall be held as part of the Mortgaged Property until such Event of Default shall have been cured or waived, whereupon such interest and gain shall be promptly paid over to the Company free and clear of any Lien.
Subject to the provisions of this Indenture, the Trustee (or any Paying Agent), in its capacity as a "bank" (within the meaning of Section 9-102(8) of the Uniform Commercial Code of the State of New York), shall have sole dominion and control over any deposit account where cash that is being held as part of the Mortgaged Property is deposited; provided, that, upon the occurrence and continuation of an Event of Default, the Trustee (or any Paying Agent), in such capacity, shall comply with all instructions originated by the Trustee (or any Paying Agent) directing the disposition of such cash in such deposit account without further consent or instruction by the Company.
In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its control, including, without limitation, strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and hardware) services; it being understood that the Trustee shall use reasonable efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances.
EACH OF THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE SECURITIES OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY.
The definitive Securities of each series shall be in substantially the form or forms thereof established in the indenture supplemental hereto establishing such series or in a Board Resolution establishing such series, or in an Officer's Certificate pursuant to such a supplemental indenture or Board Resolution, 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 notations, legends or endorsements placed thereon as may be required to comply with applicable law, the rules of any securities exchange or depository, including The Depository Trust Company, or other clearing corporation or securities intermediary, automated quotation system, agreements to which the Company is subject, or usage, or as may, consistently herewith, be determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution thereof. If the form or forms of Securities of any series are established in a Board Resolution or in an Officer's Certificate pursuant to a supplemental indenture or a Board Resolution, such Board Resolution and Officer's Certificate, if any, shall be delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Company Order contemplated by Section 303 for the authentication and delivery of such Securities.
Unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, the Securities of each series shall be issuable in registered form without coupons. The definitive Securities shall be produced in such manner as shall be determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution thereof.
The Trustee's certificate of authentication shall be in substantially the form set forth below:
This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON,
as Trustee
By: _____________________________
Authorized Signatory
Dated: ___________________________
The aggregate principal amount of Securities which may be executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and secured by this Indenture shall be unlimited except as provided in this Article and Section 1601.
The Securities may be issued in one or more series. Subject to the last paragraph of this Section, prior to the authentication and delivery of Securities of any series there shall be established by specification in a supplemental indenture or in a Board Resolution or in an Officer's Certificate pursuant to a supplemental indenture or a Board Resolution:
With respect to Securities of a series subject to a Periodic Offering, the indenture supplemental hereto or the Board Resolution which establishes such series, or the Officer's Certificate pursuant to such supplemental indenture or Board Resolution, as the case may be, may provide general terms or parameters for Securities of such series and provide either that the specific terms of Securities of such series, or any Tranche thereof, shall be specified in a Company Order or that such terms shall be determined by the Company or its agents in accordance with procedures specified in a Company Order as contemplated in clause (b) of Section 303.
Unless otherwise provided with respect to a series of Securities as contemplated in Section 301(b), without the consent of any Holder, the aggregate principal amount of a series of Securities may be increased and additional Securities of such series may be issued up to the maximum aggregate principal amount authorized with respect to such series as increased.
Unless otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to any series of Securities, or any Tranche thereof, the Securities of each series shall be issuable in denominations of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) and any integral multiple thereof.
Unless otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to any series of Securities or any Tranche thereof, the Securities shall be executed on behalf of the Company by an Authorized Officer, and may have the corporate seal of the Company affixed thereto or reproduced thereon attested by any other Authorized Officer or by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company. The signature of any or all of these officers on the Securities may be manual or facsimile.
Securities bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of individuals who were at the time of execution Authorized Officers or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company shall bind the Company, notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such Securities or did not hold such offices at the date of such Securities.
The Trustee shall authenticate and deliver Securities of a series for original issue, at one time or from time to time in accordance with the Company Order referred to below, upon receipt by the Trustee of:
provided, however, that, with respect to Securities of a series subject to a Periodic Offering, the Trustee shall be provided with such Opinion of Counsel only once at or prior to the time of the first authentication and delivery of Securities of such series and that in lieu of the opinions described in clauses (ii) and (iii) above such Opinion of Counsel may, alternatively, state, respectively,
(x) that, when the terms of such Securities shall have been established pursuant to a Company Order or Orders, or pursuant to such procedures as may be specified from time to time by a Company Order or Orders, all as contemplated by and in accordance with the instrument or instruments delivered pursuant to clause (a) above, such terms will have been duly authorized by the Company and will have been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture; and
(y) that, such Securities, when (1) executed by the Company, (2) authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in accordance with this Indenture, (3) issued and delivered by the Company and (4) paid for, all as contemplated by and in accordance with the aforesaid Company Order or Orders, as the case may be, will have been duly issued under this Indenture and will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, entitled to the benefits provided by the Indenture, and enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject, as to enforcement, to laws relating to or affecting generally the enforcement of mortgagees' and other creditors' rights, including, without limitation, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, moratorium and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and mortgagees' generally and general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).
With respect to Securities of a series subject to a Periodic Offering, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the authorization by the Company of any of such Securities, the forms and terms thereof and the legality, validity, binding effect and enforceability thereof, and compliance of the authentication and delivery thereof with the terms and conditions of this Indenture, upon the Opinion of Counsel and other documents delivered pursuant to Sections 201 and 301 and this Section, as applicable, at or prior to the time of the first authentication of Securities of such series, unless and until such opinion or other documents have been superseded or revoked or expire by their terms. In connection with the authentication and delivery of Securities of a series, pursuant to a Periodic Offering, the Trustee shall be entitled to assume that the Company's instructions to authenticate and deliver such Securities do not violate any applicable law or any applicable rule, regulation or order of any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Company.
If the forms or terms of the Securities of any series have been established by or pursuant to a Board Resolution or an Officer's Certificate as permitted by Sections 201 or 301, the Trustee shall not be required to authenticate such Securities if the issuance of such Securities pursuant to this Indenture will affect the Trustee's own rights, duties or immunities under the Securities and this Indenture or otherwise in a manner which is not reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.
Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to any series of Securities, or any Tranche thereof, each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.
Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to any series of Securities, or any Tranche thereof, no Security shall be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose unless there appears on such Security a certificate of authentication substantially in the form provided for herein executed by the Trustee or its agent by manual signature of an authorized officer thereof, and such certificate upon any Security shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Security has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder and is entitled to the benefits of this Indenture. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Security shall have been authenticated and delivered hereunder to the Company, or any Person acting on its behalf, but shall never have been issued and sold by the Company, and the Company shall deliver such Security to the Trustee for cancellation as provided in Section 309 together with a written statement (which need not comply with Section 104 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel) stating that such Security has never been issued and sold by the Company, for all purposes of this Indenture such Security shall be deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder and shall never be entitled to the benefits hereof.
Until definitive Securities are ready for delivery, the Company may use temporary Securities. Temporary Securities shall be substantially in the form of definitive Securities but may have variations that the Company considers appropriate for temporary Securities. Without unreasonable delay, the Company shall deliver definitive Securities in exchange for temporary Securities. Until exchanged in full as hereinabove provided, temporary Securities shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Securities of the same series and Tranche and of like tenor authenticated and delivered hereunder.
The Company shall cause to be kept in each office designated pursuant to Section 702, with respect to the Securities of each series, a register (all registers kept in accordance with this Section being collectively referred to as the "Security Register") in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Company shall provide for the registration of Securities of such series, or any Tranche thereof, and the registration of transfer thereof. The Company shall designate one Person to maintain the Security Register for the Securities of each series on a consolidated basis, and such Person is referred to herein, with respect to such series, as the "Security Registrar." Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the Company may designate one or more of its offices as an office in which a register with respect to the Securities of one or more series shall be maintained, and the Company may designate itself the Security Registrar with respect to one or more of such series. The Security Register shall be open for inspection by the Trustee and the Company at all reasonable times.
Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to the Securities of any series, or any Tranche thereof, upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Security of such series or Tranche at the office or agency of the Company maintained pursuant to Section 702 in a Place of Payment for such series or Tranche, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Securities of the same series and Tranche, of authorized denominations and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount.
Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to the Securities of any series, or any Tranche thereof, any Security of such series or Tranche may be exchanged at the option of the Holder for one or more new Securities of the same series and Tranche, of authorized denominations and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount, upon surrender of the Securities to be exchanged at any such office or agency. Whenever any Securities are so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the Securities, which the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive.
All Securities delivered upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities shall be valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the same obligation, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Securities surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.
Every Security presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange shall (if so required by the Company, the Trustee or the Security Registrar) be duly endorsed or shall be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company, the Trustee or the Security Registrar, as the case may be, duly executed by the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing.
Unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, with respect to Securities of any series, or any Tranche thereof, no service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, other than exchanges pursuant to Section 304, 506 or 1306 not involving any transfer.
The Company shall not be required to execute or to provide for the registration of transfer of or the exchange of (a) Securities of any series, or any Tranche thereof, during a period of 15 days immediately preceding the date notice is to be given identifying the serial numbers of the Securities of such series or Tranche called for redemption, (b) any Security during the 15 days before an Interest Payment Date or (c) any Security so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Security being redeemed in part.
If any mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a new Security of the same series and Tranche, and of like tenor and principal amount, bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.
If there shall be delivered to the Company and the Trustee (a) evidence to their satisfaction of the ownership of and the destruction, loss or theft of any Security and (b) such security or indemnity as may be reasonably required by them to save each of them and any agent of any of them harmless, then, in the absence of notice to the Company or the Trustee that such Security has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen Security, a new Security of the same series and Tranche, and of like tenor and principal amount, bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security has become or is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion may, instead of issuing a new Security, pay such Security.
Upon the issuance of any new Security under this Section, the Company may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other reasonable expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) in connection therewith.
Every new Security of any series issued pursuant to this Section in lieu of any destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall constitute an original additional contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be at any time enforceable by anyone other than the Holder of such new Security, and any such new Security shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Securities of such series duly issued hereunder.
The provisions of this Section are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities.
Unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to the Securities of any series, or any Tranche thereof, interest on any Security which is payable, and is punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the Person in whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest.
Any interest on any Security of any series which is payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date (herein called "Defaulted Interest") shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on the related Regular Record Date by virtue of having been such Holder, and such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Company, at its election, as provided in clause (a) or (b) below:
Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section and Section 305, each Security delivered under this Indenture upon registration of transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Security shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other Security.
Prior to due presentment of a Security for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name such Security is registered as the absolute owner of such Security for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and premium, if any, and (subject to Sections 305 and 307) interest, if any, on such Security and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Security be overdue, and none of the Company, the Trustee or any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
All Securities 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 Security Registrar, be delivered to the Security Registrar and, if not theretofore canceled, shall be promptly canceled by the Security Registrar. The Company may at any time deliver to the Security Registrar for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated and delivered hereunder which the Company may have acquired in any manner whatsoever or which the Company shall not have issued and sold, and all Securities so delivered shall be promptly canceled by the Security Registrar. No Securities shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Securities canceled as provided in this Section, except as expressly permitted by this Indenture. All canceled Securities held by the Security Registrar shall be disposed of in accordance with the customary practices of the Security Registrar at the time in effect, and the Security Registrar shall not be required to destroy any such certificates. The Security Registrar shall promptly deliver a certificate of disposition to the Trustee and the Company unless, by a Company Order, similarly delivered, the Company shall direct that canceled Securities be returned to it. The Security Registrar shall promptly deliver evidence of any cancellation of a Security in accordance with this Section to the Trustee and the Company upon their request therefor.
Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities of any series, or Tranche thereof, interest on the Securities of each series shall be computed on the basis of a three hundred sixty (360) day year consisting of twelve (12) thirty (30) day months, and with respect to any period less than a full month, on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed during such period. For example, the interest for a period running from the 15 th day of one month to the 15 th day of the next month would be calculated on the basis of one 30-day month.
In the case of any Security denominated in any currency other than Dollars or in a composite currency (the "Required Currency"), except as otherwise specified with respect to such Security as contemplated by Section 301, the obligation of the Company to make any payment of the principal thereof, or the premium or interest thereon, shall not be discharged or satisfied by any tender by the Company, or recovery by the Trustee, in any currency other than the Required Currency, except to the extent that such tender or recovery shall result in the Trustee timely holding the full amount of the Required Currency then due and payable. If any such tender or recovery is in a currency other than the Required Currency, the Trustee may take such actions as it considers appropriate to exchange such currency for the Required Currency. The costs and risks of any such exchange, including without limitation the risks of delay and exchange rate fluctuation, shall be borne by the Company, the Company shall remain fully liable for any shortfall or delinquency in the full amount of Required Currency then due and payable, and in no circumstances shall the Trustee be liable therefor except in the case of its negligence or willful misconduct.
The Company shall have the right at any time, to extend interest payment periods on all the Securities of any series hereunder, if so specified as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to such Securities and upon such terms as may be specified as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to such Securities.
The Company in issuing the Securities may use CUSIP, ISIN or other similar numbers (if then generally in use), and, if so, the Company, the Trustee or the Security Registrar may use CUSIP, ISIN or such other numbers in notices or redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Securities or as contained in any notice of a redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Securities, in which case none of the Company or, as the case may be, the Trustee or the Security Registrar, or any agent of any of them, shall have any liability in respect of any CUSIP, ISIN or other number used on any such notice, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Company shall promptly notify the Trustee and Security Registrar of any change in the CUSIP, ISIN or other such number.
Securit
y Agreement
This Indenture shall constitute a security agreement and, if filed in the appropriate filing office, a "fixture filing" within the meaning of the Uniform Commercial Code - Secured Transactions of the State of Texas, i.e. , Chapter 9 of the Texas Business & Commerce Code, as the same may be in effect from time to time with respect to the portion of Mortgaged Property that constitutes personal property or fixtures.
Securities of any series, or any Tranche thereof, 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 Securities of such series or Tranche) in accordance with this Article.
The election of the Company to redeem any Securities shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution or an Officer's Certificate. The Company shall, at least 40 days prior to the Redemption Date fixed by the Company (unless a shorter notice shall be satisfactory to the Trustee), notify the Trustee in writing of such Redemption Date and of the principal amount of such Securities to be redeemed. In the case of any redemption of Securities which are subject to the prior compliance with any restriction or condition on such redemption provided in the terms of such Securities or elsewhere in this Indenture, the Company shall furnish the Trustee with an Officer's Certificate evidencing compliance with such restriction or condition.
If less than all the Securities of any series, or any Tranche thereof, are to be redeemed, the particular Securities to be redeemed shall be selected by the Trustee from the Outstanding Securities of such series or Tranche not previously called for redemption, by such method as shall be provided for such particular series or Tranche, or in the absence of any such provision, by such method of random selection as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate and which may, in any case, provide for the selection for redemption of portions (equal to any authorized denomination for Securities of such series or Tranche) of the principal amount of Securities of such series or Tranche of a denomination larger than the minimum authorized denomination for Securities of such series or Tranche; provided, however, that if, as indicated in an Officer's Certificate, the Company shall have offered to purchase all or any principal amount of the Securities then Outstanding of any series, or any Tranche thereof, and less than all of such Securities as to which such offer was made shall have been tendered to the Company for such purchase, the Trustee, if so directed by Company Order, shall select for redemption all or any principal amount of such Securities which have not been so tendered.
The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company and the Security Registrar in writing of the Securities selected for redemption and, in the case of any Securities selected to be redeemed in part, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed.
For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Securities shall relate, in the case of any Securities redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the principal amount of such Securities which has been or is to be redeemed.
Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities of any series, notice of redemption shall be given in the manner provided in Section 108 to the Holders of the Securities to be redeemed not less than 30 days prior to the Redemption Date.
Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities of any series, all notices of redemption shall state:
Unless otherwise specified with respect to any Securities in accordance with Section 301, with respect to any notice of redemption of Securities at the election of the Company, unless, upon the giving of such notice, such Securities shall be deemed to have been paid in accordance with Section 801, such notice may state that such redemption shall be conditional upon the receipt by the Paying Agent or Agents for such Securities, on or prior to the date fixed for such redemption, of money sufficient to pay the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on such Securities and that if such money shall not have been so received such notice shall be of no force or effect and the Company shall not be required to redeem such Securities. In the event that such notice of redemption contains such a condition and such money is not so received, the redemption shall not be made and within a reasonable time thereafter notice shall be given, in the manner in which the notice of redemption was given, that such money was not so received and such redemption was not required to be made, and the Paying Agent or Agents for the Securities otherwise to have been redeemed shall promptly return to the Holders thereof any of such Securities which had been surrendered for payment upon such redemption.
Notice of redemption of Securities to be redeemed at the election of the Company, and any notice of non-satisfaction of a condition for redemption as aforesaid, shall be given by the Company or, at the Company's request, by the Security Registrar in the name and at the expense of the Company. Notice of any mandatory redemption of Securities shall be given by the Security Registrar in the name and at the expense of the Company.
Notice of redemption having been given as aforesaid, and the conditions, if any, set forth in such notice having been satisfied, the Securities or portions thereof so to be redeemed shall, on the Redemption Date, become due and payable at the Redemption Price therein specified, and from and after such date (unless, in the case of an unconditional notice of redemption, the Company shall default in the payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest, if any) such Securities or portions thereof, if interest-bearing, shall cease to bear interest. Upon surrender of any such Security for redemption in accordance with such notice, such Security or portion thereof shall be paid by the Company at the Redemption Price, together with accrued interest, if any, to the Redemption Date; provided, however, that no such surrender shall be a condition to such payment if so specified as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to such Security; and provided, further, that except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to such Security, any installment of interest on any Security the Stated Maturity of which installment is on or prior to the Redemption Date shall be payable to the Holder of such Security, or one or more Predecessor Securities, registered as such at the close of business on the related Regular Record Date according to the terms of such Security and subject to the provisions of Sections 305 and 307.
Upon the surrender of any Security which is to be redeemed only in part at a Place of Payment therefor (with, if the Company or the Trustee so requires, due endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing), the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Security, without service charge, a new Security or Securities of the same series and Tranche, of any authorized denomination requested by such Holder and of like tenor and in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Security so surrendered.
The provisions of this Article shall be applicable to any sinking fund for the retirement of the Securities of any series, or any Tranche thereof, except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities of such series or Tranche.
The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of Securities of any series, or any Tranche thereof, is herein referred to as a "mandatory sinking fund payment", and any payment in excess of such minimum amount provided for by the terms of Securities of any series, or any Tranche thereof, is herein referred to as an "optional sinking fund payment". If provided for by the terms of Securities of any series, or any Tranche thereof, the cash amount of any sinking fund payment may be subject to reduction as provided in Section 602. Each sinking fund payment shall be applied to the redemption of Securities of the series or Tranche in respect of which it was made as provided for by the terms of such Securities.
The Company (a) may deliver to the Trustee Outstanding Securities (other than any previously called for redemption) of a series or Tranche in respect of which a mandatory sinking fund payment is to be made and (b) may apply as a credit Securities of such series or Tranche which have been redeemed either at the election of the Company pursuant to the terms of such Securities or through the application of permitted optional sinking fund payments pursuant to the terms of such Securities, in each case in satisfaction of all or any part of such mandatory sinking fund payment with respect to the Securities of such series; provided, however, that no Securities shall be applied in satisfaction of a mandatory sinking fund payment if such Securities shall have been previously so applied. Securities so applied shall be received and credited for such purpose by the Trustee at the Redemption Price specified in such Securities for redemption through operation of the sinking fund and the amount of such mandatory sinking fund payment shall be reduced accordingly.
Not less than 40 days prior to each sinking fund payment date for the Securities of any series, or any Tranche thereof, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee an Officer's Certificate specifying:
If the Company shall not deliver such Officer's Certificate and, to the extent applicable, all such Securities, the next succeeding sinking fund payment for such series or Tranche shall be made entirely in cash in the amount of the mandatory sinking fund payment. Not less than 30 days before each such sinking fund payment date the Trustee shall select the Securities to be redeemed upon such sinking fund payment date in the manner specified in Section 503 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 504. Such notice having been duly given, the redemption of such Securities shall be made upon the terms and in the manner stated in Sections 505 and 506.
The Company shall maintain in each Place of Payment for the Securities of each series, or any Tranche thereof, an office or agency where payment of such Securities shall be made, where the registration of transfer or exchange of such Securities may be effected and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of such Securities and this Indenture may be served. The Company shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of each such office or agency and prompt notice to the Holders of any such change in the manner specified in Section 108. If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, then payment of such Securities shall be made, registration of transfer or exchange thereof may be effected and notices and demands in respect of such Securities and this Indenture may be served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and the Company hereby appoints the Trustee as its agent for all such purposes in any such event.
The Company may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies with respect to the Securities of one or more series, or any Tranche thereof, for any or all of the foregoing purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided, however, that, unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to the Securities of such series or Tranche, no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Company of its obligation to maintain an office or agency for such purposes in each Place of Payment for such Securities in accordance with the requirements set forth above. The Company shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee, and prompt notice to the Holders in the manner specified in Section 108, of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency.
Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, any office or agency required by this Section may be maintained at an office of the Company or an Affiliate of the Company, in which event the Company or such Affiliate shall perform all functions to be performed at such office or agency.
If the Company shall at any time act as its own Paying Agent with respect to the Securities of any series, or any Tranche thereof, it shall, on or before each due date of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on any of such Securities, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto a sum sufficient to pay the principal and premium or interest so becoming due until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided. The Company shall promptly notify the Trustee of any failure by the Company (or any other obligor on such Securities) to make any payment of principal of or premium, if any, or interest, if any, on such Securities.
Whenever the Company shall have one or more Paying Agents for the Securities of any series, or any Tranche thereof, it shall, on or before each due date of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on such Securities, deposit with such Paying Agents sums sufficient (without duplication) to pay the principal and premium or interest so becoming due, such sums to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such principal, premium or interest, and (unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the Company shall promptly notify the Trustee of any failure by it so to act.
The Company shall cause each Paying Agent for the Securities of any series, or any Tranche thereof, other than the Company or 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 shall:
The Company may at any time 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, if so stated in a Company Order delivered to the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of Article Seven; 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, if any, on any Security and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal and premium, if any, or interest, if any, has become due and payable shall to the extent permitted by law be paid to the Company on Company Request, or, if then held by the Company, shall be discharged from such trust; and, upon such payment or discharge, the Holder of such Security shall, as an unsecured general creditor and not as the Holder of an Outstanding Security, look only to the Company for payment of the amount so due and payable and remaining unpaid unless the applicable law provides otherwise, 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 payment to the Company, may at the expense of the Company cause to be mailed, on one occasion only, notice to such Holder that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which shall not be less than thirty (30) days from the date of such mailing, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining will be paid to the Company.
Subject to the rights of the Company under Article Twelve, the Company shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its legal existence as a corporation.
Not later than March 15 in each year, commencing March 15, 2009, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee an Officer's Certificate which need not comply with the requirements of Section 104, executed by the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer or the principal accounting officer of the Company, as to such officer's knowledge of the Company's compliance with all conditions and covenants under this Indenture, such compliance to be determined without regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice under this Indenture, and making any other statements as may be required by the provisions of Section 314(a)(4) of the Trust Indenture Act.
The Company may omit in any particular instance to comply with any term, provision or condition set forth in (a) Section 702 or any additional covenant or restriction specified with respect to the Securities of any series, or any Tranche thereof, as contemplated by Section 301, if before the time for such compliance the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of all series and Tranches with respect to which compliance with Section 702 or such additional covenant or restriction is to be omitted, considered as one class, shall, by Act of such Holders, either waive such compliance in such instance or generally waive compliance with such term, provision or condition and (b) Section 704, 705 or Article Twelve if before the time for such compliance the Holders of a majority in principal amount of Securities Outstanding under this Indenture shall, by Act of such Holders, either waive such compliance in such instance or generally waive compliance with such term, provision or condition; but, in the case of (a) or (b), 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.
Any Security or Securities, or any portion of the principal amount thereof, shall be deemed to have been paid and no longer Outstanding for all purposes of this Indenture, and the entire indebtedness of the Company in respect thereof shall be deemed to have been satisfied and discharged, if there shall have been irrevocably deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent (other than the Company), in trust:
to pay when due the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, due and to become due on such Securities or portions thereof on or prior to Maturity; provided, however, that in the case of the provision for payment or redemption of less than all the Securities of any series or Tranche, such Securities or portions thereof shall have been selected by the Trustee as provided herein and, in the case of a redemption, the notice requisite to the validity of such redemption shall have been given or irrevocable authority shall have been given by the Company to the Trustee to give such notice, under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee; and provided, further, that the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee and such Paying Agent:
(x) if such deposit shall have been made prior to the Maturity of such Securities, a Company Order stating that the money and Eligible Obligations deposited in accordance with this Section shall be held in trust, as provided in Section 803;
(y) an Officer's Certificate and Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the deemed payment and, if the Officer's Certificate described in clause (z) below shall have been delivered, satisfaction and discharge of such Securities have been complied with; and
(z) if the Company intends such deposit to satisfy and discharge its indebtedness in respect of such Securities or portions thereof prior to the Maturity of such Securities or portion thereof, an Officer's Certificate stating the Company's intention that, upon delivery of such Officer's Certificate, its indebtedness in respect of such Securities or portions thereof will have been satisfied and discharged as contemplated in this Section.
Upon the deposit of money or Eligible Obligations, or both, in accordance with this Section, together with the documents required by clauses (x), (y) and (z) above, the Trustee shall, upon receipt of a Company Request, acknowledge in writing that the Security or Securities or portions thereof with respect to which such deposit was made are deemed to have been paid for all purposes of this Indenture and that the entire indebtedness of the Company in respect thereof has been satisfied and discharged as contemplated in this Section. In the event that all of the conditions set forth in the preceding paragraph shall have been satisfied in respect of any Securities or portions thereof except that, for any reason, the Officer's Certificate specified in clause (z) shall not have been delivered, such Securities or portions thereof shall nevertheless be deemed to have been paid for all purposes of this Indenture, and the Holders of such Securities or portions thereof shall nevertheless be no longer entitled to the benefits provided by this Indenture, the Lien of this Indenture, or any of the covenants of the Company under Article Seven (except the covenants contained in Sections 702 and 703) or any other covenants made in respect of such Securities or portions thereof as contemplated by Section 301 or Section 1301(b), but the indebtedness of the Company in respect of such Securities or portions thereof shall not be deemed to have been satisfied and discharged prior to Maturity for any other purpose and the Holders of such Securities or portions thereof shall continue to be entitled to look to the Company for payment of the indebtedness represented thereby; and, upon Company Request, the Trustee shall acknowledge in writing that such Securities or portions thereof are deemed to have been paid for all purposes of this Indenture.
If payment at Stated Maturity of less than all of the Securities of any series, or any Tranche thereof, is to be provided for in the manner and with the effect provided in this Section, the Trustee shall select such Securities, or portions of principal amount thereof, in the manner specified by Section 503 for selection for redemption of less than all the Securities of a series or Tranche.
In the event that Securities which shall be deemed to have been paid for purposes of this Indenture, and, if such is the case, in respect of which the Company's indebtedness shall have been satisfied and discharged, all as provided in this Section, do not mature and are not to be redeemed within the sixty (60) day period commencing with the date of the deposit of moneys or Eligible Obligations, as aforesaid, the Company shall, as promptly as practicable, give a notice, in the same manner as a notice of redemption with respect to such Securities, to the Holders of such Securities to the effect that such deposit has been made and the effect thereof.
Notwithstanding that any Securities shall be deemed to have been paid for purposes of this Indenture, as aforesaid, the obligations of the Company and the Trustee in respect of such Securities under Sections 304, 305, 306, 504, 702, 703, 1007 and 1015 and this Article shall survive such satisfaction and discharge.
The Company shall pay, and shall indemnify the Trustee or any Paying Agent with which Eligible Obligations shall have been deposited as provided in this Section against, any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against such Eligible Obligations or the principal or interest received in respect of such Eligible Obligations, including, but not limited to, any such tax payable by any entity deemed, for tax purposes, to have been created as a result of such deposit.
Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, (a) if, at any time after a Security would be deemed to have been paid for purposes of this Indenture, and, if such is the case, the Company's indebtedness in respect thereof would be deemed to have been satisfied and discharged, pursuant to this Section (without regard to the provisions of this paragraph), the Trustee or any Paying Agent, as the case may be, (i) shall be required to return the money or Eligible Obligations, or combination thereof, deposited with it as aforesaid to the Company or its representative under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law, or (ii) is unable to apply any money in accordance with this Article with respect to any Securities by reason of any order or judgment of any court or Governmental Authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, such Security shall thereupon be deemed retroactively not to have been paid and any satisfaction and discharge of the Company's indebtedness in respect thereof shall retroactively be deemed not to have been effected, and such Security shall be deemed to remain Outstanding and (b) any satisfaction and discharge of the Company's indebtedness in respect of any Security shall be subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 703.
This Indenture shall upon Company Request cease to be of further effect (except as hereinafter expressly provided), and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute such instruments as the Company shall reasonably request to evidence and acknowledge the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, when:
provided, however, that if, in accordance with the last paragraph of Section 801, any Security, previously deemed to have been paid for purposes of this Indenture, shall be deemed retroactively not to have been so paid, this Indenture shall thereupon be deemed retroactively not to have been satisfied and discharged, as aforesaid, and to remain in full force and effect, and the Company shall execute and deliver such instruments as the Trustee shall reasonably request to evidence and acknowledge the same.
Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture as aforesaid, the obligations of the Company and the Trustee under Sections 304, 305, 306, 504, 702, 703, 1007 and 1015 and this Article shall survive such satisfaction and discharge.
Upon satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture as provided in this Section, the Trustee shall assign, transfer and turn over to the Company, subject to the lien provided by Section 1007, any and all money, securities and other property then held by the Trustee for the benefit of the Holders of the Securities (other than money and Eligible Obligations held by the Trustee pursuant to Section 803) and shall execute and deliver to the Company such instruments as, in the judgment of the Company, shall be necessary, desirable or appropriate to effect or evidence the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.
Neither the Eligible Obligations nor the money deposited pursuant to Section 801, nor the principal or interest payments on any such Eligible Obligations, shall be withdrawn or used for any purpose other than, and shall be held in trust for, the payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Securities or portions of principal amount thereof in respect of which such deposit was made, all subject, however, to the provisions of Section 703; provided, however, that so long as there shall not have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default, any cash received from such principal or interest payments on such Eligible Obligations, if not then needed for such purpose, shall, to the extent practicable and upon Company Request and delivery to the Trustee of the documents referred to in clause (y) in the first paragraph of Section 801, be invested in Eligible Obligations of the type described in clause (b) in the first paragraph of Section 801 maturing at such times and in such amounts as shall be sufficient, together with any other moneys and the proceeds of any other Eligible Obligations then held by the Trustee, to pay when due the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, due and to become due on such Securities or portions thereof on and prior to the Maturity thereof, and interest earned from such reinvestment shall be paid over to the Company as received, free and clear of any trust, lien or pledge under this Indenture (except the lien provided by Section 1007); and provided, further, that, so long as there shall not have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default, any moneys held in accordance with this Section on the Maturity of all such Securities in excess of the amount required to pay the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, then due on such Securities shall be paid over to the Company free and clear of any trust, lien or pledge under this Indenture (except the lien provided by Section 1007); and provided, further, that if an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, moneys to be paid over to the Company pursuant to this Section shall be held until such Event of Default shall have been waived or cured.
At any time before or after depositing any money or Eligible Obligations with the Trustee under this Article, the Company may by written notice to the Trustee irrevocably waive any or all of its rights (1) to any residual interest in such money or Eligible Obligations, including any interest earned or excess amounts, (2) to instruct the Trustee to sell or purchase Eligible Obligations or otherwise invest money or proceeds held in trust pursuant to this section, (3) to provide investment advice to the Trustee with respect to such money or Eligible Obligations, (4) to provide to the Trustee instructions or advice of counsel for the Company as to matters arising in connection with the Trustee's servicing of the trust established pursuant to this section with respect to such money or Eligible Obligations, or (5) to any involvement with such money, Eligible Obligations or the trust established pursuant to this section.
"Event of Default", wherever used herein with respect to Securities, means any one of the following events:
If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, then in every such case the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 33% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities may declare the principal amount (or, if any of the Securities of such series are Discount Securities, such portion of the principal amount of such Securities as may be specified in the terms thereof as contemplated by Section 301) of all of the Securities to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by Holders), and upon receipt by the Company of notice of such declaration such principal amount (or specified amount) together with premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest shall become immediately due and payable.
At any time after such a declaration of acceleration of the maturity of the Securities then Outstanding shall have been made, but before any sale of any of the Mortgaged Property has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due shall have been obtained by the Trustee as provided in this Article, the Event or Events of Default giving rise to such declaration of acceleration shall, without further act, be deemed to have been cured, and such declaration and its consequences shall, without further act, be deemed to have been rescinded and annulled, if
and
No such rescission shall affect any subsequent Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon.
If an Event of Default described in clause (a) or (b) of Section 901 shall have occurred, the Company shall, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to it, for the benefit of the Holders of the Securities with respect to which such Event of Default shall have occurred, the whole amount then due and payable on such Securities for principal and premium, if any, and interest, if any, and, to the extent permitted by law, interest on premium, if any, and on any overdue principal and interest, at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Securities, and, in addition thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover any amounts due to the Trustee under Section 1007.
If the Company shall fail 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 Securities and collect the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Company or any other obligor upon such Securities, wherever situated.
If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the Holders of Securities by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem necessary 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.
In case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial proceeding relative to the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or the property of the Company or of such other obligor or their creditors, the Trustee (irrespective of whether the principal of the Securities 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,
and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amounts due it under Section 1007.
Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Securities or the rights of any Holder thereof or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.
All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or the Securities may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee, without the possession of any of the Securities or the production thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, and any such proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, be for the ratable benefit of the Holders in respect of which such judgment has been recovered.
Any money or other property collected or received by the Trustee pursuant to this Article, or otherwise distributable in respect of the Company's obligations under this Indenture, shall be applied in the following order, to the extent permitted by law, 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, if any, upon presentation of the Securities in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money shall have been collected 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 (including any predecessor trustee) under Section 1007;
Second : To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid upon the Securities for principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on such Securities for principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, respectively; and
Third : To the payment of the remainder, if any, to the Company or as a court of competent jurisdiction may direct.
No Holder 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:
it being understood and intended that no one or more of the Holders of any Securities shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other Holders or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any other Holders or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all Holders.
Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, the Holder of any Security shall have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and (subject to Section 307) interest, if any, on such Security on the Stated Maturity or Maturities expressed in such Security (or, in the case of redemption, on the Redemption Date) and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, and such rights shall not be impaired without the consent of such Holder.
If the Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding shall have been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or shall have 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 such Holder shall be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee and such Holder shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted.
Except as otherwise provided in the last paragraph of Section 306, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.
No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders, as the case may be.
If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities 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 such Securities; provided, however, that
The Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities may on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities waive any past default hereunder and its consequences, except a default
Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any and all Events 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.
The Company and the Trustee agree, and each Holder 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 aggregate principal amount of the Securities then Outstanding, or to any suit instituted by any Holder for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest, if any, on any Security on or after the Stated Maturity or Maturities expressed in such Security (or in the case of redemption, on or after the Redemption Date).
The Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it will not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any usury, stay or extension law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Company (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law and covenants that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.
If an Event of Default shall have occurred and, during the continuance thereof, the Trustee shall have commenced judicial proceedings to enforce any right under this Indenture, the Trustee shall, to the extent permitted by law, be entitled, as against the Company, to the appointment of a receiver of the Mortgaged Property and subject to the rights, if any, of others to receive collections from former, present or future customers of the rents, issues, profits, revenues and other income thereof, and whether or not any receiver is appointed, the Trustee shall be entitled to retain possession and control of, and to collect and receive the income from cash, securities and other personal property held by the Trustee hereunder and to all other remedies available to mortgagees and secured parties under the Uniform Commercial Code or any other applicable law.
The Trustee shall give notice of any default hereunder known to the Trustee in the manner and to the extent required to do so by the Trust Indenture Act, unless such default shall have been cured or waived; provided, however, that in the case of any default of the character specified in Section 901(c), no such notice to Holders shall be given until at least 60 days after the occurrence thereof. For the purpose of this Section, the term "default" means any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time, or both, would become, an Event of Default.
Subject to the provisions of Section 1001 and to the applicable provisions of the Trust Indenture Act:
The recitals contained herein and in the Securities (except the Trustee's certificates of authentication) shall be taken as the statements of the Company, and neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent assumes responsibility for their correctness. The Trustee makes no representations as to the value or condition of the Mortgaged Property, the title of the Company to the Mortgaged Property, the security afforded by the Lien of this Indenture, the validity or genuineness of any securities deposited with the Trustee hereunder, or the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Securities. Neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent shall be accountable for the use or application by the Company of Securities or the proceeds thereof or any money paid to the Company hereunder.
Each of the Trustee, any Authenticating Agent, any Paying Agent, any Security Registrar or any other agent of the Company, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and, subject to Sections 1008 and 1013, may otherwise deal with the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not the Trustee, Authenticating Agent, Paying Agent, Security Registrar or such other agent.
Money held by the Trustee in trust hereunder need not be segregated from other funds, except to the extent required by law. The Trustee shall be under no liability for interest on or investment of any money received by it hereunder except as expressly provided herein or otherwise agreed with, and for the sole benefit of, the Company.
The Company shall
As security for the performance of the obligations of the Company under this Section, the Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Securities upon the Mortgaged Property and all property and funds held or collected by the Trustee as such, other than property and funds held in trust under Section 803 (except moneys payable to the Company as provided in Section 803).
In addition and without prejudice to the rights provided to the Trustee under any of the provisions of this Indenture, when the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services in connection with an Event of Default specified in Section 901(d) or Section 901(e), the expenses (including the reasonable charges and expenses of its counsel) and the compensation for the services are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any applicable Federal and State bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law.
The Company's obligations under this Section and the Lien referred to in this Section shall survive the resignation or removal of the Trustee, the discharge of the Company's obligations under Article Eight of this Indenture and/or the termination of this Indenture.
" Trustee " for purposes of this Section shall include any predecessor Trustee; provided, however, that the negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith of any Trustee hereunder shall not affect the rights of any other Trustee hereunder.
If the Trustee shall have or acquire any conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act, it shall either eliminate such conflicting interest or resign to the extent, in the manner and with the effect, and subject to the conditions, provided in the Trust Indenture Act and this Indenture. For purposes of Section 310(b)(1) of the Trust Indenture Act and to the extent permitted thereby, the Trustee, in its capacity as trustee in respect of the Securities of any series, shall not be deemed to have a conflicting interest arising from its capacity as trustee in respect of the Securities of any other series issued under this Indenture. Nothing herein shall prevent the Trustee from filing with the Commission the application referred to in the second to last paragraph of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.
There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder which shall be a corporation having its principal office and place of business in The City of New York, 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 and subject to supervision or examination by Federal, State or District of Columbia authority and qualified and eligible under this Article and the Trust Indenture Act. If such corporation publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of such 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 and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section and the Trust Indenture Act, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article.
then, in any such case, (x) the Company by Board Resolutions may remove the Trustee with respect to all Securities or (y) subject to Section 914, any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee with respect to all Securities and the appointment of a successor Trustee or Trustees.
Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided such corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto. In case any Securities shall have been authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such authentication and deliver the Securities so authenticated with the same effect as if such successor Trustee had itself authenticated such Securities.
If the Trustee shall be or become a creditor of the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities (other than by reason of a relationship described in Section 311(b) of the Trust Indenture Act), the Trustee shall be subject to any and all applicable provisions of the Trust Indenture Act regarding the collection of claims against the Company or such other obligor. For purposes of Section 311(b) of the Trust Indenture Act (a) the term "cash transaction" shall have the meaning provided in Rule 11b-4 under the Trust Indenture Act, and (b) the term "self-liquidating paper" shall have the meaning provided in Rule 11b-6 under the Trust Indenture Act.
At any time or times, for the purpose of meeting the legal requirements of any applicable jurisdiction, the Company and the Trustee shall have power to appoint, and, upon the written request of the Trustee or of the Holders of at least 33% in principal amount of the Securities then Outstanding, the Company shall for such purpose join with the Trustee in the execution and delivery of all instruments and agreements necessary or proper to appoint, one or more Persons approved by the Trustee either to act as co-trustee, jointly with the Trustee, or to act as separate trustee, 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 Company does not join in such appointment within 15 days after the receipt by it of a request so to do, or if an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Trustee alone shall have power to make such appointment.
Should any written instrument or instruments from the Company be required by any co-trustee or separate trustee to more fully confirm 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 Company.
Every co-trustee or separate trustee shall, to the extent permitted by law, but to such extent only, be appointed subject to the following conditions:
The Trustee may appoint an Authenticating Agent or Agents with respect to the Securities of one or more series, or any Tranche thereof, which shall be authorized to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of such series or Tranche issued upon original issuance, exchange, registration of transfer or partial redemption thereof or pursuant to Section 306, and Securities so authenticated shall be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture and shall be valid and obligatory for all purposes as if authenticated by the Trustee hereunder. Wherever reference is made in this Indenture to the authentication and delivery of Securities by the Trustee or the Trustee's certificate of authentication, such reference shall be deemed to include authentication and delivery on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent and a certificate of authentication executed on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent. Each Authenticating Agent shall be acceptable to the Company and shall at all times be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America, any State or territory thereof or the District of Columbia or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, 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 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 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. 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 Company agrees to pay to each Authenticating Agent from time to time reasonable compensation for its services under this Section.
The provisions of Sections 308, 1004 and 1005 shall be applicable to each Authenticating Agent.
If an appointment with respect to the Securities of one or more series, or any Tranche thereof, shall be made pursuant to this Section, the Securities of such series or Tranche may have endorsed thereon, in addition to the Trustee's certificate of authentication, an alternate certificate of authentication substantially in the following form:
This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON,
As Trustee
By:
[Name of Authenticating Agent]
As Authenticating Agent
By: ______________________
Authorized Signatory
If all of the Securities of a series may not be originally issued at one time, and if the Trustee does not have an office capable of authenticating Securities upon original issuance located in a Place of Payment where the Company wishes to have Securities of such series authenticated upon original issuance, the Trustee, if so requested by the Company in writing (which writing need not comply with Section 102 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel), shall appoint, in accordance with this Section and in accordance with such procedures as shall be acceptable to the Trustee, an Authenticating Agent having an office in a Place of Payment designated by the Company with respect to such series of Securities.
Holders' Lists and Reports by Trustee and Company
Semiannually, not later than March 15 and September 15, in each year, commencing with the period due no later than March 15, 2009, and at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, the Company shall furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee information as to the names and addresses of the Holders, and the Trustee shall preserve such information and similar information received by it in any other capacity and afford to the Holders access to information so preserved by it, all to such extent, if any, and in such manner as shall be required by the Trust Indenture Act; provided, however, that no such list need be furnished so long as the Trustee shall be the Security Registrar.
Within 60 days of May 31 of each year, commencing with the year 2009, the Trustee shall transmit to the Holders, the Commission and each securities exchange upon which any Securities are listed, a report, dated as of the such May 31, with respect to any events and other matters described in Section 313(a) of the Trust Indenture Act, which may have occurred within the previous 12 months (but if no event has occurred within such period no report need be transmitted), in such manner and to the extent required by the Trust Indenture Act. The Trustee shall transmit to the Holders, the Commission and each securities exchange upon which any Securities are listed, and the Company shall file with the Trustee (within 30 days after filing with the Commission in the case of reports which pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act must be filed with the Commission and furnished to the Trustee) and transmit to the Holders, such other information, reports and other documents, if any, at such times and in such manner, as shall be required by the Trust Indenture Act. The Company shall notify the Trustee of the listing of any Securities on any securities exchange and of any delisting thereof.
Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only, and the Trustee's receipt of such shall not constitute notice or constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Company's compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officer's Certificates).
Consolidation, Merger, Conveyance, or Other Transfer
The Company shall not consolidate with or merge into any other corporation, or convey or otherwise transfer, or lease, as, or substantially as, an entirety the Mortgaged Property to any Person, unless:
and the Lien confirmed or created by such grant, conveyance, transfer and mortgage shall have force, effect and standing similar to those which the Lien of this Indenture would have had if the Company had not been a party to such consolidation, merger, conveyance or other transfer and had itself, after the time such transaction became effective, purchased, constructed or otherwise acquired the property subject to such grant, conveyance, transfer and mortgage;
As used in this Article and in Section 1810(d), the terms "improvement", "extension" and "addition" shall be limited to (a) with respect to real property subject to the Lien of this Indenture, any item of personal property which has been so affixed or attached to such real property as to be regarded a part of such real property under applicable law and (b) with respect to personal property subject to the Lien of this Indenture, any improvement, extension or addition to such personal property which (i) is made to maintain, renew, repair or improve the function of such personal property and (ii) is physically installed in or affixed to such personal property.
Upon any consolidation or merger or any conveyance or other transfer of, as, or substantially as, an entirety the Mortgaged Property in accordance with Section 1201, the Successor Company shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every power and right of, the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such Successor Company had been named as the "Company" herein. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing:
All Securities so executed by the Successor Company, and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee, shall in all respects be entitled to the benefit of the Lien of this Indenture equally and ratably with all Securities executed, authenticated and delivered prior to the time such consolidation, merger, conveyance or other transfer became effective.
Unless, in the case of a consolidation, merger, conveyance or other transfer contemplated by Section 1201, the indenture supplemental hereto contemplated in Section 1201 or in Article Thirteen expressly provides otherwise, neither this Indenture nor such supplemental indenture shall become or be, or be required to become or be, a Lien upon any of the properties:
except, in either case, properties (other than Excepted Property) acquired from the Company in or as a result of such transaction and improvements, extensions and additions to such properties and renewals, replacements and substitutions of or for any part or parts thereof.
In the case of a conveyance or other transfer to any Person or Persons as contemplated in Section 1201, upon the satisfaction of all the conditions specified in Section 1201 the Company (such term being used in this Section without giving effect to such transaction) shall be released and discharged from all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and on and under all Securities then Outstanding (unless the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an instrument in which it shall waive such release and discharge) and, upon request by the Company, the Trustee shall acknowledge in writing that the Company has been so released and discharged.
A conveyance, transfer or lease by the Company of any part of the Mortgaged Property shall not be deemed to constitute the conveyance, transfer or lease as, or substantially as, an entirety of the Mortgaged Property for purposes of this Indenture if the Fair Value of the Mortgaged Property retained by the Company exceeds 143% of the aggregate principal amount of all Outstanding Securities and any other outstanding debt of the Company secured by a Purchase Money Lien that ranks equally with, or senior to, the Securities with respect to such Mortgaged Property. Such Fair Value shall be established by the delivery to the Trustee of an Independent Expert's Certificate stating the Independent Expert's opinion of such Fair Value as of a date not more than 90 days before or after such conveyance, transfer or lease. This Article is not intended to limit the Company's conveyances, transfers or leases of less than substantially the entirety of the Mortgaged Property.
A statutory merger of the sort described in Article 1.02A(18)(a) of the Texas Business Corporation Act and permitted by Article 5.01 of the Texas Business Corporation Act, in which a Company's assets and liabilities may be allocated among one or more entities, shall not be considered to be a merger, consolidation, conveyance or other transfer of Mortgaged Property subject to the provisions of this Article Twelve unless all or substantially all of the Mortgaged Property is allocated by such statutory merger to one or more entities other than the Company.
Without the consent of any Holders, the Company and the Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto (such supplemental indentures being herein referred to as "Amendments" ), in form satisfactory to the Trustee, for any of the following purposes:
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if the Trust Indenture Act as in effect at the Execution Date or at any time thereafter shall be amended and
(x) if any such amendment shall require one or more changes to any provisions hereof or the inclusion herein of any additional provisions, or shall by operation of law be deemed to effect such changes or incorporate such provisions by reference or otherwise, this Indenture shall be deemed to have been amended so as to conform to such amendment to the Trust Indenture Act, and the Company and the Trustee may, without the consent of any Holders, enter into an Amendment hereto to evidence such amendment hereof; or
(y) if any such amendment shall permit one or more changes to, or the elimination of, any provisions hereof which, at the Execution Date or at any time thereafter, are required by the Trust Indenture Act to be contained herein or are contained herein to reflect any provision of the Trust Indenture Act as in effect at such date, this Indenture shall be deemed to have been amended to effect such changes or elimination, and the Company and the Trustee may, without the consent of any Holders, enter into an Amendment to this Indenture to effect such changes or elimination or evidence such amendment, provided that the Indenture shall not be amended as provided in this clause (y) so as to adversely affect the interests of the holders of Securities of any series or Tranche in any material respect.
Subject to the provisions of Section 1301, with the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of all series then Outstanding under this Indenture, considered as one class, 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 Amendment for the purpose of adding any provisions to, or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of, this Indenture; provided, however, that if there shall be Securities of more than one series Outstanding hereunder and if a proposed Amendment shall directly affect the rights of the Holders of Securities of one or more, but less than all, of such series, then the consent only of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of all series so directly affected, considered as one class, shall be required; and provided, further, that if the Securities of any series shall have been issued in more than one Tranche and if the proposed Amendment shall directly affect the rights of the Holders of Securities of one or more, but less than all, of such Tranches, then the consent only of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of all Tranches so directly affected, considered as one class, shall be required; and provided, further, that no such Amendment shall, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security of each series or Tranche so directly affected,
An Amendment which (x) changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of this Indenture which has expressly been included solely for the benefit of the Holders of, or which is to remain in effect only so long as there shall be Outstanding, Securities of one or more particular series, or one or more Tranches thereof, or (y) modifies the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series or Tranches with respect to such covenant or other provision, shall be deemed not to affect the rights under this Indenture of the Holders of Securities of any other series or Tranche.
It shall not be necessary for any Act of Holders under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed Amendment, but it shall be sufficient if such Act shall approve the substance thereof.
Anything in this Indenture to the contrary notwithstanding, if the Officer's Certificate, supplemental indenture or Board Resolution, as the case may be, establishing the Securities of any series or Tranche shall provide that the Company may make certain specified additions, changes or eliminations to or from the Indenture which shall be specified in such Officer's Certificate, supplemental indenture or Board Resolution establishing such series or Tranche, (a) the Holders of Securities of such series or Tranche shall be deemed to have consented to an Amendment containing such additions, changes or eliminations to or from the Indenture which shall be specified in such Officer's Certificate, supplemental indenture or Board Resolution establishing such series or Tranche, (b) no Act of such Holders shall be required to evidence such consent and (c) such consent may be counted in the determination of whether or not the Holders of the requisite principal amount of Securities shall have consented to such Amendment.
In executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any Amendment permitted by this Article or the modifications thereby of the trusts created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall be provided with, and (subject to Section 1001) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel and an Officer's Certificate stating that the execution of such Amendment is authorized or permitted by this Indenture and containing the statements required by Section 104. The Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such Amendment which adversely affects the Trustee's own rights, duties, immunities or liabilities under this Indenture or otherwise.
Upon the execution of any Amendment under this Article this Indenture shall be modified in accordance therewith, and such Amendment shall form a part of this Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder of Securities theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder shall be bound thereby. Any Amendment permitted by this Article may restate this Indenture in its entirety, and, upon the execution and delivery thereof, any such restatement shall supersede this Indenture as theretofore in effect for all purposes.
Every Amendment executed pursuant to this Article shall conform to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect.
Securities of any series, or any Tranche thereof, authenticated and delivered after the execution of any Amendment 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 Amendment. If the Company shall so determine, new Securities of any series, or any Tranche thereof, so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Trustee and the Company, to any such Amendment may be prepared and executed by the Company, and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in exchange for Outstanding Securities of such series or Tranche.
To the extent, if any, that the terms of any particular series of Securities shall have been established in or pursuant to a Board Resolution or an Officer's Certificate pursuant to a supplemental indenture or Board Resolution as contemplated by Section 301, and not in an Amendment hereto, additions to, changes in or the elimination of any of such terms may be effected by means of a supplemental Board Resolution or Officer's Certificate pursuant to a Board Resolution or a supplemental indenture and complying with the requirements of Section 104, as the case may be, delivered to, and accepted by, the Trustee in writing; provided, however, that such supplemental Board Resolution or Officer's Certificate shall not be accepted by the Trustee or otherwise be effective unless all conditions set forth in this Indenture which would be required to be satisfied if such additions, changes or elimination were contained in an Amendment shall have been appropriately satisfied. Upon the written acceptance thereof by the Trustee, any such supplemental Board Resolution or Officer's Certificate shall be deemed to be effective and constitute part of the Indenture and a supplemental indenture hereunder, including for purposes of Section 1816. Such acceptance shall be conveyed by a written instrument signed by a Responsible Officer of the Trustee.
Meetings of Holders; Action Without Meeting
A meeting of Holders of Securities of one or more, or all, series, or any Tranche or Tranches thereof, may be called at any time and from time to time pursuant to this Article to make, give or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be made, given or taken by Holders of Securities of such series or Tranches.
To be entitled to vote at any meeting of Holders of Securities of one or more, or all, series, or any Tranche or Tranches thereof, a Person shall be (a) a Holder of one or more Outstanding Securities of such series or Tranches, or (b) a Person appointed by an instrument in writing as proxy for a Holder or Holders of one or more Outstanding Securities of such series or Tranches by such Holder or Holders. The only Persons who shall be entitled to attend any meeting of Holders of Securities of any series or Tranche shall be the Persons entitled to vote at such meeting and their counsel, any representatives of the Trustee and its counsel and any representatives of the Company and its counsel.
The Persons entitled to vote a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of the series and Tranches with respect to which a meeting shall have been called as hereinbefore provided, considered as one class, shall constitute a quorum for a meeting of Holders of Securities of such series and Tranches; provided, however, that if any action is to be taken at such meeting which this Indenture expressly provides may be taken by the Holders of a specified percentage, which is less than a majority, in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series and Tranches, considered as one class, the Persons entitled to vote such specified percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series and Tranches, considered as one class, shall constitute a quorum. In the absence of a quorum within one hour of the time appointed for any such meeting, the meeting shall, if convened at the request of Holders of Securities of such series and Tranches, be dissolved. In any other case the meeting may be adjourned for such period as may be determined by the chairman of the meeting prior to the adjournment of such meeting. In the absence of a quorum at any such adjourned meeting, such adjourned meeting may be further adjourned for such period as may be determined by the chairman of the meeting prior to the adjournment of such adjourned meeting. Notice of the reconvening of any meeting adjourned for more than 30 days shall be given as provided in Section 1402(a) not less than ten days prior to the date on which the meeting is scheduled to be reconvened. Notice of the reconvening of an adjourned meeting shall state expressly the percentage, as provided above, of the principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series and Tranches which shall constitute a quorum.
Except as limited by Section 1302, any resolution presented to a meeting or adjourned meeting duly reconvened at which a quorum is present as aforesaid may be adopted only by the affirmative vote of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of the series and Tranches with respect to which such meeting shall have been called, considered as one class; provided, however, that, except as so limited, any resolution with respect to any action which this Indenture expressly provides may be taken by the Holders of a specified percentage, which is less than a majority, in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series and Tranches, considered as one class, may be adopted at a meeting or an adjourned meeting duly reconvened and at which a quorum is present as aforesaid by the affirmative vote of the Holders of such specified percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series and Tranches, considered as one class.
Any resolution passed or decision taken at any meeting of Holders of Securities duly held in accordance with this Section shall be binding on all the Holders of Securities of the series and Tranches with respect to which such meeting shall have been held, whether or not present or represented at the meeting.
The vote upon any resolution submitted to any meeting of Holders shall be by written ballots on which shall be subscribed the signatures of the Holders or of their representatives by proxy and the principal amounts and serial numbers of the Outstanding Securities, of the series and Tranches with respect to which the meeting shall have been called, held or represented by them. The permanent chairman of the meeting shall appoint two inspectors of votes who shall count all votes cast at the meeting for or against any resolution and who shall make and file with the secretary of the meeting their verified written reports of all votes cast at the meeting. A record, in duplicate, of the proceedings of each meeting of Holders shall be prepared by the secretary of the meeting and there shall be attached to said record the original reports of the inspectors of votes on any vote by ballot taken thereat and affidavits by one or more persons having knowledge of the facts setting forth a copy of the notice of the meeting and showing that said notice was given as provided in Section 1402 and, if applicable, Section 1404. Each copy shall be signed and verified by the affidavits of the permanent chairman and secretary of the meeting and one such copy shall be delivered to the Company, and another to the Trustee to be preserved by the Trustee, the latter to have attached thereto the ballots voted at the meeting. Any record so signed and verified shall be conclusive evidence of the matters therein stated.
In lieu of a vote of Holders at a meeting as hereinbefore contemplated in this Article, any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action may be made, given or taken by Holders by one or more written instruments as provided in Section 106.
Immunity of Incorporators, Shareholders, Officers and Directors
No recourse shall be had for the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest, if any, on any Securities or any part thereof, or for any claim based thereon or otherwise in respect thereof, or of the indebtedness represented thereby, or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement under this Indenture, against any incorporator, shareholder, member, limited partner, officer, manager or director, as such, past, present or future of the Company or of any predecessor or successor of the Company (either directly or through the Company or a predecessor or successor of the Company), whether by virtue of any constitutional provision, statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty or otherwise; it being expressly agreed and understood that this Indenture and all the Securities are solely corporate obligations, and that no personal liability whatsoever shall attach to, or be incurred by, any incorporator, shareholder, member, limited partner, officer, manager or director, past, present or future, of the Company or of any predecessor or successor of the Company, either directly or indirectly through the Company or any predecessor or successor of the Company, because of the indebtedness hereby authorized or under or by reason of any of the obligations, covenants or agreements contained in this Indenture or in any of the Securities or to be implied herefrom or therefrom, and that any such personal liability is hereby expressly waived and released as a condition of, and as part of the consideration for, the execution of this Indenture and the issuance of the Securities.
The Trustee shall authenticate and deliver Securities, for original issue, at one time or from time to time in accordance with the Company Order referred to below, only pursuant to Section 1602, 1603, 1604 or 1605.
Upon any such application for withdrawal, the Company shall comply with all applicable provisions of this Article relating to the authentication and delivery of Securities except that the Company shall not in any event be required to deliver the documents specified in Section 303.
Any withdrawal of cash under this subsection (c) shall operate as a waiver by the Company of its right to the authentication and delivery of the Securities on which it is based and such Securities may not thereafter be authenticated and delivered hereunder. Any Property Additions which have been made the basis of any such right to the authentication and delivery of Securities so waived shall be deemed to have been made the basis of the withdrawal of such cash; any Retired Securities or Bond Credits which have been made the basis of any such right to the authentication and delivery of Securities so waived shall be deemed to have been made the basis of the withdrawal of such cash.
Possession, Use and Release of Mortgaged Property
Unless one or more Events of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Company shall be permitted to possess, use and enjoy the Mortgaged Property (except, to the extent not herein otherwise provided, such cash and securities as are expressly required to be deposited with the Trustee).
Unless an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Company may at any time and from time to time, without any release or consent by, or report to, the Trustee:
Unless an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Company may obtain the release of any part of the Mortgaged Property, or any interest therein, other than Funded Cash held by the Trustee, and the Trustee shall release all its right, title and interest in and to the same from the Lien hereof, upon receipt by the Trustee of:
provided, however, that no obligations secured by Purchase Money Lien upon any property being released from the Lien hereof shall be used as a credit in connection with such release unless all obligations secured by such Purchase Money Lien shall be delivered to the Trustee or to the trustee or other holder of a Lien prior to the Lien of this Indenture;
If and to the extent that the release of property is, in whole or in part, based upon Property Additions (as permitted under the provisions of clause (d)(ii) in the first paragraph of this Section), the Company shall, subject to the provisions of said clause (d)(ii) and except as hereafter in this paragraph provided, comply with all applicable provisions of this Indenture as if such Property Additions were to be made the basis of the authentication and delivery of Securities equal in principal amount to 70% of the Cost (or, as to property of which the Fair Value to the Company at the time the same became Funded Property was certified to be an amount less than the Cost thereof, such Fair Value, as so certified, in lieu of Cost) of that portion of the property to be released which is to be released on the basis of such Property Additions, as shown by the Expert's Certificate required by clause (c) in the first paragraph of this Section; provided, however, that the Cost of any Property Additions received or to be received by the Company in whole or in part as consideration in exchange for the property to be released shall for all purposes of this Indenture be deemed to be the amount stated in the Expert's Certificate provided for in clause (c) in the first paragraph of this Section to be the lower of Cost or Fair Value of the property to be released (x) plus the amount of any cash and the fair market value of any other consideration, further to be stated in such Expert's Certificate, paid and/or delivered or to be paid and/or delivered by, and the amount of any obligations assumed or to be assumed by, the Company in connection with such exchange as additional consideration for such Property Additions and/or (y) less the amount of any cash and the fair market value of any other consideration, which shall also be stated in such Expert's Certificate, received or to be received by the Company in connection with such exchange in addition to such Property Additions. If and to the extent that the release of property is in whole or in part based upon the right to the authentication and delivery of Securities under Sections 1602 or 1604 (as permitted under the provisions of clause (d)(iii) in the first paragraph of this Section), the Company shall, except as hereafter in this paragraph provided, comply with all applicable provisions of such section relating to such authentication and delivery. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this paragraph, in no event shall the Company be required to deliver the documents specified in Section 303.
If the release of property is, in whole or in part, based upon the delivery to the Trustee or the trustee or other holder of a Lien prior to the Lien of this Indenture of obligations secured by Purchase Money Lien, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee:
(x) an Officer's Certificate (i) stating that no event has occurred and is continuing which entitles the holder of such Purchase Money Lien to accelerate the maturity of the obligations, if any, outstanding thereunder and (ii) reciting the aggregate principal amount of obligations, if any, then outstanding thereunder in addition to the obligations then being delivered in connection with the release of such property and the terms and conditions, if any, on which additional obligations secured by such Purchase Money Lien are permitted to be issued; and
(y) an Opinion of Counsel stating that, in the opinion of the signer, (i) such obligations are valid obligations, entitled to the benefit of such Purchase Money Lien equally and ratably with all other obligations, if any, then outstanding thereunder, (ii) that such Purchase Money Lien constitutes, or, upon the delivery of, and/or the filing and/or recording in the proper places and manner of, the instruments of conveyance, assignment or transfer, if any, specified in such opinion, will constitute, a Lien upon the property to be released, subject to no Lien prior thereto except Liens generally of the character of Permitted Liens and such Liens, if any, as shall have existed thereon immediately prior to such release as Liens prior to the Lien of this Indenture, (iii) if any obligations in addition to the obligations being delivered in connection with such release of property are then outstanding, or are permitted to be issued, under such Purchase Money Lien, (A) that such Purchase Money Lien constitutes, or, upon the delivery of, and/or the filing and/or recording in the proper places and manner of, the instruments of conveyance, assignment or transfer, if any, specified in such opinion, will constitute, a Lien upon all other property, if any, purporting to be subject thereto, subject to no Lien prior thereto except Liens generally of the character of Permitted Liens and (B) that the terms of such Purchase Money Lien, as then in effect, do not permit the issuance of obligations thereunder except on the basis of property generally of the character of Property Additions, the retirement or deposit of outstanding obligations, the deposit of prior Lien obligations or the deposit of cash.
If the Opinion of Counsel provided to the Trustee pursuant to clause (y) above is conditioned upon the filing and/or recording of any instruments of conveyance, assignment or transfer, the Company shall promptly cause such instruments to be filed and/or recorded in the proper places and manner and shall deliver to the Trustee evidence of such filing and/or recording promptly upon receipt of such evidence by the Company.
If (a) any property to be released from the Lien of this Indenture under any provision of this Article (other than Section 1807) is subject to a Lien prior to the Lien hereof and is to be sold, exchanged, dedicated or otherwise disposed of subject to such prior Lien and (b) after such release, such prior Lien will not be a Lien on any property subject to the Lien hereof, then the Fair Value of such property to be released shall be deemed, for all purposes of this Indenture, to be the value thereof unencumbered by such prior Lien less the principal amount of the indebtedness secured by such prior Lien.
Any Outstanding Securities delivered to the Trustee pursuant to clause (d) in the first paragraph of this Section shall, upon receipt of a Company Order, forthwith be canceled by the Trustee. Any cash and/or obligations deposited with the Trustee pursuant to the provisions of this Section, and the proceeds of any such obligations, shall be held as part of the Mortgaged Property and shall be withdrawn, released, used or applied in the manner, to the extent and for the purposes, and subject to the conditions, provided in Section 1806.
Anything in this Indenture to the contrary notwithstanding, if property to be released constitutes Funded Property in part only, the Company may obtain the release of the part of such property which constitutes Funded Property under this Section and obtain the release of the part of such property which does not constitute Funded Property under Section 1804. In such event, (a) the application of Property Additions in the release under this Section as contemplated in clause (d)(ii) in the first paragraph thereof shall be taken into account in clause (v) or clause (vi), whichever may be applicable, of the Expert's Certificate described in clause (c) in Section 1804 and (b) the Trustee shall, at the election of the Company, execute and deliver a separate instrument of release with respect to the property released under each of such Sections or a consolidated instrument of release with respect to the property released under both of such Sections considered as a whole.
Unless an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Company may obtain the release of any part of the Mortgaged Property, or any interest therein, which does not constitute Funded Property or Funded Cash held by the Trustee, and the Trustee shall release all its right, title and interest in and to the same from the Lien hereof, upon receipt by the Trustee of:
Any Outstanding Securities delivered to the Trustee pursuant to clause (d) above and its reference to clause (d) of the first paragraph of Section 1803 shall forthwith be canceled by the Trustee.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 1803 and 1804, unless an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Company may obtain the release from the Lien hereof of any part of the Mortgaged Property, or any interest therein, and the Trustee shall whenever from time to time requested by the Company in a Company Order transmitting therewith a form of instrument or instruments to effect such release, and without requiring compliance with any of the provisions of Section 1803 or 1804, release from the Lien hereof all the right, title and interest of the Trustee in and to the same provided that the lower of the aggregate Cost or Fair Value of the property to be so released on any date in a given calendar year, together with all other property theretofore released pursuant to this Section in such calendar year, shall not exceed the greater of (a) Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) and (b) three percent (3%) of the aggregate principal amount of Securities then Outstanding. Prior to the granting of any such release, there shall be delivered to the Trustee (x) an Officer's Certificate stating that, to the knowledge of the signer, no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and (y) an Expert's Certificate stating, in the judgment of the signers, the Cost and the Fair Value of the property to be released, the lower of the aggregate Cost or Fair Value of all other property theretofore released pursuant to this Section in such calendar year, and that, in the judgment of the signers, the release thereof will not impair the security under this Indenture in contravention of the provisions hereof. On or before December 31st of each calendar year, the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount in cash equal to the lower of the aggregate Cost or Fair Value; provided, however, that no such deposit shall be required to be made hereunder to the extent that cash or other consideration shall, as indicated in an Officer's Certificate delivered to the Trustee, have been deposited with the trustee or other holder of Lien prior to the Lien of this Indenture in accordance with the provisions thereof; and provided, further, that the amount of cash so required to be deposited may be reduced, at the election of the Company, by the items specified in clause (d) in the first paragraph of Section 1803, subject to all of the limitations and conditions specified in such Section, to the same extent as if such property were being released pursuant to Section 1803. Any cash deposited with the Trustee under this Section may thereafter be withdrawn, used or applied in the manner, to the extent and for the purposes, and subject to the conditions, provided in Section 1806.
Subject to the provisions of Section 1605 and except as hereafter in this Section provided, unless an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, any Funded Cash held by the Trustee, and any other cash which is required to be withdrawn, used or applied as provided in this Section,
Such moneys shall, from time to time, be paid or used or applied by the Trustee, as aforesaid, upon the request of the Company in a Company Order, and upon receipt by the Trustee of an Officer's Certificate stating that, to the knowledge of the signer, no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing. If and to the extent that the withdrawal of cash is based upon Property Additions (as permitted under the provisions of clause (a) above), the Company shall, subject to the provisions of said clause (a) and except as hereafter in this paragraph provided, comply with all applicable provisions of this Indenture as if such Property Additions were made the basis for the authentication and delivery of Securities equal in principal amount to the cash so to be withdrawn. If and to the extent that the withdrawal of cash is based upon the right to the authentication and delivery of Securities (as permitted under the provisions of clause (b) above), the Company shall, except as hereafter in this paragraph provided, comply with all applicable provisions of Sections 1602 or 1604 relating to such authentication and delivery. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this paragraph, in no event shall the Company be required to deliver the documents specified in Section 303.
Notwithstanding the generality of clauses (d) and (e) above, no cash to be applied pursuant to such clauses shall be applied to the payment of an amount in excess of the principal amount of any Securities to be purchased, paid or redeemed except to the extent that the aggregate principal amount of all Securities theretofore, and of all Securities then to be, purchased, paid or redeemed pursuant to such clauses is not less than the aggregate cost for principal of, premium, if any, and accrued interest, if any, on and brokerage commissions, if any, with respect to, such Securities.
Notwithstanding the generality of clause (f) above, no cash to be applied pursuant to such clause shall be applied to the payment of an amount in excess of the principal amount of any Assumed Debt to be paid or redeemed.
Any Outstanding Securities delivered to the Trustee pursuant to clause (c) in the first paragraph of this Section shall, upon request by the Company, forthwith be canceled by the Trustee.
Any obligations secured by Purchase Money Lien delivered to the Trustee in consideration of the release of property from the Lien of this Indenture, together with any evidence of such Purchase Money Lien held by the Trustee, shall be released from the Lien of this Indenture and delivered to or upon the order of the Company upon payment by the Company to the Trustee of an amount in cash equal to the aggregate principal amount of such obligations less the aggregate amount theretofore paid to the Trustee (by the Company, the obligor or otherwise) in respect of the principal of such obligations.
The principal of and interest on any such obligations secured by Purchase Money Lien held by the Trustee shall be paid to the Trustee as and when the same become payable. The interest received by the Trustee on any such obligations shall be deemed not to constitute Funded Cash and shall be remitted to the Company; provided, however, that if an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, such proceeds shall be held as part of the Mortgaged Property until such Event of Default shall have been cured or waived.
The Trustee shall have and may exercise all the rights and powers of any owner of such obligations and of all substitutions therefor and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, may collect and receive all insurance moneys payable to it under any of the provisions thereof and apply the same in accordance with the provisions thereof, may consent to extensions thereof at a higher or lower rate of interest, may join in any plan or plans of voluntary or involuntary reorganization or readjustment or rearrangement and may accept and hold hereunder new obligations, stocks or other securities issued in exchange therefor under any such plan. Any discretionary action which the Trustee may be entitled to take in connection with any such obligations or substitutions therefor shall be taken, so long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, in accordance with a Company Order, and, during the continuance of an Event of Default, in its own discretion.
Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the Company may irrevocably waive all right to the withdrawal pursuant to this Section of, and any other rights with respect to, any obligations secured by Purchase Money Lien held by the Trustee, and the proceeds of any such obligations, by delivery to the Trustee of a Company Order:
(x) specifying such obligations and stating that the Company thereby waives all rights to the withdrawal thereof and of the proceeds thereof pursuant to this Section, and any other rights with respect thereto; and
(y) directing that the principal of such obligations be applied as provided in clause (e) in the first paragraph of this Section, specifying the Securities to be paid or redeemed or for the payment or redemption of which payment is to be made.
Following any such waiver, the interest on any such obligations shall be applied to the payment of interest, if any, on the Securities to be paid or redeemed or for the payment or redemption of which provision is to be made, as specified in the aforesaid Company Order, as and when such interest shall become due from time to time, and any excess funds remaining from time to time after such application shall be applied to the payment of interest on any other Securities as and when the same shall become due. Pending any such application, the interest on such obligations shall be invested in Investment Securities as shall be selected by the Company and specified in written instructions delivered to the Trustee. The principal of any such obligations shall be applied solely to the payment of principal of the Securities to be paid or redeemed or for the payment or redemption of which provision is to be made, as specified in the aforesaid Company Order. Pending such application, the principal of such obligations shall be invested in Eligible Obligations as shall be selected by the Company and specified in written instructions delivered to the Trustee. The obligation of the Company to pay the principal of such Securities when the same shall become due at maturity, shall be offset and reduced by the amount of the proceeds of such obligations then held, and to be applied, by the Trustee in accordance with this paragraph.
Should any of the Mortgaged Property, or any interest therein, be taken by exercise of the power of eminent domain or be sold to an entity possessing the power of eminent domain under a threat to exercise the same, and should the Company elect not to obtain the release of such property pursuant to other provisions of this Article, the Trustee shall, upon request of the Company evidenced by a Company Order transmitting therewith a form of instrument or instruments to effect such release, release from the Lien hereof all its right, title and interest in and to the property so taken or sold (or with respect to an interest in property, subordinate the Lien hereof to such interest), upon receiving (a) an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such property has been taken by exercise of the power of eminent domain or has been sold to an entity possessing the power of eminent domain under threat of an exercise of such power, (b) an Officer's Certificate stating the amount of net proceeds received or to be received for such property so taken or sold, and the amount so stated shall be deemed to be the Fair Value of such property for the purpose of any notice to the Holders of Securities, (c) if any portion of such property constitutes Funded Property, an Expert's Certificate stating the Cost thereof (or, if the Fair Value to the Company of such portion of such property at the time the same became Funded Property was certified to be an amount less than the Cost thereof, then such Fair Value, as so certified, in lieu of Cost) and (d) if any portion of such property constitutes Funded Property, a deposit by the Company of an amount in cash equal to the Cost or Fair Value stated in the Expert's Certificate delivered pursuant to clause (c) above; provided, however, that the amount required to be so deposited shall not exceed the portion of the net proceeds received or to be received for such property so taken or sold which is allocable on a pro-rata or other reasonable basis to the portion of such property constituting Funded Property; and provided, further, that no such deposit shall be required to be made hereunder if the proceeds of such taking or sale shall, as indicated in an Officer's Certificate delivered to the Trustee, have been deposited with the trustee or other holder of a Lien prior to the Lien of this Indenture. Any cash deposited with the Trustee under this Section may thereafter be withdrawn, used or applied in the manner, to the extent and for the purposes, and subject to the conditions, provided in Section 1806.
In case the Company has sold, exchanged, dedicated or otherwise disposed of, or has agreed or intends to sell, exchange, dedicate or otherwise dispose of, or a Governmental Authority has ordered the Company to divest itself of, any Excepted Property or any other property not subject to the Lien hereof, or the Company desires to disclaim or quitclaim title to property to which the Company does not purport to have title, the Trustee shall, from time to time, disclaim or quitclaim such property upon receipt by the Trustee of the following:
The Company shall maintain and preserve the Lien of this Indenture so long as any Securities shall remain Outstanding, subject, however, to the provisions of Article Thirteen and Article Eighteen.
The Company shall cause (or, with respect to property owned in common with others, make reasonable effort to cause) the Mortgaged Property, considered as a whole, to be maintained and kept in good condition, repair and working order and shall cause (or, with respect to property owned in common with others, make reasonable effort to cause) to be made such repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements thereof, as, in the judgment of the Company, may be necessary in order that the operation of the Mortgaged Property, considered as a whole, may be conducted in accordance with common industry practice; provided, however, that nothing in this Section shall prevent the Company from discontinuing, or causing the discontinuance of, the operation and maintenance of any portion of the Mortgaged Property if such discontinuance is in the judgment of the Company desirable in the conduct of its business; and provided, further, that nothing in this Section shall prevent the Company from selling, transferring or otherwise disposing of, or causing the sale, transfer or other disposition of, any portion of the Mortgaged Property in compliance with the other Articles of this Indenture.
The Company shall pay all taxes and assessments and other governmental charges lawfully levied or assessed upon the Mortgaged Property, or upon any part thereof, or upon the interest of the Trustee in the Mortgaged Property, before the same shall become delinquent, and shall observe and conform in all material respects to all valid requirements of any Governmental Authority relative to the Mortgaged Property and all covenants, terms and conditions upon or under which any of the Mortgaged Property is held; and the Company shall not suffer any Lien to be created upon the Mortgaged Property, or any part thereof, prior to or on parity with the Lien of this Indenture, other than Permitted Liens; provided, however, that nothing in this Section contained shall require the Company (i) to observe or conform to any requirement of Governmental Authority or to cause to be paid or discharged, or to make provision for, any such Lien, or to pay any such tax, assessment or governmental charge so long as the validity thereof shall be contested in good faith and by appropriate legal proceedings or (ii) to pay, discharge or make provisions for any tax, assessment or other governmental charge, the validity of which shall not be so contested if adequate security for the payment of such tax, assessment or other governmental charge and for any penalties or interest which may reasonably be anticipated from failure to pay the same shall be given to the Trustee; and provided, further, that nothing in this Section shall prohibit the issuance or other incurrence of additional indebtedness, or the refunding of outstanding indebtedness, secured by any Lien prior to the Lien hereof which is permitted under this Section to continue to exist.
Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the Company may have fire insurance policies with (i) a deductible provision in a dollar amount per occurrence not exceeding the greater of (A) Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000) and (B) three percent (3%) of the principal amount of the Securities Outstanding on the date such policy goes into effect, and/or (ii) co-insurance or self insurance provisions with a dollar amount per occurrence not exceeding thirty percent (30%) of the loss proceeds otherwise payable; provided, however, that the dollar amount described in clause (i) above may be exceeded to the extent such dollar amount per occurrence is below the deductible amount in effect as to fire insurance (X) on property of similar character insured by companies similarly situated and operating like property or (Y) on property as to which an equal primary fire insurance rate has been set by reputable insurance companies.
the Expert making the statement required by this clause (D) shall be an Independent Expert, and
Any such moneys not so applied within thirty-six (36) months after its receipt by the Trustee, or in respect of which notice in writing of intention to apply the same to the work of rebuilding, renewal, replacement or substitution then in progress and uncompleted shall not have been given to the Trustee by the Company within such thirty-six (36) months, or which the Company shall at any time notify the Trustee is not to be so applied, shall thereafter be withdrawn, used or applied in the manner, to the extent and for the purposes, and subject to the conditions, provided in Section 1806; provided, however, that if the amount of such moneys shall exceed the amount stated pursuant to clause (B) in the Expert's Certificate referred to above, the amount of such excess shall not be deemed to be Funded Cash, shall not be subject to Section 1806 and shall be remitted to or upon the order of the Company upon the withdrawal, use or application of the balance of such moneys pursuant to Section 1806.
Anything in this Indenture to the contrary notwithstanding, if property on or with respect to which a loss occurs constitutes Funded Property in part only, the Company may, at its election, obtain the reimbursement of insurance proceeds attributable to the part of such property which constitutes Funded Property under this subsection (b) and obtain the reimbursement of insurance proceeds attributable to the part of such property which does not constitute Funded Property under subsection (c) of this Section.
To the extent that the Company shall be entitled to withdraw proceeds of insurance pursuant to this subsection (c), such proceeds shall be deemed not to constitute Funded Cash.
The Company shall cause this Indenture and all indentures and instruments supplemental hereto (or notices, memoranda or financing statements as may be recorded or filed to place third parties on notice thereof) to be promptly recorded and filed and re-recorded and re-filed in such manner and in such places, as may be required by law in order fully to preserve and protect the security of the Holders of the Securities and all rights of the Trustee, and shall furnish to the Trustee:
The Company shall execute and deliver such supplemental indenture or indentures and such further instruments and do such further acts as may be necessary or proper to carry out the purposes of this Indenture and to make subject to the Lien hereof any property hereafter acquired, made or constructed and intended to be subject to the Lien hereof, and to transfer to any new trustee or trustees or co-trustee or co-trustees, the estate, powers, instruments or funds held in trust hereunder.
_________________________
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 as of the day and year first above written.
ENTERGY TEXAS, INC. |
By:
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Executed by Entergy Texas, Inc.,
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THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON,
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By:
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Executed by The Bank of New York Mellon,
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STATE OF )
) SS.:
COUNTY OF )
On this ___ day of August, 2008, before me, a Notary Public within and for said County, personally appeared ____________________, to me personally known to be a(n) ________________________ of ENTERGY TEXAS, INC. the corporation which executed the within instrument, and who, being by me duly sworn, did say that he/she resides at ____________________; that he/she is a(n) ________________________ of ENTERGY TEXAS, INC., the corporation named in the foregoing instrument; that said instrument was signed in behalf of said corporation by authority of its Board of Directors; and said ____________________ acknowledged to me said instrument to be the free act and deed of said corporation, and that said corporation executed the same.
_____________________________________
[ ]
Commission Expires [ ]
STATE OF NEW YORK )
) ss.:
COUNTY OF NEW YORK )
On this ____ day of August, 2008, before me, a notary public, the undersigned officer, personally appeared __________________, who acknowledged himself/herself to be a(n) ____________________ of THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, a New York banking corporation and that he/she, as such officer, being authorized to do so, executed the foregoing instrument for the purposes therein contained, by signing the name of the corporation by himself/herself as such officer.
In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and official seal.
_____________________________________
[ ]
Notary Public, State of [ ]
Commission Expires [ ]
EXHIBIT A
Description of Specific Property that is
Mortgaged Property as of the Execution Date
[All equipment and fixtures constituting electric utility property located in Texas (other than Excepted Property)].
All of the real property owned by the Company as of the Execution Date hereof and located in the State of Texas (other than Excepted Property) together with all improvements thereon, including but not limited to the real property described as Texas Property on Schedule 1-3.1 (and the attachments thereto) to the Plan of Merger filed as Exhibit B to the Articles of Merger of Entergy Gulf States, Inc. filed in the Office of the Secretary of State of Texas on December 17, 2007 effective as of 1:00 pm Central Standard Time on December 31, 2007 (the "Plan of Merger"). Such real property includes, but is not limited to, the following real property located in the State of Texas (other than Excepted Property):
1. Texas Generating Plants. All real property on which gas-fired generating plants, plant sites, and stations are located, together with all improvements thereon, including (i) the Lewis Creek Power Plant, (ii) the Sabine Power Plant, and (iii) the Neches Power Plant, all as more fully described on Schedule 1-3.1-1 (and the attachments thereto) attached to the Plan of Merger.
2. Texas Substations. All real property on which substations are located together with all improvements thereon, including, without limitation, those substations more fully described on Schedule 1-3.1-2 (and the attachments thereto) attached to the Plan of Merger together will all improvements thereon.
3. Other Texas Real Property. All land, office buildings and other improvements, appurtenances and other real property together will all improvements thereon, including, without limitation, that real property more fully described on Schedule 1-3.1-3 (and the attachments thereto) attached to the Plan of Merger together with all improvements thereon and the transmission and distribution real property described on Schedules 1-3.2 and 1-3.3 (and the attachments thereto) and attached to the Plan of Merger together will all improvements thereon; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not be deemed to include any real property located at Edison Plaza in Beaumont, Texas.
4. Spindletop Gas Facility. All real property on which the gas storage facility commonly known as the Spindletop Gas Storage Facility is located together with all improvements thereon, including, without limitation, the real property described on Schedule 1-3.4 (and the attachments thereto) attached to the Plan of Merger together with all improvements thereon.
5. Texas Microwave Transmission System and Telecom Tower Assets. All real property on which microwave transmission system assets and telecom towers and fiber optic facilities are located together with all improvements thereon, including, without limitation, the real property described on Schedule 1-3.14 (and attachments thereto) attached to the Plan of Merger.
6. Other Texas Real Property Acquired After December 31, 2007. The following real property acquired after December 31, 2007:
EXHIBIT B
Description of Specific Property
Located at Edison Plaza
The real property described in the deed or other instruments recorded as follows:
Volume 323 Page 383 in the deed records of Jefferson County, Texas. |
Volume 318 Page 502 in the deed records of Jefferson County, Texas. |
Volume 1081 Page 613 in the deed records of Jefferson County, Texas. |
Volume 2120 Page 274 in the deed records of Jefferson County, Texas. |
Volume 2125 Page 109 in the deed records of Jefferson County, Texas. |
Volume 2126 Page 136 in the deed records of Jefferson County, Texas. |
Volume 2135 Page 473 in the deed records of Jefferson County, Texas. |
Volume 2128 Page 386 in the deed records of Jefferson County, Texas. |
Volume 2156 Page 81 in the deed records of Jefferson County, Texas. |
Volume 2134 Page 203 in the deed records of Jefferson County, Texas. |
Volume 2136 Page 341 in the deed records of Jefferson County, Texas. |
Volume 2138 Page 11 in the deed records of Jefferson County, Texas. |
Volume 2169 Page 106 in the deed records of Jefferson County, Texas. |
Volume 2139 Page 463 in the deed records of Jefferson County, Texas. |
Volume 2143 Page 60 in the deed records of Jefferson County, Texas. |
Volume 2154 Page 200 in the deed records of Jefferson County, Texas. |
Volume 2208 Page 331 in the deed records of Jefferson County, Texas. |
Volume 2157 Page 317 in the deed records of Jefferson County, Texas. |
Volume 2157 Page 318 in the deed records of Jefferson County, Texas. |
Volume 2163 Page 143 in the deed records of Jefferson County, Texas. |
Volume 2183 Page 244 in the deed records of Jefferson County, Texas. |
Volume 2193 Page 404 in the deed records of Jefferson County, Texas. |
Volume 2193 Page 407 in the deed records of Jefferson County, Texas. |
Volume 2223 Page 249 in the deed records of Jefferson County, Texas. |
Volume 2227 Page 150 in the deed records of Jefferson County, Texas. |
Volume 2292 Page 423 in the deed records of Jefferson County, Texas. |
Volume 2381 Page 386 in the deed records of Jefferson County, Texas. |
Exhibit 4.02
ENTERGY TEXAS, INC.
FORM OF OFFICER'S CERTIFICATE
[1-B-1]
Establishing the Form and Certain Terms of the
[__]% Mortgage Bonds due 20[__]
THIS INSTRUMENT GRANTS A SECURITY INTEREST
BY A UTILITY
THIS INSTRUMENT CONTAINS AFTER-ACQUIRED
PROPERTY PROVISIONS
The undersigned, [NAME OF OFFICER], [POSITION HELD], an Authorized Officer of Entergy Texas, Inc. (the "Company") (all capitalized terms used herein which are not defined herein but are defined in the Indenture referred to below, shall have the meanings specified in the Indenture), pursuant to a Board Resolution dated [________], 2008 and Sections 201 and 301 of the Indenture, does hereby certify to THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON (the "Trustee"), as Trustee under the Indenture, Deed of Trust and Security Agreement of the Company dated as of [________], 2008 (the "Indenture") that:
(A) an instrument wherein the Company, notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of its indebtedness in respect of such Bonds, shall assume the obligation (which shall be absolute and unconditional) to irrevocably deposit with the Trustee or Paying Agent such additional sums of money, if any, or additional Eligible Obligations (meeting the requirements of Section 801), if any, or any combination thereof, at such time or times, as shall be necessary, together with the money and/or Eligible Obligations theretofore so deposited, to pay when due the principal of and premium, if any, and interest due and to become due on such Bonds or portions thereof, all in accordance with and subject to the provisions of said Section 801; provided , however , that such instrument may state that the obligation of the Company to make additional deposits as aforesaid shall be subject to the delivery to the Company by the Trustee of a notice asserting the deficiency accompanied by an opinion of an independent public accountant of nationally recognized standing, selected by the Trustee, showing the calculation thereof; or
(B) an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that, as a result of a change in law occurring after the date of this certificate, the Holders of such Bonds, or portions of the principal amount thereof, will not recognize income, gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of the satisfaction and discharge of the Company's indebtedness in respect thereof and will be subject to United States federal income tax on the same amounts, at the same times and in the same manner as if such satisfaction and discharge had not been effected.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have executed this Officer's Certificate this [__] day of [_____], 2008.
[INSERT OFFICER NAME],
[INSERT POSITION HELD BY OFFICER]
Exhibit A
[FORM OF BOND]
[Unless this certificate is presented by an authorized representative of The Depository Trust Company, a New York corporation ("DTC"), to Entergy Texas, Inc., 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.]
No._______________ CUSIP No. [ ]
MATURITY DATE: [__________] PRINCIPAL AMOUNT: [___________]
ENTERGY TEXAS, INC.
[___]% MORTGAGE BONDS DUE 20[__]
ENTERGY TEXAS, INC., a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Texas (herein referred to as the "Company," which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture referred to below), for value received, hereby promises to pay to
or registered assigns, the principal amount specified above on the Maturity Date set forth above and to pay interest on the unpaid principal hereof and on any overdue interest from and including [_____], 20[ ] or from and including the most recent interest payment date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for semi-annually on [________] and [_______] of each year, commencing [_________], 20[ ], and on the Maturity Date (each, an "Interest Payment Date"), at the rate of [__]% per annum (the "Interest Rate") to but excluding the date on which the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment. In the event that any Interest Payment Date is not a Business Day, then payment of interest payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day which is a Business Day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of such delay) with the same force and effect as if made on the Interest Payment Date. The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in such Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on [_____] for the [______] Interest Payment Date and on [_______] for the [_________] Interest Payment Date (each a "Regular Record Date") immediately preceding such Interest Payment Date, except that interest payable at Maturity will be payable to the Person to whom principal shall be paid. 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 Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) 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 Securities 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 on which the Securities of this series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in the Indenture referred to herein.
Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest at Maturity on this Security shall be made upon presentation of this Security at the office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose in The City of New York, in the State of New York, 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; provided , however , that, at the option of the Company, interest on this Security (other than interest payable at Maturity) may be paid by check mailed to the address of the person entitled thereto, as such address shall appear on the Security Register, and provided , further , that if such person is a securities depositary, such payment may be made by such other means in lieu of check as shall be agreed upon by the Company, the Trustee and such person.
All terms used in this Security which are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture and in the Officer's Certificate establishing the terms of the Securities of this series (the "Series Officer's Certificate").
This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Company (herein called the "Securities"), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an Indenture, Deed of Trust and Security Agreement dated as of [______], 2008 (herein, together with any amendments or supplements thereto, called the "Indenture", which term shall have the meaning assigned to it in such instrument), between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (herein called the "Trustee", which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), and reference is hereby made to the Indenture, for a statement of the property mortgaged, pledged and held in trust, the nature and extent of the security, the conditions upon which the Lien of the Indenture may be released and to the Indenture, Board Resolutions and Officer's Certificate creating the series designated on the face hereof, for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. The acceptance of this Security shall be deemed to constitute the consent and agreement by the Holder thereof to all of the terms and provisions of the Indenture. This Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof.
[REDEMPTION PROVISIONS TO BE INSERTED]
Notice of redemption (other than at the option of the Holder) shall be given by mail to Holders of Securities, not less than 30 days prior to the date fixed for redemption, all as provided in the Indenture. As provided in the Indenture, notice of redemption at the election of the Company as aforesaid may state that such redemption shall be conditional upon the receipt by the applicable Paying Agent or Agents of money sufficient to pay the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on this Security on or prior to the date fixed for such redemption; a notice of redemption so conditioned shall be of no force or effect if such money is not so received and, in such event, the Company shall not be required to redeem this Security.
In the event of redemption of this Security in part only, a new Security or Securities of this series of like tenor representing the unredeemed portion hereof shall be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.
The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of the entire indebtedness of this Security upon compliance with certain conditions set forth in the Indenture and the Series Officer's Certificate.
If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of this series shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Securities of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect 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 Securities of this series at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of all series at the time Outstanding to be directly affected thereby. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Securities 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 Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security.
As provided in and subject to the provisions of the Indenture, the Holder of this Security shall not have the right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee or for any other remedy thereunder, unless such Holder shall have previously given the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of this series, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of all series at the time Outstanding in respect of which an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as the Trustee and offered the Trustee reasonable indemnity, and the Trustee shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of Securities of all series at the time Outstanding in respect of which an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing a direction inconsistent with such request, and shall have failed to institute any such proceeding for 60 days after receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity. The foregoing shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Holder of this Security for the enforcement of any payment of principal hereof or any premium or interest hereon on or after the respective due dates expressed herein.
No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed.
The Securities of this series are issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein and herein set forth, Securities of this series are exchangeable for Securities of this series, of authorized denominations and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount , as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.
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.
The Company shall not be required to execute and the Security Registrar shall not be required to register the transfer of or exchange of (a) Securities of this series during a period of 15 days immediately preceding the date notice is to be given identifying the serial numbers of the Securities of this series called for redemption, (b) any Security during the 15 days before an Interest Payment Date, or (c) any Security so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Security being redeemed in part.
The Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Security is registered as the absolute owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
This Security shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York (including without limitation Section 5-1401 of the New York General Obligations Law or any successor to such statute), except to the extent that the Trust Indenture Act shall be applicable.
As provided in the Indenture, no recourse shall be had for the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest on any Securities, or any part thereof, or for any claim based thereon or otherwise in respect thereof, or of the indebtedness represented thereby, or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement under the Indenture, against, and no personal liability whatsoever shall attach to, or be incurred by, any incorporator, shareholder, member, limited partner, officer, manager or director, as such, past, present or future of the Company or of any predecessor or successor of the Company (either directly or through the Company or a predecessor or successor of the Company), whether by virtue of any constitutional provision, statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty or otherwise; it being expressly agreed and understood that the Indenture and all the Securities are solely corporate obligations and that any such personal liability is hereby expressly waived and released as a condition of, and as part of the consideration for, the execution of the Indenture and the issuance of the Securities.
Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee referred to herein by manual signature, this Security 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.
ENTERGY TEXAS, INC.
By:_______________________________________
Name:
Title:
[FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION]
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
Dated:
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, as Trustee
By:_______________________________________
Authorized Signatory
Exhibit 5.01
[Clark, Thomas & Winters, A Professional Corporation Letterhead]
September 11, 2008
Entergy Texas, Inc.
639 Loyola Avenue
New Orleans, Louisiana 70113
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as local Texas counsel for Entergy Texas, Inc., a Texas business corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the filing by the Company of a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for the registration of $1,200,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of its Mortgage Bonds (the "Bonds") to be issued in one or more new series, and for the qualification under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of the Indenture, Deed of Trust and Security Agreement (the "Indenture"), between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon (the "Indenture Trustee") under which the Bonds are to be issued.
We, as your special Texas counsel, have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such documents, corporate records, certificates of public officials, and other instruments as we have deemed necessary for the purposes of rendering this opinion. As to certain factual matters material to the opinions hereinafter expressed, we have relied, where such reliance is reasonable, upon representations contained in certificates of the Company or its officers and/or directors, on certificates of public officials, and on representations made by the Company in the Registration Statement.
Subject to the qualifications hereinafter expressed, we are of the following opinions:
(1) The Company is a business corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Texas.
(2) The Bonds, when issued and delivered for the consideration contemplated by, and otherwise as contemplated in, the Registration Statement and the Indenture, will be legally issued and will be binding obligations of the Company and will be entitled to the benefit of the security in Texas afforded by the Indenture.
For purposes of the opinions expressed above, we have assumed (a) that the Bonds will be issued and delivered in compliance with appropriate action with regard to the issuance of the Bonds by and before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and any other applicable regulatory body, (b) that the Bonds will be issued and delivered in compliance with the due authorization of and in accordance with the terms set by the Board of Directors of the Company or, when authorized, the Executive Committee thereof, (c) that the Indenture will be executed and delivered in compliance with the due authorization of (i) the Company's Board of Directors or, when authorized, the Executive Committee thereof and (ii) the Indenture Trustee, (d) amounts to be charged or collected by holders of the Bonds in the nature of interest will not cause the interest charged, paid, or payable on the Bonds to be usurious under applicable law, and (e) at the time the Bonds are issued (i) there shall not have occurred any change in law affecting the validity or enforceability of the Bonds or the Indenture and (ii) none of the terms of the Bonds, nor their issuance, nor the Company's compliance with the terms of the Bonds will violate any applicable law or will result in a violation of any provision of any instrument or agreement then binding upon the Company or any restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company.
We have reviewed the statements in the Registration Statement under the caption "Description of the Bonds - Security," and such statements as to matters of Texas law and legal conclusions under Texas law as are made in the Registration Statement on our authority as experts. Insofar as such statements relate to matters of Texas law and legal conclusions under Texas law, they are true and correct and fairly describe the matters covered thereby, and there are no omissions in such statements of any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make such statements not misleading.
This opinion is limited to the laws of the States of Texas and New York and of the United States of America. To the extent that our opinions relate to or are dependent upon matters governed by the laws of the State of New York, we have relied upon the opinion of Thelen LLP, which is being filed as Exhibit 5.02 to the Registration Statement.
We express no opinion except as explicitly provided herein, and our opinions are based as of the date hereof and are based, in each case, upon existing laws and regulations effective as of the date hereof and assume the application of such laws and regulations to events that may occur after the date of this letter. We undertake no obligation (a) to advise you of changes that may come to our attention or that become effective after the date hereof or (b) to withdraw, reissue, or supplement the opinions expressed herein as a result of any subsequent change to relevant facts or applicable law or any discovery by us that any assumption or factual conclusion set forth in this letter was incorrect as of the date hereof.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 5.01 to the Registration Statement and to the references to our firm in the Registration Statement and in the prospectus contained therein. In giving the foregoing consent, we do not admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
This opinion is rendered to you solely in connection with the above-described matters. This opinion may not be relied on by you for any other purpose or relied on or furnished to any other person without our prior written consent.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Clark, Thomas & Winters, A Professional Corporation
[THELEN LLP LETTERHEAD]
Exhibit 5.02
September 11, 2008
Entergy Texas, Inc.
639 Loyola Avenue
New Orleans, Louisiana 70113
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We refer to the Registration Statement on Form S-3, including the exhibits thereto (the "Registration Statement"), which Entergy Texas, Inc., a Texas business corporation (the "Company"), proposes to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or shortly after the date hereof, for the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of $1,200,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of its Mortgage Bonds (the "Bonds") to be issued in one or more new series, and for the qualification under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of the Indenture, Deed of Trust and Security Agreement (the "Indenture"), between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon (the "Indenture Trustee") under which the Bonds are to be issued.
Subject to the qualifications hereinafter expressed, we are of the opinion that the Bonds, when issued and delivered for the consideration contemplated by, and otherwise as contemplated in, the Registration Statement and the Indenture, will be legally issued and will be binding obligations of the Company.
For purposes of the opinions set forth above, we have assumed (1) that the Bonds will be issued and delivered in compliance with appropriate action with regard to the issuance of the Bonds by and before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission under the Federal Power Act and any other applicable regulatory body, (2) that the Bonds will be issued and delivered in compliance with the due authorization of the Company's Board of Directors or, when authorized, the Executive Committee thereof, (3) that the Indenture will be executed and delivered in compliance with the due authorization of (a) the Company's Board of Directors or, when authorized, the Executive Committee thereof and (b) the Indenture Trustee, (4) amounts to be charged or collected by holders of the Bonds in the nature of interest will not cause the interest charged, paid, or payable on the Bonds to be usurious under applicable law, and (5) at the time the Bonds are issued (a) there shall not have occurred any change in law affecting the validity or enforceability of the Bonds or the Indenture and (ii) none of the terms of the Bonds, nor their issuance, nor the Company's compliance with the terms of the Bonds will violate any applicable law or will result in a violation of any provision of any instrument or agreement then binding upon the Company or any restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company.
This opinion is limited to the laws of the States of New York and Texas and to the federal laws of the United States of America. To the extent that the opinions relate to or are dependent upon matters governed by the laws of the State of Texas, we have relied upon the opinion of Clark, Thomas & Winters, A Professional Corporation, which is being filed as Exhibit 5.01 to the Registration Statement.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 5.02 to the Registration Statement and to the references to our firm, as counsel, in the Registration Statement and in the prospectus contained therein. In giving the foregoing consent, we do not admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Thelen LLP
Exhibit 23.01
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of our report dated March 13, 2008 (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph regarding the effects of the distribution of certain assets and liabilities from Entergy Gulf States, Inc. as part of a jurisdictional separation plan), relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of Entergy Texas, Inc., appearing in Entergy Texas, Inc.'s Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form 10/A, and to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
New Orleans, Louisiana
September 11, 2008
EXHIBIT 25.01
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
FORM T-1
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A
CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE
CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE
ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO
SECTION 305(b)(2) |__|
___________________________
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
(Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)
New York
|
13-5160382
|
One Wall Street, New York, N.Y.
|
10286
|
___________________________
ENTERGY TEXAS, INC.
(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)
Texas
|
61-1435798
|
350 Pine Street
|
|
___________________________
Mortgage Bonds
(Title of the indenture securities)
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
1. General information. Furnish the following information as to the Trustee:
(a) Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it is subject.
Name |
Address |
Superintendent of Banks of the State of New York |
One State Street, New York, N.Y. 10004-1417, and Albany, N.Y. 12223 |
Federal Reserve Bank of New York |
33 Liberty Street, New York, N.Y. 10045 |
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation |
Washington, D.C. 20429 |
New York Clearing House Association |
New York, New York 10005 |
(b) Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.
Yes.
2. Affiliations with Obligor.
If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such affiliation.
None.
16. List of Exhibits.
Exhibits identified in parentheses below, on file with the Commission, are incorporated herein by reference as an exhibit hereto, pursuant to Rule 7a-29 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (the "Act") and 17 C.F.R. 229.10(d).
1. A copy of the Organization Certificate of The Bank of New York Mellon (formerly known as The Bank of New York, itself formerly Irving Trust Company) as now in effect, which contains the authority to commence business and a grant of powers to exercise corporate trust powers. (Exhibit 1 to Amendment No. 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-6215, Exhibits 1a and 1b to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-21672, Exhibit 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-29637, Exhibit 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 333-121195 and Exhibit 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 333-152856).
4. A copy of the existing By-laws of the Trustee. (Exhibit 4 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 333-121195).
6. The consent of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act (Exhibit 6 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 333-152856).
7. A copy of the latest report of condition of the Trustee published pursuant to law or to the requirements of its supervising or examining authority.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Act, the Trustee, The Bank of New York Mellon, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York, has duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in The City of New York, and State of New York, on the 12th day of August, 2008.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
By:
/S/ CARLOS R. LUCIANO
Name: CARLOS R. LUCIANO
Title: VICE PRESIDENT
Consolidated Report of Condition of
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
of One Wall Street, New York, N.Y. 10286
And Foreign and Domestic Subsidiaries,
a member of the Federal Reserve System, at the close of business June 30, 2008, published in accordance with a call made by the Federal Reserve Bank of this District pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Reserve Act.
ASSETS |
Dollar Amounts
|
Cash and balances due from depository institutions: |
|
Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin |
3,463,000 |
Interest-bearing balances |
31,232,000 |
Securities: |
|
Held-to-maturity securities |
1,631,000 |
Available-for-sale securities |
24,769,000 |
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell: |
|
Federal funds sold in domestic offices |
19,485,000 |
Securities purchased under agreements to resell |
0 |
Loans and lease financing receivables: |
|
Loans and leases held for sale |
0 |
Loans and leases, net of unearned income |
33,282,000 |
LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses |
244,000 |
Loans and leases, net of unearned income and allowance |
33,038,000 |
Trading assets |
4,207,000 |
Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases) |
906,000 |
Other real estate owned |
6,000 |
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies |
760,000 |
Not applicable |
|
Intangible assets: |
|
Goodwill |
2,495,000 |
Other intangible assets |
998,000 |
Other assets |
7,072,000 |
Total assets |
130,062,000 |
LIABILITIES |
|
Deposits: |
|
In domestic offices |
34,562,000 |
Noninterest-bearing |
20,410,000 |
Interest-bearing |
14,152,000 |
In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs |
64,413,000 |
Noninterest-bearing |
2,092,000 |
Interest-bearing |
62,321,000 |
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase: |
|
Federal funds purchased in domestic offices |
884,000 |
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase |
89,000 |
Trading liabilities |
3,678,000 |
Other borrowed money:
|
1,999,000 |
Not applicable |
|
Not applicable |
|
Subordinated notes and debentures |
2,940,000 |
Other liabilities |
12,854,000 |
Total liabilities |
121,419,000 |
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries |
133,000 |
EQUITY CAPITAL |
|
Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus |
0 |
Common stock |
1,135,000 |
Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock) |
2,375,000 |
Retained earnings |
6,131,000 |
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
-1,131,000 |
Other equity capital components |
0 |
Total equity capital |
8,510,000 |
Total liabilities, minority interest, and equity capital |
130,062,000 |
Thomas P. Gibbons,
Chief Financial Officer
We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this statement of resources and liabilities. We declare that it has been examined by us, and to the best of our knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions and is true and correct.
Gerald L. Hassell
|
Directors |