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Table of Contents

Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 23, 2018

Registration Statement No. 333-                    


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549



FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933



AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.
(Exact Name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Maryland
(State of or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
  77-0404318
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

671 N. Glebe Road, Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203
(703) 329-6300
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)



Timothy J. Naughton
Chairman of the Board,
Chief Executive Officer and President
AvalonBay Communities, Inc.
671 N. Glebe Road, Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203
(703) 329-6300
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)



With copies to:
Gilbert G. Menna
John O. Newell
Goodwin Procter LLP
Exchange Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02109-2881
(617) 570-1000

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:
From time to time after this Registration Statement becomes effective.

           If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. o

           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. ý

           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.  o

           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. o

           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. ý

           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. o

           Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ý   Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if smaller
reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company o

Emerging growth company  o

           If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided by Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.  o



CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

   
 
Title of Each Class of Securities
to be Registered

  Amount to be Registered/Proposed Maximum
Offering Price Per Unit/Proposed Maximum Aggregate
Offering Price/Amount of Registration Fee

 

Debt Securities

                          (1)
 

Preferred Stock

                          (1)
 

Common Stock

                          (1)

 

(1)
An indeterminate aggregate initial offering price and number or amount of Debt Securities, Preferred Stock and/or Common Stock is being registered as may be offered and sold from time to time by the Company at indeterminate prices. There is also being registered hereunder such currently indeterminate number of shares of Common Stock as may be issued upon conversion of the Debt Securities or the Preferred Stock registered hereby and shares of Preferred Stock as may be issued upon conversion of the Debt Securities registered hereby. Any securities registered under this Registration Statement may be sold separately or as units with other securities under this Registration Statement. The proposed maximum initial offering prices per unit will be determined, from time to time, by the Registrant in connection with the issuance by the Registrant of the securities registered under this Registration Statement. Separate consideration may or may not be received for securities that are issuable on exercise, conversion or exchange of other securities. No separate consideration will be received for securities issued upon conversion of Debt Securities or Preferred Stock. Payment of the registration fee is deferred in reliance upon Rule 456(b) and Rule 457(r).

   


Table of Contents

Prospectus

AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.

Debt Securities
Preferred Stock
Common Stock



        This prospectus provides you with a general description of debt and equity securities that AvalonBay Communities, Inc. may offer and sell from time to time. We may sell these securities independently, or together in any combination that may include other securities set forth in an accompanying prospectus supplement, in one or more offerings, for sale directly to purchasers or through underwriters, dealers or agents to be designated at a future date. Each time we sell securities we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that sale and may add to or update the information in this prospectus, including the names of any underwriters, dealers or agents involved in the sale of any securities. You should read this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement carefully before you invest in our securities.

        Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "AVB."

         Investing in our securities involves various risks. Beginning on page 1, we have discussed several "Risk Factors" that you should consider before investing in our securities.



February 23, 2018



         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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Table of Contents

Risk Factors

  1

Forward-looking Statements

  14

About this Prospectus

  15

Where You Can Find More Information

  15

About AvalonBay Communities, Inc. 

  16

Ratios of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends

  18

Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges

  18

How We Intend to Use the Proceeds

  18

Description of Debt Securities

  18

Description of Preferred Stock

  41

Description of Common Stock

  47

Limits on Ownership of Stock

  48

Federal Income Tax Considerations and Consequences of Your Investment

  50

Plan of Distribution

  74

Experts

  74

Legal Matters

  74

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        Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to "we," "us," "our," "our company," "AvalonBay," or similar expressions in this prospectus refer collectively to AvalonBay Communities, Inc., a Maryland corporation, and its subsidiaries, and their respective predecessor entities for the applicable periods, considered as a single enterprise.

Risk Factors

         Before you invest in our securities, you should be aware that there are risks in making the investment, including those described below. You should consider carefully these risk factors together with all of the information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus before you decide to purchase our securities. This section includes or refers to forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including the risks described in the documents incorporated herein by reference, including (i) our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, (ii) our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and (iii) other documents we file with the SEC after the date of this prospectus and which are deemed incorporated by reference in this prospectus. You should refer to the explanation of the qualifications and limitations on forward-looking statements discussed under "Forward-Looking Statements" below.

Development, redevelopment, construction and operating risks could affect our profitability.

        We intend to continue to develop and redevelop apartment home communities. These activities can include long planning and entitlement timelines and can involve complex and costly activities, including significant environmental remediation or construction work in high-density urban areas. These activities may be exposed to the following risks:

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        We estimate construction costs based on market conditions at the time we prepare our budgets, and our projections include changes that we anticipate but cannot predict with certainty. Construction costs may increase, particularly for labor and certain materials and, for some of our Development Communities and Development Rights (as defined in our Form 10-K report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 and subsequent reports we file with the SEC), the total construction costs may be higher than the original budget. Total capitalized cost includes all capitalized costs incurred and projected to be incurred to develop or redevelop a community, determined in accordance with GAAP, including:

        Costs to redevelop communities that have been acquired have, in some cases, exceeded our original estimates and similar increases in costs may be experienced in the future. We cannot assure you that market rents in effect at the time new development or redevelopment communities complete lease-up will be sufficient to fully offset the effects of any increased construction or reconstruction costs.

        The construction and maintenance of our communities includes a risk of major casualty events that could materially damage our property and the property of others and pose the risk of personal injury. While we carry insurance for such risks in amounts we deem reasonable, we cannot assure that such insurance will be adequate, and when we have incurred and in the future may incur such casualties, we are subject to losses on account of deductibles and self-insured amounts in any event. Such casualties may also expose us in the future to higher insurance premiums, greater construction or operating costs (either voluntarily assumed by us or as a result of new local regulations), and risks to our reputation among prospective residents or municipalities from which we may seek approvals in the future, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business and our financial condition and results of operations.

Unfavorable changes in market and economic conditions could adversely affect occupancy, rental rates, operating expenses, and the overall market value of our real estate assets.

        Local conditions in our markets significantly affect occupancy, rental rates and the operating performance of our communities. The risks that may adversely affect conditions in those markets include the following:

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Rent control and other changes in applicable laws, or noncompliance with applicable laws, could adversely affect our operations or expose us to liability.

        We must develop, construct and operate our communities in compliance with numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations, some of which may conflict with one another or be subject to limited judicial or regulatory interpretations. These laws and regulations may include zoning laws, building codes, landlord/tenant laws and other laws generally applicable to business operations. Noncompliance with laws could expose us to liability.

        Lower revenue growth or significant unanticipated expenditures may result from our need to comply with changes in (i) laws imposing remediation requirements and the potential liability for environmental conditions existing on properties or the restrictions on discharges or other conditions, (ii) rent control or rent stabilization laws or other residential landlord/tenant laws, or (iii) other governmental rules and regulations or enforcement policies affecting the development, use and operation of our communities, including changes to building codes and fire and life-safety codes.

        We have seen a recent increase in municipalities considering or being urged by advocacy groups to consider rent control or rent stabilization laws and regulations or take other actions which could limit our ability to raise rents based solely on market conditions. Depending on the nature of such laws or regulations and the number of our communities that become subject to any such restriction on rent increases, our revenues and net income could be adversely affected. For example, in 2016 in Mountain View, California, the voters passed a referendum that limits rent increases on existing tenants (but not on new move-ins) in communities built before 1995. We have three communities with a total of 946 apartment homes that are subject to the new law. We are aware of efforts in other municipalities to enact similar controls, as well as an effort in California to overturn a state law that currently limits municipal rent control in that state to (i) apartments built before 1995 and (ii) renewal increases in rent (not new tenancies upon a vacancy).

Short-term leases expose us to the effects of declining market rents.

        Substantially all of our apartment leases are for a term of one year or less. Because these leases generally permit the residents to leave at the end of the lease term without penalty, our rental revenues are impacted by declines in market rents more quickly than if our leases were for longer terms.

Competition could limit our ability to lease apartment homes or increase or maintain rents.

        Our apartment communities compete with other housing alternatives to attract residents, including other rental apartments, condominiums and single-family homes that are available for rent, as well as new and existing condominiums and single-family homes for sale. Competitive residential housing in a particular area could adversely affect our ability to lease apartment homes and to increase or maintain rental rates.

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Attractive investment opportunities may not be available, which could adversely affect our profitability.

        We expect that other real estate investors, including insurance companies, pension and investment funds, other REITs and other well-capitalized investors, will compete with us to acquire existing properties and to develop new properties. This competition could increase prices for properties of the type we would likely pursue and adversely affect our profitability for new investments.

Capital and credit market conditions may adversely affect our access to various sources of capital and/or the cost of capital, which could impact our business activities, dividends, earnings, and common stock price, among other things.

        In periods when the capital and credit markets experience significant volatility, the amounts, sources and cost of capital available to us may be adversely affected. We primarily use external financing to fund construction and to refinance indebtedness as it matures. If sufficient sources of external financing are not available to us on cost effective terms, we could be forced to limit our development and redevelopment activity and/or take other actions to fund our business activities and repayment of debt, such as selling assets, reducing our cash dividend or paying out less than 100% of our taxable income. To the extent that we are able and/or choose to access capital at a higher cost than we have experienced in recent years (reflected in higher interest rates for debt financing or a lower stock price for equity financing), absent changes in other factors, our earnings per share and cash flows could be adversely affected. In addition, the price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly and/or decline in a high interest rate or volatile economic environment. We believe that the lenders under our Credit Facility will fulfill their lending obligations thereunder, but if economic conditions deteriorate, there can be no assurance that the ability of those lenders to fulfill their obligations would not be adversely impacted.

Insufficient cash flow could affect our debt financing and create refinancing risk.

        We are subject to the risks associated with debt financing, including the risk that our available cash will be insufficient to meet required payments of principal and interest on our debt. In this regard, in order for us to continue to qualify as a REIT, we are required to annually distribute dividends generally equal to at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding any net capital gain. This requirement limits the amount of our cash flow available to meet required principal and interest payments. The principal outstanding balance on a portion of our debt will not be fully amortized prior to its maturity. Although we may be able to repay our debt by using our cash flows, we cannot assure you that we will have sufficient cash flows available to make all required principal payments. Therefore, we may need to refinance at least a portion of our outstanding debt as it matures. There is a risk that we may not be able to refinance existing debt or that a refinancing will not be done on as favorable terms; either of these outcomes could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Rising interest rates could increase interest costs and could affect the market price of our common stock.

        We currently have, and may in the future incur, contractual variable interest rate debt. In addition, we regularly seek access to both fixed and variable rate debt financing to repay maturing debt and to finance our development and redevelopment activity. Accordingly, if interest rates increase, our interest costs will also rise, unless we have made arrangements that hedge the risk of rising interest rates. In addition, an increase in market interest rates may lead purchasers of our common stock to demand a greater annual dividend yield, which could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

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Bond financing and zoning compliance requirements could limit our income, restrict the use of communities and cause favorable financing to become unavailable.

        We have financed some of our apartment communities with obligations issued by local government agencies because the interest paid to the holders of this debt is generally exempt from federal income taxes and, therefore, the interest rate is generally more favorable to us. These obligations are commonly referred to as "tax-exempt bonds" and generally must be secured by mortgages on our communities. As a condition to obtaining tax-exempt financing, or on occasion as a condition to obtaining favorable zoning in some jurisdictions, we will commit to make some of the apartments in a community available to households whose income does not exceed certain thresholds (e.g., 50% or 80% of area median income), or who meet other qualifying tests. As of December 31, 2017, 5.9% of our apartment homes at current operating communities were under income limitations such as these. These commitments, which may run without expiration or may expire after a period of time (such as 15 or 20 years), may limit our ability to raise rents and, as a consequence, may also adversely affect the value of the communities subject to these restrictions.

        In addition, some of our tax-exempt bond financing documents require us to obtain a guarantee from a financial institution of payment of the principal of, and interest on, the bonds. The guarantee may take the form of a letter of credit, surety bond, guarantee agreement or other additional collateral. If the financial institution defaults in its guarantee obligations, or if we are unable to renew the applicable guarantee or otherwise post satisfactory collateral, a default will occur under the applicable tax-exempt bonds and the community could be foreclosed upon if we do not redeem the bonds.

Risks related to indebtedness.

        We have a Credit Facility with a syndicate of commercial banks. Our organizational documents do not limit the amount or percentage of indebtedness that may be incurred. Accordingly, subject to compliance with outstanding debt covenants, we could incur more debt, resulting in an increased risk of default on our obligations and an increase in debt service requirements that could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

        The mortgages on properties that are subject to secured debt, our Credit Facility and the indenture under which a substantial portion of our debt was issued contain customary restrictions, requirements and other limitations, as well as certain financial and operating covenants, including maintenance of certain financial ratios. Maintaining compliance with these restrictions could limit our flexibility. A default in these requirements, if uncured, could result in a requirement that we repay indebtedness, which could materially adversely affect our liquidity and increase our financing costs.

        The mortgages on properties that are subject to secured debt generally include provisions which stipulate a prepayment penalty or payment that we will be obligated to pay in the event that we elect to repay the mortgage note prior to the earlier of (i) the stated maturity of the note, or (ii) the date at which the mortgage note is prepayable without such penalty or payment. If we elect to repay some or all of the outstanding principal balance for our mortgage notes, we may incur prepayment penalties or payments under these provisions which could adversely affect our results of operations.

Failure to maintain our current credit ratings could adversely affect our cost of funds, related margins, liquidity and access to capital markets.

        There are two major debt rating agencies that routinely evaluate and rate our debt. Their ratings are based on a number of factors, which include their assessment of our financial strength, liquidity, capital structure, asset quality, amount of real estate under development, and sustainability of cash flow and earnings, among other factors. If market conditions change, we may not be able to maintain our current credit ratings, which could adversely affect our cost of funds and related margins, liquidity and access to capital markets.

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Debt financing may not be available and equity issuances could be dilutive to our stockholders.

        Our ability to execute our business strategy depends on our access to cost effective debt and equity financing. Debt financing may not be available in sufficient amounts or on favorable terms. If we issue additional equity securities, the interests of existing stockholders could be diluted.

Failure to generate sufficient revenue or other liquidity needs could limit cash flow available for distributions to stockholders.

        A decrease in rental revenue, or liquidity needs such as the repayment of indebtedness or funding of our development activities, could have an adverse effect on our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders. Significant expenditures associated with each community such as debt service payments, if any, real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance costs are generally not reduced when circumstances cause a reduction in income from a community.

The form, timing and/or amount of dividend distributions in future periods may vary and be impacted by economic and other considerations.

        The form, timing and/or amount of dividend distributions will be declared at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend on actual cash from operations, our financial condition, capital requirements, the annual distribution requirements under the REIT provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and other factors as the Board of Directors may consider relevant. The Board of Directors may modify our dividend policy from time to time.

We may choose to pay dividends in our own stock, in which case stockholders may be required to pay tax in excess of the cash they receive.

        We may distribute taxable dividends that are payable in part in our stock, as we did in the fourth quarter of 2008. Taxable stockholders receiving such dividends will be required to include the full amount of the dividend as income to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits for federal income tax purposes. As a result, a U.S. stockholder may be required to pay tax with respect to such dividends in excess of the cash dividend received. If a U.S. stockholder sells the stock it receives as a dividend in order to pay this tax, the sales proceeds may be less than the amount included in income with respect to the dividend, depending on the market price of our stock at the time of the sale. Furthermore, with respect to non-U.S. stockholders, we may be required to withhold U.S. tax with respect to such dividends, including in respect of all or a portion of such dividend that is payable in stock. In addition, the trading price of our stock would experience downward pressure if a significant number of our stockholders sell shares of our stock in order to pay taxes owed on dividends.

We may experience regulatory or economic barriers to selling apartment communities that could limit liquidity and financial flexibility.

        Potential difficulties in selling real estate in our markets may limit our ability to change or reduce the apartment communities in our portfolio promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions. Federal tax laws may limit our ability to earn a gain on the sale of a community (unless we own it through a subsidiary which will incur a taxable gain upon sale) if we are found to have held, acquired or developed the community primarily with the intent to resell the community, and this limitation may affect our ability to sell communities without adversely affecting returns to our stockholders. In addition, real estate in our markets can at times be difficult to sell quickly at prices we find acceptable.

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Acquisitions may not yield anticipated results.

        Our business strategy includes acquiring as well as developing communities. Our acquisition activities may be exposed to the following risks:

Failure to succeed in new markets, or with new brands and community formats, or in activities other than the development, ownership and operation of residential rental communities may have adverse consequences.

        We may from time to time commence development activity or make acquisitions outside of our existing market areas if appropriate opportunities arise. Our historical experience in our existing markets in developing, owning and operating rental communities does not ensure that we will be able to operate successfully in new markets, should we choose to enter them. We may be exposed to a variety of risks if we choose to enter new markets, including an inability to accurately evaluate local apartment market conditions; an inability to obtain land for development or to identify appropriate acquisition opportunities; an inability to hire and retain key personnel; and a lack of familiarity with local governmental and permitting procedures.

        Although we are primarily in the multifamily business, we also own and lease ancillary retail space when retail represents the best use of the space, as is often the case with large urban in-fill developments. We also may engage or have an interest in for-sale activity. We may be unsuccessful in owning and leasing retail space at our communities or in developing real estate with the intent to sell, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

Land we hold with no current intent to develop may be subject to future impairment charges.

        We own parcels of land that we do not currently intend to develop. In the event that the fair market value of a parcel changes such that we determine that the carrying basis of the parcel reflected in our financial statements is greater than the parcel's then current fair value, less costs to dispose, we would be subject to an impairment charge, which would reduce our net income.

We are exposed to various risks from our real estate activity through joint ventures.

        Instead of acquiring or developing apartment communities as a wholly-owned investment, at times we may invest in real estate as a partner or a co-venturer with other investors. Joint venture investments (including investments through partnerships or limited liability companies) involve risks, including the possibility that our partner might become insolvent or otherwise refuse to make capital contributions when due; that we may be responsible to our partner for indemnifiable losses; that our partner might at any time have business goals that are inconsistent with ours; and that our partner may be in a position to take action or withhold consent contrary to our instructions or requests. Frequently, we and our partner may each have the right to trigger a buy-sell arrangement that could cause us to sell our interest, or acquire our partner's interest, at a time when we otherwise would not have initiated such a transaction.

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We are exposed to risks associated with investment in and management of discretionary real estate investment funds and joint ventures.

        We have investment interests in several investment funds and joint ventures (collectively, the "ventures") ranging from 20.0% to 94.0%. The ventures present risks, including the following:

The governance provisions of our joint ventures with Equity Residential could adversely affect our flexibility in dealing with such joint venture assets and liabilities.

        In connection with the Archstone Acquisition, we created joint ventures with Equity Residential that manage or have an interest in certain of the acquired assets and liabilities. These structures involve participation in the ventures by Equity Residential whose interests and rights may not be the same as ours. Joint ownership of an investment in real estate involves risks not associated with direct ownership of real estate, including the risk that Equity Residential may at any time have economic or other business interests or goals which become inconsistent with our business interests or goals, including inconsistent goals relating to the sale of properties held in the joint ventures or the timing of the termination and liquidation of the joint ventures. Under the form for the joint venture arrangements, neither we nor Equity Residential expect to individually have the sole power to control the ventures, and an impasse could occur, which could adversely affect the applicable joint venture and decrease potential returns to us and our investors.

We rely on information technology in our operations, and any breach, interruption or security failure of that technology could have a negative impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition and/or reputation.

        Information security risks have generally increased in recent years due to the rise in new technologies and the increased sophistication and activities of perpetrators of cyber attacks.

        We collect and hold personally identifiable information of our residents and prospective residents in connection with our leasing and property management activities, and we collect and hold personally identifiable information of our associates in connection with their employment. In addition, we engage third party service providers that may have access to such personally identifiable information in connection with providing necessary information technology and security and other business services to us.

        We address potential breaches or disclosure of this confidential personally identifiable information by implementing a variety of security measures intended to protect the confidentiality and security of this information including (among others) engaging reputable, recognized firms to help us design and

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maintain our information technology and data security systems, including testing and verification of their proper and secure operations on a periodic basis. We also maintain cyber risk insurance to provide some coverage for certain risks arising out of data and network breaches.

        However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to prevent unauthorized access to this information. Any failure in or breach of our operational or information security systems, or those of our third party service providers, as a result of cyber attacks or information security breaches could result in a wide range of potentially serious harm to our business operations and financial prospects, including (among others) disruption of our business and operations, disclosure or misuse of confidential or proprietary information (including personal information of our residents and/or associates), damage to our reputation, and/or potentially significant legal and/or financial liabilities and penalties.

We are exposed to risks that are either uninsurable, not economically insurable or in excess of our insurance coverage, including risks discussed below.

        Earthquake risk.     Many of our West Coast communities are located in the general vicinity of active earthquake faults. We cannot assure you that an earthquake would not cause damage or losses greater than insured levels. In the event of a loss in excess of insured limits, we could lose our capital invested in the affected community, as well as anticipated future revenue from that community. We would also continue to be obligated to repay any mortgage indebtedness or other obligations related to the community. Any such loss could materially and adversely affect our business and our financial condition and results of operations.

        Insurance coverage for earthquakes can be costly and in limited supply. As a result, we may experience shortages in desired coverage levels if market conditions are such that insurance is not available or the cost of insurance makes it, in the Company's view, economically impractical.

        Severe or inclement weather risk.     Particularly in New England and the Metro New York/New Jersey area, we are exposed to risks associated with inclement or severe weather, including hurricanes, severe winter storms and coastal flooding. Severe or inclement weather may result in increased costs resulting from increased maintenance, repair of water and wind damage, removal of snow and ice, and, in the case of our development communities, delays in construction that result in increased construction costs and delays in realizing rental revenues from a community.

        A single catastrophe that affects one of our regions, such as an earthquake, that affects the West Coast or a hurricane or severe winter storm that affects the Mid-Atlantic, Metro New York/New Jersey or New England regions, may have a significant negative effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

        Climate change risk.     To the extent that significant changes in the climate occur in areas where our communities are located, we may experience extreme weather and changes in precipitation and temperature, all of which may result in physical damage to or a decrease in demand for properties located in these areas or affected by these conditions. Should the impact of climate change be material in nature, including significant property damage to or destruction of our communities, or occur for lengthy periods of time, our financial condition or results of operations may be adversely affected. In addition, changes in federal, state and local legislation and regulation based on concerns about climate change could result in increased capital expenditures on our existing properties and our new development properties (for example, to improve their energy efficiency and/or resistance to inclement weather) without a corresponding increase in revenue, resulting in adverse impacts to our net income.

        Terrorism risk.     We have significant investments in large metropolitan markets, such as Metro New York/New Jersey and Washington, D.C., which markets have in the past been or may in the future be the target of actual or threatened terrorist attacks. Future terrorist attacks in these markets could directly or indirectly damage our communities, both physically and financially, or cause losses that

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exceed our insurance coverage and that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

A significant uninsured property or liability loss could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

        In addition to the earthquake insurance discussed above, we carry commercial general liability insurance, property insurance and terrorism insurance with respect to our communities on terms and in amounts we consider commercially reasonable. There are, however, certain types of losses (such as losses arising from acts of war) that are not insured, in full or in part, because they are either uninsurable or the cost of insurance makes it, in the Company's view, economically impractical. If an uninsured property loss or a property loss in excess of insured limits were to occur, we could lose our capital invested in a community, as well as the anticipated future revenues from such community. We would also continue to be obligated to repay any mortgage indebtedness or other obligations related to the community. If an uninsured liability to a third party were to occur, we would incur the cost of defense and settlement with, or court ordered damages to, that third party. A significant uninsured property or liability loss could have a material adverse effect on our business and our financial condition and results of operations.

We may incur costs due to environmental contamination or non-compliance.

        Under various federal, state and local environmental and public health laws, regulations and ordinances, we may be required, regardless of knowledge or responsibility, to investigate and remediate the effects of hazardous or toxic substances or petroleum product releases at our properties (including in some cases natural substances such as methane and radon gas) and may be held liable under these laws or common law to a governmental entity or to third parties for property, personal injury or natural resources damages and for investigation and remediation costs incurred as a result of the contamination. These damages and costs may be substantial and may exceed any insurance coverage we have for such events. The presence of these substances, or the failure to properly remediate the contamination, may adversely affect our ability to borrow against, develop, sell or rent the affected property. In addition, some environmental laws create or allow a government agency to impose a lien on the contaminated site in favor of the government for damages and costs it incurs as a result of the contamination.

        The development, construction and operation of our communities are subject to regulations and permitting under various federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances, which regulate matters including wetlands protection, storm water runoff and wastewater discharge. These laws and regulations may impose restrictions on the manner in which our communities may be developed, and noncompliance with these laws and regulations may subject us to fines and penalties.

        Certain federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances govern the removal, encapsulation or disturbance of asbestos containing materials ("ACMs") when such materials are in poor condition or in the event of renovation or demolition of a building. These laws and the common law may impose liability for release of ACMs and may allow third parties to seek recovery from owners or operators of real properties for personal injury associated with exposure to ACMs. We are not aware that any ACMs were used in the construction of the communities we developed. ACMs were, however, used in the construction of a number of the communities that we have acquired. We implement an operations and maintenance program at each of the communities at which ACMs are detected.

        We are aware that some of our communities have lead paint and have implemented an operations and maintenance program at each of those communities.

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        Environmental agencies and third parties may assert claims for remediation or personal injury based on the alleged actual or potential intrusion into buildings of chemical vapors from soils or groundwater underlying or in the vicinity of those buildings or on nearby properties.

        All of our stabilized operating communities, and all of the communities that we are currently developing, have been subjected to at least a Phase I or similar environmental assessment, which generally does not involve invasive techniques such as soil or groundwater sampling. These assessments, together with subsurface assessments conducted on some properties, have not revealed, and we are not otherwise aware of, any environmental conditions that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our business, assets, financial condition or results of operations. In connection with our ownership, operation and development of communities, from time to time we undertake substantial remedial action in response to the presence of subsurface or other contaminants, including contaminants in soil, groundwater and soil vapor beneath or affecting our buildings. In some cases, an indemnity exists upon which we may be able to rely if environmental liability arises from the contamination or remediation costs exceed estimates. There can be no assurance, however, that all necessary remediation actions have been or will be undertaken at our properties or that we will be indemnified, in full or at all, in the event that environmental liability arises.

        Mold growth may occur when excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or is not addressed over a period of time. Certain molds may in some instances lead to adverse health effects, including allergic or other reactions. To help limit mold growth, we educate residents about the importance of adequate ventilation and request or require that they notify us when they see mold or excessive moisture. We have established procedures for promptly addressing and remediating mold or excessive moisture from apartment homes when we become aware of its presence regardless of whether we or the resident believe a health risk is presented. However, we cannot provide assurance that mold or excessive moisture will be detected and remediated in a timely manner. If a significant mold problem arises at one of our communities, we could be required to undertake a costly remediation program to contain or remove the mold from the affected community and could be exposed to other liabilities that may exceed any applicable insurance coverage.

        Additionally, we have occasionally been involved in developing, managing, leasing and operating various properties for third parties. Consequently, we may be considered to have been an operator of such properties and, therefore, potentially liable for removal or remediation costs or other potential costs which relate to the release or presence of hazardous or toxic substances or petroleum products at such properties.

        We cannot assure you that:

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Our success depends on key personnel whose continued service is not guaranteed.

        Our success depends in part on our ability to attract and retain the services of executive officers and other personnel. Our executive officers make important capital allocation decisions or recommendations to our Board of Directors from among the opportunities identified by our regional offices. There is substantial competition for qualified personnel in the real estate industry, and the loss of our key personnel could adversely affect the Company.

Failure to qualify as a REIT would cause us to be taxed as a corporation, which would significantly reduce funds available for distribution to stockholders.

        If we fail to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, we will be subject to regular U.S. federal corporate income tax on our taxable income. In addition, unless we are entitled to relief under applicable statutory provisions, we would be ineligible to make an election for treatment as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year in which we lose our qualification. The additional tax liability resulting from the failure to qualify as a REIT would significantly reduce or eliminate the amount of funds available for distribution to our stockholders. Furthermore, we would no longer be required to make distributions to our stockholders. Thus, our failure to qualify as a REIT could also impair our ability to expand our business and raise capital, and would adversely affect the value of our common stock.

        We believe that we are organized and qualified as a REIT, and we intend to operate in a manner that will allow us to continue to qualify as a REIT. However, we cannot assure you that we are qualified as a REIT, or that we will remain qualified in the future. This is because qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex provisions of the Code for which there are only limited judicial and administrative interpretations and involves the determination of a variety of factual matters and circumstances not entirely within our control. Our qualification as a REIT will depend on our satisfaction of certain asset, income, organizational, distribution, shareholder ownership and other requirements on a continuing basis. In addition, future legislation, new regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions may significantly change the tax laws or the application of the tax laws with respect to qualification as a REIT for federal income tax purposes or the federal income tax consequences of this qualification.

        Even if we qualify as a REIT, we will be subject to certain federal, state and local taxes on our income and property and on taxable income that we do not distribute to our stockholders. In addition, we may through our taxable REIT subsidiaries hold certain assets and engage in certain activities that a REIT could not engage in directly. We also use taxable REIT subsidiaries to hold certain assets that we believe would be subject to the 100% prohibited transaction tax if sold at a gain outside of a taxable REIT subsidiary. Our taxable REIT subsidiaries are subject to U.S. tax as regular corporations. The Archstone Acquisition increased the amount of assets held through our taxable REIT subsidiaries.

Legislative or regulatory action related to federal income tax laws could adversely affect our stockholders, holders of debt securities and/or our business.

        On December 22, 2017, H.R. 1, informally titled the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "TCJA"), was enacted. The TCJA makes major changes to the Code, including a number of provisions of the Code that affect the taxation of REITs and their stockholders. Among the changes made by the TCJA are (i) permanently reducing the generally applicable corporate tax rate, (ii) generally reducing the tax rate applicable to individuals and other non-corporate taxpayers for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026, (iii) eliminating or modifying certain previously allowed deductions (including substantially limiting interest deductibility and, for individuals, the deduction for non-business state and local taxes), and (iv) for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026, providing for preferential rates of taxation through a deduction of up to 20%

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(subject to certain limitations) on most ordinary REIT dividends and certain trade or business income of non-corporate taxpayers. The TCJA also imposes new limitations on the deduction of net operating losses, which may result in us having to make additional taxable distributions to our stockholders in order to comply with REIT distribution requirements or avoid taxes on retained income and gains. The effect of the significant changes made by the TCJA is highly uncertain, and administrative guidance will be required in order to fully evaluate the effect of many provisions. The effect of any technical corrections with respect to the TCJA could have an adverse effect on us or our stockholders or holders of our debt securities. Investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the implications of the TCJA on their investment in our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities.

        In addition, in recent years, numerous legislative, judicial and administrative changes have been made to the federal income tax laws applicable to investments in REITs and similar entities. Additional changes to tax laws are likely to continue to occur in the future, and we cannot assure our stockholders that any such changes will not adversely affect the taxation of a stockholder. We cannot assure you that future changes to tax laws and regulations will not have an adverse effect on an investment in our common stock.

The ability of our stockholders to control our policies and effect a change of control of our company is limited by certain provisions of our charter and bylaws and by Maryland law.

        There are provisions in our charter and bylaws that may discourage a third party from making a proposal to acquire us, even if some of our stockholders might consider the proposal to be in their best interests. These provisions include the following:

        Our charter authorizes our Board of Directors to issue up to 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock without stockholder approval and to establish the preferences and rights, including voting rights, of any series of preferred stock issued. The Board of Directors may issue preferred stock without stockholder approval, which could allow the Board to issue one or more classes or series of preferred stock that could discourage or delay a tender offer or a change in control.

        To maintain our qualification as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, not more than 50% in value of our outstanding stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by or for five or fewer individuals at any time during the last half of any taxable year. To maintain this qualification, and/or to address other concerns about concentrations of ownership of our stock, our charter generally prohibits ownership (directly, indirectly by virtue of the attribution provisions of the Code, or beneficially as defined in Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act) by any single stockholder of more than 9.8% of the issued and outstanding shares of any class or series of our stock. In general, under our charter, pension plans and mutual funds may directly and beneficially own up to 15% of the outstanding shares of any class or series of stock. Under our charter, our Board of Directors may in its sole discretion waive or modify the ownership limit for one or more persons, but it is not required to do so even if such waiver would not affect our qualification as a REIT. These ownership limits may prevent or delay a change in control and, as a result, could adversely affect our stockholders' ability to realize a premium for their shares of common stock.

        As a Maryland corporation, we are subject to the provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law. Maryland law imposes restrictions on some business combinations and requires compliance with statutory procedures before some mergers and acquisitions may occur, which may delay or prevent offers to acquire us or increase the difficulty of completing any offers, even if they are in our stockholders' best interests. In addition, other provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law permit the Board of Directors to make elections and to take actions without stockholder approval (such as classifying our Board such that the entire Board is not up for re-election annually) that, if made or taken, could have the effect of discouraging or delaying a change in control.

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Forward-looking Statements

        This prospectus, including the information incorporated by reference, contain statements that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). You can identify forward-looking statements by the use of the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "assume," "project," "plan," "may," "shall," "will," "outlook" and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events and trends and which do not relate to historical matters. These statements include, among other things, statements regarding our intent, belief or expectations with respect to:

        We cannot assure the future results or outcome of the matters described in these statements; rather, these statements merely reflect our current expectations of the approximate outcomes of the matters discussed. You should not rely on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this prospectus. We do not undertake a duty to update these forward-looking statements, and therefore they may not represent our estimates and assumptions after the date of this prospectus. These risks, uncertainties and other factors, which are described below and under "Risk Factors" elsewhere in this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference, may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

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        Some of the factors that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following:

About this Prospectus

        This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the SEC utilizing a shelf registration process. Under this shelf process, we may sell an indeterminate number or amount of any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement together with additional information described below under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information."

Where You Can Find More Information

        We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC" or the "Commission"). Our SEC filings are available to the public free of charge from the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov or on our website located at http://www.avalonbay.com . The information on our website is not a part of this prospectus.

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        In accordance with Section 2-210 of the Maryland General Corporation Law, our board of directors may authorize the issuance of some or all of the shares of any or all of our classes or series of stock without certificates. In addition, we have the authority to designate and issue more than one class or series of stock having various preferences, conversion and other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications, and terms and conditions of redemption. See "Description of Preferred Stock" and "Description of Common Stock." Our charter imposes limitations on the ownership and transfer of our stock. See "Limits on Ownership of Stock." We will furnish a full statement of the relative rights and preferences of each class or series of our stock which has been so designated and any restrictions on the ownership or transfer of our stock to any stockholder upon request and without charge. Written requests for such copies should be directed to: AvalonBay Communities, Inc., 671 N. Glebe Road, Suite 800, Arlington, Virginia 22203, Attention: Chief Financial Officer.

        The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the information we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to these documents. 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 the information already incorporated by reference. AvalonBay's SEC file number is 001-12672. We are incorporating by reference the documents listed below, which were previously filed by us with the SEC:

         You may request a copy of these filings, and any exhibits we have specifically incorporated by reference as an exhibit in this prospectus, at no cost by writing or telephoning us at the following: AvalonBay Communities, Inc., 671 N. Glebe Rd., Suite 800, Arlington, Virginia 22203, Attention: Chief Financial Officer. Our telephone number is 703-329-6300.

        This prospectus is part of a registration statement we filed with the SEC. We have incorporated exhibits into this registration statement. You should read the exhibits carefully for provisions that may be important to you.

        You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We are not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or in the documents incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this prospectus or those documents.

About AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

        AvalonBay Communities, Inc. is a REIT and an S&P 500 Index company that owns one of the largest portfolios of high-quality multifamily communities in the United States. We develop, redevelop, acquire, own and operate multifamily communities primarily in New England, the New York/New Jersey metro area, the Mid-Atlantic, the Pacific Northwest, and Northern and Southern California. We

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focus on leading metropolitan areas in these regions that we believe are characterized by growing employment in high wage sectors of the economy, higher cost of home ownership and a diverse and vibrant quality of life. We believe these market characteristics offer the opportunity for superior risk-adjusted returns over the long term on apartment community investments relative to other markets that do not have these characteristics. In selecting sites for development or acquisition, we favor locations that are near expanding employment centers and convenient to transportation, recreation areas, entertainment, shopping and dining.

        Our principal financial goal is to increase long-term shareholder value through the development, redevelopment, acquisition, ownership and, when appropriate, disposition of apartment communities in our markets. To help meet this goal, we regularly (i) monitor our investment allocation by geographic market and product type, (ii) develop, redevelop and acquire interests in apartment communities in our selected markets, (iii) selectively sell apartment communities that no longer meet our long-term strategy or when opportunities are presented to realize a portion of the value created through our investment and redeploy the proceeds from those sales and (iv) endeavor to maintain a capital structure that is aligned with our business risks with a view to maintaining continuous access to cost-effective capital. We pursue our development, redevelopment, investment and operating activities with the purpose of Creating a Better Way to Live . Our strategic vision is to be the leading apartment company in select US markets, providing a range of distinctive living experiences that customers value. We pursue this vision by targeting what we believe are among the best markets and submarkets, leveraging our strategic capabilities in market research and consumer insight and being disciplined in our capital allocation and balance sheet management. We pursue our development and redevelopment activities primarily through in-house development and in-house redevelopment teams, which are complemented by our in-house acquisition platform. We believe that our organizational structure, which includes dedicated development and operational teams in each of our regions, and strong culture are key differentiators, providing us with highly talented, dedicated and capable associates.

        We operate our apartment communities under three core brands Avalon, AVA and Eaves by Avalon. We believe that this branding differentiation allows us to target our product offerings to multiple customer groups and submarkets within our existing geographic footprint. The Avalon brand is our core offering, focusing on upscale apartment living and high end amenities and services in urban and suburban markets. Our AVA brand is designed for people who want to live in or near urban neighborhoods and in close proximity to public transportation, services, shopping and night-life. AVA apartments are generally smaller, many engineered for roommate living and feature modern design and a technology focus. Our Eaves by Avalon brand is designed for renters who seek good quality apartment living, often in a suburban setting, with practical amenities and services at a more modest price point.

        AvalonBay elected to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes for the taxable year ended December 31, 1994, and has not terminated or revoked that election. As a REIT, with limited exceptions, we will not be taxed under federal and certain state income tax laws at the corporate level on our net income to the extent net income is distributed to our stockholders. We have historically made sufficient distributions to avoid tax on retained income, and we intend to make sufficient distributions to avoid income tax at the corporate level. While we believe that we are organized and qualified as a REIT and we intend to operate in a manner that will allow us to continue to qualify as a REIT, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in this regard. Qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex provisions of the Code, for which there are limited judicial and administrative interpretations and involves the determination of a variety of factual matters and circumstances not entirely within our control.

        Our principal executive offices are located at Ballston Tower, 671 N. Glebe Road, Suite 800, Arlington, Virginia 22203, Attention: Chief Financial Officer. Our telephone number is 703-329-6300. Our website is located at www.avalonbay.com. Information on our website is not deemed to be a part of this prospectus. Our common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol "AVB."

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Ratios of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends

        Our ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends for each of the periods indicated is as follows:

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
2017
  Year Ended
December 31,
2016
  Year Ended
December 31,
2015
  Year Ended
December 31,
2014
  Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Ratios

    4.20x     4.79x     3.94x     3.63x     1.35x  

        The ratios of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends were computed by dividing earnings by combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends. For this purpose, earnings consist of pre-tax income from continuing operations before adjustment for minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries plus fixed charges less capitalized interest. Fixed charges consist of interest expense (including the amortization of debt issuance costs) and capitalized interest.

        There were no shares of preferred stock outstanding during the five year period covered by the table above.

Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges

        Our ratio of earnings to fixed charges for each of the periods indicated is as follows:

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
2017
  Year Ended
December 31,
2016
  Year Ended
December 31,
2015
  Year Ended
December 31,
2014
  Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Ratios

    4.20x     4.79x     3.94x     3.63x     1.35x  

        The ratios of earnings to fixed charges were computed by dividing earnings by fixed charges. For this purpose, earnings consist of pre-tax income from continuing operations before adjustment for minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries plus fixed charges less capitalized interest. Fixed charges consist of interest expense (including the amortization of debt issuance costs) and capitalized interest.

How We Intend to Use the Proceeds

        Unless we provide otherwise in a supplement to this prospectus, we intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities for one or more of the following:

Description of Debt Securities

        We may issue debt securities, which we sometimes refer to in this prospectus as notes, in one or more series under one or more indentures, including debt securities that we may issue under an indenture, dated as of February 23, 2018, between us and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, which has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. References herein to the "Indenture" refer to such indenture and references to the "Trustee" refer to such trustee or any other trustee for any particular series of debt securities issued under the Indenture. The terms of the debt securities of any series will be those specified in or pursuant to the

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Indenture and in the applicable debt securities of that series, and those made part of the Indenture by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "Trust Indenture Act").

        The following description of selected provisions of the Indenture and the debt securities that may be issued thereunder is not complete, and the description of selected terms of the debt securities of a particular series included in the applicable prospectus supplement also will not be complete. You should review the Indenture, any supplemental indenture and the form of the applicable debt securities, which forms have been or will be filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or as exhibits to documents which have been or will be incorporated by reference in this prospectus. To obtain a copy of the form of the Indenture or the form of the applicable debt securities, see "Where You Can Find More Information" in this prospectus. The following description of debt securities and the description of the debt securities of the particular series in the applicable prospectus supplement are qualified in their entirety by reference to all of the provisions of the Indenture, any supplemental indentures and the applicable debt securities, which provisions, including defined terms, are incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this section shall have the meanings assigned to those terms in the Indenture.

        The following description of debt securities describes general terms and provisions of the series of debt securities to which any prospectus supplement may relate. When the debt securities of a particular series are offered for sale, the specific terms of such debt securities will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. If any particular terms of such debt securities described in a prospectus supplement are inconsistent with any of the terms of the debt securities generally described in this prospectus, then the terms described in the applicable prospectus supplement will supersede the terms described in this prospectus.

        Reopening of Prior Issues of Notes.     We may, from time to time, on one or more occasions and without the consent of the holders of the applicable series of debt securities, reopen one or more issues of debt securities we have previously issued under the Prior Indenture, as defined below. In each such instance, the debt securities that we issue would have the same terms and conditions (including maturity, interest payment terms and CUSIP number) as the then-outstanding debt securities of that series that we had issued on an earlier date, except for the issue date, issue price and, if applicable, the first interest payment date. After we issue such additional debt securities, they will be fungible with the other debt securities of that series issued on such earlier date or dates. If we issue any such debt securities, we will file a prospectus supplement that describes the terms of the debt securities of that series then-outstanding and any additional terms applicable to the debt securities that we will issue in connection with the reopening of that series of debt securities.

        When we refer to the "Prior Indenture," we are referring collectively to (1) the original Indenture dated as of January 16, 1998, referred to as the Original Indenture, (2) a First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 20, 1998, (3) a Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 7, 1998, (3) an Amended and Restated Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 10, 2000 (the "Third Supplemental Indenture"), (4) a Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 18, 2006, and (5) a Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 21, 2014, each between AvalonBay and The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor trustee), as Trustee. We have filed the Original Indenture and each of the supplemental indentures referred to above as exhibits to this registration statement, and any description of the particular terms of any series of debt securities issued under the Prior Indenture that we offer as part of the reopening of that series is qualified by reference to the text of the Prior Indenture as filed.

General

        We may issue an unlimited principal amount of debt securities under the Indenture. The Indenture provides that debt securities of any series may be issued up to the aggregate principal amount which

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may be authorized from time to time by us. Please read the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the debt securities of the particular series being offered thereby for the specific terms of such debt securities, including, where applicable:

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        As used in this prospectus, references to the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the debt securities of a series include Additional Amounts, if any, payable on the debt securities of such series in that context.

        We may issue debt securities as original issue discount securities to be sold at a substantial discount below their principal amount. In the event of an acceleration of the maturity of any original issue discount security, the amount payable to the holder upon acceleration will be determined in the

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manner described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Important federal income tax and other considerations applicable to original issue discount securities will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

        The terms of the debt securities of any series may be inconsistent with the terms of the debt securities of any other series. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may, without the consent of, or notice to, the holders of the debt securities of any series, reopen an existing series of debt securities and issue additional debt securities of that series.

        Other than to the extent provided with respect to the debt securities of a particular series and described in the applicable prospectus supplement, the Indenture will not contain any provisions that would limit our ability to incur indebtedness or to substantially reduce or eliminate our consolidated assets, which may have a material adverse effect on our ability to service our indebtedness (including the debt securities) or that would afford holders of the debt securities protection in the event of:

Registration, Transfer, Payment and Paying Agent

        Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, each series of debt securities will be issued in registered form only, without coupons.

        Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will be payable and may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange at our office or at the office of our agent in the continental United States. However, we may, at our option, make payments of interest on any interest payment date on any debt security by check mailed to the address of the person entitled to receive that payment or by wire transfer to an account maintained by the payee with a bank located in the United States.

        Any interest not punctually paid or duly provided for on any interest payment date with respect to the debt securities of any series will forthwith cease to be payable to the holders of those debt securities on the applicable regular record date and may either be paid to the persons in whose names those debt securities are registered at the close of business on a special record date for the payment of the interest not punctually paid or duly provided for to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to the holders of those debt securities not less than 10 days prior to the special record date, or may be paid at any time in any other lawful manner, all as completely described in the Indenture.

        Subject to certain limitations imposed on debt securities issued in book-entry form, the debt securities of any series will be exchangeable for other debt securities of the same series and of a like aggregate principal amount and tenor of different authorized denominations upon surrender of those debt securities at the designated place or places. In addition, subject to certain limitations imposed upon debt securities issued in book-entry form, the debt securities of any series may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange thereof at the designated place or places if duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer. No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange, redemption or repayment of debt securities, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with certain of those transactions.

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        Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will not be required to:

Outstanding Debt Securities

        In determining whether the holders of the requisite principal amount of outstanding debt securities have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, or waiver under the Indenture:

Redemption and Repurchase

        The debt securities of any series may be redeemable at our option, or may be subject to mandatory redemption by us as required by a sinking fund or otherwise. In addition, the debt securities of any series may be subject to repurchase by us at the option of the holders. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms and conditions regarding any optional or mandatory redemption or option to repurchase the debt securities of the related series.

Covenants

Existence

        Except as described under "—Merger, Consolidation or Sale" below, we, and any guarantor, will do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect our, or its, existence, rights (by charter and statutory) and franchises. However, neither we, nor any guarantor, will be required to preserve any such right or franchise if we determine that the preservation of the right or franchise is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business.

Maintenance of Properties

        We will cause all of our material properties used or useful in the conduct of our business or the business of any Subsidiary to be maintained and kept in good condition, repair and working order,

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normal wear and tear, casualty and condemnation excepted, and supplied with all necessary equipment. Our obligations with respect to the maintenance of these properties is subject to our judgment as to what may be necessary so that the business carried on in connection with these properties may be properly conducted in all material respects at all times. We and our Subsidiaries will not be prevented from (1) removing permanently any property that has been condemned or suffered a casualty loss, if it is in our best interests, (2) discontinuing maintenance or operation of any property if, in our judgment, doing so is in our best interest and is not disadvantageous in any material respect to the holders of the debt securities, or (3) selling or otherwise disposing of any properties for value in the ordinary course of business.

Insurance

        We will, and will cause each of our Subsidiaries to, keep in force insurance policies on all our insurable properties. The insurance policies will be issued by responsible companies in such amounts and covering all such risks as is reasonable as determined by us in accordance with prevailing market conditions and availability.

Payment of Taxes and Other Claims

        We will pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged, before the same shall become delinquent:

    all material taxes, assessments and governmental charges levied or imposed upon us or any Subsidiary or upon our or any Subsidiary's income, profits or property;

    all material lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies which, if unpaid, might by law become a material lien upon our property or the property of any Subsidiary; and

    excluding, however, any tax, assessment, charge or claim whose amount, applicability or validity is being contested in good faith.

Additional Covenants

        The following covenants and related definitions will apply to the notes:

        Aggregate Debt Test.     We will not, and will not permit any of our Subsidiaries to, incur any Debt if, immediately after giving effect to the incurrence of such Debt and any other Debt incurred or repaid since the end of the most recent Reporting Date prior to the incurrence of such Debt and the application of the proceeds from such Debt and such other Debt on a pro forma basis, the aggregate principal amount of our Debt would exceed 65% of the sum of the following (without duplication): (1) our Total Assets as of such Reporting Date; (2) the aggregate purchase price of any assets acquired, and the aggregate amount of proceeds received from any incurrence of other Debt and any securities offering proceeds received (to the extent such proceeds were not used to acquire assets or used to reduce Debt), by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries since the end of the most recent Reporting Date prior to the incurrence of such Debt; and (3) the proceeds or assets obtained from the incurrence of such Debt and other securities issued as part of the same transaction on a pro forma basis (including assets to be acquired in exchange for debt assumption and security issuance as in the case of a merger).

        Secured Debt Test.     We will not, and will not permit any of our Subsidiaries to, incur any Secured Debt if, immediately after giving effect to the incurrence of such Secured Debt and any other Secured Debt incurred or repaid since the end of the most recent Reporting Date prior to the incurrence of such Secured Debt and the application of the proceeds from such Secured Debt and such other Secured Debt on a pro forma basis, the aggregate principal amount of our Secured Debt would exceed forty percent (40%) of the sum of the following (without duplication): (1) our Total Assets as of such Reporting Date; (2) the aggregate purchase price of any assets acquired, and the aggregate amount of

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proceeds received from any incurrence of other Debt and any securities offering proceeds received (to the extent such proceeds were not used to acquire assets or used to reduce Debt), by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries since the end of the most recent Reporting Date prior to the incurrence of such Debt; and (3) the proceeds or assets obtained from the incurrence of such Secured Debt and other securities issued as part of the same transaction on a pro forma basis (including assets to be acquired in exchange for debt assumption and security issuance as in the case of a merger).

        Debt Service Test.     We will not, and will not permit any of our Subsidiaries to, incur any Debt if, immediately after giving effect to the incurrence of such Debt and the application of the proceeds from such Debt on a pro forma basis, the ratio of EBITDA to Interest Expense for the four (4) consecutive fiscal quarters ended on the most recent Reporting Date prior to the incurrence of such Debt would be less than 1.25 to 1.00, and calculated on the following assumptions (without duplication): (1) such Debt and any other Debt incurred since such Reporting Date and outstanding on the date of determination had been incurred, and the application of the proceeds from such Debt (including to repay or retire other Debt) had occurred, on the first day of such four-quarter period; (2) the repayment or retirement of any other Debt since such Reporting Date had occurred on the first day of such four-quarter period; and (3) in the case of any acquisition or disposition by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of any asset or group of assets since such Reporting Date, whether by merger, stock purchase or sale or asset purchase or sale or otherwise, such acquisition or disposition had occurred as of the first day of such four-quarter period with the appropriate adjustments with respect to such acquisition or disposition being included in such pro forma calculation. If any Debt incurred during the period from such Reporting Date to the date of determination bears interest at a floating rate, then, for purposes of calculating the Interest Expense, the interest rate on such Debt will be computed on a pro forma basis as if the average daily rate during such interim period had been the applicable rate for entire relevant four-quarter period. For purposes of the foregoing, Debt will be deemed to be incurred by a Person whenever such Person creates, assumes, guarantees or otherwise becomes liable in respect thereof.

        Maintenance of Total Unencumbered Assets.     As of each Reporting Date, our Unencumbered Assets will not be less than 125% of our Unsecured Debt.

        Provision of Financial Information.     For so long as any notes are outstanding, if we are subject to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, or any successor provision, we will deliver to the Trustee the annual reports, quarterly reports and other documents which we are required to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) or any successor provision, within 15 days after the date that we file the same with the Commission. If we are not subject to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or any successor provision, and for so long as any notes are outstanding, we will deliver to the Trustee the quarterly and annual financial statements and accompanying Item 303 of Regulation S-K disclosure ("management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations") that would be required to be contained in annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, respectively, required to be filed with the Commission if we were subject to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or any successor provision, within 15 days of the filing date that would be applicable to a non-accelerated filer at that time pursuant to applicable Commission rules and regulations.

        Reports and other documents filed by the Company with the Commission and publicly available via the EDGAR system or our website will be deemed to be delivered to the Trustee as of the time such filing is publicly available via EDGAR or our website for purposes of this covenant; provided , however , that the Trustee shall have no obligation whatsoever to determine whether or not such information, documents or reports have been filed or are publicly available via EDGAR or our website. Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Trustee's receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including its compliance with any of its covenants relating to the notes (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on an officer's certificate).

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        Definitions.     As used in this "Description of Notes," the following defined terms have the meanings indicated:

            " Acquisition Property " means a Property acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company during the most recent four (4) consecutive fiscal quarters.

            " Capitalized Property Value " means, with respect to any Person, (a) Property EBITDA of such Person for the four (4) consecutive fiscal quarters ended on a Reporting Date divided by (b) the Capitalization Rate.

            " Capitalization Rate " means 6.75%.

            " Corporation " includes corporations, partnerships, associations, limited liability companies and other companies, and business trusts (which term shall expressly include real estate investment trusts). The term "corporation" means a corporation and does not include partnerships, associations, limited liability companies or other companies or business trusts. Except to the extent expressly provided to the contrary, Corporation does not include joint ventures.

            " Debt " means, without duplication, our aggregate principal amount of indebtedness in respect of (i) borrowed money evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments, as determined in accordance with GAAP, (ii) indebtedness secured by any mortgage, pledge, lien, charge, encumbrance or any security interest existing on Property or other assets owned by the Company, as determined in accordance with GAAP, (iii) reimbursement obligations in connection with any letters of credit actually issued and called, (iv) any lease of property by the Company or any Subsidiary as lessee which is reflected in our balance sheet as a capitalized lease, in accordance with GAAP; provided , that Debt also includes, to the extent not otherwise set forth above, any obligation by the Company or any Subsidiary to be liable for, or to pay, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise, items of indebtedness of another Person (other than the Company or any Subsidiary) described in clauses (i) through (iv) above (or, in the case of any such obligation made jointly with another Person, the Company's or the Subsidiary's allocable portion of such obligation based on its ownership interest in the related real estate assets or such other applicable assets); and provided, further , that Debt excludes Intercompany Debt.

            " Development Property " means a Property currently under development on which the improvements have not been completed, or a Property where development has been completed as evidenced by a certificate of occupancy for the entire Property for the 36 month period following the issuance of such certificate of occupancy ( provided that we may at our option elect to remove a Property from the category of Development Properties prior to the completion of the 36 month period, but any such Property may not be reclassified as a Development Property). The term "Development Property" shall include Property of the type described in the immediately preceding sentence to be (but not yet) acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary upon completion of construction pursuant to a contract in which the seller of such Property is required to develop or renovate prior to, and as a condition precedent to, such acquisition.

            " EBITDA " means, with respect to any Person, for any period and without duplication, net earnings (loss) of such Person for such period excluding the impact of the following amounts with respect to any Person (but only to the extent included in determining net earnings (loss) for such period): (i) depreciation and amortization expense and other non-cash charges of such Person for such period, as such Person shall determine in good faith; (ii) interest expense, including prepayment penalties, of such Person for such period; (iii) income tax expense of such Person in respect of such period; (iv) extraordinary and nonrecurring gains and losses, as such Person shall determine in good faith, of such Person for such period, including without limitation, gains and losses from the sale of assets, write-offs and forgiveness of debt, foreign currency translation gains or losses; and (v) non-controlling interests. In each case for such period, such Person will

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    reasonably determine the amounts in accordance with GAAP, except to the extent GAAP is not applicable with respect to the determination of non-cash and non-recurring items.

            " Encumbered Asset Value " means, with respect to any Person, for any date, the portion of Total Assets serving as collateral for Secured Debt as of such date.

            " GAAP " and " generally accepted accounting principles " means accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, consistently applied, as in effect from time to time; provided that if, as of a particular date as of which compliance with the covenants contained in the Indenture is being determined, there have been changes in accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America from those that applied to our consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, we may, in our sole discretion, determine compliance with the covenants contained in the Indenture using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, consistently applied, as in effect as of the end of any calendar quarter selected by us, in our sole discretion, that is on or after December 31, 2017 and prior to the date as of which compliance with the covenants in the Indenture is being determined (" Fixed GAAP "), and, solely for purposes of calculating the covenants as of such date, "GAAP" shall mean Fixed GAAP.

            " Intercompany Debt " means, as of any date, Debt to which the only parties are the Company and any of its Subsidiaries, but only so long as that Debt is held solely by any of the Company and any of its Subsidiaries as of that date and, provided that, in the case of Debt owed by the Company to any Subsidiary, the Debt is subordinated in right of payment to the holders of the Securities.

            " Interest Expense " means, for any period, our interest expense for such period, with other adjustments as are necessary to exclude: (i) the effect of items classified as extraordinary items in accordance with GAAP; (ii) amortization of debt issuance costs; (iii) prepayment penalties; and (iv) non-cash swap ineffectiveness charges.

            " Property " means a parcel (or group of related parcels) of real property.

            " Property EBITDA " means, for any period, our EBITDA for such period adjusted to add back the impact of corporate level general and administrative expenses.

            " Reporting Date " means the date ending the most recently ended fiscal quarter of the Company for which our consolidated financial statements are publicly available, it being understood that at any time when the Company is not subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act, the term "Reporting Date" shall be deemed to refer to the date ending the fiscal quarter covered by our most recent quarterly financial statements delivered to the Trustee or, in the case of the last fiscal quarter of the year, our annual financial statements delivered to the Trustee.

            " Secured Debt " means Debt secured by any mortgage, lien, pledge, encumbrance or security interest of any kind upon any of our Property or other assets or the Property or other assets of any Subsidiary.

            " Subsidiary " means, with respect to the Company or any other Person, any Person (excluding an individual), a majority of the outstanding voting stock, partnership interests, membership interests or other equity interests, as the case may be, of which is owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Company or by one or more other Subsidiaries of the Company. For the purposes of this definition, "voting stock" means stock having voting power for the election of directors, trustees or managers, as the case may be, whether at all times or only so long as no senior class of stock or equity interest has such voting power by reason of any contingency. Unless the context otherwise requires, "Subsidiary" refers to a Subsidiary of the Company.

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            " Total Assets " means, as of any date, the sum (without duplication) of: (a) the Capitalized Property Value of the Company and its Subsidiaries, excluding Capitalized Property Value attributable to Properties acquired or disposed of by the Company or any Subsidiary during the four consecutive quarters ending on such date and Development Properties; (b) all cash and cash equivalents (excluding tenant deposits and other cash and cash equivalents the disposition of which is restricted) of the Company and its Subsidiaries at such time; (c) the current undepreciated book value of Development Properties and all land held for development; (d) the purchase price paid by the Company or any Subsidiary for any Acquisition Property; and (e) all other assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries. The Company shall have the option to include Capitalized Property Value under clause (a) above from any such Properties that are otherwise subject to valuation under clause (c) or (d) above; provided , however , that if such election is made, any value attributable to such Properties under clause (c) or (d) above shall be excluded from the determination of the amount under clause (c) or (d). The value of any assets under clauses (b), (c), (d) and (e) above (excluding any assets classified as intangible under GAAP) shall be determined in accordance with GAAP.

            " Unencumbered Assets " means, as of any date, Total Assets as of such date less Encumbered Asset Value as of such date.

            " Unsecured Debt " means Debt that is not secured by any mortgage, lien, pledge, encumbrance or security interest of any kind upon any of our Property or other assets or the Property or other assets of any Subsidiary.

Events of Default

        Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, an Event of Default with respect to the debt securities of any series is defined in the Indenture and used in "Description of Debt Securities" to mean any of the following:

            (1)   default for thirty (30) days in the payment of any installment of interest or Additional Amounts payable with respect to such interest under the debt securities of that series;

            (2)   default in the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, on or, any Additional Amounts payable in respect of any principal of or premium, if any, on the debt securities of that series, when the same becomes due and payable or default is made in the deposit of any sinking fund payment with respect to the debt securities of that series when due;

            (3)   failure to comply with any of our other agreements contained in the debt securities or the Indenture (other than an agreement a default in whose performance or whose breach is elsewhere specifically dealt with in the Indenture or which has expressly been included in the Indenture solely for the benefit of a series of debt securities other than that series) upon receipt by us of notice of such default by the Trustee or receipt by us and the Trustee of written notice of such default by holders of not less than twenty five percent (25%) in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of that series then outstanding and we fail to cure (or obtain a waiver of) such default within ninety (90) days after we receive such notice;

            (4)   failure to pay any recourse indebtedness for monies borrowed by us in an outstanding principal amount in excess of $150,000,000 at final maturity or upon acceleration after the expiration of any applicable notice and grace period, which recourse indebtedness is not discharged, or such default in payment or acceleration is not cured or rescinded, within thirty (30) days after written notice of such failure to us from the Trustee (or to us and the Trustee from holders of at least twenty five percent (25%) in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series);

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            (5)   specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency, or reorganization with respect to us, any guarantor, any Significant Subsidiary or any of their respective properties.

        No Event of Default with respect to any particular series of debt securities necessarily constitutes an Event of Default with respect to any other series of debt securities. The Trustee is required to give notice to holders of the debt securities of the applicable series within 90 days after the Trustee has actual knowledge (as such knowledge is described in the Indenture) of a default relating to such debt securities; provided, however , that the Trustee may withhold notice to the holders of the debt securities of such series of any default, except a default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any debt securities of such series, or in the payment of any sinking fund installment, if and so long as specified responsible officers of the Trustee determine in good faith that the withholding of the notice is in the interest of the holders; and provided further that in the case of an Event of Default as described in (3) above, the Trustee will not give notice to the holders until at least 90 days after the occurrence thereof.

        If an Event of Default specified in clause (5) above occurs, then the principal of, and premium, if any, on all the outstanding debt securities of the applicable series and unpaid interest, if any, accrued thereon shall automatically become immediately due and payable. If any other Event of Default with respect to the outstanding debt securities of the applicable series occurs and is continuing, either the Trustee or the holders of at least twenty-five percent (25%) in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of that series then outstanding may declare the principal of, and premium, if any, on, or if debt securities of that series are original issue discount securities such lesser amount as may be specified in the terms of that series of debt securities, and unpaid interest, if any, accrued thereon to be due and payable immediately. However, upon specified conditions, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of that series then outstanding may rescind and annul any such declaration of acceleration and its consequences if:

    we have paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum of money sufficient to pay all required payments as specified in the Indenture, including payments of the principal of, any premium and interest on the debt securities of such series, and specified compensation, expenses, disbursement and advances of the Trustee; and

    all Events of Default with respect to the debt securities of such series, other than the non-payment of principal of, any premium and interest on, and any Additional Amounts with respect to the debt securities of such series which has become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in the Indenture.

        The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series may waive any past default with respect to the debt securities of such series and its consequences, except:

    a continuing default in the payment of the principal of, any premium or interest on, or any Additional Amounts with respect to, any debt security of such series; or

    in the case of any debt securities which are convertible into or exchangeable for common equity or other securities or property, a continuing default in any such conversion or exchange; or

    a continuing default in respect of a covenant or provision contained in the Indenture that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security of such series affected.

        The Indenture provides that no holders of debt securities of any series may institute any proceedings, judicial or otherwise, with respect to the Indenture or the debt securities of such series, or for the appointment of a receiver or Trustee, or for any remedy thereunder, except in the case of failure of the Trustee, for 60 days, to act after it has received written notice of an Event of Default

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with respect to such series from a holder of a debt security of such series, a written request to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default from the holders of at least twenty-five percent (25%) in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series, as well as an offer of indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to it, and no inconsistent direction has been given to the Trustee during such 60 day period by the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Indenture, each holder of a debt security will have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, and any Additional Amounts on that debt security on the respective due dates for those payments, and in the case of any debt security which is convertible into or exchangeable for other securities or property, to convert or exchange as the case may be, such debt security in accordance with its terms, and to institute suit for the enforcement of those payments and any such right to convert or exchange, and this right shall not be impaired without the consent of such holder.

        Subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act requiring the Trustee, during the continuance of an Event of Default under the Indenture, to act with the requisite standard of care, the Trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of debt securities of any series unless those holders have offered the Trustee indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to it. The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or of exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee, provided that the direction would not conflict with any rule or law or with the Indenture or with any series of debt securities or involve the Trustee in personal liability, such direction would not be unduly prejudicial to the rights of any other holder of debt securities of that series (or the debt securities of any other series) not joining in such action, it being understood that the Trustee shall not have an affirmative duty to ascertain whether or not any such direction is unduly prejudicial to any other holder, and the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction.

        Within 120 calendar days after the close of each fiscal year, we must deliver to the Trustee an officer's certificate, signed by one of our specified officers, stating whether or not such officer has knowledge of any default under the Indenture and, if so, specifying each such default and the nature and status thereof.

Modification and Waivers

        The Indenture permits us and the Trustee, with the consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series issued under the Indenture and affected by a modification or amendment (voting as separate classes), to modify or amend any of the provisions of the Indenture or of the debt securities of the applicable series or the rights of the holders of the debt securities of the applicable series under the Indenture. However, no modification or amendment shall, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security affected thereby:

    change the stated maturity of the principal of, or premium, if any, or any installment of interest, if any, on, or any Additional Amounts, if any, with respect to, any debt securities; or

    reduce the principal of or any premium on any debt securities or reduce the rate (or modify the calculation of such rate) of interest on or the redemption or repurchase price of any debt securities, or any Additional Amounts payable with respect to any debt securities or related guarantee or change our or any guarantor's obligation to pay Additional Amounts; or

    reduce the amount of principal of any original issue discount securities that would be due and payable upon acceleration of the maturity of any debt security; or

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    adversely affect any right of repayment or repurchase at the option of any holder; or

    change any place where, or the currency in which, the principal of, any premium or interest on, or any additional amounts with respect to any debt securities or guarantees are payable (or, in the case of redemption on or after the redemption date, or on or after the date for repayment or repurchase); or

    in the case of any debt security which is convertible into or exchangeable for other securities or property, impair the right to institute suit to enforce the right to convert or exchange such debt securities in accordance with its terms; or

    impair the holder's right to institute suit to enforce the payment of any debt securities or guarantee on or after their stated maturity; or

    reduce the percentage of the outstanding debt securities of any series whose holders must consent to any modification or amendment or any waiver of compliance with specific provisions of the Indenture or specified defaults under the Indenture and their consequences; or

    modify the sections of the Indenture setting forth the provisions of the Indenture that may not be amended without the consent of holders, or providing for the waiver of past defaults and the waiver of certain covenants, except to increase any such percentage or provide that certain other provisions of the Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of holder of each outstanding debt security of such series; or

    release a guarantor from any of the obligations under a guarantee except as permitted under the Indenture;

    make any change that adversely affects the right, if any, to convert or exchange any debt security for common equity or other securities or property; or

    change the ranking of the debt securities of any series.

        The Indenture also contains provisions permitting us and any guarantor, as applicable, and the Trustee, without the consent of the holders of any debt securities, to modify or amend the Indenture, among other things:

    to evidence a successor to us or any guarantor, if applicable, as under the Indenture, or successive successions, and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of us or any guarantor;

    to add to our covenants or the covenants of any guarantor for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of debt securities or to surrender any right or power conferred upon us or any guarantor in the Indenture;

    to change or eliminate any restrictions on the payment of principal of or any premium or interest on or any additional amounts with respect to any debt securities or any guarantee, provided any such action does not adversely affect the interest of the holders of debt securities of any series;

    to add to the Events of Default in a manner that benefits the holders of all or any series of debt securities issued under the Indenture;

    to establish the form or terms of debt securities of any series, and the form of the guarantee of debt securities of any series (provided that any such deletions, additions and changes shall not be applicable to any other series of debt securities then outstanding);

    to make any change necessary to comply with any requirement of the SEC in connection with the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act;

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    to provide for any guarantee of the holders of debt securities of a series, to secure the debt securities or to confirm and evidence the release, termination or discharge of any guarantee of or lien securing the debt securities which such release, termination or discharge is permitted by the Indenture;

    to provide for the acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee or facilitate the administration of the trusts under the Indenture by more than one trustee;

    to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency in the Indenture;

    to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the holders of debt securities or that does not adversely affect the legal rights under the Indenture of any holder in any material respect;

    to supplement any of the provisions of the Indenture to the extent necessary to permit or facilitate defeasance and discharge of any series of debt securities; provided, that the action shall not adversely affect the interests of the holders of debt securities in any material respect;

    to provide for the issuance of additional debt securities, subject to the limitations established in the Indenture;

    to comply with the rules of any applicable depository or the rules or regulations of any securities exchange or automated quotation system on which any of the debt securities may be listed or traded;

    to add to or change any provisions of the Indenture to such extent as is necessary to permit or facilitate the issuance of debt securities in uncertificated form;

    to amend or supplement any provision contained in the Indenture, in any supplemental indenture or in any debt securities, provided that the amendment or supplement (i) does not (a) apply to any outstanding debt securities issued before the date of the amendment or supplement and entitled to the benefits of that provision, or (b) modify the rights of holders of any such debt securities with respect to such provision, or (ii) becomes effective only when no security described in clause (i)(a) is outstanding; or

    to conform the terms of the Indenture or the debt securities of a series, as applicable, to the description thereof contained in any prospectus, prospectus supplement or other offering document relating to the offer and sale of such debt securities.

        The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may waive our compliance with some of the restrictive provisions of the Indenture, which may include covenants, if any, which are specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may, on behalf of all holders of debt securities of that series, waive any past default under the Indenture with respect to the debt securities of that series and its consequences, except a default which is continuing (i) in the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest, if any, on, and any Additional Amounts with respect to, the debt securities of that series, (ii) with respect to the conversion or exchange of a series of debt securities convertible or exchangeable into our common equity, or (iii) in respect of a covenant or provision which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security of the affected series.

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Merger, Consolidation and Sale

        We may merge or consolidate with or into, or sell, assign, convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of our property and assets to, any other entity, provided that the following conditions are met:

    we are the continuing entity, or the successor entity (if other than us) formed by or resulting from such consolidation or merger or which shall have received such sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer or lease of property and assets shall be domiciled in the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia and shall expressly assume by supplemental indenture payment of the principal of and interest on all of the debt securities and the due and punctual performance and observance of all of the covenants and conditions in the Indenture;

    immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no Event of Default under the Indenture, and no event which, after notice or the lapse of time, or both, would become an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing; and

    either we or the successor entity, in either case, shall have delivered to the trustee an officer's certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer or lease and, if a supplemental indenture is required in connection with such transaction, such supplemental indenture complies with the Indenture and that all conditions precedent provided for relating to such transaction have been complied with.

        In the event of any transaction described in and complying with the conditions listed in the immediately preceding paragraphs in which we are not the continuing entity, the successor person formed or remaining shall succeed, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of ours, and (except in the case of a lease) We shall be discharged from our obligations under the debt securities and the Indenture.

Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

Satisfaction and Discharge

        Upon our direction, the Indenture shall cease to be of further effect with respect to the debt securities of any series specified by us, subject to the survival of specified provisions of the Indenture (except for provisions that survive pursuant to the terms of the Indenture and the debt securities of such series), including (unless the accompanying prospectus supplement provides otherwise) our obligation to repurchase such debt securities at the option of the holders thereof, if applicable, and our, or any guarantor's, if applicable, obligation to pay Additional Amounts in respect of such debt securities to the extent described below, when:

    either

    (A)
    all outstanding debt securities of that series have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, subject to exceptions, or

    (B)
    all debt securities of that series have become due and payable or will become due and payable at their maturity within one year or are to be called for redemption within one year, and we have irrevocably deposited with the Trustee, in trust, funds in the currency in which the debt securities of that series are payable in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on the debt securities of that series, including the principal thereof and, premium, if any, and interest, if any, thereon, and, to the extent that (x) the debt securities of that series provide for the payment of Additional Amounts and (y) the amount of any Additional Amounts which are or will be payable is at the time of deposit reasonably determinable by us, in the exercise of its sole discretion, those Additional Amounts, to the date of such deposit, if the debt securities of that series have become due

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      and payable, or to the maturity or redemption date of the debt securities of that series, as the case may be;

and, in either case

    we have paid all other sums payable under the Indenture with respect to the debt securities of that series (including amounts payable to the Trustee); and

    the Trustee has received an officer's certificate and an opinion of counsel to the effect that all conditions precedent to the satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture in respect of the debt securities of such series have been satisfied.

        If the debt securities of any series provide for the payment of Additional Amounts, we or any guarantor, as applicable, will remain obligated, following the deposit described above, to pay Additional Amounts on those debt securities to the extent that they exceed the amount deposited in respect of those Additional Amounts as described above.

Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

        Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may elect with respect to the debt securities of the particular series either:

    to defease and discharge itself and any guarantor from any and all obligations with respect to those debt securities ("legal defeasance"), except for, among other things:

    (A)
    the obligation to pay Additional Amounts, if any, upon the occurrence of specified events of taxation, assessment, or governmental charge with respect to payments on those debt securities to the extent that those Additional Amounts exceed the amount deposited in respect of those amounts as provided below;

    (B)
    the obligations to register the transfer or exchange of those debt securities;

    (C)
    the obligation to replace mutilated, destroyed, lost, or stolen debt securities;

    (D)
    the obligation to maintain an office or agent in the continental United States, in respect of those debt securities;

    (E)
    the rights of holders of such outstanding debt securities to receive payments from moneys held in trust when such payments are due;

    (F)
    the obligation, if applicable, to repurchase those debt securities at the option of the holders thereof; and

    (G)
    the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the trustee; or

    to be released from its obligations and the obligations of any guarantor with respect to those debt securities under (A) certain covenants in the Indenture related to the preservation of our rights (by declaration of trust and statute) and franchises and (B) if applicable, other covenants as may be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, and any omission to comply with those obligations shall not constitute a default or an Event of Default with respect to those debt securities ("covenant defeasance"),

in either case upon the irrevocable deposit with the Trustee, in trust for that purpose, of an amount in the currency in which those debt securities are payable at maturity or, if applicable, upon redemption, and/or government obligations (as defined in the Indenture) which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in accordance with their terms will provide money, in an amount sufficient, in the written opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants, to pay the principal of and any premium and any interest on, and, to the extent that (x) those debt securities provide for

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the payment of Additional Amounts and (y) the amount of the Additional Amounts which are or will be payable is at the time of deposit reasonably determinable by us, in the exercise of its reasonable discretion, the Additional Amounts with respect to, those debt securities, and any mandatory sinking fund or analogous payments on those debt securities, on the due dates for those payments. If the cash and government obligations deposited are sufficient to pay the outstanding debt securities of the applicable series on a particular redemption date, we shall have given the Trustee irrevocable instructions to redeem those debt securities on that date.

            The legal defeasance or covenant defeasance described above shall only be effective if, among other things:

    it shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, the Indenture or any other material agreement or instrument to which we are a party or are bound;

    in the case of legal defeasance, we shall have delivered to the Trustee an opinion of independent counsel acceptable to the Trustee confirming that:

    (A)
    we have received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling; or

    (B)
    since the date of the Indenture, there has been a change in applicable federal income tax law,

in either case to the effect that, and based on this ruling or change the opinion of counsel shall confirm that, the holders of the debt securities of the applicable series will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of the legal defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the legal defeasance had not occurred;

    in the case of covenant defeasance, we shall have delivered to the Trustee an opinion of independent counsel reasonably acceptable to the Trustee to the effect that the holders of the debt securities of the applicable series will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of the covenant defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the covenant defeasance had not occurred;

    no Event of Default or default which with notice or lapse of time or both would become an Event of Default with respect to debt securities of the applicable series shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of the deposit into trust;

    solely in the case of legal defeasance, no Event of Default arising from specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency, or reorganization with respect to us or any guarantor or default which with notice or lapse of time or both would become such an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing during the period ending on the 91st day after the date of the deposit into trust; and

    we shall have delivered to the Trustee an officer's certificate and legal opinion to the effect that all conditions precedent to the legal defeasance or covenant defeasance, as the case may be, have been satisfied.

        In the event we effect covenant defeasance with respect to debt securities of any series and those debt securities are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of any Event of Default other than an Event of Default with respect to the covenants as to which covenant defeasance has been effected, which covenants would no longer be applicable to the debt securities of that series after covenant defeasance, the amount of monies and/or government obligations deposited with the Trustee to effect covenant defeasance may not be sufficient to pay amounts due on the debt securities of that

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series at the time of any acceleration resulting from that Event of Default. However, we would remain liable to make payment of those amounts due at the time of acceleration.

        The applicable prospectus supplement may further describe the provisions, if any, permitting or restricting legal defeasance or covenant defeasance with respect to the debt securities of a particular series.

Further Issuances

        We may, from time to time, without the consent of or notice to existing note holders, create and issue further notes having the same terms and conditions as the notes of any outstanding series in all respects, except for the issue date and, to the extent applicable, the issue price, the payment of interest accruing prior to the issue date and the first payment of interest. Additional notes issued in this manner will be consolidated with, and will form a single series of debt securities with, the previously outstanding notes of the related series.

Concerning the Trustee

        The Indenture provides that there may be more than one Trustee under the Indenture, each with respect to one or more series of debt securities. If there are different Trustees for different series of debt securities, each Trustee will be a Trustee of a trust or trusts separate and apart from the trust or trusts administered by any other Trustee under the Indenture. Unless otherwise indicated in any applicable prospectus supplement, any action permitted to be taken by a Trustee may be taken by such Trustee only with respect to the one or more series of debt securities for which it is the Trustee under the Indenture. Any Trustee under the Indenture may resign or be removed with respect to one or more series of debt securities. All payments of principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, and all registration, transfer, exchange, authentication and delivery (including authentication and delivery on original issuance of the debt securities) of, the debt securities of a series will be effected by the Trustee with respect to that series at an office designated by the Trustee.

        The Bank of New York Mellon has been appointed to act as the trustee under the Indenture. We may maintain corporate trust relationships in the ordinary course of business with the Trustee. The Trustee shall have and be subject to all the duties and responsibilities specified with respect to an indenture trustee under the Trust Indenture Act. Subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by the Indenture at the request of any holder of debt securities, unless offered indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to it by the holder against the losses, damages, costs, expense and liabilities which might be incurred thereby.

        Under the Trust Indenture Act, the Indenture is deemed to contain limitations on the right of the Trustee, should it become our creditor, to obtain payment of claims in some cases or to realize on certain property received in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. The Trustee may engage in other transactions with us. If it acquires any conflicting interest under the Trust Indenture Act relating to any of its duties with respect to the debt securities, however, it must eliminate the conflict or resign as Trustee.

Governing Law

        The Indenture, the debt securities and any related guarantees will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York without regard to conflicts of law principles of such State other than New York General Obligations Law Section 5-1401.

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Notices

        All notices to holders of debt securities shall be validly given if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, or delivered electronically pursuant to the applicable procedures of the depositary, to them at their respective addresses in the register maintained by the trustee.

Book-Entry Securities

        The securities offered by means of this prospectus and any related prospectus supplement may be issued in whole or in part in book-entry form, meaning that beneficial owners of the securities may not receive certificates representing their ownership interests in the securities, except in the event the book-entry system for the securities is discontinued. Securities issued in book-entry form will be evidenced by one or more global securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, a depository identified in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the securities. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for the individual securities represented thereby, a global security may not be transferred except as a whole by the depository for the global security to a nominee of such depository or by a nominee of such depository to such depository or another nominee of such depository or by the depository or any nominee of such depository to a successor depository or a nominee of such successor. Global securities may be issued in registered form, in either temporary or permanent form. The specific terms of the depository arrangement with respect to a class or series of securities that differ from the terms described here will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Delivery and Form

        The notes of each series will be represented initially by one or more permanent notes of such series in registered, global form without interest coupons (the " global notes "). These global notes will be deposited upon issuance with the Trustee as custodian for The Depository Trust Company (the " depositary "), and registered in the name of the depositary or its nominee, in each case for credit to an account of a direct or indirect participant as described below. Except as set forth below, the global notes may be transferred, in whole and not in part, only to the depositary, a nominee of the depositary or to a successor of the depositary or its nominee. Beneficial interests in the global notes may not be exchanged for notes in certificated form except in the limited circumstances described below. The Trustee will initially act as registrar.

Book-Entry Procedures

        The Depository Trust Company.     The depositary has advised us that it is a limited-purpose trust company created to hold securities for its participating organizations (collectively, the " participants ") and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of transactions in those securities between participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of participants. The participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Access to the depositary's system is also available to other entities such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly (collectively, " indirect participants "). Persons who are not participants may beneficially own securities held by or on behalf of the depositary only through participants or indirect participants. The ownership interest and transfer of ownership interest of each actual purchaser of each security held by or on behalf of the depositary are recorded on the records of the participants and indirect participants.

        The depositary also has advised us that pursuant to procedures established by it:

    upon deposit of the global notes, the depositary will credit the accounts of participants designated by the underwriters with portions of the principal amount of global notes; and

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    ownership of interests in the global notes will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership thereof will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary with respect to participants or by participants and the indirect participants with respect to other owners of beneficial interest in the global notes.

        Investors in the global notes who are participants may hold their interests therein directly through the depositary. Investors in the global notes who are not participants may hold their interests therein indirectly through organizations (including Euroclear and Clearstream) which are participants. All interests in a global note, including those held through Euroclear or Clearstream, may be subject to the procedures and requirements of the depositary. Those interests held through Euroclear or Clearstream may also be subject to the procedures and requirements of such systems. The laws of some states require that certain persons take physical delivery in definitive form of securities that they own. Consequently, the ability to transfer beneficial interest in a global note to such persons may be limited to that extent. Because the depositary can act only on behalf of participants, which in turn act on behalf of indirect participants, the ability of a person having a beneficial interest in a global note to pledge such interest to persons or entities that do not participate in the depositary system, or otherwise take actions in respect of such interests, may be affected by the lack of physical certificate evidencing such interests.

        Except as described below, owners of interests in the global notes will not have notes registered in their names, will not receive physical delivery of notes in certificated form and will not be considered the registered owners or holders thereof under the Indenture for any purpose.

        Payments in respect of the principal of and Make-Whole Amount, if any, and interest on a global note registered in the name of the depositary or its nominee will be payable by the paying agent to the depositary or its nominee in its capacity as the registered holder of a global note under the Indenture. Under the terms of the Indenture, we and the Trustee will treat the persons in whose names the global notes are registered as the owners thereof for the purpose of receiving such payments and for any and all other purposes whatsoever.

        Consequently, neither we, the Trustee, nor any of our respective agents have or will have any responsibility or liability for:

    any aspect of the depositary's records or any participant's or indirect participant's records relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial ownership interests in the global notes, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any of the depositary's records or any participant's or indirect participant's records relating to the beneficial ownership interests in the global notes; or

    any other matter relating to the actions and practices of the depositary or any of its participants or indirect participants.

        The depositary has advised us that its current practice, upon receipt of any payment in respect of securities such as the notes (including principal and interest), is to credit the accounts of the relevant participants with the payment on the payment date, unless the depositary has reason to believe that it will not receive payment on such payment date, in amounts proportionate to their respective holdings in principal amount of beneficial interests in the relevant security, such as the global notes, as shown on the records of the depositary. Payments by participants and the indirect participants to the beneficial owners of notes will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices and will be the responsibility of the participants or the indirect participants, and will not be the responsibility of the depositary, the Trustee or us. Neither we nor the Trustee will be liable for any delay by the depositary or its participants in identifying the beneficial owners of the notes, and we and the Trustee may rely conclusively on and will be protected in relying on instructions from the depositary or its nominee as the registered owner of the global notes for all purposes.

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        If less than all of the global notes of a series are being redeemed, the depositary's practice is to determine by lot the amount of the interest of each participant in such global notes to be redeemed.

        Interests in the global notes will trade in the depositary's same-day funds settlement system, and secondary market trading activity in such interest will, therefore, settle in immediately available funds, subject in all cases to the rules and procedures of the depositary and its participants. Transfers between participants in the depositary will be effective in accordance with the depositary's procedures and will be settled in same-day funds.

        The depositary has advised us that it will take any action permitted to be taken by a holder of notes only at the direction of one or more participants to whose account the interests in the global notes are credited and only in respect of such portion of the aggregate principal amount at maturity of the notes as to which such participant or participants has or have given direction. However, if there is an Event of Default under the notes of a series, the depositary reserves the right to exchange such notes for legended notes in certificated form, and to distribute such notes to its participants.

        Clearstream.     Clearstream Banking S.A. (" Clearstream ") is incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg as a professional depositary. Clearstream holds securities for its participating organizations (" Clearstream Participants ") and facilitates the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between Clearstream Participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of Clearstream Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates. Clearstream provides Clearstream Participants with, among other things, services for safekeeping, administration, clearance and establishment of internationally traded securities and securities lending and borrowing. Clearstream interfaces with domestic markets in several countries. As a professional depositary, Clearstream is subject to regulation by the Luxembourg Monetary Institute. Clearstream Participants are recognized financial institutions around the world, including underwriters, securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations, and may include the underwriters. Indirect access to Clearstream is also available to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Clearstream Participant either directly or indirectly.

        Distributions with respect to notes held beneficially through Clearstream will be credited to cash accounts of Clearstream Participants in accordance with its rules and procedures to the extent received by the depositary for Clearstream.

        Euroclear.     Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V. (" Euroclear ") was created in 1968 to hold securities for participants of Euroclear (" Euroclear Participants ") and to clear and settle transactions between Euroclear Participants through simultaneous electronic book-entry delivery against payment, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates and any risk from lack of simultaneous transfers of securities and cash. Euroclear includes various other services, including securities lending and borrowing and interfaces with domestic markets in several markets in several countries. Euroclear operates its system under contract with Euroclear plc, a U.K. corporation. All operations are conducted by Euroclear, and all Euroclear securities clearance accounts and Euroclear cash accounts are accounts with Euroclear, not Euroclear plc. Euroclear plc establishes policy for Euroclear on behalf of Euroclear Participants. Euroclear Participants include banks (including central banks), securities brokers and dealers and other professional financial intermediaries and may include the underwriters. Indirect access to Euroclear is also available to other firms that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Euroclear Participant, either directly or indirectly.

        Euroclear is a Belgian bank. As such, it is regulated by the Belgian Banking and Finance Commission.

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        Links have been established among the depositary, Clearstream and Euroclear to facilitate the initial issuance of the notes sold outside the United States and cross-market transfers of the notes associated with secondary market trading.

        Although the depositary, Clearstream and Euroclear have agreed to the procedures provided below in order to facilitate transfers, they are under no obligation to perform these procedures, and these procedures may be modified or discontinued at any time.

        Clearstream and Euroclear will record the ownership interests of their participants in much the same way as the depositary, and the depositary will record the total ownership of each of the U.S. agents of Clearstream and Euroclear, as participants in the depositary. When notes are to be transferred from the account of a depositary participant to the account of a Clearstream Participant or a Euroclear Participant, the purchaser must send instructions to Clearstream or Euroclear through a participant at least one day prior to settlement. Clearstream or Euroclear, as the case may be, will instruct its U.S. agent to receive notes against payment. After settlement, Clearstream or Euroclear will credit its participant's account. Credit for the notes will appear on the next day (European time).

        Because settlement is taking place during New York business hours, depositary participants will be able to employ their usual procedures for sending notes to the relevant U.S. agent acting for the benefit of Clearstream Participants or Euroclear Participants. The sale proceeds will be available to the depositary seller on the settlement date. As a result, to the depositary participant, a cross-market transaction will settle no differently than a trade between two depositary participants.

        When a Clearstream Participant or Euroclear Participant wishes to transfer notes to a depositary participant, the seller will be required to send instructions to Clearstream or Euroclear through a participant at least one business day prior to settlement. In these cases, Clearstream or Euroclear will instruct its U.S. agent to transfer these notes against payment for them. The payment will then be reflected in the account of the Clearstream Participant or Euroclear Participant the following day, with the proceeds back valued to the value date, which would be the preceding day, when settlement occurs in New York. If settlement is not completed on the intended value date, that is, the trade fails, proceeds credited to the Clearstream Participant's or Euroclear Participant's account will instead be valued as of the actual settlement date.

        You should be aware that you will only be able to make and receive deliveries, payments and other communications involving the notes through Clearstream and Euroclear on the days when those clearing systems are open for business. Those systems may not be open for business on days when banks, brokers and other institutions are open for business in the United States. In addition, because of time zone differences there may be problems with completing transactions involving Clearstream and Euroclear on the same business day as in the United States.

        The information in this section concerning the depositary, Clearstream and Euroclear and their book-entry systems has been obtained from sources that we believe to be reliable, but neither we nor any underwriter takes any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness thereof. None of us, the underwriters or the Trustee will have any responsibility for the performance by the depositary, Clearstream and Euroclear or their respective participants or indirect participants of their respective obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations.

Exchange of Book-Entry Notes for Certificated Notes

        A global note is exchangeable for definitive notes in registered certificated form of the same series:

    if the depositary: (i) notifies us that it is unwilling or unable or no longer qualified to continue as depositary for the global note or (ii) has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and, in either case, and we thereupon fail to appoint a successor depositary within 90 days after this notice; or

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    upon the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default under the Indenture in respect of the notes of such series; or

    if we, at our option and subject to the procedures of the depositary, notify the Trustee in writing that we elect to cause issuance of such notes in certificated form.

        In addition, beneficial interests in a global note may be exchanged for certificated notes of the same series upon request but only upon at least 30 days' prior written notice given to the Trustee by or on behalf of the depositary in accordance with customary procedures. In all cases, certificated notes delivered in exchange for any global note or beneficial interest therein will be registered in names, and issued of the same series in any approved denominations, requested by or on behalf of the depositary (in accordance with its customary procedures).

Exchange of Certificated Notes for Global Notes

        Certificated notes, if any, may be exchanged for beneficial interests in global notes.

Description of Preferred Stock

        The following is a description of the material terms and provisions of our preferred stock. It may not contain all of the information that is important to you. Therefore, you should read our charter and bylaws before you purchase any shares of our preferred stock.

        Under our charter, AvalonBay is authorized to issue 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, none of which are currently outstanding.

        Shares of preferred stock may be issued from time to time, in one or more series, as authorized by our board of directors. Prior to the issuance of shares of each series, the board of directors is required by the Maryland General Corporation Law and our charter to fix for each series, subject to the provisions of the charter regarding excess stock, the terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms or conditions of redemption, as are permitted by Maryland law. The preferred stock will, when issued following the receipt of full consideration therefor, be fully paid and nonassessable and will have no preemptive rights. Our board of directors could authorize the issuance of shares of preferred stock with terms and conditions that could have the effect of discouraging a takeover or other transactions that holders of common stock might believe to be in their best interests or in which holders of some, or a majority, of the shares of common stock might receive a premium for their shares over the then market price of such shares of common stock.

        You should refer to the prospectus supplement relating to the offering of a series of preferred stock for the specific terms of that series, including:

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        Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the preferred stock will, with respect to dividend rights and rights upon a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, rank:

        The term "equity securities" does not include convertible debt securities.

        Holders of the preferred stock of each series will be entitled to receive cash dividends when, as and if declared by our board of directors. We will pay dividends out of assets that are legally available for payment of dividends. We will specify the rate(s) or amount(s) of dividends and the dates that we will pay dividends in the applicable prospectus supplement. Dividends will be payable to holders of record as they appear on our stock transfer books on such record dates as fixed by our board of directors.

        Dividends on any series of the preferred stock may be cumulative or non-cumulative, as provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. Dividends, if cumulative, will be cumulative from and after the date set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. If our board of directors fails to declare a dividend payable on a dividend payment date on any series of the preferred stock for which dividends are non-cumulative, then the holders of that series of the preferred stock will have no right to receive a dividend in respect of the dividend period ending on that dividend payment date. Accordingly, we will

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have no obligation to pay the dividend accrued for that period, whether or not dividends on that series are declared payable on any future dividend payment date.

        If preferred stock of any series is outstanding, we will not declare, pay or set aside funds to pay dividends on any other series of our stock ranking, as to dividends, on a parity with or junior to the preferred stock of such series for any period unless:

        We must declare all dividends pro rata on all series of preferred stock that rank on a parity with the series of preferred stock upon which we paid dividends if we did not pay or set aside funds to pay dividends on the series of preferred stock in full. We must declare dividends pro rata to ensure that the amount of dividends declared per share of preferred stock bears in all cases the same ratio that accrued dividends per share of preferred stock bears to each other. We will not accumulate unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods with respect to accrued dividends on preferred stock that does not have cumulative dividends. No interest, or sum of money in lieu of interest, will be payable in respect of any payments that may be in arrears.

        Except as provided in the immediately preceding paragraph, unless:

we will not: (1) declare, pay or set aside funds to pay dividends or declare or make any other distribution upon the common stock or any other shares of our stock ranking junior to or on a parity with the preferred stock of such series as to dividends or upon liquidation; (2) redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire for any consideration any common stock, or any other shares of our stock ranking junior to or on a parity with the preferred stock of such series as to dividends; nor (3) pay any monies to or make any monies available for a sinking fund to redeem any such shares, except by conversion into or exchange for other shares of our capital stock ranking junior to the preferred stock of such series as to dividends or liquidation. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, we may declare or set aside dividends in common stock or other shares of stock ranking junior to the preferred stock of such series as to dividends and upon liquidation.

        Any dividend payment we make on a series of preferred stock shall first be credited against the earliest accrued but unpaid dividend due with respect to shares of such series which remains payable.

        If so provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the preferred stock will be subject to mandatory redemption or redemption at our option, in whole or in part, upon the terms, at the times and at the redemption prices set forth in the prospectus supplement.

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        The prospectus supplement relating to a series of preferred stock that is subject to mandatory redemption will specify the number of shares that will be redeemed in each year commencing after a specified date at a specified redemption price per share, together with an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to the date of redemption. Unless the shares have a cumulative dividend, such accrued dividends will not include any accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods. We may pay the redemption price in cash or other property, as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. If the redemption price for preferred stock of any series is payable only from the net proceeds of the issuance of shares of our stock, the terms of such preferred stock may provide that, if no such shares of our stock have been issued or to the extent the net proceeds from any issuance are insufficient to pay in full the aggregate redemption price then due, such preferred stock will automatically and mandatorily convert into the applicable shares of our stock under the conversion provisions specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

        Notwithstanding the foregoing, we will not redeem any preferred stock of a series unless:

        However, in no case will we redeem any preferred stock of a series unless we redeem all outstanding preferred stock of the series simultaneously.

        In addition, except as described below, we will not acquire any preferred stock of a series unless:

        However, at any time we may purchase or acquire preferred stock of that series (1) to preserve our status as a REIT, (2) in accordance with a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all outstanding preferred stock of such series or (3) by conversion into or exchange for shares of our capital stock ranking junior to the preferred stock of such series as to dividends and upon liquidation.

        If fewer than all of the outstanding shares of preferred stock of any series are to be redeemed, we will determine the number of shares that may be redeemed pro rata from the holders of record of such shares in proportion to the number of such shares held or for which redemption is requested by such holder or by any other equitable manner that we determine. Such determination will reflect adjustments to avoid redemption of fractional shares.

        We will mail notice of redemption at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of record of preferred stock to be redeemed at the address shown on our stock transfer books. Each notice shall state:

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        If notice of redemption has been given and we have set aside the funds necessary for the redemption in trust for the benefit of the holders of any shares so called for redemption, then from and after the redemption date, dividends will cease to accrue on those shares, and all rights of the holders of such shares will terminate, except the right to receive the redemption price.

        Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, then, before we make any distribution or payment to the holders of any common stock or any other class or series of our capital stock ranking junior to the preferred stock in the distribution of assets upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, the holders of each series of preferred stock will be entitled to receive, out of assets legally available for distribution to stockholders, liquidating distributions in the amount of the liquidation preference per share set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends thereon. Such dividends will not include any accumulation in respect of unpaid noncumulative dividends for prior dividend periods. After full payment of their liquidating distributions, holders will have no right or claim to any of our remaining assets. Upon any such voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, if our available assets are insufficient to pay the amount of the liquidating distributions on all outstanding preferred stock and the corresponding amounts payable on all other classes or series of our capital stock ranking on a parity with the preferred stock in the distribution of assets, then the holders of the preferred stock and all other such classes or series of capital stock will share ratably in any such distribution of assets in proportion to the full liquidating distributions to which they would otherwise be entitled.

        Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up and if we have made liquidating distributions in full to all holders of preferred stock, we will distribute our remaining assets among the holders of any other classes or series of capital stock ranking junior to the preferred stock according to their respective rights and preferences and, in each case, according to their respective number of shares. For such purposes, our consolidation or merger with or into any other corporation, trust or entity, or the sale, lease or conveyance of all or substantially all of our assets or business will not be deemed to constitute a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs.

        Holders of preferred stock will have no voting rights, except as described in the next paragraph, as otherwise from time to time required by law or as indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement.

        Unless otherwise provided for any series of preferred stock, so long as any preferred stock of a series remains outstanding, we will not, without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the preferred stock of such series outstanding at the time, given in person or by proxy, either in writing or at a meeting with each of such series voting separately as a class:

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The occurrence of any of the events described above in the immediately preceding bullet shall not be deemed to materially and adversely affect the rights, preferences, privileges or voting power of holders of preferred stock, provided that, the preferred stock remains outstanding with the terms thereof materially unchanged, or, if we are not the surviving entity in such transaction, the preferred stock is exchanged for a security of a surviving entity with terms that are materially the same as the preferred stock. In addition, any increase in the amount of (1) authorized preferred stock or the creation or issuance of any other series of preferred stock, or (2) authorized shares of such series or any other series of preferred stock, in each case ranking on a parity with or junior to the preferred stock of such series with respect to payment of dividends or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, shall not be deemed to materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers.

        The foregoing voting provisions will not apply if, at or prior to the time when the act with respect to which such vote would otherwise be required will be effected, we have redeemed or called for redemption all outstanding shares of such series of preferred stock and, if called for redemption, have deposited sufficient funds in trust to effect such redemption.

        The terms and conditions upon which any series of preferred stock may be convertible into common stock will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the offering of the series of preferred stock. Such terms will include the number of shares of common stock into which the shares of preferred stock are convertible, the conversion price, rate or manner of calculation thereof, the conversion period, provisions as to whether conversion will be at our option or at the holders' option, the events requiring an adjustment of the conversion price and provisions affecting conversion in the event of the redemption.

        For us to qualify as a REIT under the Code, no more than 50% in value of our outstanding capital stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by or for five or fewer individuals at any time during the last half of a taxable year. To assist us in meeting this requirement, we may take actions to limit the beneficial ownership, directly or indirectly, by a single person of our outstanding equity securities, including any of our preferred stock. Therefore, the amendment to our charter designating each series of preferred stock may contain provisions restricting the ownership and transfer of the preferred stock. The applicable prospectus supplement will specify any additional ownership limitation relating to a series of preferred stock. See "Limits on Ownership of Stock."

        The transfer agent and registrar for the preferred stock will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

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Description of Common Stock

        The following is a description of the material terms and provisions of our common stock. You should read our charter and bylaws in their entirety before you purchase any shares of our common stock.

        Under our charter, we have authority to issue 280,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share. Under Maryland law, stockholders generally are not responsible for our debts or obligations. As of January 31, 2018, we had 138,095,504 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. Our common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol "AVB."

        Subject to the preferential rights of any other class or series of stock and to the provisions of our charter regarding excess stock, which are described below, holders of shares of our common stock will be entitled to receive dividends on shares of common stock out of assets that we may legally use to pay dividends, if and when they are authorized and declared by our board of directors.

        Except as otherwise required by law and except as provided by the terms of any other class or series of stock, holders of common stock have the exclusive power to vote on all matters presented to our stockholders, including the election of directors. Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share. There is no cumulative voting in the election of our directors, and, subject to any rights to elect directors that are granted to the holders of any class or series of preferred stock, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of all outstanding shares of common stock is required to elect a director.

        Subject to the preferential rights of any other class or series of stock and to the provisions of our charter regarding excess stock, holders of shares of our common stock share in the same proportion as our other stockholders in the assets that we may legally use to pay distributions in the event we are liquidated, dissolved or our affairs are wound up after we pay or make adequate provision for all of our known debts and liabilities.

        Subject to the preferential rights of any other class or series of stock and to provisions of our charter regarding excess stock, all shares of our common stock have equal dividend, distribution, liquidation and other rights, and have no preference, appraisal or exchange rights. Furthermore, holders of shares of our common stock have no conversion, sinking fund or redemption rights, or preemptive rights to subscribe for any of our securities.

        Under Maryland law, a corporation generally cannot dissolve, amend its charter, merge, sell all or substantially all of its assets, engage in a share exchange or engage in similar transactions outside the ordinary course of business unless approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders holding at least two-thirds of the shares entitled to vote on the matter, unless a different percentage is set forth in the corporation's charter, which percentage shall not in any event be less than a majority of all of the shares entitled to vote on such matter. Our charter provides that whenever any vote of the holders of voting stock is required to amend or repeal any provision of the charter, then in addition to any other vote of the holders of voting stock that is required by the charter, (1) the affirmative vote of the

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holders of a majority of our outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote on such amendment or repeal, voting together as a single class, and (2) the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of each class entitled to vote thereon as a class are required. However, with respect to the amendment or repeal of any of the provisions of our charter relating to the resignation or removal of directors, vacancies on the board of directors, independent directors, the rights and powers of our company, the board of directors and officers, and the limitation of liability of directors and officers, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on such amendment or repeal, voting together as a single class, and the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares of each class entitled to vote thereon as a class, shall be required.

        For us to qualify as a REIT under the Code, no more than 50% in value of our outstanding capital stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by or for five or fewer individuals at any time during the last half of a taxable year. To assist us in meeting this requirement, we may take actions such as the automatic conversion of shares in excess of this ownership restriction into shares of excess stock to limit the beneficial ownership of our outstanding equity securities, directly or indirectly, by one individual. See "Limits on Ownership of Stock."

        The transfer agent and registrar for the common stock is Computershare Trust Company, N.A., New York, New York.

Limits on Ownership of Stock

        For us to qualify as a REIT under the Code, among other things, no more than 50% in value of our outstanding capital stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by or for five or fewer individuals at any time during the last half of a taxable year. Additionally, the shares of our capital stock must be beneficially owned by 100 or more persons during at least 335 days of a taxable year of twelve months or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year. To protect us against the risk of losing our status as a REIT due to a concentration of ownership among our stockholders, and to otherwise address concerns related to concentrated ownership of capital stock, our charter provides that no person may own (directly, indirectly by virtue of the attribution provisions of the Code, or beneficially under Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act) more than 9.8% of any class or series of our stock (15% for some entities as described below). Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the board of directors at its option and in its sole discretion may approve ownership greater than the applicable ownership limitation by selected persons or entities. Our board of directors does not expect that it would waive the applicable ownership limit unless the board of directors receives evidence to its satisfaction that the waiver of the limit will not jeopardize our status as a REIT, and the board of directors also decides that the waiver is in our stockholders' best interests. Any transfer of shares of stock, including any security convertible into shares of stock, shall be void and have no effect if it: (1) would create a direct or indirect ownership of shares of stock in excess of the applicable ownership limit, absent a valid waiver of this ownership limit or (2) would result in our disqualification as a REIT, including any transfer that would (a) result in the shares of stock being owned by fewer than 100 persons, (b) result in us being "closely held" within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code or (c) result in us constructively owning 10% or more of the ownership interests in a tenant within the meaning of Section 856(d)(2)(B) of the Code. In addition, if any purported transfer of stock or any other event would otherwise result in any person violating the applicable ownership limit, then the purported transfer will be void and of no force or effect with respect to the intended transferee as to that number of shares in excess of the

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ownership limit. The intended transferee will acquire no right or interest in the excess shares; or, in the case of any event other than a purported transfer, the person holding record title to any shares in excess of the ownership limit shall cease to own any right or interest in the excess shares. In both cases, neither the intended transferee nor the person holding record title to any shares in excess of the ownership limit shall have any right to: (1) transfer or otherwise dispose of the excess stock, (2) vote the excess stock or (3) receive any dividend or distribution paid with respect to the excess stock, as further explained below.

        Under the Code, some types of entities, which includes pension plans described in Section 401(a) of the Code and mutual funds registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, will be looked through for purposes of the five or fewer test described above. Our charter limits these pension plans and mutual funds to owning no more than 15% of any class or series of our stock.

        Stock owned, or deemed to be owned, or proposed to be transferred to a stockholder in excess of the ownership limit will be converted automatically into shares of excess stock and will be transferred, by operation of law, to a trust, the beneficiary of which shall be a qualified charitable organization selected by us. As soon as practicable after the transfer of shares to the trust, the trustee of the trust will be required to sell the shares of excess stock to a person who could own the shares without violating the ownership limit and distribute to the proposed transferee an amount equal to the lesser of (1) the price paid by the proposed transferee for the shares of excess stock or (2) the sales proceeds received by the trust for the shares of excess stock. In the case of any excess stock resulting from any event other than a transfer, or from a transfer for no consideration (such as a gift), the trustee will be required to sell the excess stock to a qualified person or entity and distribute to the person holding record title to the shares in excess of the ownership limit an amount equal to the lesser of (A) the fair market value of the excess stock as of the date of the event or (B) the sales proceeds received by the trust for the excess stock. In either case, any proceeds in excess of the amount distributable to the proposed transferee or person holding record title to the shares in excess of the ownership limit, as applicable, will be distributed to the beneficiary of the trust.

        Upon the transfer of shares of excess stock by the trustee, the shares shall be converted automatically into an equal number of shares of the same class and series that were converted into the excess stock, and the shares of excess stock will be automatically retired and canceled and will thereupon be restored to the status of authorized but unissued shares of excess stock. Prior to a sale of any excess stock by the trustee, the trustee will be entitled to receive in trust for the beneficiary, all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to the excess stock. In addition, while the shares of excess stock are held in trust, the holder of shares will not be entitled to vote such shares, except when Maryland law mandates class voting rights. In the event voting rights are mandated by Maryland law, the trustee shall be entitled to vote the shares of excess stock.

        Neither the proposed transferee nor any person holding record title to any excess stock shall have any right to receive any dividend or distribution paid with respect to the excess stock. Any dividend or distribution paid on excess stock prior to discovery by us of the violation of the applicable ownership limit shall be repaid to us. In addition, neither the proposed transferee nor any person holding record title to any excess stock shall have any voting rights with respect to the excess stock. Any vote of any excess stock prior to discovery by us of the violation of the applicable ownership limit shall, subject to applicable law, be rescinded and deemed void and shall be recast by the trustee acting for the benefit of the beneficiary; provided, however, that such vote shall not be rescinded and recast if we have already taken irreversible corporate action. Shares of excess stock are not treasury stock, but rather constitute a separate class of issued and outstanding stock.

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        In addition to the foregoing transfer restrictions, we have the right for a period of 90 days to purchase all or any portion of the excess stock from the proposed transferee or any person holding record title to any excess stock for a price per share equal to the lesser of:

The 90-day period begins on the date of the purported transfer or non-transfer event that violated the applicable ownership limit if the proposed transferee or person holding record title to any excess stock gives notice to us of the transfer or non-transfer event, as applicable, or if no notice is given, the date our board of directors determines that such a transfer has been made or such a non-transfer event has occurred.

        The foregoing restrictions on transferability and ownership will not apply if our board of directors determines that it is no longer in our best interest to continue to qualify as a REIT. The board may, in its sole discretion, waive the ownership limits if evidence is presented that such ownership of shares in excess of the ownership limit will not jeopardize our qualification as a REIT and the board otherwise decides in its sole discretion that such action is in our stockholders' best interest.

        Our stockholders are required to disclose to us in writing any information with respect to their ownership of our stock that we may request in order to determine our status as a REIT and to ensure compliance with the ownership limits.

        The ownership limits may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control of our company.

Federal Income Tax Considerations and Consequences of Your Investment

        The following is a summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to (i) our qualification as a REIT, (ii) the ownership and disposition of shares of our common stock, and (iii) the ownership and disposition of certain of our debt securities. If we offer shares of preferred stock or debt securities pursuant to the prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement will describe certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to the ownership and disposition of those shares of preferred stock or, to the extent not discussed below, debt securities.

        Because this is a summary that is intended to address only certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations that generally will apply to all holders relating to (i) the ownership and disposition of our common stock, and (ii) the ownership and disposition of our debt securities, it may not contain all the information that may be important to you. As you review this discussion, you should keep in mind that:

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        The information in this section is based on the current Code, applicable Treasury Regulations, the legislative history of the Code, current administrative interpretations and practices of the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS"), including its practices and policies as endorsed in private letter rulings, which are not binding on the IRS except in the case of the taxpayer to whom a private letter ruling is addressed, and existing court decisions. Those authorities may be changed, possibly retroactively, or may be subject to differing interpretations, so as to result in U.S. federal income tax consequences different from those summarized below. Thus, it is possible that the IRS could challenge the statements in this discussion, which do not bind the IRS or the courts, and a court could agree with the IRS. The following discussion describes the tax rules applicable to REITs as in effect as of the date of this prospectus and, with limited exceptions, does not address any rules that may have applied to us during prior periods.

         You are urged both to review the following discussion and to consult with your own tax advisor to determine the effect of (i) ownership and disposition of our common stock and/or (ii) ownership and disposition of our debt securities on your individual tax situation, including any state, local or non-U.S. tax consequences.

Taxation of AvalonBay as a REIT

        We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Code. A REIT generally is not subject to U.S. federal income tax on the income that it distributes to stockholders if it meets the applicable REIT distribution requirements and other requirements for qualification.

        We believe that we are organized and have operated, and we intend to continue to operate, in a manner allowing us to qualify as a REIT, but there can be no assurance that we have qualified or will remain qualified as a REIT. Qualification and taxation as a REIT depend upon our ability to meet, through actual annual (or in some cases quarterly) operating results, requirements relating to income, asset ownership, distribution levels and diversity of share ownership, and the various other REIT qualification requirements imposed under the Code, as in effect for each applicable taxable period. Given the complex nature of the REIT qualification requirements, the ongoing importance of factual

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determinations (including with respect to matters that we may not control or for which it is not possible to obtain all the relevant facts) and the possibility of future changes in our circumstances, we cannot provide any assurance that our actual operating results have satisfied or will satisfy the requirements for taxation as a REIT under the Code for any particular taxable year.

        Goodwin Procter LLP has acted as our tax counsel in connection with this registration statement. Goodwin Procter LLP is of the opinion that commencing with our taxable year ended on December 31, 1994, our form of organization and our prior, current, and proposed ownership and operations (as represented by us to Goodwin Procter LLP) are such as to have enabled us to qualify and continue to qualify as a REIT under the Code. This opinion has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

        Goodwin Procter LLP's opinion is based on representations made by us as to certain factual matters relating to our prior and intended and expected organization, ownership and method of operation. Goodwin Procter LLP has not verified those representations, and their opinion assumes that such representations and covenants are accurate and complete, that we have been owned, organized and operated and will continue to be owned, organized and will continue to operate in accordance with such representations and that we will take no action inconsistent with our status as a REIT. In addition, this opinion is based on the law existing and in effect as of its date. Our qualification and taxation as a REIT will depend on our ability to have met and to meet on a continuing basis, through actual operating results, the asset composition, distribution levels, diversity of share ownership and various other qualification tests imposed under the Code discussed below. Goodwin Procter LLP has not verified and will not verify our compliance with these tests on a continuing basis. Accordingly, the opinion of our tax counsel does not guarantee our ability to qualify as or remain qualified as a REIT, and no assurance can be given that we have satisfied and will satisfy such tests for our taxable year ended December 31, 1994 or for any subsequent period. Also, the opinion of Goodwin Procter LLP is not binding on the IRS, or any court, and could be subject to modification or withdrawal based on future legislative, judicial or administrative changes to U.S. federal income tax laws, any of which could be applied retroactively. Goodwin Procter LLP will have no obligation to advise us or the holders of our stock or debt of any subsequent change in the matters addressed in its opinion, the factual representations or assumptions on which the conclusions in the opinion are based, or of any subsequent change in applicable law.

        So long as we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on our net income that is distributed currently to our stockholders. This treatment substantially eliminates "double taxation" (that is, taxation at both the corporate and stockholder levels) that generally results from an investment in a corporation. However, even if we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax as follows:

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        Requirements for qualification as a REIT.     We elected to be taxable as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes for our taxable year ended December 31, 1994 and for all subsequent taxable years. In order to have so qualified, we must have met and continue to meet the requirements discussed below (or as in effect for prior years), relating to our organization, ownership, sources of income, nature of assets and distributions of income to stockholders.

        The discussion below summarizes current law except where expressly noted otherwise. We do not believe any differences between the current requirements for qualification as a REIT and the requirements in effect for any prior year have prevented us from qualifying as a REIT for any period.

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        The Code defines a REIT as a corporation, trust or association:

        Conditions (1), (2), (3) and (4) above must be met during the entire taxable year and condition (5) above must be met during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months, or during a proportionate part of a taxable year of less than 12 months. For purposes of determining stock ownership under condition (6) above, a supplemental unemployment compensation benefits plan, a private foundation and a portion of a trust permanently set aside or used exclusively for charitable purposes generally are each considered an individual. A trust that is a qualified trust under Code Section 401(a) generally is not considered an individual, and beneficiaries of a qualified trust generally are treated as holding shares of a REIT in proportion to their actuarial interests in the trust for purposes of condition (6) above.

        We believe that we have issued sufficient shares of common stock with sufficient diversity of ownership to allow us to satisfy conditions (5) and (6) above. In addition, our charter contains restrictions regarding the transfer of shares of our stock that are intended to assist us in continuing to satisfy the share ownership requirements described in conditions (5) and (6) above. These restrictions, however, may not ensure that we will be able to satisfy these share ownership requirements.

        To monitor its compliance with condition (6) above, a REIT is required to send annual letters to its stockholders requesting information regarding the actual ownership of its shares. If we comply with the annual letters requirement and we do not know or, exercising reasonable diligence, would not have known of our failure to meet condition (6) above, then we will be treated as having met condition (6) above. Failure to comply with such requirements could subject us to monetary penalties.

        To qualify as a REIT, we also cannot have at the end of any taxable year any undistributed earnings and profits that are attributable to a non-REIT taxable year. We do not believe that we have retained any non-REIT earnings and profits at year-end and therefore believe that we satisfy this requirement.

        Qualified REIT Subsidiaries.     If a REIT owns a corporate subsidiary that is a "qualified REIT subsidiary," the separate existence of that subsidiary will be disregarded for U.S. federal income tax

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purposes. Generally, a qualified REIT subsidiary is a corporation, other than a taxable REIT subsidiary (discussed below), all of the stock of which is owned by the REIT. All assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of the qualified REIT subsidiary will be treated as assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of the REIT itself. A qualified REIT subsidiary of ours will not be subject to federal corporate income taxation, although it may be subject to state and local taxation in some states.

        Taxable REIT Subsidiaries.     A "taxable REIT subsidiary" of ours is a corporation in which we directly or indirectly own stock and that elects, together with us, to be treated as a taxable REIT subsidiary under Section 856(l) of the Code. In addition, if one of our taxable REIT subsidiaries owns, directly or indirectly, securities representing more than 35% or more of the vote or value of a subsidiary corporation, that subsidiary will also be treated as our taxable REIT subsidiary. A taxable REIT subsidiary is a corporation subject to U.S. federal income tax, and state and local income tax where applicable, as a regular "C" corporation.

        Generally, a taxable REIT subsidiary can perform some impermissible tenant services without causing us to receive impermissible tenant services income under the REIT income tests. A taxable REIT subsidiary also can recognize income that would be subject to the 100% prohibited transaction tax, or income that would be nonqualifying income under the gross income tests, if earned by a REIT. However, several provisions regarding the arrangements between a REIT and its taxable REIT subsidiaries ensure that a taxable REIT subsidiary will be subject to an appropriate level of U.S. federal income tax. For example, we will be obligated to pay a 100% penalty tax on some payments that we receive or on certain expenses deducted by the taxable REIT subsidiary if the economic arrangements among us, our tenants and the taxable REIT subsidiary are not comparable to similar arrangements among unrelated parties.

        Subsidiary REITs.     We may from time to time own interests in other entities that intend to qualify as REITs for federal income tax purposes. If any such entity in which we own an interest fails to qualify for taxation as a REIT in any taxable year, that failure could, depending on the circumstances, adversely affect our ability to satisfy the various asset and gross income requirements applicable to REITs, including the requirement that REITs generally may not own, directly or indirectly, more than 10% of the securities of another corporation that is not a REIT or a taxable REIT subsidiary, as further described below.

        Ownership of Partnership Interests by a REIT.     A REIT that is a partner in a partnership (or a member in a limited liability company or other entity that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) will be deemed to own its proportionate share of the assets of the partnership and will be deemed to earn its proportionate share of the partnership's income for purposes of the REIT asset and income tests described below. The assets and gross income of the partnership retain the same character in the hands of the REIT for purposes of these tests. Thus, our proportionate share of the assets and items of gross income of any entity taxable as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes in which we hold an interest will be treated as our assets and liabilities and our items of income for purposes of applying the REIT qualification requirements described in this prospectus. The assets, liabilities and items of income of any partnership in which we own an interest include such entity's share of the assets and liabilities and items of income with respect to any partnership in which it holds an interest.

        The assets of one of our joint ventures with Equity Residential include indirect interests in partnerships controlled by Equity Residential, and thus for purposes of our compliance with the REIT asset and gross income requirements we will be treated as owning our proportionate share of the assets and as receiving our proportionate share of gross income of the Equity Residential partnerships in which the joint venture has an interest. Although Equity Residential has agreed to operate those partnerships in compliance with the REIT requirements, we cannot assure you that such Equity

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Residential partnerships will be operated in compliance with the REIT requirements. Failure by those partnerships to comply with the REIT requirements could potentially jeopardize our REIT status.

        The discussion above does not apply to our interest in any entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If an entity that we treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes was determined instead to be taxed as a corporation, we could fail one or more of the REIT income and asset tests described below. Generally, a domestic unincorporated entity with two or more owners is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes unless it affirmatively elects to be treated as a corporation. However, certain "publicly traded partnerships" are treated as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A "publicly traded partnership" is any partnership (i) the interests in which are traded on an established securities market or (ii) the interests in which are readily tradable on a "secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof." However, under the relevant Treasury Regulations, interests in a partnership will not be considered readily tradable on a secondary market or on the substantial equivalent of a secondary market if the partnership qualifies for specified "safe harbors," which are based on the specific facts and circumstances relating to the partnership. Moreover, certain publicly traded partnerships will avoid being treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes if the partnership derives at least 90% of its gross income from certain specified sources of "qualifying income." We do not believe that any of our direct or indirect subsidiary partnerships should be treated as corporations under the publicly traded partnership rules. However, a contrary determination could prevent us from qualifying as a REIT.

        Under the Code, a partnership that is not treated as a corporation under the publicly traded partnership rules generally is not subject to U.S. federal income tax; instead, each partner is allocated its distributive share of the partnership's items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit and is required to take such items into account in determining the partner's income. However, new rules applicable to federal income tax audits of partnerships effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, require the partnership to pay the hypothetical increase in partner-level taxes (including interest and penalties) resulting from an adjustment of partnership tax items on audit or in other tax proceedings, unless the partnership elects an alternative method under which the taxes resulting from the adjustment (and interest and penalties) are assessed at the partner level. It is possible that partnerships in which we directly and indirectly invest may be subject to U.S. federal income tax, interest and penalties in the event of a U.S. federal income tax audit as a result of these law changes.

        Income Tests Applicable to REITs.     To qualify as a REIT, we must satisfy two gross income tests annually. First, at least 75% of our gross income, excluding gross income from prohibited transactions and certain other income and gains described below, for each taxable year must be derived directly or indirectly from investments relating to real property or mortgages on real property, including "rents from real property," gains on the disposition of real estate assets other than certain non-qualified debt instruments of publicly offered REITs, dividends paid by another REIT and interest on obligations secured by mortgages on real property or on interests in real property, income and gain derived from foreclosure property, or from some types of temporary investments. Second, at least 95% of our gross income, excluding gross income from prohibited transactions and certain other income and gains described below, for each taxable year must be derived from any combination of income qualifying under the 75% test and dividends, interest, and gain from the sale or disposition of stock or securities.

        Rents received by us will qualify as rents from real property for purposes of the REIT gross income tests described above only if several conditions are met. First, the amount of rents from real property must not be based in whole or in part on the income or profits derived by any person from such real property. However, an amount received or accrued generally will not be excluded from the term "rents from real property" solely by reason of being based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales. Second, rents received from a "related party tenant" (as defined below) will not qualify as rents from real property for purposes of the REIT gross income tests unless the tenant is a

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taxable REIT subsidiary and (1) at least 90% of the property is leased to unrelated tenants and the rent paid by the taxable REIT subsidiary is substantially comparable to the rent paid by the unrelated tenants for comparable space, or (2) the property leased to the taxable REIT subsidiary is a hotel or a health care facility and certain other requirements are satisfied. A tenant is a related party tenant if the REIT, or an actual or constructive owner of 10% or more of the REIT, actually or constructively owns 10% or more of the tenant. Third, if rent attributable to personal property, leased in connection with a lease of real property, is greater than 15% of the total rent received under the lease (determined based on the fair market value as of the beginning and end of the taxable year), then the portion of rent attributable to the personal property will not qualify as rents from real property.

        Generally, for rents to qualify as rents from real property for purposes of the REIT gross income tests, we may provide directly only an insignificant amount of services, unless those services are "customarily furnished or rendered" in connection with the rental of real property and not otherwise considered "rendered to the occupant." Accordingly, we may not provide "impermissible tenant services" to tenants (except through an independent contractor from whom we derive no income and that meets other requirements or through a taxable REIT subsidiary) without giving rise to "impermissible tenant service income." Impermissible tenant service income is deemed to be at least 150% of our direct cost of providing the service. If the impermissible tenant service income exceeds 1% of our total income from a property, then all of the income from that property will fail to qualify as rents from real property. If the total amount of impermissible tenant service income from a property does not exceed 1% of our total income from the property, the services will not "taint" the other income from the property (that is, it will not cause the rent paid by tenants of that property to fail to qualify as rents from real property), but the impermissible tenant service income will not qualify as rents from real property.

        We have provided and expect to continue to provide services at our multifamily apartment communities. We believe that the services with respect to our communities that have been and will be provided by us directly are usually or customarily rendered in connection with the rental of space for occupancy only and are not otherwise rendered to particular tenants, or, if considered impermissible tenant services, income from the provision of such services with respect to a given property has not and will not jeopardize our status as a REIT. We believe that any services with respect to our communities that may not be provided by us directly without jeopardizing our status as a REIT have been, and, if applicable, will continue to be, performed by independent contractors or taxable REIT subsidiaries.

        Taxable dividends from a taxable REIT subsidiary and gain from a sale or other taxable disposition of interests in a taxable REIT subsidiary will qualify under the 95% income test, but not the 75% income test. Our need to satisfy the 75% income test may adversely affect our ability to distribute earnings from, or dispose of our investment in, a taxable REIT subsidiary.

        We have earned and continue to earn amounts of nonqualifying income. For example, we earn fees related to the development and management of properties that are not wholly-owned by us. We believe that the amount of nonqualifying income generated from these and certain other activities has not affected and will not affect our ability to meet the gross income tests.

        Any gain we realize on the sale of any property held as inventory or other property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business will be treated as income from a prohibited transaction that is subject to a 100% penalty tax, unless such property has been held by us for two years and certain other requirements are satisfied or the gain is realized in a taxable REIT subsidiary. Under existing law, whether property is held as inventory or primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business is a question of fact that depends on all the facts and circumstances of a particular transaction. We generally intend to hold our properties for investment with a view to long-term appreciation, to engage in the business of acquiring, developing, owning and operating properties, and to make occasional sales of properties, consistent with our investment

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objectives. We cannot provide any assurance, however, that the IRS might not contend that one or more of these sales are subject to the 100% penalty tax. We intend to hold assets developed or held for sale in taxable REIT subsidiaries. Although a taxable REIT subsidiary is not subject to the 100% penalty tax, it does pay regular U.S. federal corporate income tax tax on its taxable income and gains.

        If we fail to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95% gross income tests for any taxable year, we may nevertheless qualify as a REIT for that year if we are entitled to relief under the Code. These relief provisions generally will be available if our failure to meet the tests is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect and, following our identification of such failure for any taxable year, we file a schedule describing each item of our gross income for such taxable year described in the gross income tests in accordance with the applicable Treasury Regulations. It is not possible, however, to state whether in all circumstances we would be entitled to the benefit of these relief provisions. For example, if we fail to satisfy the gross income tests because nonqualifying income that we intentionally incur exceeds the limits on nonqualifying income, the IRS could conclude that the failure to satisfy the tests was not due to reasonable cause. If we are not entitled to relief under these provisions, we will fail to qualify as a REIT. As discussed under "—Taxation of AvalonBay as a REIT" even if these relief provisions apply, we would be subject to tax to the extent we fail to meet the REIT gross income tests.

        Asset Tests Applicable to REITs.     At the close of each quarter of our taxable year, we must satisfy five tests relating to the nature of our assets:

        Shares in other qualifying REITs are treated as "real estate assets" for purposes of the REIT assets tests, while shares of our taxable REIT subsidiaries do not qualify as "real estate assets."

        Securities for purposes of the asset tests may include debt securities. However, the 10% value test does not apply to certain "straight debt" and other excluded securities, as described in the Code including, but not limited to, any loan to an individual or estate, any obligation to pay rents from real property and any security issued by a REIT. In addition, (1) a REIT's interest as a partner in a partnership is not considered a security for purposes of applying the 10% value test to securities issued

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by the partnership; (2) any debt instrument issued by a partnership (other than straight debt or another excluded security) will not be considered a security issued by the partnership if at least 75% of the partnership's gross income is derived from sources that would qualify for the 75% gross income test; and (3) any debt instrument issued by a partnership (other than straight debt or another excluded security) will not be considered a security issued by the partnership to the extent of the REIT's interest as a partner in the partnership. In general, straight debt is defined as a written, unconditional promise to pay on demand or at a specific date a fixed principal amount, and the interest rate and payment dates on the debt must not be contingent on profits or the discretion of the debtor. In addition, straight debt may not contain a convertibility feature.

        We believe that we have complied with the applicable asset tests with respect to each such issuer. In this regard, however, we cannot provide any assurance that the IRS might not disagree with our determinations.

        After initially meeting the asset tests at the close of any quarter, we will not lose our status as a REIT if we fail to satisfy any of the asset tests at the end of a later quarter solely by reason of changes in the relative values of our assets. If the failure to satisfy any such asset tests results from an acquisition of securities or other property during a quarter, the failure generally can be cured by disposition of sufficient non-qualifying assets within 30 days after the close of that quarter. We intend to maintain adequate records of the value of our assets to ensure compliance with the asset tests and to take any available actions within 30 days after the close of any quarter as may be required to cure any noncompliance with the asset tests.

        Moreover, if we fail to satisfy any of the asset tests at the end of a calendar quarter during a taxable year and such failure is not cured within 30 days as described above, we will not lose our REIT status if one of the following additional exceptions applies: (1) the failure is due to a violation of the 5% or 10% asset tests and is "de minimis" (for this purpose, a "de minimis" failure is one that arises from our ownership of assets the total value of which does not exceed the lesser of 1% of the total value of our assets at the end of the quarter in which the failure occurred and $10 million) and we either dispose of the assets that caused the failure or otherwise satisfy any of the asset tests within 6 months after the last day of the quarter in which our identification of the failure occurred; or (2) the failure is due to a violation of any of the asset tests (other than "de minimis" violations of the 5% or 10% asset tests) and all of the following requirements are satisfied: (i) the failure is due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, (ii) we file a schedule in accordance with Treasury Regulations providing a description of each asset that caused the failure, and (iii) we either dispose of the assets that caused the failure or otherwise satisfy the asset tests within 6 months after the last day of the quarter in which our identification of the failure occurred. If we must rely on the reasonable cause exception for failures that are not "de minimis" failures of the 5% or 10% asset tests, we must pay an excise tax equal to the greater of (x) $50,000 and (y) an amount determined by multiplying the net income generated during a specified period by the assets that caused the failure by the highest U.S. federal income tax rate applicable to corporations.

        Foreclosure Property.     Foreclosure property is real property (including interests in real property) and any personal property incident to such real property (1) that is acquired by a REIT as a result of the REIT having bid in the property at foreclosure, or having otherwise reduced the property to ownership or possession by agreement or process of law, after there was a default (or default was imminent) on a lease of the property or a mortgage loan held by the REIT and secured by the property, (2) for which the related loan or lease was made, entered into or acquired by the REIT at a time when default was not imminent or anticipated and (3) for which such REIT makes an election to treat the property as foreclosure property. REITs generally are subject to tax at the highest U.S. federal corporate income rate on any net income from foreclosure property, including any gain from the disposition of the foreclosure property, other than income that would otherwise be qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test. Any gain from the sale of property for which a foreclosure

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property election has been made will not be subject to the 100% tax on gains from prohibited transactions described above, even if the property is held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business.

        Hedging Transactions and Foreign Currency Gains.     We may enter into hedging transactions with respect to one or more of our assets or liabilities. Hedging transactions could take a variety of forms, including interest rate swaps or cap agreements, options, futures contracts, forward rate agreements or similar financial instruments. Except to the extent as may be provided by future Treasury Regulations, any income from a hedging transaction which is clearly identified as such before the close of the day on which it was acquired, originated or entered into, including gain from the disposition or termination of such a transaction, will not constitute gross income for purposes of the 95% and 75% income tests, provided that the hedging transaction is entered into (1) in the normal course of our business primarily to manage risk of interest rate or price changes or currency fluctuations with respect to indebtedness incurred or to be incurred by us to acquire or carry real estate assets, (2) primarily to manage the risk of currency fluctuations with respect to any item of income or gain that would be qualifying income under the 75% or 95% income tests (or any property which generates such income or gain), or (3) to hedge against transactions described in clause (1) or (2) and is entered into in connection with the extinguishment of debt or a sale of property that is being hedged against by the transaction described in clause (1) or (2). To the extent we enter into other types of hedging transactions, the income from those transactions is likely to be treated as nonqualifying income for purposes of both the 75% and 95% gross income tests. We intend to structure any hedging transactions in a manner that does not jeopardize our ability to qualify as a REIT. No assurances can be given, however, that our hedging activities will not give rise to income that does not qualify for purposes of either or both of the gross income tests and that such income will not adversely affect our ability to satisfy the REIT qualification requirements. In addition, certain foreign currency gains may be excluded from gross income for purposes of one or both of the REIT gross income tests, provided we do not deal in or engage in substantial and regular trading in securities.

        Annual Distribution Requirements Applicable to REITs.     To qualify as a REIT, we are required to distribute dividends, other than capital gain dividends, to our stockholders each year in an amount at least equal to (1) the sum of (a) 90% of our REIT taxable income, computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction and our net capital gain, and (b) 90% of the net income, after tax, from foreclosure property, minus (2) the sum of certain specified items of noncash income. For purposes of the distribution requirements, any built-in gain (net of the applicable tax) we recognize during the applicable recognition period that existed on an asset when we acquired it from a "C" corporation in a carry-over basis transaction will be included in our REIT taxable income. See "—Taxation of AvalonBay as a REIT" for a discussion of the possible recognition of built-in gain. These distributions must be paid either in the taxable year to which they relate, or in the following taxable year if declared before we timely file our tax return for the prior year and if paid with or before the first regular dividend payment date after the declaration is made.

        For taxable years beginning before January 1, 2015, in order for our distributions to be counted as satisfying the annual distribution requirements for REITs, and to provide us with a REIT-level tax deduction, the distributions must not be "preferential dividends." A dividend is not a preferential dividend if the distribution is (1) pro rata among all outstanding shares of stock within a particular class, and (2) in accordance with the preferences among different classes of stock as set forth in our organizational documents. Any non-publicly offered REIT in which we invest would be subject to the preferential dividend rule regardless of the date of the distribution.

        We believe that we have made and intend to continue to make timely distributions sufficient to satisfy the annual distribution requirements.

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        Generally, we anticipate having sufficient cash or liquid assets to enable us to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement. It is possible, however, that we, from time to time, may choose to retain cash to fund capital projects or future operations or may not have sufficient cash or other liquid assets to meet this distribution requirement or to distribute such greater amount as may be necessary to avoid income and excise taxation, in part due to timing differences between (a) the actual receipt of income and the actual payment of deductible expenses and (b) the inclusion of such income and the deduction of such expenses in arriving at our taxable income, or as a result of nondeductible expenses such as principal amortization or capital expenditures in excess of noncash deductions. In such event, we may find it necessary to arrange for borrowings or pay taxable stock dividends in order to meet the distribution requirement.

        We may seek to satisfy our distribution requirements by making taxable stock dividends. Moreover, we may determine to utilize certain stock dividends the proper treatment of which is not entirely clear without obtaining a private letter ruling from the IRS confirming the treatment of the stock dividend as a taxable stock dividend. In that case, it is possible that the IRS could challenge our treatment of the stock dividend as a taxable stock dividend, and if such challenge were successful the stock dividend would not count towards satisfying our distribution requirements.

        Under some circumstances, we may be able to rectify a failure to meet the distribution requirement for a year by paying dividends to stockholders in a later year, which may be included in our deduction for dividends paid for the earlier year. We will refer to such dividends as "deficiency dividends." Thus, we may be able to avoid being taxed on amounts distributed as deficiency dividends. We will, however, be required to pay interest based upon the amount of any deduction taken for deficiency dividends.

        To the extent that we do not distribute all of our net capital gain or distribute at least 90%, but less than 100%, of our REIT taxable income, as adjusted, we will be subject to regular U.S. federal corporate income tax on these retained amounts.

        We will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax on the excess of the required distributions over the sum of amounts actually distributed and amounts retained for which U.S. federal income tax was paid, if we fail to distribute during each calendar year at least the sum of:

        A REIT may elect to retain rather than distribute all or a portion of its net capital gains and pay tax on the gains. In that case, a REIT may elect to have its stockholders include their proportionate share of the undistributed net capital gains in income as long-term capital gains and receive a credit for their share of the tax paid by the REIT. For purposes of the 4% excise tax described above, any such retained amounts would be treated as having been distributed.

        Record-Keeping Requirements.     We are required to comply with applicable record-keeping requirements. Failure to comply could result in monetary fines.

        Failure of AvalonBay to Qualify as a REIT.     If we fail to satisfy any REIT requirements (other than the income test or asset test requirements, to which specific cure provisions apply), we generally will avoid disqualification as a REIT if the failure is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect and we pay a penalty of $50,000 with respect to such failure. It is not possible to state whether in all circumstances we would be entitled to such statutory relief.

        If we fail to qualify for taxation as a REIT in any taxable year and the relief provisions do not apply, we will be subject to regular U.S. federal corporate income tax on our taxable income.

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Distributions to stockholders in any year in which we fail to qualify will not be deductible by us nor will they be required to be made. In such event, to the extent of current or accumulated earnings and profits, all distributions to stockholders will be taxable as dividend income. Subject to limitations of the Code, corporate stockholders may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction and non-corporate stockholders may be eligible to treat the dividends received from us as qualified dividend income taxable as net capital gains under the provisions of Section 1(h)(11) of the Code. Unless we are entitled to relief under specific statutory provisions, we also will be disqualified from electing to be taxed as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which qualification was lost.

Taxation of U.S. Stockholders

        When we refer to a U.S. stockholder, we mean a beneficial owner of our common stock that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

If a partnership (including any entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds our common stock, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner in a partnership acquiring our common stock, you should consult your tax advisors.

        A "non-U.S. stockholder" is a holder that is a nonresident alien individual or a foreign corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

        Distributions by AvalonBay.     So long as we qualify as a REIT, distributions to U.S. stockholders out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits that are not designated as capital gain dividends will be taxable as dividend income. In general, our dividends will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction generally available for corporations and will not qualify for treatment as qualified dividend income taxed as net capital gain by non-corporate stockholders.

        In addition, for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026, non-corporate taxpayers (including individuals) generally may deduct 20% of dividends received from REITs, other than capital gain dividends or dividends treated as qualified dividend income, subject to certain limitations. If we fail to qualify as a REIT, such stockholders may not claim this deduction with respect to dividends paid by us.

        Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits will not be taxable to a U.S. stockholder to the extent that the distributions do not exceed the adjusted tax basis of the stockholder's shares. Rather, such distributions will reduce the adjusted basis of such shares. Distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits that exceed a U.S. stockholder's adjusted basis in its shares will be treated as gain from the sale or exchange of such shares, taxable as capital gains in the amount of such excess if the shares are held as a capital asset. If we declare a dividend in October, November or December of any year with a record date in one of these months and pay the dividend on or before January 31 of the following year, we will be treated as having paid

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the dividend, and our stockholders will be treated as having received the dividend, on December 31 of the year in which the dividend was declared.

        The above applies regardless of whether the distributions by us are reinvested pursuant to the Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan. This discussion applies equally to distributions payable in cash and taxable stock distributions.

        We may elect to designate distributions of our net capital gain as "capital gain dividends." Capital gain dividends generally are taxed to U.S. stockholders as gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset held for more than one year, without regard to how long the U.S. stockholder has held its shares. Designations made by us will be effective only to the extent that they comply with the principles of Revenue Ruling 89-81, which require that distributions made to different classes of shares be composed proportionately of dividends of a particular type. If we designate any portion of a dividend as a capital gain dividend, a U.S. stockholder will receive an IRS Form 1099-DIV indicating the amount that will be taxable to the stockholder as capital gain. Corporate stockholders, however, may be required to treat up to 20% of capital gain dividends as ordinary income.

        Instead of paying capital gain dividends, we may choose to retain all or part of our net capital gain and designate such amount as "undistributed capital gain." We will be subject to regular U.S. federal corporate income tax on any undistributed capital gains and our earnings and profits will be adjusted appropriately. On such a designation, a U.S. stockholder:

        We will classify portions of any designated capital gain dividend or undistributed capital gains as either (1) a 20% rate gain distribution, which would be taxable to non-corporate U.S. stockholders at a maximum rate of 20% or (2) an "unrecaptured Section 1250 gain" distribution, which would be taxable to non-corporate U.S. stockholders at a maximum rate of 25%. We must determine the maximum amounts that we may designate as 20% and 25% rate capital gain dividends by performing the computation required by the Code as if the REIT were an individual whose ordinary income were subject to a marginal tax rate in excess of 25%.

        Distributions made by us and gain arising from the sale or exchange by a U.S. stockholder of shares of our common stock will not be treated as passive activity income, and as a result, U.S. stockholders generally will not be able to apply any "passive losses" against this income or gain. In addition, with respect to our non-corporate U.S. stockholders, dividends (other than capital gain dividends and dividends taxed at net capital gains rates) generally will be treated as investment income for purposes of the investment interest limitations. A U.S. stockholder may elect to treat capital gain dividends and capital gains from the disposition of shares of our common stock as investment income for purposes of the investment interest limitation, in which case such amounts otherwise taxable as capital gains will be taxed at ordinary income rates. We will notify stockholders regarding the portions of distributions for each year that constitute ordinary income, return of capital and capital gain.

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        To the extent that we have available net operating losses and capital losses carried forward from prior tax years, such losses may, subject to limitations, reduce the amount of distributions that must be made in order to comply with the REIT distribution requirements. Such losses, however, are not passed through and U.S. stockholders may not include in their own income tax returns any of our net operating losses or capital losses.

        Sales of Shares.     Upon any taxable sale or other disposition of shares, a U.S. stockholder will recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the difference between (x) the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received on the sale or other disposition and (y) the holder's adjusted basis in the shares for tax purposes. This gain or loss will be a capital gain or loss if the shares have been held by the U.S. stockholder as a capital asset. The applicable tax rate will depend on the stockholder's holding period in the shares (generally, if an asset has been held for more than one year it will produce long-term capital gain), the stockholder's tax bracket and the stockholder's status (i.e., as an individual or other noncorporate U.S. stockholder or as a corporate U.S. stockholder). The IRS has the authority to prescribe, but has not yet prescribed, regulations that would apply a capital gain tax rate of 25% (which is generally higher than the long-term capital gain tax rates for non-corporate U.S. stockholders) to a portion of capital gain realized by a non-corporate stockholder on the sale of REIT shares that would correspond to the REIT's "unrecaptured Section 1250 gain." Stockholders are urged to consult with their own tax advisors with respect to their capital gain tax liability. In general, any loss recognized by a U.S. stockholder upon the sale or other disposition of shares that have been held for six months or less, after applying the holding period rules, will be treated as a long-term capital loss, to the extent of distributions received by the U.S. stockholder from us that were required to be treated as long-term capital gains. All or a portion of any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of shares may be disallowed if other shares are purchased within 30 days before or after the date of disposition.

        Medicare Tax on Unearned Income.     A U.S. stockholder that is an individual is subject to a 3.8% tax on the lesser of (1) his or her "net investment income" for the relevant taxable year or (2) the excess of his or her modified gross income for the taxable year over a certain threshold (currently between $125,000 and $250,000 depending on the individual's U.S. federal income tax filing status). A similar regime applies to certain estates and trusts. Net investment income generally would include dividends on our common stock (without regard to the 20% deduction allowed by Section 199A of the Code) and gain from the sale of our common stock. If you are a U.S. investor that is an individual, an estate or a trust, you are urged to consult your tax advisors regarding the applicability of this tax to your income and gains in respect of your investment in our common stock.

Treatment of Tax-Exempt Stockholders

        Provided that a tax-exempt stockholder has not held its common stock as "debt financed property" within the meaning of the Code, the dividend income from our company will not be unrelated business taxable income, referred to as UBTI, to a tax-exempt stockholder. Similarly, gain from the sale of shares will not constitute UBTI unless the tax-exempt stockholder has held its shares as debt financed property within the meaning of the Code or is a dealer in the shares.

        However, for tax-exempt stockholders that are social clubs, voluntary employee benefit associations, or supplemental unemployment benefit trusts exempt from U.S. federal income taxation under Sections 501(c)(7), (c)(9) or (c)(17) of the Code, respectively, income from an investment in our company will generally constitute UBTI; however, an organization exempt under Section 501(c)(9) or (c)(17) of the Code may reduce UBTI if it properly sets aside or reserves such amounts for purposes specified in the Code. These tax-exempt stockholders should consult their own tax advisors concerning these "set aside" and reserve requirements.

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        Notwithstanding the above, however, a portion of the dividends paid by a "pension-held REIT" are treated as UBTI if received by any trust which is described in Section 401(a) of the Code, is tax-exempt under Section 501(a) of the Code and holds more than 10%, by value, of the interests in the REIT.

        Tax-exempt pension funds that are described in Section 401(a) of the Code are referred to below as "pension trusts."

        A REIT is a pension-held REIT if it meets the following two tests:

        For pension-held REITs, the percentage of any REIT dividend treated as UBTI is equal to the ratio of the UBTI earned by the REIT, treating the REIT as if it were a pension trust and therefore subject to tax on UBTI, to the total gross income of the REIT. An exception applies, in which case no dividends are treated as UBTI, where this percentage is less than 5% for any taxable year. Before investing in our common stock, a tax-exempt stockholder should consult its tax advisors with regard to UBTI and the suitability of an investment in our common stock.

U.S. Taxation of Non-U.S. Stockholders

        Distributions by AvalonBay.     Distributions by us to a non-U.S. stockholder that are neither attributable to gain from sales or exchanges by us of "U.S. real property interests" nor designated by us as capital gain dividends will be treated as dividends taxed as ordinary income to the extent that they are made out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. These distributions ordinarily will be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax on a gross basis at a rate of 30%, or a lower rate as permitted under an applicable income tax treaty, unless the dividends are treated as effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. stockholder of a U.S. trade or business. Under many treaties, however, lower withholding rates generally applicable to dividends do not apply to dividends from REITs. Dividends that are effectively connected with a trade or business will be subject to tax on a net basis, that is, after allowance for deductions, at graduated rates, in the same manner as U.S. stockholders are taxed with respect to these dividends, and are generally not subject to withholding. Any dividends received by a corporate non-U.S. stockholder that is engaged in a U.S. trade or business also may be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a 30% rate, or lower applicable treaty rate.

        Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits (not attributable to gains from disposition of U.S. real property interests) that exceed the non-U.S. stockholder's basis in its common stock will be taxable to a non-U.S. stockholder as gain from the sale of its common stock, which is discussed below. Distributions in excess of our current or accumulated earnings and profits (not attributable to gains from disposition of U.S. real property interests) that do not exceed the adjusted basis of the non-U.S. stockholder in its common stock will reduce the non-U.S. stockholder's adjusted basis in its common stock and will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax, but will be subject to U.S. withholding tax as described below.

        Subject to the discussion below regarding capital gain dividends and FIRPTA, we expect to withhold U.S. income tax at the rate of 30% on any dividend distributions (including distributions that

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later may be determined to have been in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits) made to a non-U.S. stockholder unless:

        We may be required to withhold at least 15% of any distribution in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, even if a lower treaty rate applies and the non-U.S. stockholder is not liable for tax on the receipt of that distribution. However, a non-U.S. stockholder may seek a refund of these amounts from the IRS if the non-U.S. stockholder's U.S. tax liability with respect to the distribution is less than the amount withheld.

        Distributions to a non-U.S. stockholder that we designate as capital gain dividends, other than those arising from the disposition of a U.S. real property interest, generally should not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation unless:

        Subject to the exception discussed below for 10% or smaller holders of regularly traded classes of stock and the special rules for "qualified foreign pension funds" or "qualified shareholders," under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act, which is referred to as "FIRPTA," distributions to a non-U.S. stockholder that are attributable to gain from sales or exchanges by us of U.S. real property interests, whether or not designated as a capital gain dividend, will cause the non-U.S. stockholder to be treated as recognizing gain that is income effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business. The term "U.S. real property interests" includes interests in U.S. real property and shares in U.S. corporations at least 50% of whose real estate and business assets consist of U.S. real property interests. Non-U.S. stockholders will be taxed on this gain at the same rates applicable to U.S. stockholders, subject to a special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals. Also, this gain may be subject to the 30% branch profits tax in the hands of a non-U.S. stockholder that is a corporation.

        We will be required to withhold and remit to the IRS 21% of any distributions to non-U.S. stockholders attributable to gain from our sale or exchange of U.S. real property interests. Under long-standing regulations, we also may be required to withhold 35% of any distributions to non-U.S. stockholders that we designate as capital gain dividends, including any distributions that could have been designated as capital gain dividends. Distributions can be designated as capital gains to the extent of our net capital gain for the taxable year of the distribution. The amount withheld is creditable against the non-U.S. stockholder's U.S. federal income tax liability. A non-U.S. stockholder who receives distributions attributable to gain from a sale or exchange by us of U.S. real property interests will be required to file a U.S. federal income tax return for the taxable year.

        A non-U.S. stockholder that owns, actually or constructively, no more than 10% of our common stock at all times during the one-year period ending on the date of the distribution will not be subject

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to the 21% FIRPTA withholding tax with respect to distributions that are attributable to gain from our sale or exchange of U.S. real property interests, and also should not be subject to the 35% capital gain dividend withholding tax, provided that our common stock is regularly traded on an established securities market. Instead, any distributions made to such non-U.S. stockholder will be subject to the general withholding rules discussed above which generally impose a withholding tax equal to 30% of the gross amount of each dividend distribution (unless reduced by treaty).

        Although the law is not clear on the matter, it appears that amounts designated by us as undistributed capital gains generally should be treated with respect to non-U.S. stockholders in the same manner as actual distributions by us of capital gain dividends. Under that approach, the non-U.S. stockholders would be able to offset as a credit against their U.S. federal income tax liability resulting therefrom an amount equal to their proportionate share of the tax paid by us on the undistributed capital gains, and to receive from the IRS a refund to the extent their proportionate share of this tax paid by us exceeds their actual U.S. federal income tax liability.

        Sale of Common Stock.     Gain recognized by a non-U.S. stockholder upon the sale or exchange of our common stock generally would not be subject to U.S. taxation unless:

        Our common stock will not constitute a U.S. real property interest if we are a domestically controlled qualified investment entity. We will be a domestically controlled qualified investment entity if, at all times during a specified testing period, we are a REIT and less than 50% in value of our stock is held directly or indirectly by non-U.S. stockholders. For these purposes, since December 18, 2015, a person holding less than 5% of our regularly traded classes of stock for five years has been, and will be, treated as a U.S. person unless we have actual knowledge that such person is not a U.S. person.

        Because our common stock is publicly traded, we cannot guarantee that we are or will continue to be a domestically controlled qualified investment entity.

        Even if we are a domestically controlled qualified investment entity, upon disposition of our stock, a non-U.S. stockholder may be treated as having gain from the sale or exchange of a U.S. real property interest if the non-U.S. stockholder (1) disposes of an interest in our stock during the 30-day period preceding the ex-dividend date of a distribution, any portion of which, but for the disposition, would have been treated as gain from sale or exchange of a U.S. real property interest and (2) directly or indirectly acquires, enters into a contract or option to acquire, or is deemed to acquire, other shares of our stock within 30 days before or after such ex-dividend date. This rule does not apply if the exception for distributions to 10% or smaller holders of regularly traded classes of stock is satisfied.

        Even if we do not qualify as a domestically controlled qualified investment entity at the time a non-U.S. stockholder sells its common stock, our stock sold by such stockholder would not be considered a U.S. real property interest if:

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        If gain on the sale or exchange of our common stock were subject to taxation under FIRPTA, a non-U.S. stockholder would be subject to regular U.S. income tax with respect to any gain in the same manner as a taxable U.S. stockholder, subject to any applicable alternative minimum tax.

        Special FIRPTA Rules.     To the extent our stock is held directly (or indirectly through one or more partnerships) by a "qualified shareholder," it will not be treated as a U.S. real property interest for such qualified shareholder. Further, to the extent such treatment applies, any distribution to such shareholder will not be treated as gain recognized from the sale or exchange of a U.S. real property interest. For these purposes, a qualified shareholder is generally a non-U.S. stockholder that (i)(A) is eligible for treaty benefits under an income tax treaty with the United States that includes an exchange of information program, and the principal class of interests of which is listed and regularly traded on one or more stock exchanges as defined by the treaty, or (B) is a foreign limited partnership organized in a jurisdiction with an exchange of information agreement with the United States and that has a class of regularly traded limited partnership units (having a value greater than 50% of the value of all partnership units) on the New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq, (ii) is a "qualified collective investment vehicle" (within the meaning of Section 897(k)(3)(B) of the Code) and (iii) maintains records of persons holding 5% or more of the class of interests described in clauses (i)(A) or (i)(B) above. However, in the case of a qualified shareholder having one or more "applicable investors," the exception described in the first sentence of this paragraph will not apply with respect to a portion of the qualified shareholder's stock (determined by applying the ratio of the value of the interests held by applicable investors in the qualified shareholder to the value of all interests in the qualified shareholder and applying certain constructive ownership rules). Such ratio applied to the amount realized by a qualified shareholder on the disposition of our stock or with respect to a distribution from us attributable to gain from the sale or exchange of a U.S. real property interest will be treated as amounts realized from the disposition of U.S. real property interest. Such treatment shall also apply to applicable investors in respect of distributions treated as a sale or exchange of stock with respect to a qualified shareholder. For these purposes, an "applicable investor" is person (other than a qualified shareholder) who holds an interest in the qualified shareholder and holds more than 10% of our stock applying certain constructive ownership rules.

        The FIRPTA rules do not apply to any U.S. real property interest held directly (or indirectly through one or more partnerships) by, or to any distribution received from a REIT by, a "qualified foreign pension fund" or any entity all of the interests of which are held by an qualified foreign pension fund. For these purposes, a "qualified foreign pension fund" is an organization or arrangement (i) created or organized in a foreign country, (ii) established to provide retirement or pension benefits to current or former employees (or their designees) of one or more employers for services rendered, (iii) which does not have a single participant or beneficiary that has a right to more than 5% of its assets or income, (iv) which is subject to government regulation and provides annual information reporting about its beneficiaries to relevant local tax authorities and (v) with respect to which, under its local laws, contributions that would otherwise be subject to tax are deductible or excluded from its gross income or taxed at a reduced rate, or taxation of its income is deferred or taxed at a reduced rate.

Taxation of U.S. Holders of Our Debt Securities

        This summary addresses fixed rate debt securities issued by us without OID (as defined below), and does not deal with holders other than those who purchase the debt securities on original issuance at the initial offering price ( i.e. , the first price at which a substantial portion of the debt securities is

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sold to persons other than bond houses, brokers, or similar persons or organizations acting in the capacity of underwriters, placement agents or wholesalers).

        When we refer to a "U.S. holder," we mean a beneficial owner of the debt securities that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

        If a partnership (including any entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds the debt securities, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner in a partnership acquiring the debt securities, you should consult your tax advisors.

        Payments of interest.     Stated interest on our debt securities will be includable in income of a U.S. holder as ordinary interest income at the time such interest is received or accrued, in accordance with the U.S. holder's regular method of tax accounting.

        Original issue discount.     If the issue price of a debt security is less than its stated redemption price at maturity, then the debt security will be treated as being issued with original issue discount, or OID, for U.S. federal income tax purposes unless the difference between the debt security's issue price and its stated redemption price at maturity is less than the statutory de minimis amount. Unless the de minimis exception applies, the amount of OID on a debt security is equal to the difference and must be included in income as ordinary interest as it accrues under a constant yield method in advance of receipt of the cash payments attributable to such income, regardless of such U.S. holder's regular method of tax accounting. Generally, the "issue price" of a debt security is the first price at which a substantial amount of the debt securities is sold to purchasers other than bond houses, brokers or similar persons or organizations acting in the capacity of underwriters, placement agents or wholesalers. The "stated redemption price at maturity" of a debt security is the total of all payments to be made under the debt security, other than "qualified stated interest," and, generally, is expected to equal the principal amount of the debt security. "Qualified stated interest" generally is stated interest that is unconditionally payable in cash or property at least annually at a single fixed rate that properly takes into account the length of the interval between stated interest payments. The amount of OID on the debt security will be de minimis if it is less than 0.0025 multiplied by the product of the stated redemption price at maturity and the number of complete years to maturity.

        U.S. holders may, upon election, include in income all interest, including stated interest, de minimis OID, market discount, and de minimis market discount, as adjusted by any amortizable bond premium or acquisition premium, that accrues on the debt securities by using the constant yield method applicable to OID, subject to limitations and exceptions.

        Disposition of Debt Securities.     Except as discussed above, upon the sale, exchange, redemption, repurchase, or other taxable disposition of the debt securities, a U.S. holder generally will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized (less an amount equal to any accrued but unpaid interest, which will be taxable as such) on the sale, exchange, redemption, repurchase, retirement or other taxable disposition and the U.S. holder's adjusted tax basis in the debt security. A

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U.S. holder's adjusted tax basis in the debt security generally will equal the amount the U.S. holder paid for the debt security, decreased by the amount of any payments received, other than stated interest payments. Such gain or loss on the sale, exchange, redemption, repurchase, or other taxable disposition of the debt security generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if the debt security were held for more than one year. Non-corporate taxpayers are generally subject to reduced rates of U.S. federal income taxation on net long-term capital gains. The deductibility of capital losses is generally subject to limitations.

Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders of Debt Securities

        When we refer to a "non-U.S. holder" we mean a beneficial owner of the debt securities that is a foreign corporation or a nonresident alien individual for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The rules governing the U.S. federal income taxation of a non-U.S. holder are complex and no attempt will be made herein to provide more than a summary of such rules. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors to determine the effect of U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax laws, as well as tax treaties, with regard to an investment in the debt securities.

        Payments of principal and interest (including OID) on the debt securities beneficially owned by a non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax, subject to the discussion below regarding the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, or FATCA, withholding; provided, in the case of interest (including OID), each of the following conditions is met:

        In order for a non-U.S. holder to qualify for the above exemption from taxation on interest (including OID), the "withholding agent" (generally, the last U.S. payor or a non-U.S. payor who is a qualified intermediary or withholding foreign partnership) must have received a statement on the appropriate IRS Form W-8 from the non-U.S. holder that: (i) is signed under penalties of perjury by the beneficial owner of the debt security, (ii) certifies that such owner is not a "United States person" within the meaning of the Code and (iii) provides the beneficial owner's name and address. Certain securities clearing organizations and other entities that are not beneficial owners may provide a signed statement accompanied by a copy of the beneficial owner's appropriate IRS Form W-8 to the withholding agent. An appropriate IRS Form W-8 is generally effective for the remainder of the year of signature plus three full calendar years unless a change in circumstances renders any information on the form incorrect. The beneficial owner must inform the withholding agent within 30 days of such change and furnish a new, appropriate IRS Form W-8.

        A non-U.S. holder will not be subject to U.S. federal income and withholding taxes on any gain realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of the debt securities, subject to the discussion below regarding FATCA withholding, unless the gain is effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by such non-U.S. holder in the United States or, in the case of an individual, such non-U.S. holder is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year in which the sale, exchange or other disposition occurs and certain other conditions are met.

        If a non-U.S. holder engages in a trade or business in the United States, and if interest (including OID) on the debt security (or gain realized on its sale, exchange or other disposition) is effectively connected with the conduct by such non-U.S. holder of such trade or business (and where an applicable income tax treaty so provides, is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment), the non-U.S. holder,

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although exempt from the withholding tax discussed in the preceding paragraphs, will generally be subject to regular U.S. federal income tax on that interest (or gain) on a net basis in the same manner as if such non-U.S. holder were a U.S. holder. In addition, if a non-U.S. holder is classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, such non-U.S. holder may also be subject to a branch profits tax at a 30% rate (unless reduced or eliminated by an applicable income tax treaty) on the non-U.S. holder's effectively connected earnings and profits for the taxable year, subject to certain adjustments. For purposes of the branch profits tax, interest on, and any gain recognized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of, a debt security will be included in the non-U.S. holder's effectively connected earnings and profits if such interest or gain, as the case may be, is effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. holder of a trade or business in the United States.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding Tax Applicable to Stockholders and Holders of Debt Securities

        U.S. Stockholders and U.S. Holders of Debt Securities.     In general, information reporting requirements will apply to (i) payments of distributions on our common stock and payments of the proceeds of the sale of our common stock to some stockholders, and (ii) payments on the debt securities (including payments of interest and of the proceeds of the sale, exchange, redemption, repurchase or other disposition of a the debt securities) to a U.S. holder, unless an exception applies. Further, the payor will be required to backup withhold on any payments at the current rate of 24% if:

        Some U.S. stockholders and U.S. holders, including corporations and tax exempt organizations, will be exempt from backup withholding. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a stockholder or holder of debt securities will be allowed as a credit against the stockholder's or holder's U.S. federal income tax and may entitle the stockholder or holder to a refund, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS on a timely basis.

        Non-U.S. Stockholders.     Information reporting requirements and backup withholding may apply to payments of distributions on our common stock to a non-U.S. stockholder. Information reporting and backup withholding will generally not apply if an appropriate IRS Form W-8 is duly provided by such non-U.S. stockholder or the stockholder otherwise establishes an exemption, provided that the withholding agent does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the stockholder is a U.S. person or that the claimed exemption is not in fact satisfied. Information reporting and backup withholding also may apply to proceeds a non-U.S. stockholder receives upon the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other disposition of our common stock unless the non-U.S. shareholder properly certifies to the applicable withholding agent its non-U.S. status on an applicable IRS Form W-8 or substantially similar form, provided that the withholding agent does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the stockholder is a U.S. person or that the claimed exemption is not in fact satisfied. Even without having executed an applicable IRS Form W-8 or substantially similar form, however, in some cases information reporting and backup withholding will not apply to proceeds that a non-U.S. stockholder receives upon the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other disposition of our common stock if the non-U.S. stockholder receives those proceeds through a broker's foreign office. Any amount withheld under the backup withholding rules is allowable as a credit against such

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holder's U.S. federal income tax liability (which might entitle such holder to a refund), provided that such holder furnishes the required information to the IRS. Payments not subject to information reporting requirements may nonetheless be subject to other reporting requirements.

        Non-U.S. Holders of Debt Securities.     Information reporting requirements and backup withholding may apply to interest payments on the debt securities to a non-U.S. holder. Information reporting and backup withholding will generally not apply if an appropriate IRS Form W-8 is duly provided by such holder or the holder otherwise establishes an exemption, provided that the withholding agent does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the holder is a U.S. person or that the claimed exemption is not in fact satisfied. Information reporting and backup withholding also may apply to proceeds a non-U.S. holder receives upon the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other disposition of our debt securities unless the non-U.S. holder properly certifies to the applicable withholding agent its non-U.S. status on an applicable IRS Form W-8 or substantially similar form, provided that the withholding agent does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the holder is a U.S. person or that the claimed exemption is not in fact satisfied. Even without having executed an applicable IRS Form W-8 or substantially similar form, however, in some cases information reporting and backup withholding will not apply to proceeds that a non-U.S. holder receives upon the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other disposition of our debt securities if the non-U.S. holder receives those proceeds through a broker's foreign office. Any amount withheld under the backup withholding rules is allowable as a credit against such holder's U.S. federal income tax liability (which might entitle such holder to a refund), provided that such holder furnishes the required information to the IRS. Payments not subject to information reporting requirements may nonetheless be subject to other reporting requirements.

Other Tax Consequences for AvalonBay, its Stockholders and Holders of Debt Securities

        Other U.S. Federal Income Tax Withholding and Reporting Requirements; FATCA.     The FATCA provisions of the Code, subject to administrative guidance and certain intergovernmental agreements entered into thereunder, impose a 30% withholding tax on certain types of payments made to "foreign financial institutions" and certain other non-U.S. entities unless (i) the foreign financial institution undertakes certain diligence and reporting obligations or (ii) the foreign non-financial entity either certifies it does not have any substantial United States owners or furnishes identifying information regarding each substantial United States owner. If the payee is a foreign financial institution that is not subject to special treatment under certain intergovernmental agreements, it must enter into an agreement with the United States Treasury requiring, among other things, that it undertakes to identify accounts held by certain United States persons or United States-owned foreign entities, annually report certain information about such accounts, and withhold 30% on payments to account holders whose actions prevent them from complying with these reporting and other requirements. The compliance requirements under FATCA are complex and special requirements may apply to certain categories of payees. Withholding under this legislation will apply after December 31, 2018 with respect to the gross proceeds of a disposition of property that can produce U.S. source interest or dividends and currently applies with respect to other withholdable payments.

        Recent Tax Legislation.     The recently enacted TCJA, generally applicable for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, made significant changes to the Code, including a number of provisions of the Code that affect the taxation of businesses and their owners, including REITs, their stockholders and holders of their debt securities. Among other changes not reflected in the discussion above, the TCJA made the following changes:

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The effect of the TCJA on us, our stockholders, and holders of our debt securities is uncertain, and administrative guidance will be required in order to fully evaluate the effect of many provisions. Any technical corrections with respect to the TCJA could have an adverse effect on us, our stockholders or holders of our debt securities.

        Additional Legislative or Other Actions Affecting REITs.     The U.S. federal income tax rules are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the IRS and the U.S. Treasury Department and it is possible that there could be future changes that could adversely impact our stockholders or holders of our debt securities. No assurance can be given as to whether, when, or in what form, the U.S. federal income tax laws applicable to us and our stockholders and our holders of debt securities may be enacted. Changes to the U.S. federal income tax laws and interpretations of U.S. federal income tax laws could adversely affect an investment in our common stock and/or our debt securities.

        Certain State, Local, and Non-U.S. Taxes .    AvalonBay, its subsidiaries, its stockholders and holders of the debt securities may be subject to state, local and foreign tax in states, localities or foreign countries, including those in which we or they transact business or reside. The state, local and foreign tax treatment of AvalonBay, its stockholders, and holders of the debt securities may not conform to the U.S. federal income tax consequences discussed above. Consequently, prospective investors should consult their own tax advisors regarding the effect of state, local and foreign tax laws on an investment in our common stock or debt securities. To the extent that we and our taxable REIT subsidiaries are required to pay federal, state, local or foreign taxes, we will have less cash available for distribution to stockholders.

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Plan of Distribution

        We may sell securities to or through underwriters, and we may also sell securities directly to other purchasers or through dealers or agents. Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement or other offering materials, the obligations of any underwriters to purchase the securities will be subject to conditions precedent and these underwriters will be obligated to purchase all the securities if any are purchased.

        The distribution of the securities may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices which may be changed, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to these prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. The prospectus supplement or other offering materials will describe the method of distribution of the securities.

        In connection with the sale of securities, underwriters may receive compensation from us or from purchasers of securities for whom they may act as agents, in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions. Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of securities may be deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts or commissions received by them and any profit on the resale of securities by them may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. Any underwriter, dealer or agent that will participate in the distribution of the securities will be identified, and any compensation it will receive will be described, in the prospectus supplement or other offering materials.

        Under agreements which may be entered into by us, underwriters, dealers and agents who participate in the distribution of securities may be entitled to indemnification by us against some liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution with respect to payments which the underwriters, dealers or agents may be required to make relating to these liabilities. Any agreement in which we agree to indemnify underwriters, dealers and agents against civil liabilities will be described in the prospectus supplement or other offering materials.

        If so indicated in a prospectus supplement or other offering materials, we will authorize dealers or other persons acting as our agent to solicit offers by some institutions to purchase securities from us pursuant to contracts providing for payment and delivery on a future date. Institutions with which these contracts may be made include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions and others.

Experts

        Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial statements and schedule included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, as set forth in their reports, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement. Our financial statements and schedule are incorporated by reference in reliance on Ernst & Young LLP's reports, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

Legal Matters

        Certain legal matters with respect to the securities to be offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Goodwin Procter LLP, Boston, Massachusetts.

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PART II. INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 14.    Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

        The expenses in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered will be borne by AvalonBay Communities, Inc. and are set forth in the following table (all amounts except the registration fee are estimates):

Registration fee

  $   *

Legal fees and expenses

    450,000  

Trustee and transfer agent expenses

    50,000  

Accounting fees and expenses

    200,000  

Rating agency fees

    75,000  

Printing fees and expenses

    200,000  

Miscellaneous

    100,000  

Total

  $ 1,075,000  

*
To be deferred pursuant to Rule 456(b) and calculated in connection with the offering of securities under this Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 457(r) under the Securities Act.

Item 15.    Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

        Subject to certain limited exceptions, AvalonBay's charter and bylaws, each as amended, limit the liability of AvalonBay's directors and officers to AvalonBay and its stockholders for money damages for any breach of any duty owed by such director or officer of AvalonBay to the fullest extent permitted by Maryland law. The Maryland General Corporation Law ("MGCL") generally permits the liability of directors and officers to a corporation or its stockholders for money damages to be limited, unless it is established that (A) the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services; (B) in the case of a criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful; or (C) the director's or officer's act or omission was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and either was committed in bad faith or was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty. However, if the proceeding was one by or in the right of AvalonBay, indemnification may not be made in respect of any proceeding in which the director or officer shall have been adjudged to be liable to AvalonBay. These provisions do not limit the ability of AvalonBay or its stockholders to obtain other relief, such as an injunction or rescission.

        Pursuant to the authority granted in AvalonBay's charter and bylaws, AvalonBay has also entered into indemnification agreements with certain of its executive officers and members of the board of directors who are not officers of AvalonBay, pursuant to which AvalonBay has agreed to indemnify them against certain liabilities incurred in connection with their service as executive officers and/or directors and has agreed to advance expenses incurred by them in certain circumstances. These provisions and contracts could reduce the legal remedies available to AvalonBay and its stockholders against these individuals. In addition, AvalonBay maintains a directors' and officers' liability insurance policy.

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Item 16.    Exhibits.

Exhibit No.   Description
  1.1   Form of Underwriting Agreement (to be filed by post-effective amendment or as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated by reference).

 

*4.1

 

Form of Indenture for the Debt Securities.

 

4.2

 

Indenture for Senior Debt Securities, dated as of January 16, 1998, between the Company and State Street Bank and Trust Company, as Trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-139839)).

 

4.3

 

First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 20, 1998, between the Company and State Street Bank and Trust Company, as Trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-139839)).

 

4.4

 

Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 7, 1998, between the Company and State Street Bank and Trust Company, as Trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-139839)).

 

4.5

 

Amended and Restated Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 10, 2000, between the Company and State Street Bank and Trust Company, as Trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-139839)).

 

4.6

 

Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 18, 2006, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-139839)).

 

4.7

 

Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 21, 2014, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 21, 2014).

 

*5.1

 

Opinion of Goodwin Procter LLP as to the legality of the securities being registered.

 

*8.1

 

Opinion of Goodwin Procter LLP as to certain tax matters.

 

12.1

 

Calculation of Ratios of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends and Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 12.1 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017).

 

*23.1

 

Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

23.2

 

Consent of Goodwin Procter LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1 hereto).

 

24.1

 

Powers of Attorney (included in Part II of this Registration Statement).

 

*25.1

 

Statement of Eligibility of The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee under the Indenture for Debt Securities to be dated as of February 23, 2018.

 

*25.2

 

Statement of Eligibility of The Bank of New York Mellon, as successor Trustee under the Indenture for Senior Debt Securities, dated as of January 16, 1998.

*
Filed herewith

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Item 17.    Undertakings.

(a)
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

(1)
To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

(i)
To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

(ii)
To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement; and

(iii)
To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

      provided, however , that paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(ii) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement.

    (2)
    That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

    (3)
    To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

    (4)
    That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:

    (A)
    Each prospectus filed by a Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

    (B)
    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 the prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering

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        thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.

    (5)
    That, for the purpose of determining liability of the Registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned Registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned Registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

    (i)
    Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

    (ii)
    Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned Registrant;

    (iii)
    The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned Registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant; and

    (iv)
    Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned Registrant to the purchaser.

(b)
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(c)
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

(d)
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act.

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EXHIBIT INDEX

  1.1   Form of Underwriting Agreement (to be filed by post-effective amendment or as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K to be incorporated by reference).

 

*4.1

 

Indenture, dated as of February 23, 2018, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee.

 

4.2

 

Indenture for Senior Debt Securities, dated as of January 16, 1998, between the Company and State Street Bank and Trust Company, as Trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-139839)).

 

4.3

 

First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 20, 1998, between the Company and State Street Bank and Trust Company, as Trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-139839)).

 

4.4

 

Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 7, 1998, between the Company and State Street Bank and Trust Company, as Trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-139839)).

 

4.5

 

Amended and Restated Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 10, 2000, between the Company and State Street Bank and Trust Company, as Trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-139839)).

 

4.6

 

Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 18, 2006, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-139839)).

 

4.7

 

Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 21, 2014, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 21, 2014).

 

*5.1

 

Opinion of Goodwin Procter LLP as to the legality of the securities being registered.

 

*8.1

 

Opinion of Goodwin Procter LLP as to certain tax matters.

 

12.1

 

Calculation of Ratios of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends and Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 12.1 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017).

 

*23.1

 

Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

23.2

 

Consent of Goodwin Procter LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1 hereto).

 

24.1

 

Powers of Attorney (included in Part II of this Registration Statement).

 

*25.1

 

Statement of Eligibility of The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee under the Indenture for Debt Securities dated as of February 23, 2018.

 

*25.2

 

Statement of Eligibility of The Bank of New York Mellon, as successor Trustee under the Indenture for Senior Debt Securities, dated as of January 16, 1998, as amended and supplemented.

*
Filed herewith

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, AvalonBay Communities, Inc. certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement (the "Registration Statement") to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the County of Arlington, Virginia, on this 23rd day of February, 2018.

    AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.

 

 

By:

 

/s/ TIMOTHY J. NAUGHTON

Timothy J. Naughton
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President

        KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that we, the undersigned officers and directors of AvalonBay Communities, Inc. hereby severally constitute Timothy J. Naughton and Kevin P. O'Shea, and each of them singly, our true and lawful attorneys with full power to them, and each of them singly, to sign for us and in our names in the capacities indicated below, the Registration Statement filed herewith, a registration statement on Form S-3, which may be subsequently filed pursuant to Rule 462 of the Securities Act of 1933, and which would incorporate by reference this Registration Statement, and any and all pre-effective and post-effective amendments to any of said registration statements, and generally to do all such things in our names and in our capacities as officers and directors to enable AvalonBay Communities, Inc. to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and all requirements of the Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming our signatures as they may be signed by our said attorneys, or any of them, to either of said registration statements and any and all amendments thereto.

        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. Each person listed below has signed this Registration Statement as an officer or director of AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

Signature
 
Capacity
 
Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/ TIMOTHY J. NAUGHTON

Timothy J. Naughton
  Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President (Principal Executive Officer), Director   February 23, 2018

/s/ GLYN F. AEPPEL

Glyn F. Aeppel

 

Director

 

February 23, 2018

/s/ TERRY S. BROWN

Terry S. Brown

 

Director

 

February 23, 2018

/s/ ALAN B. BUCKELEW

Alan B. Buckelew

 

Director

 

February 23, 2018

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Signature
 
Capacity
 
Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/ RONALD L. HAVNER

Ronald L. Havner
  Director   February 23, 2018

/s/ STEPHEN P. HILLS

Stephen P. Hills

 

Director

 

February 23, 2018

/s/ RICHARD LIEB

Richard Lieb

 

Director

 

February 23, 2018

/s/ PETER S. RUMMEL

Peter S. Rummel

 

Director

 

February 23, 2018

/s/ H. JAY SARLES

H. Jay Sarles

 

Director

 

February 23, 2018

/s/ SUSAN SWANEZY

Susan Swanezy

 

Director

 

February 23, 2018

/s/ W. EDWARD WALTER

W. Edward Walter

 

Director

 

February 23, 2018

/s/ KEVIN P. O'SHEA

Kevin P. O'Shea

 

Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

 

February 23, 2018

/s/ KERI A. SHEA

Keri A. Shea

 

Senior Vice President—Finance & Treasurer (Principal Accounting Officer)

 

February 23, 2018

II-7




Exhibit 4.1

 

AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.,

 

as Issuer

 

— and —

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON ,

 

as Trustee

 


 

INDENTURE

 


 

Dated as of February 23, 2018

 

Debt Securities

 



 

Certain Sections of this Indenture
relating to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939

 

Trust Indenture Act Section

 

Indenture
Section

§310(a)(1)

 

607

(a)(2)

 

607

(b)

 

608

§312(a)

 

701, 702(1)

(b)

 

702

(c)

 

702

§313(a)

 

703

(b)(2)

 

703

(c)

 

703

(d)

 

703

§314(a)

 

704

(c)(1)

 

102

(c)(2)

 

102

(e)

 

102

§315(a)

 

601

(b)

 

601, 602

(c)

 

601

(d)

 

601

(e)

 

515

§316(a) (last sentence)

 

101

(a)(1)(A)

 

502, 512

(a)(1)(B)

 

513

(b)

 

508

§317(a)(1)

 

503

(a)(2)

 

504

(b)

 

1003

§318(a)

 

108

 

Note:  This reconciliation and tie shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be part of the Indenture.

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

1.

DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION

1

(a)                    Definitions

1

(b)                    Compliance Certificates and Opinions

13

(c)                     Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee

14

(d)                    Acts of Holders; Record Dates

14

(e)                     Notices, etc. to Trustee and Issuer

15

(f)                      Notice to Holders of Securities; Waiver

16

(g)                     Language of Notices

17

(h)                    Conflict with Trust Indenture Act

17

(i)                        Effect of Headings and Table of Contents

17

(j)                       Successors and Assigns

17

(k)                    Separability Clause

17

(l)                        Benefits of Indenture

17

(m)                Governing Law; Waiver of Jury Trial

17

(n)                    Legal Holidays

18

(o)                    Counterparts

18

(p)                    Judgment Currency

18

(q)                    Extension of Payment Dates

19

(r)                       Immunity of General Partners, Limited Partners, Shareholders, Directors, Officers, Employees, Incorporators and Agents of the Issuer and Guarantors

19

(s)                      USA Patriot Act

19

(t)                       Force Majeure

19

(u)                    FATCA

20

2.

SECURITIES FORMS

20

(a)                    Forms Generally

20

(b)                    Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication

20

(c)                     Securities in Global Form

21

3.

THE SECURITIES

22

(a)                    Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series

22

(b)                    Currency; Denominations

26

(c)                     Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating

26

(d)                    Temporary Securities

28

(e)                     Registration, Transfer and Exchange

29

 



 

(f)                      Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities

31

(g)                     Payment of Interest and Certain Additional Amounts; Rights to Interest and Certain Additional Amounts Preserved

32

(h)                    Persons Deemed Owners

33

(i)                        Cancellation

34

(j)                       Computation of Interest

34

(k)                    CUSIP Numbers

34

(l)                        Trustee, Paying Agent and Security Registrar Not Responsible for Depository

34

4.

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE

35

(a)                    Satisfaction and Discharge

35

(b)                    Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

36

(c)                     Application of Trust Money

41

(d)                    Reinstatement

41

(e)                     Qualifying Trustee

41

5.

REMEDIES

42

(a)                    Events of Default

42

(b)                    Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment

43

(c)                     Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee

44

(d)                    Trustee May File Proofs of Claim

45

(e)                     Trustee May Enforce Claims without Possession of Securities

46

(f)                      Application of Money Collected

46

(g)                     Limitations on Suits

47

(h)                    Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal and any Premium, Interest and Additional Amounts

47

(i)                        Restoration of Rights and Remedies

48

(j)                       Rights and Remedies Cumulative

48

(k)                    Delay or Omission Not Waiver

48

(l)                        Control by Holders of Securities

48

(m)                Waiver of Past Defaults

49

(n)                    Waiver of Usury, Stay or Extension Laws

49

(o)                    Undertaking for Costs

49

6.

THE TRUSTEE

50

(a)                    Certain Rights of Trustee

50

(b)                    Notice of Defaults

52

(c)                     Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities

53

 



 

(d)                    May Hold Securities; Transactions with the Issuer or any Guarantor

53

(e)                     Money Held in Trust

54

(f)                      Compensation and Reimbursement

54

(g)                     Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility

55

(h)                    Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor

55

(i)                        Acceptance of Appointment by Successor

57

(j)                       Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business

58

(k)                    Appointment of Authenticating Agent

58

7.

HOLDERS LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE, TRUST AND GUARANTORS

60

(a)                    Issuer to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders

60

(b)                    Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders

60

(c)                     Reports by Trustee

60

(d)                    Reports by the Issuer

61

8.

CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALES AND SUBSTITUTION

61

(a)                    Issuer May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms

61

(b)                    Guarantor May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms

62

(c)                     Successor Person Substituted for Issuer or Guarantor

63

9.

SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES

63

(a)                    Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders

63

(b)                    Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders

65

(c)                     Execution of Supplemental Indentures

67

(d)                    Effect of Supplemental Indentures

67

(e)                     Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures

67

(f)                      Conformity with Trust Indenture Act

67

10.

COVENANTS

68

(a)                    Payment of Principal, Premium, Interest and Additional Amounts

68

(b)                    Maintenance of Office or Agency

68

(c)                     Provisions as to Paying Agent

68

(d)                    Additional Amounts

69

(e)                     Corporate Existence

70

(f)                      Waiver of Certain Covenants

70

(g)                     Issuer and Guarantor Statement as to Compliance

70

(h)                    Calculation of Original Issue Discount

71

(i)                        Maintenance of Properties

71

 



 

(j)                       Insurance

71

(k)                    Payment of Taxes and Other Claims

71

11.

REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES

73

(a)                    Applicability of Article

73

(b)                    Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee

73

(c)                     Selection by Trustee of Securities to be Redeemed

73

(d)                    Notice of Redemption

74

(e)                     Deposit of Redemption Price

75

(f)                      Securities Payable on Redemption Date

76

(g)                     Securities Redeemed in Part

76

12.

SINKING FUNDS

77

(a)                    Applicability of Article

77

(b)                    Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities

77

(c)                     Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund

77

13.

REPAYMENT AT THE OPTION OF HOLDERS

78

(a)                    Applicability of Article

78

14.

SECURITIES IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES

78

(a)                    Applicability of Article

78

(b)                    Monies of Different Currencies to be Segregated

79

15.

GUARANTEE OF SECURITIES

79

(a)                    Guarantee

79

(b)                    Future Guarantors

81

(c)                     Delivery of Guarantee

82

 


 

INDENTURE , dated as of February 23, 2018 (this “ Indenture ”), between AvalonBay Communities, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “ Issuer ” or the “ Company ”), having its principal executive office located at 671 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22203, as issuer, and The Bank of New York Mellon, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York, as trustee, registrar, paying agent and transfer agent (the “ Trustee ,” “ Registrar ,” “ Paying Agent ,” and “ Transfer Agent ,” respectively).

 

RECITALS

 

The Issuer has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance from time to time of its debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness (hereinafter called the “ Securities ”), unlimited as to principal amount, to bear such fixed or floating rates of interest, to mature at such time or times, to be issued in one or more series and to have such other provisions as shall be fixed as hereinafter provided.

 

The Issuer has done all things necessary on its part to make this Indenture a valid and legally binding agreement of the Issuer in accordance with its terms.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH :

 

For and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the Securities by the Holders (as herein defined) thereof, it is mutually covenanted and agreed, for the equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders of the Securities or of any series thereof as follows:

 

1.

 

DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION

 

(a)                                                                                  Definitions.

 

Except as otherwise expressly provided in or pursuant to this Indenture or unless the context otherwise requires, for all purposes of this Indenture:

 

(i)                                      the terms defined in this Article have the meanings assigned to them in this Article, and include the plural as well as the singular;

 

(ii)                                   all other terms used herein which are defined in the Trust Indenture Act, either directly or by reference therein, have the meanings assigned to them therein;

 

(iii)                                all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with GAAP;

 

(iv)                               the words “herein,” “hereof,” “hereto” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision;

 

(v)                                  the word “or” is always used inclusively (for example, the phrase “A or B” means “A or B or both,” not “either A or B but not both”);

 



 

(vi)                               provisions apply to successive events and transactions;

 

(vii)                            the term “merger” includes a statutory share exchange and the terms “merge” and “merged” have correlative meanings;

 

(viii)                         the masculine gender includes the feminine and the neuter; and

 

(ix)                               references to agreements and other instruments include subsequent amendments and supplements thereto.

 

Certain terms used principally in certain Articles hereof are defined in those Articles.

 

Acquisition Property ” means a Property acquired by the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer during the most recent four (4) consecutive fiscal quarters.

 

Act ,” when used with respect to any Holders, has the meaning specified in Section 104 .

 

Additional Amounts ” means any additional amounts which are required by this Indenture, by the terms of any Security established pursuant to Section 301 or by the terms of any Guarantee, under circumstances specified herein or therein, to be paid by the Issuer or any Guarantor, as applicable, in respect of certain taxes, duties, levies, imposts, assessments or other governmental charges imposed on Holders specified herein or therein.

 

Additional Amounts Notice ” has the meaning specified in Section 1004 .

 

Affiliate ” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person.  For the purposes of this definition, “control,” when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to direct or cause the direction of 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.

 

Agency ” with respect to any Securities, means an agent of the Issuer or the office of an agent of the Issuer, as the context requires, in each case maintained or designated in a Place of Payment for such Securities pursuant to Section 1002 or any other agent of the Issuer or office of an agent of the Issuer, as the context requires, in each case maintained or designated for such Securities pursuant to Section 1002 or, to the extent designated or required by Section 1002 in lieu of such agent or agent’s office, the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee.

 

Authenticating Agent ” means any Person authorized by the Trustee pursuant to Section 611 to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of one or more series.

 

Bankruptcy Law ” means Title 11, U.S. Code or any similar federal, state, or foreign law for the relief of debtors.

 

Board of Directors ” means the board of directors of the Issuer, or any committee of such board duly authorized to act generally or in any particular respect hereunder.

 

2



 

Board Resolution ” means a copy of one or more resolutions or unanimous written consents, certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Issuer to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors, on behalf of the Issuer, and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification, delivered to the Trustee.

 

Business Day ” means, unless otherwise specified with respect to the Securities of any series pursuant to Section 301 , any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banking institutions in The City of New York are authorized or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to close; provided that such term shall mean, when used with respect to any payment of principal of, or premium or interest, if any, on, or Additional Amounts with respect to, the Securities of any series to be made at any Place of Payment for such Securities, unless otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301 with respect to such Securities, any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banking institutions in such Place of Payment are authorized or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to close.

 

Capitalized Property Value ” means, with respect to any Person, (a) Property EBITDA of such Person for the four (4) consecutive fiscal quarters ended on a Reporting Date divided by (b) the Capitalization Rate.

 

Capitalization Rate ” means 6.75%.

 

Commission ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time to time constituted, or, if at any time after the execution of this Indenture such Commission is not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture Act, then the body performing such duties at such time.

 

Common Equity ” means the common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Issuer, and includes without limitation any other equity security of any class of the Issuer, which has no preference in respect of dividends or of amounts payable in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Issuer, and which is not subject to redemption by the Issuer.

 

Conversion Event ” means the cessation of use of (i) a Foreign Currency both by the government of the country or the confederation which issued such Foreign Currency and for the settlement of transactions by a central bank or other public institutions of or within the international banking community or (ii) any currency unit or composite currency for the purposes for which it was established.

 

Corporate Trust Office ” means either the corporate trust office of the Trustee at which this Indenture shall be administered, which office at the date of this Indenture is located at 500 Ross Street, 12 th  Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15262, Attn: Corporate Trust Administration, or such other address as the Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Issuer.

 

Corporation ” includes corporations, partnerships, associations, limited liability companies and other companies, and business trusts (which term shall expressly include real estate investment trusts).  The term “corporation” means a corporation and does not include partnerships, associations, limited liability companies or other companies or business trusts.

 

3



 

Except to the extent expressly provided to the contrary, Corporation does not include joint ventures.

 

“Covenant Defeasance” has the meaning specified in Section 402(3) .

 

Currency ,” with respect to any payment, deposit or other transfer in respect of the principal of or any premium or interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to any Security, means Dollars or the Foreign Currency, as the case may be, in which such payment, deposit or other transfer is required to be made by or pursuant to the terms hereof or such Security and, with respect to any other payment, deposit or transfer pursuant to or contemplated by the terms hereof or such Security, means Dollars.

 

CUSIP number ” means the alphanumeric designation assigned to a Security by Standard & Poor’s, CUSIP Service Bureau.

 

Debt ” means, without duplication, the Issuer’s aggregate principal amount of indebtedness in respect of (i) borrowed money evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments, as determined in accordance with GAAP, (ii) indebtedness secured by any mortgage, pledge, lien, charge, encumbrance or any security interest existing on Property or other assets owned by the Issuer, as determined in accordance with GAAP, (iii) reimbursement obligations in connection with any letters of credit actually issued and called, (iv) any lease of property by the Issuer or any Subsidiary as lessee which is reflected in the Issuer’s balance sheet as a capitalized lease, in accordance with GAAP; provided , that Debt also includes, to the extent not otherwise set forth above, any obligation by the Issuer or any Subsidiary to be liable for, or to pay, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise, items of indebtedness of another Person (other than the Issuer or any Subsidiary) described in clauses (i) through (iv) above (or, in the case of any such obligation made jointly with another Person, the Issuer’s or Subsidiary’s allocable portion of such obligation based on its ownership interest in the related real estate assets or such other applicable assets); and provided, further , that Debt excludes Intercompany Debt.

 

Defaulted Interest ” has the meaning specified in Section 307 .

 

Depository ” means, with respect to any Security issuable or issued in the form of one or more global Securities, The Depository Trust Company (including its successors), or such other Person as the Issuer may designate as depository in or pursuant to this Indenture, and, unless otherwise provided with respect to any Security, shall include any successor to such Person.  If at any time there is more than one such Person, “Depository” shall mean, with respect to any Securities, the depository which has been appointed with respect to such Securities.

 

Development Property ” means a Property currently under development on which the improvements have not been completed, or a Property where development has been completed as evidenced by a certificate of occupancy for the entire Property for the 36 month period following the issuance of such certificate of occupancy ( provided that the Issuer may at its option elect to remove a Property from the category of Development Property prior to the completion of the 36 month period, but any such Property may not be reclassified as a Development Property).  The term “Development Property” shall include Property of the type described in the immediately preceding sentence to be (but not yet) acquired by the Issuer or any Subsidiary upon completion

 

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of construction pursuant to a contract in which the seller of such Property is required to develop or renovate prior to, and as a condition precedent to, such acquisition.

 

Dollars ” or “ $ ” means a dollar or other equivalent unit of legal tender for payment of public or private debts in the United States of America.

 

EBITDA ” means, with respect to any Person, for any period and without duplication, net earnings (loss) of such Person for such period excluding the impact of the following amounts with respect to any Person (but only to the extent included in determining net earnings (loss) for such period):  (i) depreciation and amortization expense and other non-cash charges of such Person for such period, as such Person shall determine in good faith; (ii) interest expense, including prepayment penalties, of such Person for such period; (iii) income tax expense of such Person in respect of such period; (iv) extraordinary and nonrecurring gains and losses, as such Person shall determine in good faith, of such Person for such period, including without limitation, gains and losses from the sale of assets, write-offs and forgiveness of debt, foreign currency translation gains or losses; and (v) non-controlling interests.  In each case for such period, such Person will reasonably determine the amounts in accordance with GAAP, except to the extent GAAP is not applicable with respect to the determination of non-cash and non-recurring items.

 

Encumbered Asset Value ” means, with respect to any Person, for any date, the portion of Total Assets serving as collateral for Secured Debt as of such date.

 

Equivalent Terms ” has the meaning specified in Section 1102 .

 

Event of Default ” has the meaning specified in Section 501 .

 

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.

 

Foreign Currency ” means any currency, currency unit or composite currency issued by the government of one or more countries other than the United States of America or by any recognized confederation or association of such government.

 

GAAP ” and “ generally accepted accounting principles ” means accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, consistently applied, as in effect from time to time; provided that if, as of a particular date as of which compliance with the covenants contained in this Indenture is being determined, there have been changes in accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America from those that applied to the Issuer’s consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, the Issuer may, in its sole discretion, determine compliance with the covenants contained in this Indenture using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, consistently applied, as in effect as of the end of any calendar quarter selected by us, in the Issuer’s sole discretion, that is on or after December 31, 2017 and prior to the date as of which compliance with the covenants in this Indenture is being determined (“ Fixed GAAP ”), and, solely for purposes of calculating the covenants as of such date, “GAAP” shall mean Fixed GAAP.

 

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Government Obligations ” means securities which are (i) direct obligations of the United States of America or the other government or governments in the confederation which issued the Foreign Currency in which the principal of or any premium or interest on the relevant Security or any Additional Amounts in respect thereof shall be payable, in each case where the payment or payments thereunder are supported by the full faith and credit of such government or governments or (ii) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America or such other government or governments, in each case where the timely payment or payments thereunder are unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America or such other government or governments, and which, in the case of (i) or (ii) above, are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer or issuers thereof, and shall also include a depository receipt issued by a bank or trust company 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.

 

Guarantee ” has the meaning set forth in Article Sixteen hereof.

 

Guarantors ” means any Person that is liable under a Guarantee under Article Sixteen hereof.

 

Holder ,” in the case of any Registered Security, means the Person in whose name such Security is registered in the Security Register.

 

Indebtedness ,” when used with respect to any Person, and without duplication, unless otherwise specified with respect to the Securities of any series pursuant to Section 301 , means any indebtedness (whether being principal, premium or interest) for or in respect of (i) any notes, bonds, debenture stock, loan stock or other securities or (ii) any borrowed money.

 

Indenture ” means this instrument as originally executed or as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof and, with respect to any Security, by the terms and provisions of such Security established pursuant to Section 301 (as such terms and provisions may be amended pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof), provided , however , that, if at any time more than one Person is acting as Trustee under this instrument, “Indenture” shall mean, with respect to any one or more series of Securities for which such Person is Trustee, this instrument as originally executed or as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof and shall include the terms of those particular series of Securities for which such Person is Trustee established pursuant to Section 301 , exclusive, however , of any provisions or terms which relate solely to other series of Securities for which such Person is not Trustee, regardless of when such terms or provisions were adopted.

 

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Indexed Security ” means a Security the terms of which provide that the principal amount thereof payable at Stated Maturity may be more or less than the principal face amount thereof at original issuance.

 

Intercompany Debt ” means, as of any date, Debt to which the only parties are the Issuer and any of its Subsidiaries, but only so long as that Debt is held solely by any of the Issuer and any of its Subsidiaries as of that date and, provided that, in the case of Debt owed by the Issuer to any Subsidiary, the Debt is subordinated in right of payment to the holders of the Securities.

 

Interest ,” with respect to any Original Issue Discount Security which by its terms bears interest only after Maturity, means interest payable after Maturity.

 

Interest Payment Date ,” with respect to any Security, means the Stated Maturity of an installment of interest on such Security.

 

Interest Expense ” means, for any period, the Issuer’s interest expense for such period, with other adjustments as are necessary to exclude:  (i) the effect of items classified as extraordinary items in accordance with GAAP; (ii) amortization of debt issuance costs; (iii) prepayment penalties; and (iv) non-cash swap ineffectiveness charges.

 

Issuer ” means the Person named as the “Issuer” 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 “Issuer” shall mean such successor Person.

 

Issuer Request ” and “ Issuer Order ” mean, respectively, a written request or order, as the case may be, signed in the name of the Issuer, by an Officer of the Issuer and delivered to the Trustee.

 

Judgment Currency ” has the meaning specified in Section 116 .

 

Make-Whole Amount ” means, if specified to be applicable to any series of Securities by or pursuant to this Indenture or any indenture supplemental hereto, or by or in such series of Securities in connection with the issuance of such series of Securities, or with respect to any optional redemption or accelerated payment of such series of Securities:  the aggregate present value as of the date of redemption or payment of each dollar of principal being redeemed or paid and the amount of interest, calculated by the Issuer, excluding interest accrued to the date of redemption or payment, that would have been payable in respect of each dollar if the redemption or payment had been made on the applicable par call date specified with respect to such series of Securities (determined by discounting, on a semi-annual basis, the principal and interest at the Reinvestment Rate, determined on the third Business Day preceding the date notice of redemption is given or declaration of acceleration is made, from the respective dates on which the principal and interest would have been payable if the redemption or payment had been made on the applicable par call date), in excess of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities being redeemed or paid.  The par call date, if any, shall be the date, specified by or pursuant to this Indenture or any indenture supplemental hereto, or by or in such series of Securities in connection with the issuance of such series of Securities, on or after which the Redemption Price of such series of Securities shall not include a Make-Whole Amount.

 

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Maturity ,” 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 or pursuant to this Indenture or such Security, whether at the Stated Maturity, upon acceleration, upon redemption at the option of the Issuer, upon repurchase or repayment at the option of the Holder or otherwise, and includes a Redemption Date for such Security and a date fixed for the repurchase or repayment of such Security at the option of the Holder.

 

New York Banking Day ” has the meaning specified in Section 116 .

 

Office ,” with respect to any Securities, means an office of the Issuer maintained or designated in a Place of Payment for such Securities pursuant to Section 1002 or any other office of the Issuer maintained or designated for such Securities pursuant to Section 1002 or, to the extent designated or required by Section 1002 in lieu of such office, the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee.

 

Officer ” means the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary, an Assistant Secretary or a Vice President of the Issuer.

 

Officer’s Certificate ” means a certificate signed by an Officer of the Issuer that, if applicable, complies with the requirements of Section 314(e)  of the Trust Indenture Act and is delivered to the Trustee.

 

Opinion of Counsel ” means a written opinion of counsel, who may be an employee of or counsel for the Issuer or other counsel who shall be reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.  Opinions of Counsel required to be delivered under this Indenture may have qualifications customary for opinions of the type required.

 

Original Issue Discount Security ” means a Security, other than an Indexed Security, issued pursuant to this Indenture which provides for an amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon acceleration pursuant to Section 502 .

 

Outstanding ,” when used with respect to any Securities, means, as of the date of determination, all such Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, except:

 

(a)                                  any such Security theretofore cancelled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;

 

(b)                                  any such Security for whose payment at the Maturity thereof money in the necessary amount (or, to the extent that such Security is payable at such Maturity in shares of Common Equity or other securities or property, Common Equity or such other securities or property in the necessary amount, together with, if applicable, cash in lieu of fractional shares or securities) has been theretofore deposited pursuant hereto (other than pursuant to Section 402 ) with the Trustee or any Paying Agent (other than the Issuer or any Affiliate of the Issuer) in trust or set aside and segregated in trust by the Issuer or any Affiliate of the Issuer (if it shall act as Paying Agent) for the Holders of such Securities, provided that, if such Securities are to be

 

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redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee has been made;

 

(c)                                   any such Security with respect to which the Issuer has effected defeasance or Covenant Defeasance pursuant to Section 402 , except to the extent provided in Section 402 ;

 

(d)                                  any such Security which has been paid pursuant to Section 306 or in exchange for or in lieu of which other Securities have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture, unless there shall have been presented to the Trustee proof satisfactory to it that such Security is held by a bona fide purchaser in whose hands such Security is a valid obligation of the Issuer; and

 

(e)                                   any such Security converted or exchanged as contemplated by this Indenture into Common Equity or other securities or property, if the terms of such Security provide for such conversion or exchange pursuant to Section 301 ; provided , however , that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite aggregate principal amount of Outstanding Securities have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder or are present at a meeting of Holders of Securities for quorum purposes, (i) the principal amount of an Original Issue Discount Security that may be counted in making such determination and that shall be deemed to be Outstanding for such purposes shall be equal to the amount of the principal thereof that pursuant to the terms of such Original Issue Discount Security would be due and payable upon acceleration thereof pursuant to Section 502 at the time of such determination, and (ii) the principal amount of any Indexed Security that may be counted in making such determination and that shall be deemed Outstanding for such purpose shall be equal to the principal amount of such Indexed Security at original issuance, unless otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture, and (iii) the principal amount of a Security denominated in a Foreign Currency that may be counted in making such determination and that shall be deemed Outstanding for such purposes shall be the Dollar equivalent, determined on the date of original issuance of such Security, of the principal amount (or, in the case of an Original Issue Discount Security, the Dollar equivalent on the date of original issuance of such Security of the amount determined as provided in (i) above) of such Security, and (iv) Securities owned by the Issuer or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Issuer or such other obligor shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in making any such determination or relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, the Trustee shall be entitled to conclusively rely on any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, but only to the extent the Responsible Officer of the Trustee making such determination has not been provided with written notice that such Securities are not so owned.  Securities so owned which shall have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes in writing to the satisfaction of the Trustee (A) the pledgee’s right so to act with respect to such Securities and (B) that the pledgee is not the Issuer or any other obligor upon the Securities or an Affiliate of the Issuer or such other obligor.

 

Paying Agent ” means any Person authorized by the Issuer to pay the principal of, or any premium or interest on, or any Additional Amounts with respect to, any Security on behalf of the Issuer.

 

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Person ” and “ person ” mean any individual, Corporation, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

Place of Payment ,” with respect to any Security, means the place or places where the principal of, or any premium or interest on, or any Additional Amounts with respect to such Security are payable as provided in or pursuant to this Indenture or such Security.

 

Predecessor Security ” of any particular Security means every previous Security evidencing all or a portion of the same indebtedness as that evidenced by such particular Security; and, for the purposes of this definition, any Security authenticated and delivered under Section 306 in exchange for or in lieu of a lost, destroyed, mutilated or stolen Security.

 

Property ” means a parcel (or group of related parcels) of real property.

 

Property EBITDA ” means, for any period, the Issuer’s EBITDA for such period adjusted to add back the impact of corporate level general and administrative expenses.

 

Redemption Date ,” with respect to any Security or portion thereof to be redeemed, means the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Indenture or such Security.

 

Redemption Price ,” with respect to any Security or portion thereof to be redeemed, means the price at which it is to be redeemed as determined by or pursuant to this Indenture or such Security.

 

Registered Security ” means any Security established pursuant to Section 201 which is registered in the Security Register.

 

Regular Record Date ” for the interest payable on any Registered Security on any Interest Payment Date therefor means the date, if any, specified in or pursuant to this Indenture or such Security as the regular record date for the payment of such interest.

 

Reinvestment Rate ” means the yield on treasury securities at a constant maturity corresponding to the remaining life to maturity (rounded up to the nearest month) of the principal of the Securities of the applicable series being redeemed as of the date of redemption (which maturity shall be deemed to be the applicable Par Call Date) (the “ Treasury Yield ”), plus a percentage to be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.  For purposes of calculating the Reinvestment Rate, the Treasury Yield will be equal to the arithmetic mean of the yields published in the Statistical Release under the heading “Week Ending” for “U.S. Government Securities—Treasury Constant Maturities” with a maturity equal to the deemed remaining life to maturity of the Securities being redeemed.  However, if no published maturity exactly corresponds to such remaining life, then the Treasury Yield will be interpolated or extrapolated on a straight-line basis from the arithmetic means of the yields for the next shortest and next longest published maturities.  For purposes of calculating the Reinvestment Rate, the most recent Statistical Release published prior to the date of determination of the Make-Whole Amount will be used.  If the format or content of the Statistical Release changes in a manner that precludes determination of the Treasury Yield in the above manner, then the Treasury Yield will be determined in the manner that most closely approximates the above manner, as the Issuer reasonably determines.

 

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Reporting Date ” means the date ending the most recently ended fiscal quarter of the Issuer for which the Issuer’s consolidated financial statements are publicly available, it being understood that at any time when the Issuer is not subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act, the term “Reporting Date” shall be deemed to refer to the date ending the fiscal quarter covered by the Issuer’s most recent quarterly financial statements delivered to the Trustee or, in the case of the last fiscal quarter of the year, the Issuer’s annual financial statements delivered to the Trustee.

 

Required Currency ” has the meaning specified in Section 116 .

 

Responsible Officer ” means any officer of the Trustee in its corporate trust department who is responsible for the administration of this Indenture and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer or employee of the Trustee to whom such matter is referred because of his or her knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.

 

Secured Debt ” means Debt secured by any mortgage, lien, pledge, encumbrance or security interest of any kind upon any of the Issuer’s Property or other assets or the Property or other assets of any Subsidiary.

 

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any successor thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.

 

Security ” or “ Securities ” means any note or notes, bond or bonds, debenture or debentures, or any other evidences of indebtedness, as the case may be, authenticated and delivered under this Indenture; provided, however, that, if at any time there is more than one Person acting as Trustee under this Indenture, “Securities,” with respect to any such Person, shall mean Securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, exclusive, however, of Securities of any series as to which such Person is not Trustee.

 

Security Interest ” means any mortgage, pledge, lien, hypothecation, security interest or other charge.

 

Security Register ” and “ Security Registrar ” have the respective meanings specified in Section 305 .

 

Significant Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary or group of Subsidiaries that meets either of the following conditions:  (1) the Issuer and its other Subsidiaries’ investments in and advances to the Subsidiary exceed 10% of the Issuer’s and its Subsidiaries’ total assets consolidated (determined in accordance with GAAP) as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter for which an annual or quarterly report has been furnished to Holders or filed with the Commission; or (2) the Issuer’s and its other Subsidiaries’ proportionate share of the total assets (after intercompany eliminations) of the Subsidiary exceeds 10% of the Issuer’s and its Subsidiaries’ total assets consolidated (determined in accordance with GAAP) as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter for which an annual or quarterly report has been furnished to Holders or filed with the Commission.

 

Special Record Date ” for the payment of any Defaulted Interest on any Registered Security means a date fixed therefor by the Trustee pursuant to Section 307 .

 

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Stated Maturity ,” with respect to any Security or any installment of principal thereof or interest thereon or any Additional Amounts with respect thereto, means the date established by or pursuant to this Indenture or such Security as the fixed date on which the principal of such Security or such installment of principal or interest is, or such Additional Amounts are, due and payable.

 

Statistical Release ” means the statistical release designated “H.15” or any successor publication that is published weekly by the Federal Reserve System (or companion online data resource published by the Federal Reserve System) and that reports yields on actively traded United States government securities adjusted to constant maturities, or, if that statistical release is not published at the time of any required determination under the Indenture, then another reasonably comparable index which the Issuer shall designate.

 

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to the Issuer or any other Person, any Person (excluding an individual), a majority of the outstanding voting stock, partnership interests, membership interests or other equity interests, as the case may be, of which is owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Issuer or by one or more other Subsidiaries of the Issuer.  For the purposes of this definition, “voting stock” means stock having voting power for the election of directors, trustees or managers, as the case may be, whether at all times or only so long as no senior class of stock or equity interest has such voting power by reason of any contingency.  Unless the context otherwise requires, “Subsidiary” refers to a Subsidiary of the Issuer.

 

Total Assets ” means, as of any date, the sum (without duplication) of:  (a) the Capitalized Property Value of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries, excluding Capitalized Property Value attributable to Properties acquired or disposed of by the Issuer or any Subsidiary during the four consecutive quarters ending on such date and Development Properties; (b) all cash and cash equivalents (excluding tenant deposits and other cash and cash equivalents the disposition of which is restricted) of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries at such time; (c) the current undepreciated book value of Development Properties and all land held for development; (d) the purchase price paid by the Issuer or any Subsidiary for any Acquisition Property; and (e) all other assets of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries.  The Issuer shall have the option to include Capitalized Property Value under clause (a) above from any such Properties that are otherwise subject to valuation under clause (c) or (d) above; provided , however , that if such election is made, any value attributable to such Properties under clause (c) or (d) above shall be excluded from the determination of the amount under clause (c) or (d).  The value of any assets under clauses (b), (c), (d) and (e) above (excluding any assets classified as intangible under GAAP) shall be determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

Trust Indenture Act ” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as in force at the date as of which this Indenture was executed; provided , however , that in the event that the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 is amended after such date, “Trust Indenture Act” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as so amended.

 

Trustee ” means the Person named as the “ Trustee ” in the first paragraph of this instrument until a successor Trustee shall have become such with respect to one or more series of Securities pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Trustee” shall

 

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mean each Person who is then a Trustee hereunder; provided , however , that if at any time there is more than one such Person, “Trustee” shall mean each such Person and as used with respect to the Securities of any series shall mean the Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series.

 

Unencumbered Assets ” means, as of any date, Total Assets as of such date less Encumbered Asset Value as of such date.

 

Unsecured Debt ” means Debt that is not secured by any mortgage, lien, pledge, encumbrance or security interest of any kind upon any of the Issuer’s Property or other assets or the Property or other assets of any Subsidiary.

 

United States ,” means the United States of America (including the states thereof and the District of Columbia), its territories, its possessions and other areas subject to its jurisdiction; and the term “ United States of America ” means the United States of America.

 

Vice President ,” when used with respect to the Issuer or the Trustee, as applicable, means any vice president, whether or not designated by a number or a word or words added before or after the title “ Vice President .”

 

Voting Stock ” means, with respect to any Person, any class or series of capital stock of, or other equity interests in, such Person the holders of which are ordinarily, in the absence of contingencies, entitled to vote for the election of, or to appoint or to approve the appointment of, the directors, trustees or managing members of, or other persons holding similar positions with, such Person.

 

(b)                                                                                  Compliance Certificates and Opinions.

 

Except as otherwise expressly provided in or pursuant to this Indenture, upon any application or request by the Issuer or any Guarantor, as applicable, to the Trustee to take any action under any provision of this Indenture, the Issuer or such Guarantor, as the case may be, shall furnish to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with and an Opinion of Counsel stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent, if any, have been complied with.  Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition precedent or covenant provided for in this Indenture (other than certificates delivered pursuant to Section 1007 ) must include:

 

(i)                                      a statement that each person signing the certificate or opinion has read the covenant or condition precedent and the related definitions;

 

(ii)                                   a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statement or opinion contained in the certificate or opinion is based;

 

(iii)                                a statement that, in the opinion of each such person, that person has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable the person to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition precedent has been complied with; and

 

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(iv)                               a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of each such person, such condition precedent or covenant has been complied with.

 

(c)                                                                                   Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee.

 

In any case where several matters are required to be certified by, or covered by an opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that all such matters be certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such Person, or that they be so certified or covered by only one document, but one such Person may certify or give an opinion with respect to some matters and one or more other such Persons as to other matters, and any such Person may certify or give an opinion as to such matters in one or several documents.

 

Any certificate or opinion of an officer of the Issuer or any Guarantor may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon an Opinion of Counsel, unless such officer knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the Opinion of Counsel with respect to the matters upon which such officer’s certificate or opinion is based is erroneous.  Any such Opinion of Counsel may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an officer or officers of the Issuer or any Guarantor, a governmental official or officers or any other Person or Persons, stating that the information with respect to such factual matters is in the possession of the Issuer or any Guarantor, as applicable, unless counsel rendering the Opinion of Counsel knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate, opinion or representations with respect to such matters are erroneous.

 

Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or other instruments under this Indenture or any Security, they may, but need not, be consolidated and form one instrument.

 

(d)                                                                                  Acts of Holders; Record Dates.

 

(i)                                      Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by or pursuant to this Indenture to be made, given or taken by Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by an agent duly appointed in writing or the record of any action taken by Holders at a meeting pursuant to Article Fifteen .  Except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments or record or both are delivered to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Issuer or any Guarantor, as applicable.  Such instrument or instruments and any such record (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the “Act” of the Holders signing such instrument or instruments or so voting at any such meeting.  Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent, or of the holding by any Person of a Security, shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and (subject to Section 315 of the Trust Indenture Act) conclusive in favor of the Trustee, the Issuer or any Guarantor, as applicable, and any agent of the Trustee, the Issuer or any Guarantor, as applicable, if made in the manner provided in this Section.  The record of any meeting of Holders of Securities shall be proved in the manner provided in Section 1506 .

 

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Without limiting the generality of this Section 104 , unless otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture, a Holder, including a Depository that is a Holder of a global Security, may make, give or take, by a proxy or proxies, duly appointed in writing, any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act provided in or pursuant to this Indenture or the Securities to be made, given or taken by Holders, and a Depository that is a Holder of a global Security may provide its proxy or proxies to the beneficial owners of interests in any such global Security through such Depository’s standing instructions and customary practices.

 

(ii)                                   The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved in any reasonable manner which the Trustee deems sufficient and in accordance with such reasonable rules as the Trustee may determine; and the Trustee may in any instance require further proof with respect to any of the matters referred to in this Section.

 

(iii)                                The ownership, principal amount and serial numbers of Registered Securities held by any Person, and the date of the commencement and the date of the termination of holding the same, shall be proved by the Security Register.

 

(iv)                               If the Issuer or any Guarantor shall solicit from the Holders of any Registered Securities any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, the Issuer may at its option (but is not obligated to), by Board Resolution, fix in advance a record date for the determination of Holders of Registered Securities entitled to give such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act.  If such a record date is fixed, such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act may be given before or after such record date, but only the Holders of Registered Securities of record at the close of business on such record date shall be deemed to be Holders for the purpose of determining whether Holders of the requisite proportion of Outstanding Securities have authorized, agreed or consented to such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, and for that purpose the Outstanding Securities shall be computed as of such record date; provided that no such authorization, agreement or consent by the Holders of Registered Securities shall be deemed effective unless it shall become effective pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture not later than six (6) months after the record date.

 

(v)                                  Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act by the Holder of any Security shall bind every future Holder of the same Security and the Holder of every Security issued upon the registration of transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof in respect of anything done or suffered to be done by the Trustee, any Security Registrar, any Paying Agent, the Issuer or any Guarantor in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such Act is made upon such Security.

 

(e)                                                                                   Notices, etc. to Trustee and Issuer.

 

Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or act of Holders or other document provided or permitted by this Indenture to be made upon, given or furnished to, or filed with:

 

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(i)                                      the Trustee by any Holder or by the Issuer or any Guarantor shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if made, given, furnished or filed in writing (which may be by facsimile) to or with the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office at the location specified in Section 101 ; or

 

(ii)                                   the Issuer by the Trustee or by any Holder shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to the Issuer addressed to the attention of the Secretary of the Issuer at the address of the Issuer’s principal office specified in writing to the Trustee by the Issuer and, until further notice, at:

 

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

671 N. Glebe Road, Suite 800

Arlington, VA 22203

 

In addition to the foregoing, the Trustee agrees to accept and act upon notices, instructions or directions pursuant to this Indenture sent by unsecured e-mail, facsimile transmission or other similar unsecured electronic methods.  If the party elects to give the Trustee e-mail or facsimile notices, instructions or directions (or notices, instructions or directions by a similar electronic method) and the Trustee acts upon such notices, instructions or directions, the Trustee’s understanding of such notices, instructions or directions shall be deemed controlling.  The Trustee shall not be liable for any losses, costs or expenses arising directly or indirectly from the Trustee’s reliance upon and compliance with such notices, instructions or directions.  The party providing electronic notices, instructions or directions agrees to assume all risks arising out of the use of such electronic methods to submit notices, instructions and directions to the Trustee, including without limitation the risk of the Trustee acting on unauthorized notices, instructions or directions, and the risk of interception and misuse by third parties.

 

(f)                                                                                    Notice to Holders of Securities; Waiver.

 

Except as otherwise expressly provided in or pursuant to this Indenture, where this Indenture provides for notice to Holders of Securities of any event, such notice shall be sufficiently given if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, or if delivered electronically pursuant to the applicable procedures of the Depository, to each Holder affected by such event, at such Holder’s address as it appears in the Security Register, not later than the latest date, and not earlier than the earliest date, prescribed for the giving of such notice.

 

In 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 given as provided herein.  Any notice which is mailed in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given or provided.  In the case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service or by reason of any other cause it shall be impracticable to give such notice by mail, then such notification as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee in its sole discretion shall constitute a sufficient notification for every purpose hereunder.

 

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Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice.  Waivers of notice by Holders of Securities 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.

 

(g)                                                                                   Language of Notices.

 

Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action required or permitted under this Indenture shall be in the English language.

 

(h)                                                                                  Conflict with Trust Indenture Act.

 

If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with a provision of the Trust Indenture Act that is required under such Act to be a part of and govern this Indenture, the latter provision shall control.  If any provision of this Indenture modifies or excludes any provision of the Trust Indenture Act that may be so modified or excluded, the latter provision shall be deemed to apply to this Indenture as so modified or to be excluded, as the case may be.

 

(i)                                                                                      Effect of Headings and Table of Contents.

 

The Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

 

(j)                                                                                     Successors and Assigns.

 

All covenants and agreements in this Indenture by the Issuer or any Guarantor shall bind its successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.

 

(k)                                                                                  Separability Clause.

 

In case any provision in this Indenture or any Security shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not, to the fullest extent permitted by law, in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

(l)                                                                                      Benefits of Indenture.

 

Nothing in this Indenture or any Security, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto, any Security Registrar, any Paying Agent, any Authenticating Agent and their successors hereunder and the Holders of Securities, any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture.

 

(m)                                                                              Governing Law; Waiver of Jury Trial.

 

This Indenture, the Securities and any Guarantees shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York without regard to conflicts of law principles of such State other than New York General Obligations Law Section 5-1401.  EACH OF THE TRUST, ANY GUARANTOR AND THE TRUSTEE AND EACH HOLDER HEREBY

 

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IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS INDENTURE, THE SECURITIES, ANY GUARANTEES OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

 

(n)                                                                                  Legal Holidays.

 

Unless otherwise specified in or pursuant to this Indenture or any Securities, in any case where any Interest Payment Date, Stated Maturity or Maturity of, or any other day on which a payment is due with respect to, any Security shall be a day which is not a Business Day, then payment need not be made on such day, but such payment may be made on the next succeeding day that is a relevant Business Day with the same force and effect as if made on the Interest Payment Date, at the Stated Maturity or Maturity or on any such other payment date, as the case may be, and no interest shall accrue or be payable on the payment so deferred on such succeeding Business Day for the period from and after such Interest Payment Date, Stated Maturity, Maturity or other payment date, as the case may be, to such succeeding Business Day.

 

(o)                                                                                  Counterparts.

 

This Indenture may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which shall constitute but one and the same instrument.  The exchange of copies of this Indenture and of signature pages by facsimile or PDF transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Indenture as to the parties hereto and may be used in lieu of the original Indenture for all purposes.  Signatures of the parties hereto transmitted by facsimile or PDF shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes.

 

(p)                                                                                  Judgment Currency.

 

Each of the Issuer and any Guarantor agrees, to the fullest extent that it may effectively do so under applicable law, that (a) if for the purpose of obtaining judgment in any court it is necessary to convert the sum due in respect of the principal of, or premium or interest, if any, or Additional Amounts on the Securities of any series (the “ Required Currency ”) into a currency in which a judgment will be rendered (the “ Judgment Currency ”), the rate of exchange used shall be the rate at which in accordance with normal banking procedures the Trustee could purchase in The City of New York the Required Currency with the Judgment Currency on the New York Banking Day preceding the date on which a final unappealable judgment is given and (b) its obligations under this Indenture to make payments in the Required Currency (i) shall not be discharged or satisfied by any tender, or any recovery pursuant to any judgment (whether or not entered in accordance with clause (a) ), in any currency other than the Required Currency, except to the extent that such tender or recovery shall result in the actual receipt, by the payee, of the full amount of the Required Currency expressed to be payable in respect of such payments, (ii) shall be enforceable as an alternative or additional cause of action for the purpose of recovering in the Required Currency the amount, if any, by which such actual receipt shall fall short of the full amount of the Required Currency so expressed to be payable and (iii) shall not be affected by judgment being obtained for any other sum due under this Indenture.  For purposes of the foregoing, “ New York Banking Day ” means any day except a Saturday, Sunday

 

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or a legal holiday in The City of New York or a day on which banking institutions in The City of New York are authorized or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to be closed.  The provisions of this Section 116 shall not be applicable with respect to any payment due on a Security which is payable in Dollars.

 

(q)                                                                                  Extension of Payment Dates.

 

In the event that (i) the terms of any Security established in or pursuant to this Indenture permit the Issuer or any Holder thereof to extend the date on which any payment of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest, if any, on, or Additional Amounts, if any, with respect to such Security is due and payable and (ii) the due date for any such payment shall have been so extended, then all references herein to the Stated Maturity of such payment (and all references of like import) shall be deemed to refer to the date as so extended.

 

(r)                                                                                     Immunity of General Partners, Limited Partners, Shareholders, Directors, Officers, Employees, Incorporators and Agents of the Issuer and Guarantors.

 

No recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement contained in this Indenture, or in any Security, or because of any indebtedness evidenced thereby, shall be had against any past, present or future general partner, limited partner, member, employee, incorporator, controlling person, shareholder, officer, trustee, director, agent or legal counsel, as such, of the Issuer, any Guarantor or of any of the Issuer’s or any Guarantor’s predecessors or successors, either directly or through the Issuer or any Guarantor or any predecessor or successor of the Issuer or any Guarantor, under any rule of law, statute or constitutional provision or by the enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding or otherwise, all such liability being expressly waived and released by the acceptance of the Securities by the Holders and as part of the consideration for the issuance of the Securities.

 

(s)                                                                                    USA Patriot Act.

 

The parties hereto acknowledge that, in accordance with Section 326 of the U.S.A. Patriot Act, the Trustee, like all financial institutions and in order to help fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering, is required to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person or legal entity that establishes a relationship or opens an account with the Trustee.  Each of the Issuer and any Guarantor agrees that it will provide the Trustee with such information as it may reasonably request in order for the Trustee to seek to satisfy the requirements of the U.S.A. Patriot Act, including documentation to verify its formation and existence as a legal entity, financial statements, licenses, and identification and authorization documents from individuals claiming authority to represent the entity or other relevant documentation.

 

(t)                                                                                     Force Majeure.

 

In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its control, including, without limitation, strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and

 

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interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and hardware) services.

 

(u)                                                                                  FATCA.

 

In order to comply with applicable tax laws, rules and regulations (inclusive of directives, guidelines and interpretations promulgated by competent authorities) in effect from time to time (as used solely in this Section 121 , “ Applicable Law ”) that a foreign financial institution, or issuer, trustee, paying agent, holder or other institution is or has agreed to be subject to related to this Indenture, the Issuer agrees (i) to use commercially reasonable efforts to provide to the Trustee sufficient information about Holders in the Issuer’s possession or available to it or other applicable counterparties to the Issuer and/or transactions between the Issuer and such counter parties (including any modification to the terms of such transactions) that is reasonably requested by the Trustee so the Trustee can determine whether it has tax related obligations under Applicable Law, (ii) upon written notice to the Issuer, that the Trustee shall be entitled to make any withholding or deduction from payments under this Indenture to the extent necessary to comply with Applicable Law for which the Trustee shall not have any liability if properly withheld in accordance with Applicable Law, and (iii) to hold harmless the Trustee for any losses it may suffer due to the actions it takes to comply with such Applicable Law, in case of each of clauses (ii)  and (iii) , other than any liability or losses as may be attributable to the Trustee’s willful misconduct or negligence.  The terms of this paragraph shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.

 

2.

 

SECURITIES FORMS

 

(a)                                                                                  Forms Generally.

 

Each Registered Security and temporary or permanent global Security issued pursuant to this Indenture shall be in the form established by or pursuant to a Board Resolution and set forth in an Officer’s Certificate, or established in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, shall have such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by or pursuant to this Indenture or any indenture supplemental hereto and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as may, consistently herewith, be determined by the officer of the Issuer executing such Security as evidenced by the execution of such Security.

 

Definitive Securities shall be printed, lithographed or engraved or produced by any combination of these methods or in any other manner, all as determined by the officer of the Issuer executing such Securities, as evidenced by the execution of such Securities.

 

(b)                                                                                  Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication.

 

Subject to Section 611 , the Trustee’s certificate of authentication shall be in substantially the following form:

 

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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:

 

(c)                                                                                   Securities in Global Form.

 

Unless otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture or any Securities, the Securities shall be issuable in global form.  If Securities of a series shall be issuable in temporary or permanent global form, any such Security may provide that it or any principal amount of such Securities shall represent the aggregate amount of all Outstanding Securities of such series (or such lesser principal amount as is permitted by the terms thereof) from time to time endorsed thereon or reflected on the books and records of the Trustee and may also provide that the aggregate principal amount of Outstanding Securities represented thereby may from time to time be increased or reduced to reflect exchanges.  Any endorsement of any Security in global form to reflect the principal amount, or any increase or decrease in the principal amount, or changes in the rights of Holders, of Outstanding Securities represented thereby shall be made in such manner and by such Person or Persons as shall be specified therein or pursuant to Section 301 with respect to such Security or in the Issuer Order to be delivered pursuant to Section 303 or 304 with respect thereto.  Subject to the provisions of Section 303 and, if applicable, Section 304 , the Trustee shall deliver and redeliver any Security in global form in the manner and upon written instructions given by the Person or Persons specified therein or pursuant to Section 301 with respect to such Security or in the applicable Issuer Order.  If an Issuer Order pursuant to Section 303 (with respect to Outstanding Securities) or 304 has been, or simultaneously is, delivered, any instructions by the Issuer with respect to a Security in global form shall be in writing but need not be accompanied by or contained in an Officer’s Certificate and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel.  Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this paragraph, in the event a global Security is exchangeable for definitive Securities as provided in Section 305 , then, unless otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture with respect to the Securities of such series, the Trustee shall deliver and redeliver such global Security to the extent necessary to effect such exchanges, shall endorse such global Security to reflect any decrease in the principal amount thereto resulting from such exchanges and shall take such other actions, all as contemplated by Section 305 .

 

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 307 , payment of principal of, any premium and interest on, and any Additional Amounts in respect of any Security in temporary or permanent global form shall be made to the Person in whose name such Security is registered.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the Issuer, any Guarantor, the Trustee and any agent of the Issuer, any Guarantor or the Trustee shall treat as the Holder of the principal amount of Outstanding Securities represented by a global Security, in the case of a global Security in registered form, the Holder of such global Security in registered form.

 

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3.

 

THE SECURITIES

 

(a)                                                                                  Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series.

 

The aggregate principal amount of Securities which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.  The Securities may be issued in one or more series.

 

With respect to any Securities to be authenticated and delivered hereunder, there shall be established in or pursuant to one or more Board Resolutions and set forth in an Officer’s Certificate, or established in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the issuance of any Securities of a series,

 

(i)                                      the title of the Securities of such series (which shall distinguish the Securities of the series from Securities of any other series) and whether the Securities of such series are to be senior or subordinated;

 

(ii)                                   any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of such series which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except for Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Securities of such series pursuant to Section 304 , 305 , 306 , 905 or 1107 , upon repayment in part of any Security of such series pursuant to Article Thirteen or upon surrender in part of any Security for conversion or exchange into Common Equity or other securities or property pursuant to its terms); provided , however , that the authorized aggregate principal amount of such series may from time to time be increased above such amount by a Board Resolution to such effect;

 

(iii)                                if such Securities are to be issuable as Registered Securities, as bearer securities or alternatively as bearer securities and Registered Securities, and whether the bearer securities are to be issuable with coupons, without coupons or both, and any restrictions applicable to the offer, sale or delivery of the bearer securities and the terms, if any, upon which bearer securities may be exchanged for Registered Securities and vice versa and, with respect to bearer securities, any other provisions related to bearer securities not otherwise provided for herein;

 

(iv)                               if any of such Securities are to be issuable in global form, when any of such Securities are to be issuable in global form and (i) whether such Securities are to be issued in temporary or permanent global form or both, (ii) whether beneficial owners of interests in any such global Security may exchange such interests for Securities of the same series and of like tenor and of any authorized form and denomination, and the circumstances under which any such exchanges may occur, if other than in the manner specified in Section 305 , (iii) the name of the Depository with respect to any such global Security, and (iv) if applicable and in addition to the Persons specified in Section 305 , the Person or Persons who shall be entitled to make any endorsements on any such global Security and to give the instructions and take the other actions with respect to such global Security contemplated by the first paragraph of Section 203 ;

 

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(v)                                  the date or dates, or the method or methods, if any, by which such date or dates shall be determined, on which the principal and premium, if any, of any Securities of the series is payable or the method used to determine or extend those dates;

 

(vi)                               the rate or rates at which such Securities shall bear interest, if any, or the method or methods, if any, by which such rate or rates are to be determined, the date or dates, if any, from which such interest shall accrue or the method or methods, if any, by which such date or dates are to be determined, the Interest Payment Dates, if any, on which such interest shall be payable and the Regular Record Date, if any, for the interest payable on Registered Securities on any Interest Payment Date, the notice, if any, to Holders regarding the determination of interest on a floating rate Security and the manner of giving such notice, and the basis upon which interest shall be calculated if other than that of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months;

 

(vii)                            if in addition to or other than the Corporate Trust Office, the place or places where the principal of, any premium and interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to such Securities shall be payable, any of such Securities that are Registered Securities may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange, any of such Securities may be surrendered for conversion or exchange or at maturity or otherwise, and notices or demands to or upon the Issuer in respect of such Securities and this Indenture may be made and the manner in which any payment may be made;

 

(viii)                         whether any of such Securities are to be redeemable at the option of the Issuer and, if so, the date or dates on which, the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which, the currency or currency units in which, and the other terms and conditions upon which such Securities may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Issuer, and, if other than by a Board Resolution, the manner in which any election by the Issuer to redeem the Securities shall be evidenced;

 

(ix)                               if the Issuer is obligated to redeem or purchase any of such Securities pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the option of any Holder thereof and, if so, the date or dates on which, the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which, the currency or currency units in which, and the other terms and conditions upon which such Securities shall be redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation, and any provisions for the remarketing of such Securities so redeemed or purchased;

 

(x)                                  the denominations in which any of such Securities that are Registered Securities shall be issuable if other than minimum denominations of $2,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof;

 

(xi)                               whether such Securities will be convertible into and/or exchangeable for Common Equity or other securities or property of the Issuer or of any other Person, and if so, the terms and conditions upon which such Securities will be so convertible or exchangeable, and any deletions from or modifications or additions or changes to this Indenture to permit or to facilitate the issuance of such convertible or exchangeable Securities or the administration thereof;

 

(xii)                            if other than the entire principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of any of such Securities that shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration

 

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of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502 or the method by which such portion is to be determined;

 

(xiii)                         if other than Dollars, the Foreign Currency in which purchases of such Securities must be made and the Foreign Currency in which payment of the principal of, any premium or interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to any of such Securities shall be payable and the manner of determining the equivalent thereof in Dollars for any purpose, including for purposes of the definition of “Outstanding” in Section 101 ;

 

(xiv)                        if the principal of, any premium or interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to any of such Securities are to be payable, at the election of the Issuer or a Holder thereof or otherwise, in a Currency other than that in which such Securities are stated to be payable, the date or dates on which, the period or periods within which, and the other terms and conditions upon which, such election may be made, and the time and manner of determining the exchange rate between the Currency in which such Securities are stated to be payable and the Currency in which such Securities or any of them are to be paid pursuant to such election, and any deletions from or modifications of or additions to the terms of this Indenture to provide for or to facilitate the issuance of Securities denominated or payable, at the election of the Issuer or a Holder thereof or otherwise, in a Foreign Currency;

 

(xv)                           if the amount of payments of principal of, any premium or interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to such Securities may be determined with reference to an index, formula or other method or methods (which index, formula or method or methods may be based, without limitation, on one or more Currencies, commodities, equity indices or other indices), and, if so, the terms and conditions upon which and the manner in which such amounts shall be determined and paid or payable;

 

(xvi)                        any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the Events of Default or covenants of the Issuer or any Guarantor with respect to any of such Securities or any Guarantee (whether or not such Events of Default or covenants are consistent with the Events of Default or covenants set forth herein), any additional covenants subject to waiver by the Act of Holders pursuant to Section 1006 , and any change in the right of the Trustee or the requisite Holders of such Securities to declare the principal amount thereof due and payable pursuant to Section 502 ;

 

(xvii)                     if any one or more of the provisions of Section 401 relating to satisfaction and discharge, Section 402(2)  relating to defeasance or Section 402(3)  relating to Covenant Defeasance shall not be applicable to such Securities, and any covenants in addition to or other than those specified in Section 402(3)  relating to such Securities which shall be subject to Covenant Defeasance, and, if such Securities are subject to repurchase or repayment at the option of the Holders thereof pursuant to Article Thirteen , if the Issuer’s obligation to repurchase or repay such Securities will be subject to satisfaction and discharge pursuant to Section 401 or to defeasance or Covenant Defeasance pursuant to Section 402 , and, if the Holders of such Securities have the right to convert or exchange such Securities into Common Equity or other securities or property, if the right to effect such conversion or exchange will be subject to satisfaction and discharge pursuant to Section 401 or to defeasance or Covenant Defeasance pursuant to Section 402 , and any deletions from, or modifications or additions to, the provisions

 

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of Article Four (including any modification which would permit satisfaction and discharge, defeasance or Covenant Defeasance to be effected with respect to less than all of the outstanding Securities of such series) in respect of such Securities;

 

(xviii)                  if any of such Securities are to be issuable upon the exercise of warrants, and the time, manner and place for such Securities to be authenticated and delivered;

 

(xix)                        if any of such Securities are issuable in global form and are to be issuable in definitive form (whether upon original issue or upon exchange of a temporary Security) only upon receipt of certain certificates or other documents or satisfaction of other conditions, then the form and terms of such certificates, documents or conditions;

 

(xx)                           the circumstances under which the Issuer or any Guarantor will pay Additional Amounts on such Securities in respect of any tax, assessment or other government charge and whether the Issuer will have the option to redeem such Securities rather than pay such Additional Amounts;

 

(xxi)                        if there is more than one Trustee, the identity of the Trustee that has any obligations, duties and remedies with respect to such Securities and, if not the Trustee, the identity of each Security Registrar, Paying Agent or Authenticating Agent with respect to such Securities;

 

(xxii)                     the Person to whom any interest on any Registered Security of such series shall be payable, if other than the Person in whose name such Registered Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, and the extent to which, or the manner in which, any interest payable on a temporary global Security will be paid if other than in the manner provided in this Indenture;

 

(xxiii)                  whether the Securities of the series will be guaranteed by a Guarantor and, if so, the identity of such Guarantor, the extent to which, and the terms and conditions upon which such Securities shall be guaranteed and, if applicable, the terms and conditions upon which such Guarantees may be subordinated to other indebtedness of the respective Guarantors;

 

(xxiv)                 whether the Securities of the series will be secured and, if so, specification of the collateral and the extent to which, and the terms and conditions upon which, such Securities shall be secured;

 

(xxv)                    if the principal amount payable at the Stated Maturity of any Securities of the series will not be determinable as of any one or more dates prior to the Stated Maturity, the amount which shall be deemed to be the principal amount of such Securities as of any such date for any purpose thereunder or hereunder, including the principal amount thereof which shall be due and payable upon any Maturity other than the Stated Maturity or which shall be deemed to be Outstanding as of any date prior to the Stated Maturity (or, in any such case, the manner in which such amount deemed to be the principal amount shall be determined);

 

(xxvi)                 whether the Securities will not be issued in a transaction registered under the Securities Act and any restriction or condition on the transferability of the Securities of such series;

 

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(xxvii)              the exchanges, if any, on which such Securities may be listed;

 

(xxviii)           the price or prices at which the Securities will be sold; and

 

(xxix)                 any other terms of such Securities and any deletions from or modifications or additions to this Indenture in respect of such Securities (which terms shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture, except as permitted by Section 901 ).

 

All Securities of any one series shall be substantially identical, except as may be provided by the Issuer in or pursuant to the Board Resolution and set forth in the Officer’s Certificate or in any indenture or indentures supplemental hereto pertaining to such series of Securities.  The terms of the Securities of any series may provide, without limitation, that the Securities shall be authenticated and delivered by the Trustee on original issue from time to time upon written order of persons designated in the Board Resolutions of the Issuer or any Guarantor (with respect to its Guarantee), Officer’s Certificate or supplemental indenture, as the case may be, pertaining to such series of Securities and that such persons are authorized to determine, consistent with such Board Resolutions, Officer’s Certificate or supplemental indenture, such terms and conditions of the Securities of such series as are specified in such Board Resolutions, Officer’s Certificate or supplemental indenture.

 

All Securities of any one series need not be issued at the same time and, unless otherwise provided by the Issuer as contemplated by this Section 301 , a series may be reopened from time to time without notice to or the consent of any Holders for issuances of additional Securities of such series or to establish additional terms of such series of Securities.

 

If any of the terms of the Securities of any series shall be established by action taken by or pursuant to Board Resolutions of the Issuer, such Board Resolution(s) shall be delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Officer’s Certificate setting forth the terms of such series.

 

(b)                                                                                  Currency; Denominations.

 

Unless otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture, the principal of, any premium and interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to the Securities shall be payable in Dollars.  Unless otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture, Registered Securities denominated in Dollars shall be issuable in registered form without coupons in minimum denominations of $2,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof.  Securities not denominated in Dollars shall be issuable in such denominations as are established with respect to such Securities in or pursuant to this Indenture.

 

(c)                                                                                   Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating.

 

Securities and any Guarantee to be endorsed thereon shall be executed on behalf of the Issuer or the related Guarantor, as applicable, by the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer, or one of the Vice Presidents of the Issuer, or such Guarantor, and may (but need not) have the Issuer’s or the Guarantor’s, as applicable, corporate seal or a facsimile thereof reproduced thereon.  The signature of any of these officers on the Securities may be manual or facsimile.

 

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Securities and any related Guarantees bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of individuals who were at any time the proper officers of the Issuer or any Guarantor, as applicable, shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, bind the Issuer or such Guarantor, as applicable, notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such Securities or the Securities upon which any such Guarantee is endorsed or did not hold such offices at the date of such Securities or any such related Guarantee.

 

At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Issuer may deliver Securities executed by the Issuer to the Trustee for authentication and, provided that the Board Resolutions and Officer’s Certificate or supplemental indenture or indentures with respect to such Securities referred to in Section 301 and an Issuer Order for the authentication and delivery of such Securities have been delivered to the Trustee, the Trustee in accordance with the Issuer Order and subject to the provisions hereof and of such Securities shall authenticate and deliver such Securities.  In authenticating such Securities, and accepting the additional responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Securities, the Trustee shall receive, and (subject to Sections 315(a)  through 315(d)  of the Trust Indenture Act) shall be fully protected in conclusively relying upon,

 

(i)                                      an Opinion of Counsel to the following effect:

 

(A)                                the form or forms and terms of such Securities have been established in conformity with Sections 201 and 301 of this Indenture;

 

(B)                                all conditions precedent set forth in this Indenture to the authentication and delivery of such Securities have been complied with; and

 

(C)                                and that such Securities, when completed by appropriate insertions (if applicable), executed by a duly authorized officer of the Issuer, delivered by a duly authorized officer of the Issuer to the Trustee for authentication pursuant to this Indenture, and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and issued by the Issuer in the manner and subject to any conditions specified in such Opinion of Counsel, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Issuer, enforceable against the Issuer in accordance with their terms, and that any Guarantee, when executed by a duly authorized signatory of the Guarantor and issued by such Guarantor in the manner and subject to any conditions specified in such Opinion of Counsel and when the Securities upon which such Guarantees have been endorsed have been completed, executed and delivered by a duly authorized officer of the Issuer and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Guarantor, except, in each case, as enforcement thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, moratorium or other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally or by general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding in equity or at law) and subject to such other exceptions as shall be reasonably acceptable to the Trustee; provided, that such Opinion of Counsel need express no opinion as to whether a court in the United States would render a money judgment in a currency other than that of the United States; and

 

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(ii)                                   an Officers’ Certificate stating that all conditions precedent provided for in this Indenture relating to the issuance of the Securities have been complied with and that, to the best of the knowledge of the signers of such certificate, that no Event of Default with respect to any of the Securities shall have occurred and be continuing.

 

The Trustee shall not be required to authenticate or to cause an Authenticating Agent to authenticate any Securities if the issue of such Securities pursuant to this Indenture will affect the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under the Securities and this Indenture or will otherwise be in a manner which is not reasonably acceptable to the Trustee or if the Trustee, being advised by counsel, determines that such action may not lawfully be taken.

 

Each Registered Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.  Except to the extent specified in a supplemental indenture, or in established in or pursuant to one or more Board Resolutions and set forth in an Officer’s Certificate, the Securities of each series shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto if issued with a fixed rate of interest or Exhibit B attached hereto if issued with a floating rate of interest determined with respect to the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or any similar successor rate.

 

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 in Section 202 or 611 executed by or on behalf of the Trustee or by the Authenticating Agent by the manual signature of one of its authorized signatories.  Such certificate upon any Security shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Security has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder.

 

(d)                                                                                  Temporary Securities.

 

Pending the preparation of definitive Securities, the Issuer may execute and deliver to the Trustee and, upon Issuer Order, the Trustee or Authenticating Agent shall authenticate and deliver, in the manner provided in Section 303 , temporary Securities in lieu thereof which are printed, lithographed, typewritten, mimeographed or otherwise produced, in any authorized denomination, substantially of the tenor of the definitive Securities in lieu of which they are issued, in registered form and with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as the officers of the Issuer executing such Securities may determine, as conclusively evidenced by their execution of such Securities.  Such temporary Securities may be in global form.

 

Except in the case of temporary Securities in global form, which shall be exchanged in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Indenture or the provisions established pursuant to Section 301 , if temporary Securities are issued, the Issuer shall cause definitive Securities or global Securities to be prepared without unreasonable delay.  Except as otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture, after the preparation of definitive Securities or global Securities of the same series and containing terms and provisions that are identical to those of any temporary Securities, such temporary Securities shall be exchangeable for such definitive Securities or global Securities upon surrender of such temporary Securities at an Office or Agency for such Securities, without charge to any Holder thereof.  Except as otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture, upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary Securities, the

 

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Issuer shall execute and, upon Issuer Order, the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a like principal amount of definitive Securities or global Securities of authorized denominations of the same series and containing identical terms and provisions.  Unless otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture with respect to a temporary global Security, until so exchanged the temporary Securities of any series shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Securities of such series.

 

(e)                                                                                   Registration, Transfer and Exchange.

 

With respect to the Registered Securities of each series, if any, the Issuer shall cause to be kept a register (each such register being herein sometimes referred to as the “ Security Register ”) at an Office or Agency for such series in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Issuer shall provide for the registration of the Registered Securities of such series and of transfers and exchanges of the Registered Securities of such series.  Such Office or Agency shall be the “ Security Registrar ” for that series of Securities.  Unless otherwise specified in or pursuant to this Indenture or the Securities, the initial Security Registrar for each series of Securities shall be as specified in the second to last paragraph of Section 1002 .  The Issuer shall have the right to remove and replace from time to time the Security Registrar for any series of Securities; provided that no such removal or replacement shall be effective until a successor Security Registrar with respect to such series of Securities shall have been appointed by the Issuer and shall have accepted such appointment.  In the event that the Trustee shall not be or shall cease to be Security Registrar with respect to a series of Securities, it shall have the right to examine the Security Register for such series at all reasonable times.  There shall be only one Security Register for each series of Securities.

 

Except as otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture, upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Registered Security of any series at any Office or Agency for such series, the Issuer shall execute, and, upon Issuer Order, the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, one or more new Registered Securities of the same series denominated as authorized in or pursuant to this Indenture, of a like aggregate principal amount bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding and containing identical terms and provisions.

 

Except as otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture, at the option of the Holder, Registered Securities of any series may be exchanged for other Registered Securities of the same series containing identical terms and provisions, in any authorized denominations, and of a like aggregate principal amount, upon surrender of the Securities to be exchanged at any Office or Agency for such series.  Whenever any Registered Securities are so surrendered for exchange, the Issuer shall execute, and, upon Issuer Order, the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the Registered Securities which the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, except as otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture, the global Securities of any series shall be exchangeable for definitive certificated Securities of such series only if (i) the Depository for such global Securities notifies the Issuer that it is unwilling or unable or no longer qualified to continue as a Depository for such global Securities or at any time the Depository for such global Securities ceases to be a clearing agency registered as such under the Exchange Act, if so required by applicable law or regulation, and no successor Depository for such Securities shall have been appointed by the Issuer within 90 days

 

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of such notification or of the Issuer becoming aware of the Depository’s ceasing to be so registered, as the case may be, (ii) the Issuer, in its sole discretion and subject to the Depository’s procedures, determines that the Securities of such series shall no longer be represented by one or more global Securities and executes and delivers to the Trustee an Issuer Order to the effect that such global Securities shall be so exchangeable or (iii) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to such Securities and the Depository or the Issuer specifically requests such exchange.

 

If the beneficial owners of interests in a global Security are entitled to exchange such interests for definitive Securities as the result of an event described in clause (i) , (ii)  or (iii)  of the preceding paragraph, then without unnecessary delay, but in any event not later than the earliest date on which such interests may be so exchanged, the Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee definitive Securities in such form and denominations as are required by or pursuant to this Indenture, and of the same series, containing identical terms and in aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of such global Security, executed by the Issuer.  On or after the earliest date on which such interests may be so exchanged, such global Security shall be cancelled by the Trustee in accordance with its customary procedures as shall be specified in the Issuer Order with respect thereto (which the Issuer agrees to deliver), and in accordance with instructions given to the Trustee and the Depository as shall be specified in the Issuer Order with respect thereto to the Trustee, as the Issuer’s agent for such purpose, to be exchanged, in whole or in part, for definitive Securities as described above without charge.  The Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery, in exchange for each portion of such surrendered global Security, a like aggregate principal amount of definitive Securities of the same series of authorized denominations and of like tenor as the portion of such global Security to be exchanged, which shall be in such denominations and, in the case of Registered Securities, registered in such names, as shall be specified by the Depository, but subject to the satisfaction of any certification or other requirements to the issuance of securities; provided , however , that no such exchanges may occur during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before any selection of Securities of the same series to be redeemed and ending on the relevant Redemption Date.  Promptly following any such exchange in part, such global Security shall be returned by the Trustee to such Depository (or its custodian) or such other Depository (or its custodian) referred to above in accordance with the instructions of the Issuer referred to above, and the Trustee shall endorse such global Security to reflect the decrease in the principal amount thereof resulting from such exchange.  If a Registered Security is issued in exchange for any portion of a global Security after the close of business at the Office or Agency for such Security where such exchange occurs on or after (i) any Regular Record Date for such Security and before the opening of business at such Office or Agency on the next Interest Payment Date, or (ii) any Special Record Date for such Security and before the opening of business at such Office or Agency on the related proposed date for payment of interest or Defaulted Interest, as the case may be, interest shall not be payable on such Interest Payment Date or proposed date for payment, as the case may be, in respect of such Registered Security, but shall be payable on such Interest Payment Date or proposed date for payment, as the case may be, only to the Person to whom interest in respect of such portion of such global Security shall be payable in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture.

 

All Securities issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities shall be the valid obligations of the Issuer evidencing the same debt and entitling the Holders thereof to

 

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the same benefits under this Indenture as the Securities surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.

 

Every Registered Security presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange shall (if so required by the Issuer or the Security Registrar for such Security) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Issuer and the Security Registrar for such Security duly executed by the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing.

 

No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, or any redemption or repayment of Securities, or any conversion or exchange of Securities for other types of securities or property, but the Issuer may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, other than exchanges pursuant to Section 304 , 905 or 1107 , upon repayment or repurchase in part of any Registered Security pursuant to Article Thirteen , or upon surrender in part of any Registered Security for conversion or exchange into Common Equity or other securities or property pursuant to its terms, in each case not involving any transfer.

 

Except as otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture, the Issuer shall not be required (i) to issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Securities during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of the selection for redemption of Securities of like tenor and terms and of the same series under Section 1103 and ending at the close of business on the day of such selection, or (ii) to register the transfer of or exchange any Registered Security, or portion thereof, so selected for redemption, except in the case of any Registered Security to be redeemed in part, the portion thereof not to be redeemed, or (iii) to issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Security which, in accordance with its terms, has been surrendered for repayment at the option of the Holder pursuant to Article Thirteen and not withdrawn, except the portion, if any, of such Security not to be so repaid.

 

(f)                                                                                    Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities.

 

If any mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section 306 , the Issuer shall execute and, upon Issuer Order, the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a new Security of the same series containing identical terms and of like principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.

 

If there be delivered to the Issuer and to the Trustee (i) evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Security, and (ii) such security or indemnity as may be reasonably required by them to save each of them and any agent of either of them harmless, then, in the absence of notice to the Issuer or the Trustee that such Security has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Issuer shall execute and, upon the Issuer’s written request the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in exchange for or in lieu of any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security, a new Security of the same series containing identical terms and of like principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 306 , in case any mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security has become or is about to become due and payable, the Issuer in its discretion may, instead of issuing a new Security, pay such Security.

 

Upon the issuance of any new Security under this Section, the Issuer may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee and its legal counsel) connected therewith.

 

Every new Security issued pursuant to this Section in lieu of any destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall constitute a separate obligation of the Issuer, whether or not the destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Securities of such series duly issued hereunder.

 

The provisions of this Section 306 , as amended or supplemented pursuant to this Indenture with respect to particular Securities or generally, shall (to the extent lawful) be 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.

 

(g)                                                                                   Payment of Interest and Certain Additional Amounts; Rights to Interest and Certain Additional Amounts Preserved.

 

Unless otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture, any interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to any Registered Security which shall be payable, and are punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the Person in whose name such Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered as of the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest.

 

Unless otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture, any interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to any Registered Security which shall be payable, but shall not be punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date for such Registered Security (herein called “ Defaulted Interest ”) shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder thereof on the relevant Regular Record Date by virtue of having been such Holder; and such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Issuer, at its election in each case, as provided in clause (1)  or (2)  below:

 

(i)                                      The Issuer may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Interest to the Person in whose name such Registered Security (or a Predecessor Security thereof) shall be registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be fixed in the following manner.  The Issuer shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on such Registered Security and the date of the proposed payment, and at the same time the Issuer shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit on or prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when so deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Person entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this clause provided.

 

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Thereupon, the Trustee shall fix a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest which shall be not more than 15 days and not less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed payment and not less than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment.  The Trustee shall promptly notify the Issuer of such Special Record Date and, in the name and at the expense of the Issuer shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor to be given to the Holder of such Registered Security (or a Predecessor Security thereof) in the manner set forth in Section 106 not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date.  Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor having been sent as aforesaid, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Person in whose name such Registered Security (or a Predecessor Security thereof) shall be registered at the close of business on such Special Record Date and shall no longer be payable pursuant to the following clause (2) ; or

 

(ii)                                   The Issuer may make payment of any Defaulted Interest in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which such Security may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if, after written notice given by the Issuer to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this clause (2) , such payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee.

 

Unless otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture or the Securities of any particular series, at the option of the Issuer, interest on Registered Securities on any Interest Payment Date may be paid by mailing a check to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register or by transfer to an account maintained by the payee with a bank located in the United States of America.

 

Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section 307 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.

 

(h)                                                                                  Persons Deemed Owners.

 

Prior to due presentment of a Registered Security for registration of transfer or exchange or at maturity or otherwise, the Issuer, any Guarantor, the Trustee and any agent of the Issuer, any Guarantor or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name such Registered Security is registered in the Security Register as the owner of such Registered Security for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of, any premium and (subject to Sections 305 and 307 ) interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to such Registered Security and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not any payment with respect to such Registered Security shall be overdue, and none of the Issuer, any Guarantor, the Trustee or any agent of the Issuer, any Guarantor or the Trustee shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

 

No owner of any beneficial interest in any global Security held on its behalf by a Depository shall have any rights under this Indenture or with respect to such global Security, and such Depository or its nominee may be treated by the Issuer, any Guarantor, the Trustee and any agent of the Issuer, any Guarantor or the Trustee as the absolute owner and Holder of such global Security for all purposes whatsoever.  None of the Issuer, any Guarantor, the Trustee or any

 

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agent of the Issuer, any Guarantor or the Trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests of a global Security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Issuer, any Guarantor, the Trustee or any agent of the Issuer, any Guarantor or the Trustee from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by the applicable Depository, as a Holder, with respect to a global Security or impair, as between such Depository and the owners of beneficial interests in such global Security, the operation of customary practices governing the exercise of the rights of such Depository (or its nominee) as the Holder of such global Security.

 

(i)                                                                                      Cancellation.

 

All Securities surrendered for payment, redemption, registration of transfer, exchange or conversion or for credit against any sinking fund payment shall, if surrendered to any Person other than the Trustee, be promptly delivered to the Trustee, and any such Securities, as well as Securities surrendered directly to the Trustee for any such purpose, shall be cancelled promptly by the Trustee.  The Issuer may at any time deliver to the Trustee for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated and delivered hereunder which the Issuer may have acquired in any manner whatsoever, and all Securities so delivered shall be cancelled promptly by the Trustee.  No Securities shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Securities cancelled as provided in this Section, except as expressly permitted by or pursuant to this Indenture.  All cancelled Securities held by the Trustee shall be disposed of by the Trustee in accordance with its customary procedures.

 

(j)                                                                                     Computation of Interest.

 

Except as otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture or in the Securities of any series, interest on the Securities shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

 

(k)                                                                                  CUSIP Numbers.

 

The Issuer in issuing the Securities may use “CUSIP” numbers (if then generally in use), and, if so, the Trustee shall use “CUSIP” numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Securities or as contained in any notice of a redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Securities, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers.  The Issuer will promptly notify the Trustee in writing of any change in the “CUSIP” numbers.

 

(l)                                                                                      Trustee, Paying Agent and Security Registrar Not Responsible for Depository.

 

None of the Trustee, any Paying Agent or any Security Registrar shall have any responsibility or liability for any acts or omissions of any Depository with respect to any global

 

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Security, for the records of any Depository, including records in respect of beneficial ownership interests in respect of any global Security, for any transactions between such Depository and any participant in such Depository or between or among any such Depository, any such participant or any holder or owner of a beneficial interest in any global Security or for any transfers of beneficial interests in any global Security.

 

4.

 

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE

 

(a)                                                                                  Satisfaction and Discharge.

 

Unless, pursuant to Section 301 , the provisions of this Section 401 shall not be applicable with respect to the Securities of any series, upon the direction of the Issuer by an Issuer Order, this Indenture shall cease to be of further effect with respect to any series of Securities specified in such Issuer Order and any Guarantee of such Securities (except for provisions that survive pursuant to the terms of the Indenture or the applicable series of Securities), and the Trustee, on receipt of an Issuer Order, at the expense of the Issuer, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture as to such series, when,

 

(i)                                      either

 

(A)                                all Securities of such series theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than (i) Securities of such series which have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 306 , and (ii) Securities of such series for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Issuer or any Affiliate of the Issuer and thereafter repaid to the Issuer or discharged from such trust, as provided in Section 1003 ) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

 

(B)                                all such Securities of such series not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation

 

(1)                                  have become due and payable, or

 

(2)                                  will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year, or

 

(3)                                  if redeemable at the option of the Issuer, are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Issuer, and the Issuer, in the case of (i), (ii) or (iii) above, has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with and held uninvested by the Trustee as trust funds in trust for such purpose, money in the Currency in which such Securities are payable in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, including the principal of, any premium and interest on, and, to the extent that the Securities of such series provide for the payment of Additional Amounts thereon and the amount of any such Additional Amounts which are

 

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or will be payable with respect to the Securities of such series is at the time of deposit determinable by the Issuer (in the exercise by the Issuer of its reasonable discretion), any Additional Amounts with respect to, such Securities, to the date of such deposit (in the case of Securities which have become due and payable) or to the Maturity thereof, as the case may be;

 

(ii)                                   the Issuer has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Issuer with respect to the Outstanding Securities of such series (including amounts payable to the Trustee pursuant to Section 606 ); and

 

(iii)                                the Issuer has delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture as to the Securities of such series have been complied with.

 

In the event there are Securities of two or more series Outstanding hereunder, the Trustee shall be required to execute an instrument acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture only if requested to do so with respect to Securities of such series as to which it is Trustee, if in form and content reasonably acceptable to the Trustee and if the other conditions thereto are met.

 

Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to any series of Securities, the obligations of the Issuer to the Trustee under Section 606 and, if money shall have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to subclause (b)  of clause (1)  of this Section 401 , the obligations of the Issuer and the Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series under Sections 305 , 306 , 403 , 404 , 1002 , 1003 and, if applicable to the Securities of such series, Section 1004 (including, without limitation, with respect to the payment of Additional Amounts, if any, with respect to such Securities as contemplated by Section 1004 , but only to the extent that the Additional Amounts payable with respect to such Securities exceed the amount deposited in respect of such Additional Amounts pursuant to Section 401(1)(b) ), the obligations of any Guarantor under any Guarantee in respect of Additional Amounts, any rights of Holders of the Securities of such series (unless otherwise provided pursuant to Section 301 with respect to the Securities of such series) to require the Issuer to repurchase or repay, and the obligations of the Issuer to repurchase or repay, such Securities at the option of the Holders pursuant to Article Thirteen hereof, and any rights of Holders of the Securities of such series (unless otherwise provided pursuant to Section 301 with respect to the Securities of such series) to convert or exchange, and the obligations of the Issuer to convert or exchange, such Securities into Common Equity or other securities or property, shall survive such satisfaction and discharge.

 

(b)                                                                                  Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance.

 

(i)                                      Unless, pursuant to Section 301 , either or both of (i) defeasance of the Securities of or within a series under clause (2)  of this Section 402 or (ii) Covenant Defeasance of the Securities of or within a series under clause (3)  of this Section 402 shall not be applicable with respect to the Securities of such series, then such provisions, together with the other provisions of this Section 402 (with such modifications thereto as may be specified pursuant to

 

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Section 301 with respect to any Securities), shall be applicable to such Securities, and the Issuer may at its option by Board Resolution, at any time, with respect to the Securities of or within such series, elect to have Section 402(2)  or Section 402(3)  be applied to such Outstanding Securities and any Guarantees of such Outstanding Securities upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Section 402 .  Unless otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301 with respect to the Securities of any series, defeasance under clause (2)  of this Section 402 and Covenant Defeasance under clause (3)  of this Section 402 may be effected only with respect to all, and not less than all, of the Outstanding Securities of any series.  To the extent that the terms of any Security established in or pursuant to this Indenture permit the Issuer or any Holder thereof to extend the date on which any payment of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest, if any, on, or Additional Amounts, if any, with respect to such Security is due and payable, then unless otherwise provided pursuant to Section 301 , the right to extend such date shall terminate upon defeasance or Covenant Defeasance, as the case may be.

 

(ii)                                   Upon the Issuer’s exercise of the above option applicable to this Section 402(2)  with respect to any Securities of or within a series, the Issuer and any Guarantor, as applicable, shall be deemed to have been discharged from their respective obligations with respect to such Outstanding Securities on the date the conditions set forth in clause (4)  of this Section 402 are satisfied (hereinafter, “ defeasance ”).  For this purpose, such defeasance means that the Issuer shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by such Outstanding Securities, which shall thereafter be deemed to be “ Outstanding ” only for the purposes of clause (5)  of this Section 402 and the other Sections of this Indenture referred to in subclauses (i)  through (iv)  of this clause (2) , and that each of the Issuer and any Guarantor shall be deemed to have satisfied all of their respective other obligations under such Securities and this Indenture insofar as such Securities are concerned (and the Trustee, at the expense of the Issuer, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except for the following which shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder:  (i) the rights of Holders of such Outstanding Securities to receive, solely (except as provided in subclause (ii)  below) from the trust fund described in clause (4)(a)  of this Section 402 and as more fully set forth in this Section 402 and in Section 403 , payments in respect of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on, and Additional Amounts, if any, with respect to, such Securities when such payments are due; (ii) the obligations of the Issuer and the Trustee with respect to such Securities under Sections 305 , 306 , 1002 , 1003 and, if applicable to the Securities of such series, Section 1004 (including, without limitation, with respect to the payment of Additional Amounts, if any, with respect to such Securities as contemplated by Section 1004 , but only to the extent that the Additional Amounts payable with respect to such Securities exceed the amount deposited in respect of such Additional Amounts pursuant to clause (4)(a)  of this Section 402 ), the obligations of any Guarantor under a Guarantee in respect of Additional Amounts, as applicable, any rights of Holders of such Securities (unless otherwise provided pursuant to Section 301 with respect to the Securities of such series) to require the Issuer to repurchase or repay, and the obligations of the Issuer to repurchase or repay, such Securities at the option of the Holders pursuant to Article Thirteen hereof, and any rights of Holders of such Securities (unless otherwise provided pursuant to Section 301 with respect to the Securities of such series) to convert or exchange, and the obligations of the Issuer to convert or exchange, such Securities into Common Equity or other securities or property; (iii) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder; and (iv) this Section 402 and Sections 403 and 404 .  The

 

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Issuer may exercise its option under this Section 402(2)  notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option under Section 402(3)  with respect to such Securities.

 

(iii)                                Upon the Issuer’s exercise of the above option applicable to this Section 402(3)  with respect to any Securities of or within a series, the Issuer and any Guarantor, as applicable, shall be released from their respective obligations under clause (ii)  of Section 1005 , Section 704 and, to the extent specified pursuant to Section 301 , any other covenant applicable to such Securities with respect to such Securities shall cease to be applicable to such Securities on and after the date the conditions set forth in clause (4)  of this Section 402 are satisfied (hereinafter, “ Covenant Defeasance ”), and such Securities shall thereafter be deemed to be not “ Outstanding ” for the purposes of any direction, waiver, consent or declaration or Act of Holders (and the consequences of any thereof) in connection with any such covenant, but shall continue to be deemed “Outstanding” for all other purposes hereunder.  For this purpose, such Covenant Defeasance means, with respect to such Outstanding Securities, the Issuer and any Guarantor, as applicable, may omit to comply with, and shall have no liability in respect of, any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such Section or any such other covenant, whether directly or indirectly, by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such Section or such other covenant or by reason of reference in any such Section or such other covenant to any other provision herein or in any other document and such omission to comply shall not constitute a default or an Event of Default under Section 501(3)  or otherwise, as the case may be, but, except as specified above, the remainder of this Indenture and such Securities shall be unaffected thereby.

 

(iv)                               The following shall be the conditions to application of clause (2)  or (3)  of this Section 402 to any Outstanding Securities of or within a series:

 

(A)                                The Issuer shall irrevocably have deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee (or another trustee satisfying the requirements of Section 607 who shall agree to comply with the provisions of this Section 402 applicable to it) as trust funds in trust for the purpose of making the following payments, specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefit of the Holders of such Securities, (1) an amount in Dollars or in such Foreign Currency in which such Securities are then specified as payable at Stated Maturity or, if such defeasance or Covenant Defeasance is to be effected in compliance with subsection (f)  below, on the relevant Redemption Date, as the case may be, or (2) Government Obligations applicable to such Securities (determined on the basis of the Currency in which such Securities are then specified as payable at Stated Maturity or, if such defeasance or Covenant Defeasance is to be effected in compliance with subsection (f)  immediately below, on the relevant Redemption Date, as the case may be) which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide, not later than one day before the due date of any payment of principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on such Securities, money in an amount, or (3) a combination thereof, in any case, in an amount, sufficient, without consideration of any reinvestment of such principal and interest, in the written opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge, and which shall be applied by the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee) to pay and discharge, (y) the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on, and, to the extent that such

 

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Securities provide for the payment of Additional Amounts thereon and the amount of any such Additional Amounts which are or will be payable with respect to the Securities of such series is at the time of deposit reasonably determinable by the Issuer (in the exercise by the Issuer of its reasonable discretion), any Additional Amounts with respect to, such Outstanding Securities on the Maturity or Stated Maturity of such principal or interest, and (z) any mandatory sinking fund payments or analogous payments applicable to such Outstanding Securities on the day on which such payments are due and payable in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and of such Securities.

 

(B)                                Such defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, this Indenture or any other material agreement or instrument to which the Issuer or any Guarantor is a party or by which the Issuer or any Guarantor is bound.

 

(C)                                No Event of Default or event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of Default with respect to such Securities shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit, and, solely in the case of defeasance under Section 402(2) , no Event of Default with respect to such Securities under clauses (5) , (6)  or (7)  of Section 501 or event which with notice or lapse of time or both would become an Event of Default with respect to such Securities under clauses (5) , (6)  or (7)  of Section 501 shall have occurred and be continuing at any time during the period ending on and including the 91st day after the date of such deposit (it being understood that this condition to defeasance under Section 402(2)  shall not be deemed satisfied until the expiration of such period).

 

(D)                                In the case of defeasance pursuant to Section 402(2) , the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel acceptable to the Trustee stating that (x) the Issuer has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or (y) since the date of this Indenture there has been a change in applicable federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion of independent counsel shall confirm that, the Holders and beneficial owners of such Outstanding Securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such defeasance had not occurred; or, in the case of Covenant Defeasance pursuant to Section 402(3) , the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel acceptable to the Trustee to the effect that the Holders and beneficial owners of such Outstanding Securities and will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred.

 

(E)                                 The Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent to the defeasance or Covenant Defeasance, as the case may be, under this Indenture have been complied with.

 

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(F)                                  If the monies or Government Obligations or combination thereof, as the case may be, deposited under subclause (a)  immediately above are sufficient to pay the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on and, to the extent provided in such subclause (a) , Additional Amounts with respect to, such Securities on a particular Redemption Date, the Issuer shall have given the Trustee irrevocable instructions to redeem such Securities on such date and to provide notice of such redemption to Holders as provided in or pursuant to this Indenture.

 

(G)                                Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section 402(4) , such defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall be effected in compliance with any additional or substitute terms, conditions or limitations which may be imposed on the Issuer in connection therewith pursuant to Section 301 .

 

(v)                                  Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003 , all money and Government Obligations (or other property as may be provided pursuant to Section 301 ) (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee (collectively for purposes of this Section 402(5)  and Section 403 , the “Trustee”)) pursuant to clause (4)(a)  of Section 402 in respect of any Outstanding Securities of any series shall be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such Securities and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (other than the Issuer or any Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Issuer acting as Paying Agent), to the Holders of such Securities of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal (and premium, if any) and interest and Additional Amounts, if any, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

 

Unless otherwise specified in or pursuant to this Indenture or any Securities, if, after a deposit referred to in Section 402(4)(a)  has been made, (a) the Holder of a Security in respect of which such deposit was made is entitled to, and does, elect pursuant to Section 301 or the terms of such Security to receive payment in a Currency other than that in which the deposit pursuant to Section 402(4)(a)  has been made in respect of such Security, or (b) a Conversion Event occurs in respect of the Foreign Currency in which the deposit pursuant to Section 402(4)(a)  has been made, the indebtedness represented by such Security shall be deemed to have been, and will be, fully discharged and satisfied through the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any), and interest, if any, on, and Additional Amounts, if any, with respect to, such Security as the same becomes due out of the proceeds yielded by converting (from time to time as specified below in the case of any such election) the amount or other property deposited in respect of such Security into the Currency in which such Security becomes payable as a result of such election or Conversion Event based on (x) in the case of payments made pursuant to subclause (a) immediately above, the applicable market exchange rate for such Currency in effect on the second (2 nd ) Business Day prior to each payment date, or (y) with respect to a Conversion Event, the applicable market exchange rate for such Foreign Currency in effect (as nearly as feasible) at the time of the Conversion Event.

 

The Issuer shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge, imposed on or assessed against the Government Obligations deposited pursuant to this Section 402 or the principal or interest received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for the account of the Holders of such Outstanding Securities.

 

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Anything in this Section 402 to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Issuer from time to time upon Issuer Request any money or Government Obligations (or other property and any proceeds therefrom) held by it as provided in clause (4)(a)  of this Section 402 which, in the written opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants delivered to the Trustee, are in excess of the amount thereof which would then be required to be deposited to effect a defeasance or Covenant Defeasance, as applicable, in accordance with this Section 402 .

 

(c)                            Application of Trust Money.

 

Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003 , all money and Government Obligations deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 401 or 402 shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the Securities and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Issuer acting as its own Paying Agent), to the Holders, of the principal, premium, interest and Additional Amounts for whose payment such money has or Government Obligations have been deposited with or received by the Trustee; but such money and Government Obligations need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

 

(d)                            Reinstatement.

 

If the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee appointed pursuant to Section 402(4)(a) ) or any Paying Agent is unable to apply any moneys or Government Obligations deposited pursuant to Section 401(1)  or 402(4)(a)  to pay any principal of or premium, if any, or interest, if any, on or Additional Amounts, if any, with respect to the Securities of any series by reason of any legal proceeding or any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, then the Issuer’s obligations under this Indenture and the Securities of such series and the Guarantee shall be revived and reinstated as though no such deposit had occurred, until such time as the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee) or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such moneys and Government Obligations to pay the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on and Additional Amounts, if any, in respect of the Securities of such series as contemplated by Section 401 or 402 as the case may be, and Section 403 ; provided , however , that if the Issuer makes any payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest, if any, on or Additional Amounts, if any, in respect of the Securities of such series following the reinstatement of its obligations as aforesaid, the Issuer shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Securities to receive such payment from the funds held by the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee) or Paying Agent.

 

(e)                            Qualifying Trustee.

 

Any trustee appointed pursuant to Section 402(4)(a)  for the purpose of holding trust funds deposited pursuant to that Section shall be appointed under an agreement in form acceptable to the Trustee and shall provide to the Trustee a certificate of such trustee, upon which certificate the Trustee shall be entitled to conclusively rely, that all conditions precedent provided for herein to the related defeasance or Covenant Defeasance have been complied with.  In no event shall the Trustee be liable for any acts or omissions of said trustee.

 

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5.

 

REMEDIES

 

(a)                            Events of Default.

 

An “ Event of Default ” wherever used herein with respect to Securities of any series (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body) means any of the following events, or any other event as specified in accordance with Section 301 for a particular series of Securities:

 

(i)             default for thirty (30) days in the payment of any installment of interest or Additional Amounts payable with respect to such interest under the Securities of that series;

 

(ii)            default in the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, on, or any Additional Amounts payable in respect of any principal of or premium, if any, on, the Securities of that series, when the same becomes due and payable or default is made in the deposit of any sinking fund payment with respect to the Securities of that series when due;

 

(iii)           the Issuer fails to comply with any of the Issuer’s other agreements contained in the Securities of that series or this Indenture (other than an agreement a default in whose performance or whose breach is elsewhere in this Section 501 specifically dealt with or which has expressly been included in this Indenture solely for the benefit of series of Securities other than that series) upon receipt by the Issuer of notice of such default by the Trustee or receipt by the Issuer and the Trustee of written notice of such default by Holders of not less than twenty-five percent (25%) in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of that series then outstanding and the Issuer fails to cure (or obtain a waiver of) such default within ninety (90) days after the Issuer receives such notice;

 

(iv)           failure to pay any recourse indebtedness for monies borrowed by the Issuer in an outstanding principal amount in excess of $150,000,000 at final maturity or upon acceleration after the expiration of any applicable notice and grace period, which recourse indebtedness is not discharged, or such default in payment or acceleration is not cured or rescinded, within thirty (30) days after written notice to the Issuer from the Trustee (or to the Issuer and the Trustee from Holders of at least twenty-five percent (25%) in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Securities of that series);

 

(v)            the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary pursuant to, under or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law:  (a) commences a voluntary case or proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary or its debts or seeking the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official of the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary or any substantial part of the property of the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary; (b) consents to any such relief or to the appointment of or taking possession by any such official in an involuntary case or other proceeding commenced against the Issuer, any Guarantor or any

 

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Significant Subsidiary; (c) consents to the appointment of a custodian of it or for all or substantially all of its property; or (d) makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors;

 

(vi)           an involuntary case or other proceeding shall be commenced against the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary or its debts under any Bankruptcy Law or seeking the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official of the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary or any substantial part of the property of the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary, and such involuntary case or other proceeding shall remain undismissed and unstayed for a period of thirty (30) calendar days; or

 

(vii)          a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:  (a) is for relief against the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary in an involuntary case or proceeding; (b) appoints a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official of the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary or any substantial part of the property of the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary; or (c) orders the liquidation of the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary; and, in each case in this clause (7) , the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for thirty (30) calendar days.

 

(b)                            Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment.

 

If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in clause (5) , (6)  or (7)  of Section 501 ) with respect to Securities of any series occurs and is continuing, then either the Trustee or the Holders of not less than twenty-five percent (25%) in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series may declare the principal of, and premium, if any, on all of the Securities of such series, or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the Securities of such series, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to the Issuer (and to the Trustee if given by the Holders), and upon any such declaration such principal or such lesser amount, as the case may be, and such accrued and unpaid interest shall become immediately due and payable.  If an Event of Default specified in clause (5) , (6)  or (7)  of Section 501 with respect to the Securities of any series occurs, then the principal of, and premium, if any, on all of the Securities of such series, or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the Securities of such series, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon shall ipso facto become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holder of the Securities of such series.

 

At any time after Securities of any series have been accelerated by declaration of the Trustee or the Holders and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee as hereinafter in this Article provided, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series, by written notice to the Issuer, any Guarantor and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if

 

(i)             the Issuer has paid or deposited, or cause to be paid or deposited, with the Trustee a sum of money sufficient to pay (or, to the extent that the terms of the Securities of such

 

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series established pursuant to Section 301 expressly provide for payment to be made in shares of Common Equity or other securities or property, together with cash in lieu of fractional shares or securities):

 

(A)           all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee hereunder and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel and all other amounts due the Trustee under Section 606 ;

 

(B)           all overdue installments of any interest on any Securities of such series which have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and any Additional Amounts with respect thereto;

 

(C)           the principal of and any premium on any Securities of such series which have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and any Additional Amounts with respect thereto and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, interest thereon at the rate or respective rates, as the case may be, provided for in or with respect to such Securities, or, if no such rate or rates are so provided, at the rate or respective rates, as the case may be, of interest borne by such Securities; and

 

(D)           to the extent permitted by applicable law, interest upon installments of any interest, if any, which have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and any Additional Amounts with respect thereto at the rate or respective rates, as the case may be, provided for in or with respect to such Securities, or, if no such rate or rates are so provided, at the rate or respective rates, as the case may be, of interest borne by such Securities; and

 

(ii)            all Events of Default with respect to Securities of such series other than the non-payment of the principal of, any premium and interest on, and any Additional Amounts with respect to Securities of such series which shall have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, shall have been waived as provided in Section 513 or cured.

 

No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon.

 

(c)                            Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee.

 

The Issuer covenants that if:

 

(i)             default is made in the payment of any interest on, or any Additional Amounts payable in respect of any interest on, any Security when such interest or Additional Amounts, as the case may be, shall have become due and payable and such default continues for a period of 30 days; or

 

(ii)            default is made in the payment of any principal of or premium, if any, on, or any Additional Amounts payable in respect of any principal of or premium, if any, on, any Security at its Maturity, when the same becomes due and payable; or

 

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(iii)           default is made in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, if applicable, when due, and such default continues for three (3) Business Days, the Issuer or any Guarantor shall, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to the Trustee, for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities, the whole amount of money then due and payable with respect to such Securities, with interest upon the overdue principal, any premium and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, upon any overdue installments of interest and Additional Amounts at the rate or respective rates, as the case may be, provided for or with respect to such Securities or, if no such rate or rates are so provided, at the rate or respective rates, as the case may be, of interest borne by such Securities, and, in addition thereto, such further amount of money as shall be sufficient to cover the reasonable costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel and all other amounts due to the Trustee under Section 606 .

 

If the Issuer (and any applicable Guarantor) fails to pay the money it is required to pay the Trustee pursuant to the preceding paragraph forthwith upon the demand of the Trustee, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, may institute a judicial proceeding for the collection of the money so due and unpaid, and may prosecute such proceeding to judgment or final decree, and may enforce the same against the Issuer, any Guarantor or any other obligor upon such Securities and collect the monies adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Issuer, any Guarantor or any other obligor upon such Securities, wherever situated.

 

If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series 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 such Securities or in aid of the exercise of any power granted herein or therein, or to enforce any other proper remedy.

 

(d)                            Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.

 

In case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial proceeding relative to the Issuer, any Guarantor or any other obligor upon the Securities or the property of the Issuer, such Guarantor or 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 Issuer for the payment of any overdue principal, premium, interest or Additional Amounts) shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:

 

(i)             to file and prove a claim for the whole amount, or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the Securities of such series, of the principal and any premium, interest and Additional Amounts owing and unpaid in respect of the Securities and to file such other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents or counsel) and of the Holders of Securities allowed in such judicial proceeding; and

 

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(ii)            to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same; and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder of Securities to make such payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent in writing in its sole discretion to the making of such payments directly to the Holders of Securities, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee (acting in any capacity hereunder), its agents and counsel and any other amounts due the Trustee hereunder.

 

Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder of a Security 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 of a Security in any such proceeding.

 

(e)                            Trustee May Enforce Claims without Possession of Securities.

 

All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or any of 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 or judgment, after provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, shall be for the ratable benefit of each and every Holder of a Security in respect of which such judgment has been recovered.

 

(f)                             Application of Money Collected.

 

Any money collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article Five with respect to the Securities of any series shall be applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such money on account of principal, or any premium, interest or Additional Amounts, upon presentation of such Securities, or both, as the case may be, 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 (acting in any capacity hereunder) and any predecessor Trustee under the Indenture;

 

SECOND:  To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid upon the Securities for principal and any premium, interest and Additional Amounts 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 aggregate amounts due and payable on such Securities for principal and any premium, interest and Additional Amounts; and

 

THIRD:  The balance, if any, to the Issuer.

 

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(g)                            Limitations on Suits.

 

No Holder of any Security of any series shall have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture or such Security, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless

 

(i)             such Holder has previously given written notice to the Trustee of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of such series;

 

(ii)            the Holders of not less than twenty-five percent (25%) in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as Trustee hereunder;

 

(iii)           such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to it against the losses, damages, costs, expenses and liabilities, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, out of pocket costs and expenses and court costs, to be incurred in compliance with such request;

 

(iv)           the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity has failed to institute any such proceeding; and

 

(v)            no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the Trustee during such 60-day period by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series;

 

it being understood and intended that no one or more of such Holders shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision of this Indenture or any Security to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other such Holders or Holders of Securities of any other series, 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 such Holders.

 

(h)                            Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal and any Premium, Interest and Additional Amounts.

 

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 Sections 305 and 307 ) interest, if any, on and any Additional Amounts with respect to such Security, on the respective Stated Maturity or Maturities therefor specified in such Security (or, in the case of redemption, on the Redemption Date or, in the case of repayment pursuant to Article Thirteen hereof at the option of such Holder if provided in or pursuant to this Indenture, on the date such repayment is due) and, in the case of any Security which is convertible into or exchangeable for other securities or property, to convert or exchange, as the case may be, such Security in accordance with its terms, and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment and any such right to convert or exchange, and such right shall not be impaired without the consent of such Holder.

 

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(i)                             Restoration of Rights and Remedies.

 

If the Trustee or any Holder of a Security has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or to such Holder, then and in every such case the Issuer, any Guarantor (if applicable), the Trustee and each such Holder shall, subject to any determination in such proceeding, be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder, and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee and each such Holder shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted.

 

(j)                             Rights and Remedies Cumulative.

 

To the extent permitted by applicable law and except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities in the last paragraph of Section 306 , no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to each and every Holder of a Security is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy, to the extent permitted by law, shall 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, to the extent permitted by law, prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.

 

(k)                            Delay or Omission Not Waiver.

 

No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Security to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, 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 any Holder of a Security may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by such Holder, as the case may be.

 

(l)                             Control by Holders of Securities.

 

The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series, provided that:

 

(i)             such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Indenture or with the Securities of any series and could not involve the Trustee in personal liability;

 

(ii)            the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction; and

 

(iii)           such direction is not unduly prejudicial to the rights of the other Holders of Securities of such series (or any other series) not joining in such action (it being understood

 

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that the Trustee shall not have an affirmative duty to ascertain whether or not any such direction is unduly prejudicial to any other Holder).

 

(m)                           Waiver of Past Defaults.

 

The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities of such series may waive any past default hereunder with respect to such series and its consequences, except:

 

(i)             a continuing default in the payment of the principal of, any premium or interest on, or any Additional Amounts with respect to, any Security of such series; or

 

(ii)            in the case of any Securities which are convertible into or exchangeable for Common Equity or other securities or property, a continuing default in any such conversion or exchange; or

 

(iii)           a continuing default in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under Article Nine cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security of such series affected.

 

Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or impair any right consequent thereon.

 

(n)                            Waiver of Usury, Stay or Extension Laws.

 

The Issuer covenants that (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) it will not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law or any usury law or any other law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which would prohibit or forgive the Issuer or any applicable Guarantor from paying all or any portion of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest, if any, on or Additional Amounts, if any, as contemplated in this Indenture, any Guarantee and the Securities or which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture or the Securities; and each of the Issuer and any Guarantor 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 or the Holders, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.

 

(o)                            Undertaking for Costs.

 

All parties to this Indenture agree, and each Holder of any Security by such Holder’s acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court may in its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in such suit of any undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements, 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 515 shall not apply to

 

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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 Outstanding Securities of any series, 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 or Additional Amounts, if any, with respect to any Security on or after the respective Stated Maturities expressed in such Security (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the Redemption Date, and, in the case of repayment at the option of the Holder pursuant to Article Thirteen hereof, on or after the date for repayment) or for the enforcement of the right, if any, to convert or exchange any Security into Common Equity or other securities or property in accordance with its terms.

 

6.

 

THE TRUSTEE

 

(a)                            Certain Rights of Trustee.

 

The duties and responsibilities of the Trustee shall be as provided by the Trust Indenture Act; provided , that (i) notwithstanding Section 315(a)(2)  of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of any mathematical calculations or other facts, statements, opinions or conclusions stated in the certificates or opinions referred to therein, and (ii) except during the continuance of an Event of Default, no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee.  In case an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, written notice of which shall have been given to the Trustee by the Issuer or any Guarantor, any other obligor of the Securities or by the Holders of not less than twenty-five percent (25%) in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities, the Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as a prudent Person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such Person’s own affairs.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, no provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers.  Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Section.

 

In connection with this Indenture and any Securities issued hereunder, subject to Sections 315(a)  through 315(d)  of the Trust Indenture Act:

 

(i)             the Trustee may conclusively rely and shall be fully protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, coupon or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;

 

(ii)            any request or direction of the Issuer or any Guarantor shall be sufficiently evidenced by an Issuer Request or an Issuer Order (in each case, other than delivery of any Security, to the Trustee for authentication and delivery pursuant to Section 303 which shall be

 

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sufficiently evidenced as provided therein) and any resolution of the Board of Directors may be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution;

 

(iii)           whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Trustee (unless other evidence shall be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of willful misconduct on its part, conclusively rely upon an Officer’s Certificate;

 

(iv)           the Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection and the advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon;

 

(v)            the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by or pursuant to this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders of Securities of any series pursuant to this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee against the losses, damages, costs, expenses and liabilities, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses and court costs, which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction;

 

(vi)           the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, coupon or other paper or document, but the Trustee, in its sole discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, upon reasonable prior written notice and during normal business hours, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Issuer, personally or by agent or attorney at the expense of the Issuer and shall incur no liability or additional liability of any kind by reason of such inquiry or investigation;

 

(vii)          the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder;

 

(viii)         the Trustee need perform only those duties that are specifically set forth in this Indenture, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee.  The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith that it believes to be authorized or within its rights or powers.  The Trustee is not required to give any bond or surety with respect to the performance of its duties or the exercise of its powers under this Indenture.  The permissive right of the Trustee to take the actions permitted by this Indenture shall not be construed as an obligation or duty to do so;

 

(ix)           the Trustee agrees to accept and act upon instructions or directions pursuant to this Indenture sent by unsecured e-mail (PDF only), facsimile transmission or other similar unsecured electronic methods, provided , however , that the Issuer and any Guarantor, as

 

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applicable, shall provide to the Trustee an incumbency certificate listing designated persons with the authority to provide such instructions, which incumbency certificate shall be amended whenever a person is to be added or deleted from the listing.  If the Issuer or any Guarantor elects to give the Trustee e-mail or facsimile transmission instructions (or instructions by a similar electronic method) and the Trustee in its sole and absolute discretion elects to act upon such instructions, the Trustee’s understanding of such instructions shall be deemed controlling.  The Trustee shall not be liable for any losses, damages, costs, fees or expenses arising directly or indirectly from the Trustee’s reliance upon and compliance with such instructions notwithstanding such instructions conflict or inconsistency with a subsequent written instruction except for the Trustee’s negligence or willful misconduct.  The Issuer and any Guarantor, as applicable, agree to assume all risks arising out of the use of such electronic methods to submit instructions and directions to the Trustee, including, without limitation, the risk of the Trustee acting on unauthorized instructions, and the risk of interception by third parties;

 

(x)            the rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and each agent, custodian and other Person employed to act hereunder;

 

(xi)           in no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for special, indirect, punitive or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, loss of profit) irrespective of whether the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action;

 

(xii)          in no event shall the Trustee be required to give any bond or surety in respect of the performance of its powers and duties hereunder;

 

(xiii)         the Trustee may request that the Issuer and any Guarantor deliver an Officer’s Certificate setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture, which Officer’s Certificate may be signed by any person authorized to sign an Officer’s Certificate, including any person specified as so authorized in any such certificate previously delivered and not superseded;

 

(xiv)         the Trustee shall not be liable for actions taken, or errors of judgment made, in good faith, unless negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; and

 

(xv)          under no circumstances shall the Trustee be liable in its individual capacity for the obligations evidenced by the Securities.

 

(b)                           Notice of Defaults.

 

Within 90 days after a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has received written notice of the occurrence of any default hereunder with respect to the Securities of any series, the Trustee shall transmit by mail or electronically to all Holders of Securities of such series, notice of such default hereunder actually known to the Trustee, unless such default shall have been cured or waived; provided , however , that in the case of any default of the character specified in Section 501(3)  with respect to Securities of such series, no such notice to Holders shall be given until at least 90 days after the occurrence thereof.  Except in the case of a default or Event of Default in

 

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payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Security, or in the payment of any sinking fund installment, the Trustee may withhold such notice if and so long as a committee of its Responsible Officers in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interest of the Holders of the Securities.  For the purpose of this Section 602 , the term “ default ” means any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect to Securities of such series; provided that any default that results solely from the taking of an action that would have been permitted but for the continuation of a previous default will be deemed to be cured if such previous default is cured prior to becoming an Event of Default.  The Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of any default or Event of Default under this Indenture or related documents unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee shall have received written notice of such default or Event of Default by the Issuer or by the Holders of at least twenty-five percent (25%) in aggregate principal amount of the Securities then Outstanding of the affected series, and such notice is received by a Responsible Officer of the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such written notice references the Securities and this Indenture.

 

(c)                            Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities.

 

The recitals contained herein and in the Securities, except the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, shall be taken as the statements of the Issuer, and neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent assumes any responsibility for their correctness.  The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Securities, except that the Trustee represents that it is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Indenture, authenticate the Securities and perform its obligations hereunder and that the statements made by it in a Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 supplied to the Issuer are true and accurate, subject to the qualifications set forth therein.  Neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent shall be accountable for the use or application by the Issuer of the Securities or the proceeds thereof, for any money paid to the Issuer or upon the Issuer’s direction under any provision of this Indenture, or for the use or application of any money received by any Paying Agent other than the Trustee.  The Trustee shall not be bound to ascertain or inquire as to the performance, observance, or breach of any covenants, conditions, representations, warranties or agreements on the part of the Issuer or any Guarantor but the Trustee may require full information and advice as to the performance of the aforementioned covenants in accordance with the provisions hereof.  Under no circumstances shall the Trustee be liable in its individual capacity for the obligations evidenced by the Securities or any Guarantees.  The Trustee shall not be responsible for and makes no representation as to any statement in any prospectus, prospectus supplement or other offering document in connection with the sale of any Securities.

 

(d)                           May Hold Securities; Transactions with the Issuer or any Guarantor.

 

The Trustee, any Authenticating Agent, any Paying Agent, any Security Registrar or any other Person that may be an agent of the Trustee or the Issuer, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and, subject to Sections 310(b)  and 311 of the Trust Indenture Act, may otherwise deal with the Issuer or any Guarantor with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, Authenticating Agent, Paying Agent, Security Registrar or such other Person; provided , however , that if the Trustee acquires any conflicting interest under the Trust Indenture Act relating to any of its duties with respect to the Securities, it

 

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must either eliminate such conflict or resign as Trustee upon prior written notice to the Issuer and the Holders, subject to its right under the Trust Indenture Act to seek a stay of its duty to resign.

 

(e)                            Money Held in Trust.

 

Except as provided in Section 403 and Section 1003 , money held by the Trustee in trust hereunder need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law and shall be held uninvested.  The Trustee shall be under no liability for interest on any money received by it hereunder except as otherwise agreed in writing with the Issuer.

 

(f)                            Compensation and Reimbursement.

 

The Issuer and, in the event that the Issuer fails to perform the following obligations and indemnities, any Guarantor, agrees:

 

(i)             to pay to the Trustee from time to time such compensation as agreed in writing for all services rendered by the Trustee (in any capacity) hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust);

 

(ii)            to reimburse the Trustee (acting in any capacity hereunder) upon its request for all out of pocket expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee in accordance with any provision of this Indenture (including the reasonable compensation, expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel, such as attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses), except any such expense, disbursement or advance as shall be determined to have been caused by the Trustee’s own negligence or willful misconduct as adjudicated by a final non-appealable decision of a court of competent jurisdiction; and

 

(iii)           to indemnify the Trustee (acting in any capacity hereunder), its directors, officers, employees and its agents for, and to hold them harmless against, any loss, claim, cause of action, damage, liability or reasonable cost or expense (including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and disbursements of the Trustee’s agents, legal counsel, accountants and experts, and court costs) arising out of or in connection with this Indenture or the acceptance or administration of the trust or trusts hereunder, including the reasonable costs and expenses of defending themselves against any claim (whether asserted by the Issuer, any Guarantor, a Holder or any other Person), or reasonable attorneys’ fees, expenses and court costs incurred in connection with any action, claim or suit brought to enforce the Trustee’s right to compensation, reimbursement or indemnification, or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of their powers or duties hereunder, except to the extent that any such loss, claim, cause of action, damage, liability, cost or expense shall be determined to have been caused by the Trustee’s own negligence or willful misconduct as adjudicated by a final non-appealable decision of a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

The foregoing payment obligations and indemnities shall survive the termination of this Indenture and the resignation or removal of the Trustee.

 

As security for the performance of the obligations of the Issuer and any Guarantor under this Section 606 , the Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Securities of any series upon all

 

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property and funds held or collected by the Trustee as such, except funds held in trust for the payment of principal of, or any premium or interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to particular Securities.

 

Without prejudice to any other rights available to the Trustee under applicable law, any compensation or expense incurred by the Trustee after a default specified by Section 501(5) , (6)  or (7)  is intended to constitute an expense of administration under any then applicable bankruptcy or insolvency law.  “ Trustee ” for purposes of this Section 606 shall include any predecessor Trustee, but the negligence or willful misconduct of any Trustee shall not affect the rights of any other Trustee under this Section 606 .  The provisions of this Section 606 shall, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, survive any termination or expiration of this Indenture (including, without limitation, termination pursuant to any bankruptcy or insolvency laws) and the resignation or removal of the Trustee.

 

(g)                            Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility.

 

There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder that is a Corporation, organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, eligible under Section 310(a)(1)  of the Trust Indenture Act to act as trustee under an indenture qualified under the Trust Indenture Act and that has a combined capital and surplus (computed in accordance with Section 310(a)(2)  of the Trust Indenture Act) of at least $100,000,000 subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authority.  If at any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section 607 , it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article Six .

 

(h)                           Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor.

 

(i)             No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a successor Trustee pursuant to this Article shall become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee pursuant to Section 609 .

 

(ii)            The Trustee may resign at any time with respect to the Securities of one or more series by giving prior written notice thereof to the Issuer and the Holders.  If the instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee required by Section 609 shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such written notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee may petition, at the expense of the Issuer, any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to such series.

 

(iii)           The Trustee may be removed at any time with respect to the Securities of any series by Act of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series, delivered to the Trustee and the Issuer.  If the instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee required by Section 609 shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such written notice of removal, the Trustee being removed may petition, at the expense of the Issuer, any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to such series.

 

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(iv)           If at any time:

 

(A)           the Trustee shall fail to comply with the obligations imposed upon it under Section 310(b)  of the Trust Indenture Act with respect to Securities of any series after written request therefor by the Issuer or any Holder of a Security of such series who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security of such series for at least six months; or

 

(B)           the Trustee shall cease to be eligible under Section 607 and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Issuer or any such Holder; or

 

(C)           the Trustee shall become incapable of acting or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent or a receiver of the Trustee or of its property shall be appointed or any public officer shall take charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation, then, in any such case, (i) the Issuer, by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, may remove the Trustee with respect to all Securities or the Securities of such series, or (ii) subject to Section 315(e)  of the Trust Indenture Act, any Holder of a Security who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security of such series for at least six months may, on behalf of such bona fide Holder and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee with respect to all Securities of such series and the appointment of a successor Trustee or Trustees.

 

(v)            If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of Trustee for any cause, with respect to the Securities of one or more series, the Issuer, by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee or Trustees with respect to the Securities of that or those series (it being understood that any such successor Trustee may be appointed with respect to the Securities of one or more or all of such series and that at any time there shall be only one Trustee with respect to the Securities of any particular series) and shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 609 .  If, within one year after such resignation, removal or incapability, or the occurrence of such vacancy, a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall be appointed by Act of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series delivered to the Issuer and the retiring Trustee, the successor Trustee so appointed shall, forthwith upon its acceptance of such appointment in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 609 , become the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series and to that extent supersede the successor Trustee appointed by the Issuer.  If no successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall have been so appointed by the Issuer or the Holders of Securities and accepted appointment in the manner required by Section 609 , any Holder of a Security who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security of such series for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series.

 

(vi)           The Issuer shall give notice of each resignation and each removal of the Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series and each appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series in the manner provided in Section 106 .  Each notice shall include the name of the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series and the address of its Corporate Trust Office.

 

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(i)                             Acceptance of Appointment by Successor.

 

(i)             Upon the appointment hereunder of any successor Trustee with respect to all Securities, such successor Trustee so appointed shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Issuer and the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties hereunder of the retiring Trustee; but, on the written request of the Issuer or such successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee, upon payment of its charges, shall promptly execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all the rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee and, subject to Section 1003 , shall promptly duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder, subject nevertheless to its lien, if any, provided for in Section 606 .

 

(ii)            Upon the appointment hereunder of any successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more (but not all) series, the Issuer, any Guarantor, the retiring Trustee and such successor Trustee shall execute and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto wherein each successor Trustee shall accept such appointment and which (1) shall contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, such successor Trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates, (2) if the retiring Trustee is not retiring with respect to all Securities, shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series as to which the retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in the retiring Trustee, and (3) shall add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being understood that nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture shall constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same trust, that each such Trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts separate and apart from trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such Trustee and that no Trustee shall be responsible for any notice given to, or received by, or any act or failure to act on the part of any other Trustee hereunder, and, upon the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture, the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein, such retiring Trustee shall have no further responsibility for the exercise of rights and powers or for the performance of the duties and obligations vested in the Trustee under this Indenture with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates other than as hereinafter expressly set forth, and such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates; but, on written request of the Issuer or such successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee, upon payment of its charges with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor relates and subject to Section 1003 shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee, to the extent contemplated by such supplemental indenture, the property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates, subject to its lien, if any, provided for in Section 606 .

 

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(iii)           Upon request of any Person appointed hereunder as a successor Trustee, the Issuer and any Guarantor shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor Trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred to in paragraph (1)  or (2)  of this Section 609 , as the case may be.

 

(iv)           No Person shall accept its appointment hereunder as a successor Trustee unless at the time of such acceptance such successor Person shall be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act and eligible under this Article.

 

(j)                            Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business.

 

Any Corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any Corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any Corporation succeeding to all or substantially all of the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder (provided that such Corporation shall otherwise be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act and eligible under this Article Six ), 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 such successor 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.  In case any Securities shall not have been authenticated by such predecessor Trustee, any such successor Trustee may authenticate and deliver such Securities in either its own name or that of its predecessor Trustee.

 

(k)                           Appointment of Authenticating Agent.

 

The Trustee may appoint one or more Authenticating Agents acceptable to the Issuer with respect to one or more series of Securities which shall be authorized to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of that or those series issued upon original issue, exchange, registration of transfer, partial redemption, partial repayment, partial conversion or exchange for Common Equity or other securities or property, 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 Issuer and, except as provided in or pursuant to this Indenture, shall at all times be a Corporation that would be permitted by the Trust Indenture Act to act as trustee under an indenture qualified under the Trust Indenture Act, is authorized under applicable law and by its charter to act as an Authenticating Agent and has a combined capital and surplus (computed in accordance with Section 310(a)(2)  of the Trust Indenture Act) of at least $100,000,000.  If at any time an Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in this Section.

 

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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 all or substantially all of the corporate agency or corporate trust business of an Authenticating Agent, shall be the successor of such Authenticating Agent hereunder, 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 30 days’ written notice thereof to the Trustee and the Issuer.  The Trustee may at any time terminate the agency of an Authenticating Agent by giving written notice thereof to such Authenticating Agent and the Issuer.  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 Issuer and shall give notice of such appointment in the manner provided in Section 106 to all Holders of Registered Securities, if any, of the series with respect to which such Authenticating Agent shall serve, as their names and addresses appear in the Security Register.  Any successor Authenticating Agent, upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder, shall become vested with all the rights, powers and duties of its predecessor hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as an Authenticating Agent.  No successor Authenticating Agent shall be appointed unless eligible under the provisions of this Section 611 .

 

The Issuer agrees to pay each Authenticating Agent from time to time reasonable compensation for its services under this Section 611 .

 

The provisions of Sections 308 , 603 and 604 shall be applicable to each Authenticating Agent.

 

If an Authenticating Agent is appointed with respect to one or more series of Securities pursuant to this Section, the Securities of such series may have endorsed thereon, in addition to or in lieu of the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, an alternate certificate of authentication in substantially the following form:

 

This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

 

[NAME OF AUTHENTICATING AGENT],

 

as Authenticating Agent

 

By:

 

 

 

Authorized Signatory

 

Dated:

 

If all of the Securities of any 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 Issuer wishes to have Securities of such series authenticated upon original issuance, the Trustee, if so requested in writing (which writing need not be accompanied by or contained in an Officer’s Certificate), shall appoint in accordance with

 

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this Section an Authenticating Agent having an office in a Place of Payment designated by the Issuer with respect to such series of Securities.

 

7.

 

HOLDERS LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE, TRUST AND GUARANTORS

 

(a)                           Issuer to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders.

 

In accordance with Section 312(a)  of the Trust Indenture Act, the Issuer shall furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee:

 

(i)             semi-annually with respect to Securities of each series, a list, in each case in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of Holders as of the applicable date; and

 

(ii)            at such other times as the Trustee may reasonably request in writing, within 30 days after the receipt by the Issuer of any such request, a list of the names and addresses of Holders as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such list is furnished, provided , however , that so long as the Trustee is the Security Registrar no such list shall be required to be furnished pursuant to either clause (1)  or clause (2)  of this Section 701 .

 

(b)                           Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders.

 

(i)             The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, the names and addresses of Holders contained in the most recent list furnished to the Trustee as provided in Section 701 and the names and addresses of Holders received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar.  The Trustee shall comply with the obligations imposed upon it pursuant to Section 312 of the Trust Indenture Act.

 

(ii)            Every Holder of Securities, by receiving and holding the same, agrees with the Issuer, any Guarantor and the Trustee that none of the Issuer, any Guarantor or the Trustee or any agent of any of them shall be held accountable by reason of the disclosure of any such information as to the names and addresses of the Holders of Securities in accordance with the Trust Indenture Act, regardless of the source from which such information was derived.

 

(c)                            Reports by Trustee.

 

(i)             Within 60 days after May 15 of each year commencing with the first May 15 following the first issuance of Securities pursuant to Section 301 , if required by Section 313(a)  of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall transmit, pursuant to Section 313(c)  of the Trust Indenture Act, a brief report dated as of such May 15 with respect to any of the events specified in said Section 313(a)  which may have occurred since the later of the immediately preceding May 15 and the date of this Indenture.

 

(ii)            The Trustee shall transmit the reports required by the Trust Indenture Act, including Sections 313(a) , 313(b) , 313(c)  and 313(d) , at the times, in the manner and to the Persons specified therein.

 

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(iii)           A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to Holders, be filed by the Trustee with each stock exchange upon which any Securities are listed, with the Commission and the Issuer.  The Issuer will promptly notify the Trustee when any Securities are listed on any stock exchange.

 

(d)                            Reports by the Issuer.

 

For so long as any Securities are outstanding, if the Issuer is subject to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or any successor provision, the Issuer will deliver to the Trustee the annual reports, quarterly reports and other documents which it is required to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) or any successor provision, within 15 days after the date that the Issuer files the same with the Commission.  If the Issuer is not subject to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or any successor provision, and for so long as any Securities are outstanding, the Issuer will deliver to the Trustee the quarterly and annual financial statements and accompanying Item 303 of Regulation S-K disclosure (“management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations”) that would be required to be contained in annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, respectively, required to be filed with the Commission if the Issuer was subject to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or any successor provision, within 15 days of the filing date that would be applicable to a non-accelerated filer at that time pursuant to applicable Commission rules and regulations.

 

Reports and other documents filed by the Issuer with the Commission and publicly available via the EDGAR system or on the Issuer’s website will be deemed to be delivered to the Trustee as of the time such filing is publicly available via EDGAR or on the Issuer’s website for purposes of this covenant; provided, however , that the Trustee shall have no obligation whatsoever to determine whether or not such information, documents or reports have been filed or publicly available via EDGAR or on the Issuer’s website.  Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including its compliance with any of its covenants relating to the Securities (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on an Officer’s Certificate).

 

8.

 

CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALES AND SUBSTITUTION

 

(a)                            Issuer May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms.

 

Nothing contained in this Indenture or in the Securities shall prevent any consolidation or merger of the Issuer with or into any other Person or Persons (whether or not affiliated with the Issuer), or successive consolidations or mergers in which either the Issuer will be the continuing entity or the Issuer or its successor or successors shall be a party or parties, or shall prevent any sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer or lease of all or substantially all of the property and assets of the Issuer, to any other Person (whether or not affiliated with the Issuer); provided , however , that the following conditions are met:

 

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(i)             the Issuer shall be the continuing entity, or the successor entity (if other than the Issuer) formed by or resulting from such consolidation or merger or which shall have received such sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer or lease of property and assets shall be domiciled in the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia and shall expressly assume by supplemental indenture payment of the principal of and interest on all of the Securities and the due and punctual performance and observance of all of the covenants and conditions in this Indenture;

 

(ii)            immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Event of Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time, or both, would become an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing; and

 

(iii)           either the Issuer or the successor Person, in either case, shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer or lease and, if a supplemental indenture is required in connection with such transaction, such supplemental indenture comply with this Article Eight and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been complied with.

 

(b)                            Guarantor May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms.

 

Nothing contained in this Indenture or in the Securities shall prevent any consolidation or merger of any Guarantor with or into any other Person or Persons (whether or not affiliated with such Guarantor), or successive consolidations or mergers in which such Guarantor will be the continuing entity or such Guarantor or its successor or successors shall be a party or parties, or shall prevent any sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer or lease of all or substantially all of the property and assets of such Guarantor, to any other Person (whether or not affiliated with such Guarantor); provided , however , that the following conditions are met:

 

(i)             such Guarantor shall be the continuing entity, or the successor entity (if other than such Guarantor) formed by or resulting from any consolidation or merger or which shall have received the sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer or lease of property and assets shall be domiciled in the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia and shall expressly assume the obligations of such Guarantor under the applicable Guarantee and the due and punctual performance and observance of all of the covenants and conditions in this Indenture;

 

(ii)            immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Event of Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time, or both, would become an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing; and

 

(iii)           either such Guarantor or the successor Person, in either case, shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate of such Guarantor and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, sale, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease and such supplemental indenture comply with this Article Eight and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been complied with.

 

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(c)                            Successor Person Substituted for Issuer or Guarantor.

 

If the Issuer or any Guarantor shall, in any transaction or series of related transactions, consolidate with or merge into any Person or sell, assign, transfer, lease or otherwise convey all or substantially all its property and assets to any Person, in each case in accordance with Section 801 or Section 802 , as applicable, the successor Person formed by or resulting from such consolidation or merger or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease or other conveyance of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Issuer or such Guarantor, as applicable, is made, shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Issuer or such Guarantor, as applicable, under this Indenture, with respect to the Outstanding Securities of the applicable series, with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as the Issuer or Guarantor, as applicable, herein; and thereafter, except in the case of a lease, the predecessor Person shall be released from all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and the applicable Securities.

 

9.

 

SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES

 

(a)                           Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders.

 

Without the consent of any Holders of Securities, the Issuer (when authorized by or pursuant to a Board Resolution), any Guarantor, if affected thereby, and the Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto for any of the following purposes:

 

(i)             to evidence the succession of another Person to the Issuer or any Guarantor, if applicable, or successive successions, and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Issuer or any Guarantor, if applicable, contained herein and in the Securities; or

 

(ii)            to add to the covenants of the Issuer or any Guarantor for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Securities (as shall be specified in such supplemental indenture or indentures) or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Issuer or any Guarantor with respect to all or any series of Securities issued under this Indenture (as shall be specified in such supplemental indenture or indentures); or

 

(iii)           to change or eliminate any restrictions on the payment of principal of or any premium or interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to any Securities or any Guarantee, provided any such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Securities of any series; or

 

(iv)           to establish the form or terms of Securities of any series as permitted by Sections 201 and 301 , including, without limitation, any conversion or exchange provisions applicable to Securities which are convertible into or exchangeable for other securities or property, and any deletions from or additions or changes to this Indenture in connection therewith (provided that any such deletions, additions and changes shall not be applicable to any other series of Securities then Outstanding); or

 

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(v)            to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series and to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, pursuant to the requirements of Section 609 ; or

 

(vi)           to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency in the Indenture; or

 

(vii)          to make any change necessary to comply with any requirement of the Commission in connection with the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act; or

 

(viii)         to add any additional Events of Default for the benefit of the Holders with respect to all or any series of Securities (as shall be specified in such supplemental indenture) (and if such additional Events of Default are to be for the benefit of less than all of the Securities, stating that such additional Events of Default are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series); or

 

(ix)           to supplement any of the provisions of this Indenture to such extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the defeasance, Covenant Defeasance and/or satisfaction and discharge of any series of Securities pursuant to Article Four , provided that any such action shall not adversely affect the interests of any Holder of a Security of such series or any other Security in any material respect; or

 

(x)            to add one or more Guarantees for the benefit of Holders of all or any series of Securities, to secure the Securities or to confirm and evidence the release, termination or discharge of any Guarantee or lien securing the Securities which such release, termination or discharge is permitted by this Indenture; or

 

(xi)           to amend or supplement any provision contained herein or in any supplemental indenture or in any Securities (which amendment or supplement may apply to one or more series of Securities or to one or more Securities within any series as specified in such supplemental indenture or indentures), provided that such amendment or supplement (A) does not (i) apply to any Outstanding Security issued prior to the date of such supplemental indenture and entitled to the benefits of such provision or (ii) modify the rights of the Holder of any such Security with respect to such provision or (B) shall become effective only when there is no Security described in clause (A)(i)  Outstanding; or

 

(xii)          in the case of any series of Securities which are convertible into or exchangeable for Common Equity or other securities or property, to safeguard or provide for the conversion or exchange rights, as the case may be, of such Securities in the event of any reclassification or change of outstanding shares of Common Equity or any merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange or combination of the Issuer with or into another Person or any sale, lease, assignment, transfer, disposition or other conveyance of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer to any other Person or other similar transactions, if expressly required by the terms of such series of Securities established pursuant to Section 301 ; or

 

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(xiii)         to conform the terms of the Indenture or the Securities of a series, as applicable, to the description thereof contained in any prospectus, prospectus supplement or other offering document relating to the offer and sale of such Securities; or

 

(xiv)         subject to any limitations established pursuant to Section 301 , to provide for the issuance of additional Securities of any series; or

 

(xv)          to comply with the rules of any applicable Depository; or

 

(xvi)         to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders or that does not adversely affect the legal rights under this Indenture of any Holder in any material respect;

 

(xvii)        to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture to such extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the issuance of Securities in uncertificated form; or

 

(xviii)       to add a co-issuer or co-obligor of the Securities; or

 

(xix)         to comply with the rules or regulations of any securities exchange or automated quotation system on which any of the Securities may be listed or traded.

 

(b)                           Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders.

 

With the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of each series affected by such supplemental indenture (voting as separate classes) by Act of said Holders delivered to the Issuer and the Trustee, the Issuer (when authorized by or pursuant to a Board Resolution), any Guarantor, if affected thereby, and the Trustee may enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or of the Securities of such series or of any Guarantee or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series under this Indenture; provided, that no such supplemental indenture, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby, shall:

 

(i)             change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or premium, if any, or any installment of interest, if any, on, or any Additional Amounts, if any, with respect to, any Security, or reduce the principal amount thereof or the premium, if any, thereon or the rate (or modify the calculation of such rate) of interest thereon, or reduce the amount payable upon redemption thereof at the option of the Issuer or repayment or repurchase thereof at the option of the Holder, or reduce any Additional Amounts payable with respect to any Security or any Guarantee, or change the obligation of the Issuer to pay Additional Amounts pursuant to Section 1004 (except as contemplated by Section 801(1)  and permitted by Section 901(1) ) or the obligation of any Guarantor to pay Additional Amounts under any Guarantee, or reduce the amount of the principal of any Original Issue Discount Security that would be due and payable upon acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502 or the amount thereof provable in bankruptcy pursuant to Section 504 , or adversely affect the right of repayment or repurchase at the option of any Holder as contemplated by Article Thirteen , or change the Place of Payment where or the Currency in which the principal of, any premium or interest on, or any Additional

 

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Amounts with respect to any Security or any Guarantee is payable, or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the Stated Maturity thereof (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the Redemption Date or, in the case of repayment or repurchase pursuant to Article Thirteen at the option of the Holder, on or after the date for repayment or repurchase) in each case as such Stated Maturity, Redemption Date or date for repayment or repurchase may, if applicable, be extended in accordance with the terms of such Security, or in the case of any Security which is convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Common Equity or other securities or property, impair the right to institute suit to enforce the right to convert or exchange such Security in accordance with its terms, or release a Guarantor from any of its obligations under a Guarantee except as permitted under this Indenture; or

 

(ii)            reduce the percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series, the consent of whose Holders is required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose Holders is required for any waiver (of compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture or certain defaults hereunder and their consequences) provided for in Section 513 or 1006 of this Indenture, or reduce the requirements of Section 1504 for quorum or voting, or

 

(iii)           modify any of the provisions of this Section 902 , Section 513 or Section 1006 except to increase any such percentage or to provide that certain other provisions of this Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby;

 

(iv)           make any change that adversely affects the right, if any, to convert or exchange any Security for shares of Common Equity or other securities or property in accordance with its terms; or

 

(v)            change the ranking of any Security.

 

Other than as set forth above, a supplemental indenture which changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of this Indenture which shall have been included solely for the benefit of one or more particular series of Securities, or which modifies the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series with respect to such covenant or other provision, shall be deemed not to affect the rights under this Indenture of the Holders of Securities of any other series.

 

Anything in this Indenture to the contrary notwithstanding, if more than one series of Securities is Outstanding, the Issuer and any Guarantor shall be entitled to enter into a supplemental indenture under this Section 902 with respect to any one or more series of Outstanding Securities without entering into a supplemental indenture with respect to any other series of Outstanding Securities.

 

It shall not be necessary for any Act of Holders of Securities under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such Act shall approve the substance thereof.

 

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(c)                            Execution of Supplemental Indentures.

 

As a condition to executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any supplemental indenture permitted by this Article Nine or the modifications thereby of the trust created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall receive, and (subject to Sections 315(a)  through 315(d)  of the Trust Indenture Act) shall be fully protected in conclusively relying upon, an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel of each of the Issuer and any Guarantor to the effect that the execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture and that such supplemental indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by, and is a legal, valid and binding obligation of, each of the Issuer and any Guarantor, respectively, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to customary exceptions.  The Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such supplemental indenture which affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.

 

Upon an Issuer Request, accompanied by the Officer’s Certificates and Opinions of Counsel provided for in Section 102 and this Section 903 , and, if applicable, upon the filing with the Trustee of evidence of the consent of Holders as aforesaid or as required in this Indenture, the Trustee shall join with the other parties thereto in the execution of a supplemental indenture, subject to the protection afforded to the Trustee by the last sentence of the first paragraph of this Section 903 .

 

(d)                           Effect of Supplemental Indentures.

 

Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article, this Indenture shall be modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental indenture shall form a part of this Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder of a Security theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder shall be bound thereby.

 

(e)                            Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures.

 

Securities of any series authenticated and delivered after the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article Nine may bear a notation as to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture.  If the Issuer shall so determine, new Securities of any series so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Issuer, to any such supplemental indenture may be prepared and executed by the Issuer and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee, upon Issuer Order, in exchange for Outstanding Securities of such series.  Failure to make the appropriate notation or to issue new Securities shall not affect the validity of such supplemental indenture.

 

(f)                            Conformity with Trust Indenture Act.

 

Unless the Issuer shall determine, based on an Opinion of Counsel delivered to the Trustee, that the same shall not be required, every supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article shall conform to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect.

 

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10.

 

COVENANTS

 

(a)                           Payment of Principal, Premium, Interest and Additional Amounts.

 

The Issuer covenants and agrees that it will duly and punctually pay or cause to be paid when due the principal of (including the Redemption Price upon redemption pursuant to Article Eleven hereof), and premium, if any, and interest on each of the Securities at the places, at the respective times and in the manner provided herein and in the Securities; provided , that the Issuer or Paying Agent may withhold from payments of interest and upon redemption pursuant to Article Three hereof, Maturity or otherwise, any amounts the Issuer or Paying Agent is required to withhold by law.

 

(b)                           Maintenance of Office or Agency.

 

The Issuer will maintain an office or agency, where the Securities may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange or for presentation for payment or redemption and where notices and demands to or upon the Issuer in respect of the Securities and this Indenture may be served.  As of the date of this Indenture, such office shall be the Corporate Trust Office and, at any other time, at such other address as the Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Issuer.  The Issuer will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency not designated or appointed by the Trustee.  If at any time the Issuer shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office.

 

The Issuer may also from time to time designate co-registrars and one or more offices or agencies where the Securities may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations.  The Issuer will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency.

 

The Issuer hereby initially designates the Trustee as Paying Agent, Security Registrar and Transfer Agent, and the Corporate Trust Office shall be considered as one such office or agency of the Issuer for each of the aforesaid purposes.

 

So long as the Trustee is the Security Registrar, the Trustee agrees to send, or cause to be sent, the notices set forth in Section 608(6)  hereof.  If co-registrars have been appointed in accordance with this Section 1002 , the Trustee shall send such notices only to the Issuer and the Holders of Securities it can identify from its records.

 

(c)                            Provisions as to Paying Agent.

 

(i)             If the Issuer shall appoint a Paying Agent other than the Trustee, or if the Trustee shall appoint such a Paying Agent, the Issuer will cause such Paying Agent to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section 1003 :  (a) that it will hold all sums held by it as such agent for the payment of the principal of and premium, if any, or interest on the Securities (whether such sums have been paid to it by the Issuer or by any other obligor on the Securities) in trust for the benefit of the Holders of the Securities; (b) that it will give the Trustee written notice of any failure by the Issuer (or by any other obligor on the Securities) to make any payment of the principal of and premium, if any, or interest on the Securities when the same shall be due and

 

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payable; and (c) that at any time during the continuance of an Event of Default, upon request of the Trustee, it will forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums so held in trust.

 

The Issuer shall, on or before each due date of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Securities, deposit with the Paying Agent a sum (in funds which are immediately available on the due date for such payment) sufficient to pay such principal, premium, if any, or interest and (unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the Issuer will promptly notify the Trustee of any failure to take such action; provided , that if such deposit is made on the due date, such deposit shall be received by the Paying Agent by 11:00 a.m. New York City time, on such date.

 

(ii)            If the Issuer shall act as its own Paying Agent, it will, on or before each due date of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Securities, set aside, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Holders of the Securities a sum sufficient to pay such principal, premium, if any, and interest so becoming due and will promptly notify the Trustee of any failure to take such action and of any failure by the Issuer (or any other obligor under the Securities) to make any payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Securities when the same shall become due and payable.

 

(iii)           Anything in this Section 1003 to the contrary notwithstanding, the Issuer may, at any time, for the purpose of obtaining a satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, or for any other reason, pay or cause to be paid to the Trustee all sums held in trust by the Issuer or any Paying Agent hereunder as required by this Section 1003 , such sums to be held by the Trustee upon the trusts herein contained and upon such payment by the Issuer or any Paying Agent to the Trustee, the Issuer or such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such sums.

 

The Trustee shall not be responsible for the actions of any other Paying Agents (including the Issuer if acting as its own Paying Agent) and shall have no control of any funds held by such other Paying Agents.

 

Subject to applicable escheatment laws, any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Issuer, in trust for the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any Security of any series and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal, premium or interest has become due and payable shall be paid to the Issuer on Issuer Request, or (if then held by the Issuer) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Security shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Issuer for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Issuer as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease.

 

(d)                           Additional Amounts.

 

In the event that the Issuer is required to make the payment of Additional Amounts to Holders of Securities pursuant to this Indenture, the Issuer will provide written notice (“ Additional Amounts Notice ”) to the Trustee of its obligation to pay Additional Amounts no later than fifteen (15) calendar days prior to the proposed payment date for Additional Amounts, and the Additional Amount Notice shall set forth the amount of Additional Amounts to be paid by the Issuer on such payment date.  The Trustee shall not at any time be under any duty or

 

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responsibility to any Holder of Securities to determine the Additional Amounts, or with respect to the nature, extent or calculation of the amount of Additional Amounts when made, or with respect to the method employed in such calculation of the Additional Amounts.

 

(e)                            Corporate Existence.

 

Subject to Article Eight , each of the Issuer and any Guarantor will do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its (i) existence, and (ii) rights (by charter and statutory) and franchises; provided , that neither the Issuer nor any Guarantor shall be required to preserve any such right or franchise if the Board of Directors (or any duly authorized committee of that Board of Directors), as applicable, shall determine that the preservation of the right or franchise is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Issuer or any Guarantor, as applicable.

 

(f)                            Waiver of Certain Covenants.

 

The Issuer and any Guarantor may omit in any particular instance to comply with any term, provision or condition set forth in Sections 1005(ii)  and 704 with respect to the Securities of any series and, if expressly provided pursuant to Section 301(16) , any additional covenants applicable to the Securities of such series if, before the time for such compliance, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series, by Act of such Holders, either shall waive such compliance in such instance or generally shall have waived compliance with such term, provision or condition, but no such waiver shall extend to or affect such term, provision or condition except to the extent so expressly waived, and, until such waiver shall become effective, the obligations of the Issuer and any Guarantor, as applicable and the duties of the Trustee in respect of any such term, provision or condition shall remain in full force and effect.

 

(g)                            Issuer and Guarantor Statement as to Compliance.

 

Within one hundred twenty (120) calendar days after the end of each fiscal year of the Issuer, the Issuer and, if applicable, any Guarantor, shall deliver to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate (that need not comply with Section 102 ) signed by any of the principal executive officer, principal financial officer or principal accounting officer of the Issuer and such Guarantor, stating whether or not the signer has knowledge of any default or Event of Default under this Indenture, and, if so, specifying each default or Event of Default and the nature and the status thereof, and further stating what action the Issuer has taken, is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.

 

The Issuer will deliver to the Trustee, within thirty (30) calendar days of becoming aware of (i) any default in the performance or observance of any covenant, agreement or condition contained in this Indenture, or (ii) any Event of Default, an Officer’s Certificate specifying with particularity such default or Event of Default and further stating what action the Issuer has taken, is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.

 

Any notice required to be given under this Section 1007 shall be delivered to a Responsible Officer of the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office.

 

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(h)                           Calculation of Original Issue Discount.

 

So long as there is any Outstanding Original Issue Discount Security, the Issuer shall file with the Trustee promptly at the end of each calendar year (i) a written notice specifying the amount of original issue discount (including daily rates and accrual periods) accrued on Outstanding Securities as of the end of such year and (ii) such other specific information relating to such original issue discount as may then be relevant under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

 

(i)                             Maintenance of Properties.

 

The Issuer will cause all of its material Properties used or useful in the conduct of its business or the business of any Subsidiary to be maintained and kept in good condition, repair and working order, normal wear and tear, casualty and condemnation excepted, and supplied with all necessary equipment, all as in the judgment of the Issuer may be necessary so that the business carried on in connection with these Properties may be properly conducted in all material respects at all times; provided , however , that nothing in this Section 1009 shall prevent the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries from (1) removing permanently any Property that has been condemned or suffered a casualty loss, if it is in the best interests of the Issuer, (2) discontinuing maintenance or operation of any Property if, in the judgment of the Issuer, doing so is in the best interests of the Issuer and is not disadvantageous in any material respect to the holders of the Securities, or (3) selling or otherwise disposing of any Properties for value in the ordinary course of business.

 

(j)                            Insurance.

 

The Issuer will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, keep in force insurance policies on each of its insurable Properties, issued by responsible companies in such amounts and covering all such risks as is reasonable as determined by the Issuer in accordance with prevailing market conditions and availability.

 

(k)                           Payment of Taxes and Other Claims.

 

The Issuer will pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged, before the same shall become delinquent, (1) all material taxes, assessments and governmental charges levied or imposed upon it or any Subsidiary or upon the income, profits or property of the Issuer or any Subsidiary, and (2) all material lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies, which, if unpaid, might by law become a material lien upon the property of the Issuer or any Subsidiary; provided , however , that the Issuer shall not be required to pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged any such tax, assessment, charge or claim whose amount, applicability or validity is being contested in good faith.

 

(l)                             Limitations on Incurrence of Debt .

 

(i)             Aggregate Debt Test .  The Issuer will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, incur any Debt if, immediately after giving effect to the incurrence of such Debt and any other Debt incurred or repaid since the end of the most recent Reporting Date prior to the incurrence of such Debt and the application of the proceeds from such Debt and such other

 

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Debt on a pro forma basis, the aggregate principal amount of the Issuer’s Debt would exceed 65% of the sum of the following (without duplication):  (1) the Issuer’s Total Assets as of such Reporting Date; (2) the aggregate purchase price of any assets acquired, and the aggregate amount of proceeds received from any incurrence of other Debt and any securities offering proceeds received (to the extent such proceeds were not used to acquire assets or used to reduce Debt), by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries since the end of the most recent Reporting Date prior to the incurrence of such Debt; and (3) the proceeds or assets obtained from the incurrence of such Debt and other securities issued as part of the same transaction on a pro forma basis (including assets to be acquired in exchange for debt assumption and security issuance as in the case of a merger).

 

(ii)            Secured Debt Test .  The Issuer will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, incur any Secured Debt if, immediately after giving effect to the incurrence of such Secured Debt and any other Secured Debt incurred or repaid since the end of the most recent Reporting Date prior to the incurrence of such Secured Debt and the application of the proceeds from such Secured Debt and such other Secured Debt on a pro forma basis, the aggregate principal amount of the Issuer’s Secured Debt would exceed forty percent (40%) of the sum of the following (without duplication):  (1) the Issuer’s Total Assets as of such Reporting Date; (2) the aggregate purchase price of any assets acquired, and the aggregate amount of proceeds received from any incurrence of other Debt and any securities offering proceeds received (to the extent such proceeds were not used to acquire assets or used to reduce Debt), by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries since the end of the most recent Reporting Date prior to the incurrence of such Debt; and (3) the proceeds or assets obtained from the incurrence of such Secured Debt and other securities issued as part of the same transaction on a pro forma basis (including assets to be acquired in exchange for debt assumption and security issuance as in the case of a merger).

 

(iii)           Debt Service Test .  The Issuer will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, incur any Debt if, immediately after giving effect to the incurrence of such Debt and the application of the proceeds from such Debt on a pro forma basis, the ratio of EBITDA to Interest Expense for the four (4) consecutive fiscal quarters ended on the most recent Reporting Date prior to the incurrence of such Debt would be less than 1.25 to 1.00, and calculated on the following assumptions (without duplication):  (1) such Debt and any other Debt incurred since such Reporting Date and outstanding on the date of determination had been incurred, and the application of the proceeds from such Debt (including to repay or retire other Debt) had occurred, on the first day of such four-quarter period; (2) the repayment or retirement of any other Debt since such Reporting Date had occurred on the first day of such four-quarter period; and (3) in the case of any acquisition or disposition by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries of any asset or group of assets since such Reporting Date, whether by merger, stock purchase or sale or asset purchase or sale or otherwise, such acquisition or disposition had occurred as of the first day of such four-quarter period with the appropriate adjustments with respect to such acquisition or disposition being included in such pro forma calculation.  If any Debt incurred during the period from such Reporting Date to the date of determination bears interest at a floating rate, then, for purposes of calculating the Interest Expense, the interest rate on such Debt will be computed on a pro forma basis as if the average daily rate during such interim period had been the applicable rate for entire relevant four-quarter period.  For purposes of the foregoing, Debt

 

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will be deemed to be incurred by a Person whenever such Person creates, assumes, guarantees or otherwise becomes liable in respect thereof.

 

(iv)           Maintenance of Total Unencumbered Assets .  As of each Reporting Date, the Issuer’s Unencumbered Assets will not be less than 125% of the Issuer’s Unsecured Debt.

 

11.

 

REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES

 

(a)                            Applicability of Article.

 

Redemption of Securities of any series at the option of the Issuer as permitted or required by the terms of such Securities shall be made in accordance with the terms of such Securities and (except as otherwise provided herein or pursuant hereto) this Article.

 

(b)                            Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee.

 

The election of the Issuer to redeem any Securities shall be evidenced by or pursuant to a Board Resolution.  In case of any redemption at the election of the Issuer of all of the Outstanding Securities of any series, the Issuer shall, not less than 15 and not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date fixed by the Issuer (unless a shorter notice shall be satisfactory to the Trustee), notify the Trustee of such Redemption Date and of the principal amount of Securities of such series to be redeemed and, in the event that the Issuer shall determine that the Securities of any series to be redeemed shall be selected from Securities of such series having the same issue date, interest rate or interest rate formula, Stated Maturity and other terms (the “ Equivalent Terms ”), the Issuer shall notify the Trustee of such Equivalent Terms.

 

If less than all of the Securities of any series are to be redeemed or if less than all of the Securities of any series with Equivalent Terms are to be redeemed, the Issuer shall, at least five (5) Business Days prior to giving notice of redemption to the Holders (unless a shorter notice shall be satisfactory to the Trustee and agreed upon in writing by the Trustee), notify the Trustee of such Redemption Date, the principal amount of Securities of such series to be redeemed and, if applicable, the Equivalent Terms.

 

In the case of any redemption of Securities (A) prior to the expiration of any restriction on such redemption provided in the terms of such Securities or elsewhere in this Indenture or (B) pursuant to an election of the Issuer which is subject to a condition specified in the terms of such Securities or elsewhere in this Indenture, the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel evidencing compliance with such restriction or condition.

 

(c)                            Selection by Trustee of Securities to be Redeemed.

 

If less than all of the Securities of any series are to be redeemed or if less than all of the Securities of any series with Equivalent Terms are to be redeemed, the particular Securities to be redeemed shall be selected in accordance with the applicable procedures of the Depository, and which may provide for the selection for redemption of portions of the principal amount of Registered Securities of such series; provided , however , that no such partial redemption shall

 

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reduce the portion of the principal amount of a Security of such series not redeemed to less than the minimum denomination for a Security of such series established herein or pursuant hereto; provided that if the Securities of such series are represented by one or more global Securities, interests in such global Securities shall be selected for redemption by the Depository in accordance with its standard procedures therefor.

 

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 of such Securities which has been or is to be redeemed.

 

Unless otherwise specified in or pursuant to this Indenture or the Securities of any series, if any Security selected for partial redemption is converted or exchanged for Common Equity or other securities or property in part before termination of the conversion or exchange right with respect to the portion of the Security so selected, the converted or exchanged portion of such Security shall be deemed (so far as may be) to be the portion selected for redemption.  Securities which have been converted or exchanged during a selection of Securities to be redeemed shall be treated by the Trustee as Outstanding for the purpose of such selection.

 

(d)                            Notice of Redemption.

 

Notice of redemption shall be given in the manner provided in Section 106 , not less than 15 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date, unless a shorter period is specified in the Securities to be redeemed, to the Holders of Securities to be redeemed.  Failure to give notice in the manner herein provided to the Holder of any Registered Securities designated for redemption as a whole or in part, or any defect in the notice to any such Holder, shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other Securities or portions thereof.

 

Any notice that is sent to the Holder of any Registered Securities in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or not such Holder receives the notice.

 

All notices of redemption shall state:

 

(i)             the Redemption Date;

 

(ii)            the Redemption Price, or if not then ascertainable, the manner of calculation thereof;

 

(iii)           if less than all Outstanding Securities of any series are to be redeemed, the identification (and, in the case of partial redemption, the principal amount) of the particular Security or Securities to be redeemed;

 

(iv)           that, in case any Security is to be redeemed in part only, on and after the Redemption Date, upon surrender of such Security, the Holder of such Security will receive, without charge, a new Security or Securities of authorized denominations for the principal amount thereof remaining unredeemed;

 

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(v)            that, on the Redemption Date, the Redemption Price shall become due and payable upon each such Security or portion thereof to be redeemed, together (if applicable) with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon (subject, if applicable, to the proviso to the first paragraph of Section 1106 ), and, if applicable, that interest thereon shall cease to accrue on and after said date;

 

(vi)           the place or places where such Securities, maturing after the Redemption Date, are to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price and any accrued interest and Additional Amounts pertaining thereto;

 

(vii)          that the redemption is for a sinking fund, if such is the case;

 

(viii)         in the case of Securities of any series that are convertible or exchangeable into shares of Common Equity or other securities or property, the then current conversion or exchange price or rate, the date or dates on which the right to convert or exchange the principal of the Securities of such series to be redeemed will commence or terminate, as applicable, and the place or places where and the Persons to whom such Securities may be surrendered for conversion or exchange;

 

(ix)           the CUSIP number, Common Code or ISIN number of such Securities, if any (or any other numbers used by a Depository to identify such Securities); and

 

(x)            if the Redemption Price or any portion thereof shall be payable, at the option of the Issuer or any Holders, in shares of Common Equity, cash or in other securities or property (or a combination thereof), a statement as to whether the Issuer has elected to pay the Redemption Price in shares of Common Equity, cash or in other securities or property (or a combination thereof) and, if applicable, the portion of the Redemption Price that is to be paid in shares of Common Equity, cash or in other securities or property.

 

Notice of redemption of Securities to be redeemed at the election of the Issuer shall be given by the Issuer or, at the Issuer’s request with five (5) Business Days prior written notice (or such shorter notice as shall be acceptable to the Trustee), by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Issuer, which request shall set forth the information to be contained in such notice of redemption.

 

(e)                            Deposit of Redemption Price.

 

At or prior to 11:00 am (local time in New York City) on any Redemption Date, the Issuer shall deposit, with respect to the Securities of any series called for redemption pursuant to Section 1104 , with the Trustee or with a Paying Agent (or, if the Issuer, any Guarantor or any Affiliate of the Issuer or any Guarantor is acting as Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 1003 ) an amount of money in the applicable Currency sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of, and (except if the Redemption Date shall be an Interest Payment Date, unless otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301 for or in the Securities of such series) any accrued interest on and Additional Amounts with respect to, all such Securities or portions thereof which are to be redeemed on that date.

 

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(f)                             Securities Payable on Redemption Date.

 

Notice of redemption having been given as aforesaid, the Securities so to be redeemed shall, on the Redemption Date, become due and payable at the Redemption Price therein specified, together with (unless otherwise provided with respect to the Securities of such series pursuant to Section 301 ) accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon and from and after such date (unless the Issuer shall default in the payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest, if any) such Securities shall cease to bear interest.  Upon surrender of any such Security for redemption in accordance with said notice, such Security shall be paid by the Issuer at the Redemption Price, together with, unless otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture, any accrued and unpaid interest thereon and Additional Amounts with respect thereto to but excluding the Redemption Date; provided , however , except as otherwise specified in or pursuant to this Indenture or the Registered Securities of such series, installments of interest on Registered Securities whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Redemption Date shall be payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, registered as such at the close of business on the Regular Record Dates therefor according to their terms and the provisions of Section 307 .

 

If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid, or funds set aside for payment, on the Redemption Date, the principal and any premium, until paid, shall bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate prescribed therefor in the Security or, if no rate is prescribed therefor in the Security, at the rate of interest, if any, borne by such Security.

 

(g)                            Securities Redeemed in Part.

 

Any Registered Security which is to be redeemed only in part shall be surrendered at any Office or Agency for such Security (with, if the Issuer or the Trustee so requires, due endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Issuer and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing) and the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, upon Issuer Order, to the Holder of such Security without service charge, a new Registered Security or Securities of the same series, containing identical terms and provisions, of any authorized denomination as requested by such Holder in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Security so surrendered.  If a Security in global form is so surrendered, the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, upon Issuer Order, to the Depository for such Security in global form as shall be specified in the Issuer Order with respect thereto to the Trustee, without service charge, a new Security in global form in a denomination equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Security in global form so surrendered.

 

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12.

 

SINKING FUNDS

 

(a)                           Applicability of Article.

 

The provisions of this Article shall be applicable to any sinking fund for the retirement of Securities of a series, except as otherwise permitted or required in or pursuant to this Indenture or any Security of such series issued pursuant to this Indenture.

 

The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of Securities of any series is herein referred to as a “mandatory sinking fund payment,” and any payment in excess of such minimum amount provided for by the terms of Securities of such series is herein referred to as an “ optional sinking fund payment .” If provided for by the terms of Securities of any series, the cash amount of any sinking fund payment may be subject to reduction as provided in Section 1202 .  Each sinking fund payment shall be applied to the redemption of Securities of any series as provided for by the terms of Securities of such series and this Indenture.

 

(b)                           Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities.

 

The Issuer may, in satisfaction of all or any part of any sinking fund payment with respect to the Securities of any series to be made pursuant to the terms of such Securities (1) deliver Outstanding Securities of such series (other than any of such Securities previously called for redemption or any of such Securities in respect of which cash shall have been released to the Issuer), and (2) apply as a credit Securities of such series which have been redeemed either at the election of the Issuer pursuant to the terms of such series of Securities or through the application of permitted optional sinking fund payments pursuant to the terms of such Securities, provided that such Securities have not been previously so credited.  Such Securities 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 sinking fund payment shall be reduced accordingly.  If as a result of the delivery or credit of Securities of any series in lieu of cash payments pursuant to this Section 1202 , the principal amount of Securities of such series to be redeemed in order to exhaust the aforesaid cash payment shall be less than $100,000, the Trustee need not call Securities of such series for redemption, except upon Issuer Request, and such cash payment shall be held by the Trustee or a Paying Agent and applied to the next succeeding sinking fund payment, provided , however , that the Trustee or such Paying Agent shall at the written request of the Issuer from time to time pay over and deliver to the Issuer any cash payment so being held by the Trustee or such Paying Agent upon delivery by the Issuer to the Trustee of Securities of that series purchased by the Issuer having an unpaid principal amount equal to the cash payment requested to be released to the Issuer.

 

(c)                            Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund.

 

Not less than 75 days prior to each sinking fund payment date for any series of Securities, the Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate specifying the amount of the next ensuing mandatory sinking fund payment for that series pursuant to the terms of that series, the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by payment of cash and the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by delivering and crediting of Securities of that series pursuant to Section 1202 , the basis for such credit and the optional amount, if any, to be added in cash to the next ensuing mandatory sinking fund payment, and will also deliver to the Trustee any Securities to be so credited and not theretofore delivered.  If such Officer’s Certificate shall specify an optional amount to be added in cash to the next ensuing mandatory sinking fund payment, the

 

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Issuer shall thereupon be obligated to pay the amount therein specified.  Not less than 60 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 1103 and cause notice of the redemption thereof to be given in the name of and at the expense of the Issuer in the manner provided in Section 1104 .  Such notice having been duly given, the redemption of such Securities shall be made upon the terms and in the manner stated in Sections 1106 and 1107 .

 

13.

 

REPAYMENT AT THE OPTION OF HOLDERS

 

(a)                           Applicability of Article.

 

Securities of any series which are repayable at the option of the Holders thereof before their Stated Maturity shall be repaid in accordance with the terms of the Securities of such series.  The repayment of any principal amount of Securities pursuant to such option of the Holder to require repayment of Securities before their Stated Maturity, for purposes of Section 309 , shall not operate as a payment, redemption or satisfaction of the indebtedness represented by such Securities unless and until the Issuer, at its option, shall deliver or surrender the same to the Trustee with a direction that such Securities be cancelled.  If specified with respect to the Securities of a series as contemplated by Section 301 , in connection with any repayment of Securities, the Issuer may arrange for the purchase of any Securities by an agreement with one or more investment bankers or other purchasers to purchase such Securities by paying to the Holders of such Securities on or before the applicable repayment date an amount not less than the repayment price payable by the Issuer on repayment of such Securities, and the obligation of the Issuer to pay the repayment price of such Securities shall be satisfied and discharged to the extent such payment is so paid by such purchasers.

 

Unless otherwise expressly stated in this Indenture or pursuant to Section 301 with respect to the Securities of any series or unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this Indenture to the repayment of Securities at the option of the Holders thereof (and all references of like import) shall be deemed to include a reference to the repurchase of Securities at the option of the Holders thereof.

 

14.

 

SECURITIES IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES

 

(a)                           Applicability of Article.

 

Whenever this Indenture provides for (i) any action by, or the determination of any of the rights of, Holders of Securities of any series in which not all of such Securities are denominated in the same Currency or (ii) any distribution to Holders of Securities of any series in which not all of such Securities are denominated in the same Currency, in the absence of any provision to the contrary in or pursuant to this Indenture or the Securities of such series and in accordance with the Depository’s procedures, any amount in respect of any Security denominated in a

 

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Currency other than Dollars shall be treated for any such action, determination or distribution as that amount of Dollars that could be obtained for such amount on such reasonable basis of exchange and as of the record date with respect to Registered Securities of such series (if any) for such action, determination or distribution (or, if there shall be no applicable record date, such other date reasonably proximate to the date of such distribution) as the Issuer may specify in a written notice to the Trustee or, in the absence of such written notice, as the Trustee may determine.

 

(b)                           Monies of Different Currencies to be Segregated.

 

The Trustee shall segregate monies, funds and accounts held by the Trustee hereunder in one currency from any monies, funds or accounts in any other currencies, notwithstanding any provision herein which would otherwise permit the Trustee to commingle such accounts.

 

15.

 

GUARANTEE OF SECURITIES

 

(a)                           Guarantee.

 

(i)             Each Person who may become a “Guarantor” with respect to any series of Securities to which this Article Sixteen is made applicable, irrevocably and unconditionally guarantees (the “ Guarantee ”) to each Holder of a Security of such series authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and to the Trustee and its successors and assigns, irrespective of the validity and enforceability of this Indenture, the Securities of such series, the obligations of the Issuer under this Indenture or the Securities of such series or irrespective of restrictions of any kind on the Issuer’s performance of its obligations under the Securities, and waiving all rights of objection and defense arising from the Securities, that:  (i) the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the Securities of such series will be paid in full when due, whether at the Stated Maturity or Interest Payment Date, by acceleration, call for redemption, or otherwise; (ii) all other obligations of the Issuer to the Holders of such series or the Trustee under this Indenture or the Securities of such series will be promptly paid in full, all in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and the Securities of such series; and (iii) in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Securities of such series or any of such other obligations thereunder, they will be paid in full when due in accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, whether at the Stated Maturity or Interest Payment Date, by acceleration, call for redemption, or otherwise.  Failing payment when due of any amount so guaranteed for whatever reason, each Guarantor shall be obligated to pay the same before failure so to pay becomes an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series.  If the Issuer defaults in the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest on the Securities of a series so guaranteed when and as the same shall become due, whether at the Stated Maturity or Interest Payment Date, by acceleration, call for redemption, or otherwise, without the necessity of action by the Trustee or any Holder, each Guarantor with respect to such series shall be required to promptly make such payment in full.  The obligations of all Guarantors under this Article Sixteen shall be joint and several.

 

(ii)            Each Guarantor agrees with respect to Securities of any series that its obligations with regard to this Guarantee shall be as principal and not merely as surety and shall be full, irrevocable and unconditional, irrespective of the validity, regularity or enforceability of

 

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the Securities of such series or this Indenture, the absence of any action to enforce the same, any delays in obtaining or realizing upon or failures to obtain or realize upon collateral, the recovery of any judgment against the Issuer, any action to enforce the same or any other circumstances that might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a surety or a guarantor.  Each Guarantor with respect to Securities of any series hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of insolvency or bankruptcy of the Issuer, any right to require a proceeding first against the Issuer or right to require the prior disposition of the assets of the Issuer to meet its obligations, protest, notice and all demands whatsoever and covenants that this Guarantee will not be discharged except by complete performance of all obligations contained in the Securities of such series and this Indenture as it relates to such series of Securities.  Each Guarantee is a guaranty of payment and not of collection.  The obligations of any Guarantor under this Guarantee will constitute direct, unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of such Guarantor and any Guarantor undertakes that its obligations hereunder will rank pari passu with all other present or future direct, unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the Guarantor, save for such obligations as may be mandatorily preferred by law.

 

(iii)           Any such Guarantee will be a guarantee of payment and not merely of collection and it shall continue in full force and effect by way of continuing security until all principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, (including any Additional Amounts required to be paid in accordance with the terms and conditions of the series of Securities so guaranteed) have been paid in full and all other actual or contingent obligations of the Issuer in relation to the series of Securities so guaranteed or under the Indenture have been satisfied in full.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any payment received by any Holder is, on the subsequent bankruptcy or insolvency of the Issuer, avoided under any applicable laws, including, among others, laws relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, such payment will not be considered as having discharged or diminished the liability of any Guarantor and any such Guarantee will continue to apply as if such payment had at all times remained owing by the Issuer.

 

(iv)           If any Holder of Securities of a series or the Trustee is required by any court or otherwise to return to any of the Issuer or a Guarantor with respect to Securities of that series, or any custodian, trustee, or similar official acting in relation to any of the Issuer or a Guarantor, any amount paid by any of the Issuer or a Guarantor to the Trustee or such Holder with respect to Securities of that series, the Guarantee with respect to Securities of that series, to the extent theretofore discharged, shall be reinstated in full force and effect.  Each Guarantor agrees that it will not be entitled to any right of subrogation in relation to the Holders of Securities of a series in respect of any obligations guaranteed hereby until payment in full of all obligations of Securities of such series.  Each Guarantor further agrees that, as between the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand, (i) the maturity of the obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in Section 502 for the purposes of a Guarantee, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration as to the Issuer of the obligations so guaranteed, and (ii) in the event of any declaration of acceleration of those obligations as provided in Section 502 , those obligations (whether or not due and payable) will forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantors with respect to Securities of a series for purposes of the Guarantee.

 

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(v)            Each Guarantor and by its acceptance of a Security issued hereunder each Holder hereby confirms that it is the intention of all such parties that the Guarantee by each Guarantor set forth in Section 1601(1)  not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for purpose of any Bankruptcy Law, the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act or any similar Federal or state law.  To effectuate the foregoing intention, the Holders and all Guarantors hereby irrevocably agree that the obligations of each of the Guarantors under the Guarantee set forth in Section 1601(1)  shall be limited to the maximum amount as will, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such Guarantor, and after giving effect to any collections from or payments made by or on behalf of any other Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other Guarantor under its Guarantee or pursuant to the next succeeding sentence, result in the obligations of such Guarantor under such Guarantee not constituting such a fraudulent transfer or conveyance.  Each Guarantor that makes any payment or distribution under Section 1601(1)  shall be entitled to a contribution from each other Guarantor equal to its Pro Rata Portion of such payment or distribution.  For purposes of the foregoing, the “Pro Rata Portion” of any Guarantor means the percentage of net assets of all Guarantors held by such Guarantor, determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

(vi)           It is the intention of the parties that the obligations of the Guarantors shall be in, but not in excess of, the maximum amount permitted by applicable law.  Accordingly, if the obligations in respect of the Guarantee would be annulled, avoided or subordinated to the creditors of any Guarantor by a court of competent jurisdiction in a proceeding actually pending before such court as a result of a determination both that such Guarantee was made without fair consideration and, immediately after giving effect thereto, such Guarantor was insolvent or unable to pay its debts as they mature or left with an unreasonably small capital, then the obligations of such Guarantor under such Guarantee shall be reduced by such court if and to the extent such reduction would result in the avoidance of such annulment, avoidance or subordination; provided , however , that any reduction pursuant to this paragraph shall be made in the smallest amount as is strictly necessary to reach such result.  For purposes of this paragraph, “fair consideration,” “insolvency,” “unable to pay its debts as they mature,” “unreasonably small capital” and the effective times of reductions, if any, required by this paragraph shall be determined in accordance with applicable law.

 

(vii)          If the obligations of any Guarantor are reduced pursuant to Section 1601(5)  or 1601(6)  above, such reduction shall be applied proportionately with respect to all Securities (of whatever series) guaranteed under Section 1601 , in accordance with the respective outstanding principal amount of such Securities so guaranteed (or, if any Securities are Original Issue Discount Securities, the accreted value of such Securities) and being then due upon the acceleration of the payment of such Securities.

 

(b)                            Future Guarantors.

 

Each Person providing a guarantee of any Security of a series pursuant to this Indenture shall execute and deliver a supplemental indenture making such Person a party to this Indenture for the purpose of becoming a Guarantor.

 

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(c)                            Delivery of Guarantee.

 

The delivery of any Security of a series by the Trustee, after the authentication thereof hereunder, shall constitute due delivery of the Guarantee set forth in Section 1601 on behalf of each Guarantor for that series.

 

[ Signature pages follow ]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed all as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC. ,

 

as Issuer

 

By:

/s/ Kevin P. O’Shea

 

Name:

Kevin P. O’Shea

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

 



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed all as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON ,

 

as Trustee, Registrar, Paying Agent and Transfer Agent

 

By:

/s/ Francine Kincaid

 

Name:

Francine Kincaid

 

Title:

Vice President

 



 

Exhibit A — Form of Fixed Rate Note

 

UNLESS THIS NOTE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (THE “DEPOSITARY”) (55 WATER STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK) TO THE ISSUER HEREOF OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY NOTE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITARY AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO., ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL SINCE THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

 

UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR NOTES IN CERTIFICATED FORM, THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY.

 

REGISTERED
No. FXR-

 

CUSIP No.:
05348E

 

PRINCIPAL AMOUNT:
$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MEDIUM-TERM NOTE
(Fixed Rate)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE:

 

INTEREST RATE:     %
DEFAULT RATE: N/A

 

STATED MATURITY DATE:

 

 

 

 

 

INTEREST PAYMENT DATE(S)*:

 

o CHECK IF DISCOUNT NOTE

 

FIRST INTEREST PAYMENT DATE:

o

 

Issue Price:           %

 

 

o Other:

 

 

 

 

 


* See additional provisions herein

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INITIAL REDEMPTION DATE: At any time prior to Stated Maturity Date

 

INITIAL REDEMPTION PERCENTAGE: See Other/Additional Provisions

 

ANNUAL REDEMPTION PERCENTAGE REDUCTION: N/A

 

 

 

 

 

OPTIONAL REPAYMENT DATE(S): N/A

 

 

 

 

 

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SPECIFIED CURRENCY:

 

AUTHORIZED DENOMINATION:

 

EXCHANGE RATE

x United States dollars
o Other:

 

x $1,000 and integral multiples thereof

o Other:

 

AGENT: N/A

 

 

 

 

 

ADDENDUM ATTACHED

 

OTHER/ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS:

 

 

x Yes
o No

 

See Annex A attached to this Note

 

 

 

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AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC. , a Maryland corporation (the “Company”, which term includes any successor corporation under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to [CEDE & CO.], or registered assigns, the Principal Amount of [                             ] MILLION DOLLARS ($           ), on the Stated Maturity Date specified above (or any Redemption Date or Repayment Date, each as defined on the reverse hereof or in an addendum hereto, or any earlier date of acceleration of maturity) (each such date being hereinafter referred to as the “Maturity Date” with respect to the principal repayable on such date) and to pay interest thereon (and on any overdue principal, premium and/or interest to the extent legally enforceable) at the Interest Rate per annum specified above, until the principal hereof is paid or duly made available for payment.  The Company will pay interest in arrears on each Interest Payment Date, if any, specified above (each, an “Interest Payment Date”), commencing on                .  Interest on this Note will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

 

Interest on this Note will accrue from, and including, the immediately preceding Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for (or from, and including, the Original Issue Date if no interest has been paid or duly provided for) to, but excluding, the applicable Interest Payment Date or the Maturity Date, as the case may be (each, an “Interest Period”).  The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, subject to certain exceptions described herein, be paid to the person in whose name this Note (or one or more predecessor Notes, as defined on the reverse hereof) is registered at the close of business on the fifteenth calendar day (whether or not a Business Day, as defined below) immediately preceding such Interest Payment Date (the “Record Date”); provided, however , that interest payable on the Maturity Date will be payable to the person to whom the principal hereof and premium, if any, hereon shall be payable.  Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for on any Interest Payment Date other than the Maturity Date (“Defaulted Interest”) shall forthwith cease to be payable to the person in whose name this Note is registered (the “Holder”) on the close of business on any Record Date and, instead, shall be paid to the Holder at the close of business on a special record date (the “Special Record Date”) for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee hereinafter referred to, notice whereof shall be given to the Holder of this Note by the Trustee not less than 10 calendar days prior to such Special Record Date or may be paid at any time in any other lawful manner, all as more fully provided for in the Indenture.

 

Payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest in respect of this Note due on the Maturity Date will be made in immediately available funds upon presentation and surrender of this Note (and, with respect to any applicable repayment of this Note, upon delivery of instructions as contemplated on the reverse hereof) at the office or agency maintained by the Company for that purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, currently the office of the Trustee located at 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286, or at such other paying agency in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, as the Company may determine; provided, however , that if the Specified Currency (as defined below) is other than United States dollars and such payment is to be made in the Specified Currency in accordance with the provisions set forth below, such payment will be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account with a bank designated by the Holder hereof at least 15 calendar days prior to the Maturity Date, provided that such bank has appropriate facilities therefor and that this Note is presented and

 

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surrendered and, if applicable, instructions are delivered at the aforementioned office or agency maintained by the Company in time for the Trustee to make such payment in such funds in accordance with its normal procedures.  Payment of interest due on any Interest Payment Date other than the Maturity Date will be made at the aforementioned office or agency maintained by the Company or, at the option of the Company, by check mailed to the address of the person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register maintained by the Trustee; provided, however , that a Holder of U.S. $10,000,000 (or, if the Specified Currency is other than United States dollars, the equivalent thereof in the Specified Currency) or more in aggregate principal amount of Notes (whether having identical or different terms and provisions) will be entitled to receive interest payments on such Interest Payment Date by wire transfer of immediately available funds if such Holder has delivered appropriate wire transfer instructions in writing to the Trustee not less than 15 calendar days prior to such Interest Payment Date.  Any such wire transfer instructions received by the Trustee shall remain in effect until revoked by such Holder.

 

If any Interest Payment Date or the Maturity Date falls on a day that is not a Business Day, the required payment of principal, premium, if any, and/or interest shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if made on the date such payment was due, and no interest shall accrue with respect to such payment for the period from and after such Interest Payment Date or the Maturity Date, as the case may be, to the date of such payment on the next succeeding Business Day.

 

As used herein, “Business Day” means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which commercial banks are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close in The City of New York; provided, however , that if the Specified Currency is other than United States dollars, such day must not be a day on which commercial banks are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close in the Principal Financial Center (as defined below) of the country issuing the Specified Currency (or, if the Specified Currency is Euro, such day must be a day on which the Trans-European Automated Real-Time Gross Settlement Express Transfer (TARGET) System is open).  “Principal Financial Center” means, (i) the capital city of the country issuing the Specified Currency, except that with respect to United States dollars, Australian dollars, Canadian dollars, South African rand and Swiss francs, the “Principal Financial Center” will be the City of New York, Sydney and Melbourne, Toronto, Johannesburg and Zurich, respectively, or (ii) the capital city of the country to which the LIBOR Currency relates, except that with respect to United States dollars, Australian dollars, Canadian dollars, South African rand and Swiss francs, the “Principal Financial Center” will be the City of New York, Sydney, Toronto, Johannesburg and Zurich, respectively.

 

The Company is obligated to make payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest in respect of this Note in the Specified Currency specified above (or, if such Specified Currency is not at the time of such payment legal tender for the payment of public and private debts in the country issuing such Specified Currency or, if such Specified Currency is Euro, in the member states of the European Union that have adopted the single currency in accordance with the Treaty establishing the European Community, as amended by the Treaty on European Union, then in the currency which is at the time of such payment legal tender in the related country or in the adopting member states of the European Union) (the “Specified Currency”).  If the Specified

 

88



 

Currency is other than United States dollars, except as otherwise provided below, any such amounts so payable by the Company will be converted by the Exchange Rate Agent specified above into United States dollars for payment to the Holder of this Note.

 

If the Specified Currency is other than United States dollars, the Holder of this Note may elect to receive any amounts payable hereunder in such Specified Currency.  If the Holder of this Note shall not have duly made an election to receive all or a specified portion of any payment of principal, premium, if any, and/or interest in respect of this Note in the Specified Currency, any United States dollar amount to be received by the Holder of this Note will be based on the highest bid quotation in The City of New York received by the Exchange Rate Agent at approximately 11:00 A.M., New York City time, on the second Business Day preceding the applicable payment date from three recognized foreign exchange dealers (one of whom may be the Exchange Rate Agent) selected by the Exchange Rate Agent and approved by the Company for the purchase by the quoting dealer of the Specified Currency for United States dollars for settlement on such payment date in the aggregate amount of the Specified Currency payable to all Holders of Notes scheduled to receive United States dollar payments and at which the applicable dealer commits to execute a contract.  All currency exchange costs will be borne by the Holder of this Note by deductions from such payments.  If three such bid quotations are not available, payments on this Note will be made in the Specified Currency.

 

If the Specified Currency is other than United States dollars, the Holder of this Note may elect to receive all or a specified portion of any payment of principal, premium, if any, and/or interest in respect of this Note in the Specified Currency by submitting a written request for such payment to the Trustee at its corporate trust office in The City of New York on or prior to the applicable Record Date or at least 15 calendar days prior to the Maturity Date, as the case may be.  Such written request may be mailed or hand delivered or sent by cable, telex or other form of facsimile transmission.  The Holder of this Note may elect to receive all or a specified portion of all future payments in the Specified Currency in respect of such principal, premium, if any, and/or interest and need not file a separate election for each payment.  Such election will remain in effect until revoked by written notice to the Trustee, but written notice of any such revocation must be received by the Trustee on or prior to the applicable Record Date or at least 15 calendar days prior to the Maturity Date, as the case may be.

 

If the Specified Currency is other than United States dollars and the Holder of this Note shall have duly made an election to receive all or a specified portion of any payment of principal, premium, if any, and/or interest in respect of this Note in the Specified Currency, but the Specified Currency is not available due to the imposition of exchange controls or other circumstances beyond the control of the Company, the Company will be entitled to satisfy its obligations to the Holder of this Note by making such payment in United States dollars on the basis of the Market Exchange Rate (as defined below) determined by the Exchange Rate Agent on the second Business Day prior to such payment date or, if such Market Exchange Rate is not then available, on the basis of the most recently available Market Exchange Rate.  The “Market Exchange Rate” for the Specified Currency means the noon dollar buying rate in The City of New York for cable transfers for the Specified Currency as certified for customs purposes (or, if not so certified, as otherwise determined) by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.  Any payment made in United States dollars under such circumstances shall not constitute an Event of Default (as defined in the Indenture).

 

89



 

All determinations referred to above made by the Exchange Rate Agent shall be at its sole discretion and shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive for all purposes and binding on the Holder of this Note.

 

Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Note set forth on the reverse hereof and, if so specified on the face hereof, in an Addendum hereto, which further provisions shall have the same force and effect as if set forth on the face hereof.

 

Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary contained herein, if the face of this Note specifies that an Addendum is attached hereto or that “Other/Additional Provisions” apply to this Note, this Note shall be subject to the terms set forth in such Addendum or such “Other/Additional Provisions.”

 

Unless the Certificate of Authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee by manual signature, this Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Note to be duly executed by one of its duly authorized officers.

 

 

Dated:

 

 

AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Corporate Seal]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION:

 

This is one of the Debt Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

 

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON,

 

as Trustee

 

 

 

 

Dated:

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

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[REVERSE OF NOTE]

AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.

 

MEDIUM-TERM NOTE

(Fixed Rate)

 

This Note is one of a duly authorized series of Debt Securities (the “Debt Securities”) of the Company issued and to be issued under an Indenture, dated as of February 23, 2018, between the Company and THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, as trustee (the “Trustee,” which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), to which Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the Debt Securities, and of the terms upon which the Debt Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered.  This Note is one of the series of Debt Securities designated as “Medium-Term Notes Due Nine Months or More From Date of Issue” (the “Notes”).  All terms used but not defined in this Note or in an Addendum hereto shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Indenture or on the face hereof, as the case may be.

 

This Note is issuable only in registered form without coupons in minimum denominations of U.S. $1,000 and integral multiples thereof or other Authorized Denomination specified on the face hereof.

 

This Note will not be subject to any sinking fund and, unless otherwise specified on the face hereof in accordance with the provisions of the following two paragraphs, will not be redeemable or repayable prior to the Stated Maturity Date.

 

This Note will be subject to redemption at the option of the Company on any date on or after the Initial Redemption Date, if any, specified on the face hereof, in whole or from time to time in part in increments of U.S. $1,000 or other integral multiple of an Authorized Denomination (provided that any remaining principal amount hereof shall be at least U.S. $1,000 or such other minimum Authorized Denomination), at the Redemption Price (as defined below), together with unpaid interest accrued thereon to the date fixed for redemption (the “Redemption Date”), on written notice given to the Holder hereof (in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture) not more than       nor less than       calendar days prior to the Redemption Date.  The “Redemption Price” shall be the Initial Redemption Percentage specified on the face hereof (as adjusted by the Annual Redemption Percentage Reduction, if any, specified on the face hereof as set forth below) multiplied by the unpaid principal amount of this Note to be redeemed.  The Initial Redemption Percentage shall decline at each anniversary of the Initial Redemption Date by the Annual Redemption Percentage Reduction, if any, until the Redemption Price is 100% of unpaid principal amount to be redeemed.  In the event of redemption of this Note in part only, a new Note of like tenor for the unredeemed portion hereof and otherwise having the same terms and provisions as this Note shall be issued by the Company in the name of the Holder hereof upon the presentation and surrender hereof.

 

This Note will be subject to repayment by the Company at the option of the Holder hereof on the Optional Repayment Date(s), if any, specified on the face hereof, in whole or in part in

 

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increments of U.S. $1,000 or other integral multiple of an Authorized Denomination (provided that any remaining principal amount hereof shall be at least U.S. $1,000 or such other minimum Authorized Denomination), at a repayment price equal to 100% of the unpaid principal amount to be repaid, together with unpaid interest accrued thereon to the date fixed for repayment (the “Repayment Date”).  For this Note to be repaid, the Trustee must receive at its corporate trust office not more than 60 nor less than 5 calendar days prior to the Repayment Date, such Note and instructions to such effect forwarded by the Holder hereof. Exercise of such repayment option by the Holder hereof shall be irrevocable.  In the event of repayment of this Note in part only, a new Note of like tenor for the unrepaid portion hereof and otherwise having the same terms and provisions as this Note shall be issued by the Company in the name of the Holder hereof upon the presentation and surrender hereof.

 

If this Note is specified on the face hereof to be a Discount Note, the amount payable to the Holder of this Note in the event of redemption, repayment or acceleration of maturity will be equal to the sum of (1) the Issue Price specified on the face hereof (increased by any accruals of the Discount, as defined below) and, in the event of any redemption of this Note (if applicable), multiplied by the Initial Redemption Percentage (as adjusted by the Annual Redemption Percentage Reduction, if applicable) and (2) any unpaid interest accrued thereon to the Redemption Date, Repayment Date or date of acceleration of maturity, as the case may be.  The difference between the Issue Price and 100% of the principal amount of this Note is referred to herein as the “Discount”.

 

For purposes of determining the amount of Discount that has accrued as of any Redemption Date, Repayment Date or date of acceleration of maturity of this Note, such Discount will be accrued so as to cause the yield on the Note to be constant.  The constant yield will be calculated using a 30-day month, 360-day year convention, a compounding period that, except for the Initial Period (as defined below), corresponds to the shortest period between Interest Payment Dates (with ratable accruals within a compounding period) and an assumption that the maturity of this Note will not be accelerated.  If the period from the Original Issue Date to the initial Interest Payment Date (the “Initial Period”) is shorter than the compounding period for this Note, a proportionate amount of the yield for an entire compounding period will be accrued.  If the Initial Period is longer than the compounding period, then such period will be divided into a regular compounding period and a short period, with the short period being treated as provided in the preceding sentence.

 

If an Event of Default, as defined in the Indenture, shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Notes may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.

 

The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance of (i) the entire indebtedness of the Notes or (ii) certain covenants and Events of Default with respect to the Notes, in each case upon compliance with certain conditions set forth therein, which provisions apply to the Notes.

 

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 Debt Securities at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of all Debt Securities at the time outstanding and

 

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affected thereby.  The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of any series, on behalf of the Holders of all such Debt Securities, to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of the Indenture.  Furthermore, provisions in the Indenture permit the Holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of any series, in certain instances, to waive, on behalf of all of the Holders of Debt Securities of such series, certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences.  Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Note shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Note and other Notes issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange heretofore or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Note.

 

No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Note or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay principal, premium, if any, and interest in respect of this Note at the times, places and rate or formula, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed.

 

As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein and herein set forth, the transfer of this Note is registrable in the Security Register of the Company upon surrender of this Note for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Company in any place where the principal hereof and any premium or interest hereon are payable, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or by his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Notes having the same terms and provisions, of Authorized Denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount, will be issued by the Company to the designated transferee or transferees.

 

As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein and herein set forth, this Note is exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Notes of different Authorized Denominations but otherwise having the same terms and provisions, as requested by the Holder hereof 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.

 

Prior to due presentment of this Note for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Holder as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Note be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary, except as required by law.

 

This Note and all documents, agreements, understandings and arrangements relating to any transaction contemplated hereby or thereby have been executed or entered into by the undersigned in his/her capacity as an officer of the Company which has been formed as a Maryland corporation, and not individually. No recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement contained in the Indenture or in this Note, or because of any indebtedness evidenced hereby or thereby, shall be had against any promoter, as such, or against any past,

 

94



 

present or future shareholder, officer or director, as such, of the Company or of any successor, either directly or through the Company or any successor, under any rule of law, statute or constitutional provision or by the enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding or otherwise, all such liability being expressly waived and released by the acceptance of this Note by the holder thereof and as part of the consideration for the issue of this Note.

 

THE INDENTURE AND THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAW PRINCIPLES.

 

Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Company has caused “CUSIP” numbers to be printed on the Securities of this series as a convenience to the holders of such Securities.  No representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of such CUSIP numbers as printed on the Securities, and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed hereon.

 

95



 

ABBREVIATIONS

 

The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this Note, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations:

 

TEN COM

 

-       as tenants in common

 

UNIF GIFT MIN ACT

 

           Custodian             

TEN ENT

 

-       as tenants by the entireties

 

 

 

   (Cust)                (Minor)

JT TEN

 

-       as joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common

 

Under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act

 

                          

(State)

 

Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.

 


 

ASSIGNMENT

 

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sell(s), assign(s) and transfer(s) unto

 

PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR

OTHER

IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE

 

 

(Please print or typewrite name and address including postal zip code of assignee)

 

this Note and all rights thereunder hereby irrevocably constituting and appointing

 

 

Attorney to transfer this Note on the books of the Trustee, with full power of substitution in the premises.

 

Dated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notice: The signature(s) on this Assignment must correspond with the name(s) as written upon the face of this Note in every particular, without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever.

 

96



 

ANNEX A TO

AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.

MEDIUM-TERM NOTE

(Fixed Rate)

Registered No. FXR-       — $            Principal Amount

 

Other/Additional Provisions:

 

Optional Redemption.   The Notes may be redeemed at any time at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, upon notice of not more than       nor less than       days prior to the date fixed for redemption (each, a “Redemption Date”), at a redemption price equal to the sum of (i) the principal amount of the Notes being redeemed plus accrued interest thereon to the Redemption Date and (ii) the Make-Whole Amount, if any, with respect to such Note.  If the Notes are redeemed on or after       days prior to the Maturity Date (the “Par Call Date”), the Redemption Price will equal 100% of the principal amount of the Notes being redeemed plus accrued interest thereon to the Redemption Date.

 

Acceleration of Maturity; Make-Whole Amount .  If an Event of Default with respect to the Notes that are then outstanding occurs and is continuing, and pursuant to Section 502 of the Indenture, the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes of this series shall have declared the principal amount (or, if the Notes of this series are Original Issue Discount Securities or Indexed Securities, such portion of the principal as may be specified in the terms hereof) of all the Notes of this series to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by the Holders), then upon any such declaration such principal, or specified portion thereof, plus accrued interest to the date the Notes of this series are paid, plus the Make-Whole Amount on the Notes shall become immediately due and payable. With respect to the Notes of this series, if an Event of Default set forth in Section 501(5) of the Indenture occurs and is continuing, such that pursuant to Section 502 of the Indenture all the Notes of this series are immediately due and payable, without notice to the Company, at the principal amount thereof (or, if the Notes of this series are Original Issue Discount Securities or Indexed Securities, such portion of the principal as may be specified in the terms of the Notes) plus accrued interest to the date the Notes are paid, then the Make-Whole Amount on the Notes shall also be immediately due and payable.

 

Definitions.   Terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Indenture.  The following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

“Make-Whole Amount” means, in connection with any optional redemption or accelerated payment of any Note, the excess, if any, of (i) the aggregate present value as of the date of such redemption or accelerated payment of each dollar of principal being redeemed or paid and the amount of interest (exclusive of interest accrued to the date of redemption or accelerated payment) that would have been payable in respect of such dollar to the Par Call Date, determined by discounting, on a semi-annual basis, such principal and interest at the Reinvestment Rate (determined on the third Business Day preceding the date such notice of Redemption is given or declaration of acceleration is made) from the respective dates on which such principal and interest would have been payable if such redemption or accelerated payment had been made on

 

97



 

the Par Call Date, over (ii) the aggregate principal amount of the Notes being redeemed or paid.  The Trustee shall have no responsibility for determining any Make-Whole Amount.

 

“Reinvestment Rate” means           (   ) basis points plus the arithmetic mean of the yields under the respective headings “This Week” and “Last Week” published in the Statistical Release under the caption “Treasury Constant Maturities” for the maturity (rounded to the nearest month) corresponding to the remaining life to the Par Call Date, as of the payment date of the principal being redeemed or paid.  If no maturity exactly corresponds to such maturity, yields for the two published maturities most closely corresponding to such maturity shall be calculated pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence and the Reinvestment Rate shall be interpolated or extrapolated from such yields on a straight-line basis, rounding in each of such relevant periods to the nearest month.  For such purposes of calculating the Reinvestment Rate, the most recent Statistical Release published prior to the date of determination of the Make-Whole Amount shall be used.

 

“Statistical Release” means the statistical release designated “H.15(519)” or any successor publication which is published weekly by the Federal Reserve System and which establishes yields on actively traded United States government securities adjusted to constant maturities or, if such statistical release is not published at the time of any determination of the Make-Whole Amount, then such other reasonably comparable index which shall be designated by the Company.

 

98



 

Exhibit B — Form of LIBOR Floating Rate Note

 

UNLESS THIS NOTE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (THE “DEPOSITARY”) (55 WATER STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK) TO THE ISSUER HEREOF OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY NOTE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITARY AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO., ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL SINCE THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

 

UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR NOTES IN CERTIFICATED FORM, THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY.

 

REGISTERED
No. FLR-

 

CUSIP No.:
05348E          

 

PRINCIPAL AMOUNT:
$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MEDIUM-TERM NOTE
(Floating Rate)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTEREST RATE BASIS OR BASES: LIBOR

 

ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE:

 

STATED MATURITY DATE:

 

 

 

 

 

INDEX CURRENCY:

U.S. Dollars

 

INDEX MATURITY:

Three months

 

o CHECK IF DISCOUNT NOTE

Issue Price:     %

 

 

 

 

 

FIRST INTEREST PAYMENT DATE:

 

INITIAL INTEREST RATE:

            %

 

INTEREST PAYMENT DATE(S) and INTEREST RESET DATE(S)*:

o Quarterly in arrears on

 

 

 

 

 

o Other:

 



 

INITIAL INTEREST RESET DATE:

 

 

 

INTEREST DETERMINATION DATE(S)*:

Quarterly on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

* See additional provisions herein

 

 

 

 

 

SPREAD (PLUS OR MINUS):

       basis points

 

 

 

SPREAD MULTIPLIER:

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

INITIAL REDEMPTION DATE:

See Other/Additional Provisions

 

INITIAL REDEMPTION PERCENTAGE:

See Other/Additional Provisions

 

ANNUAL REDEMPTION PERCENTAGE REDUCTION: N/A

 

 

 

 

 

OPTIONAL REPAYMENT DATE(S): N/A

 

 

 

CALCULATION AGENT:

The Bank of New York Mellon

 

 

 

 

 

INTEREST CATEGORY:

 

DAY COUNT CONVENTION:

x           Regular Floating Rate Note

 

o             30/360 for the period

o             Floating Rate/Fixed Rate Note

 

from            to

Fixed Rate Commencement Date:

 

x           Actual/360 for the period

Fixed Interest Rate:      %

 

from            to

o             Inverse Floating Rate Note

 

o             Actual/Actual for the period

Fixed Interest Rate:      %

 

from            to

o             Original Issue Discount Note

 

Applicable Interest Rate Basis:

Issue Price:      %

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPECIFIED CURRENCY:

x United States dollars

o Other:

 

AUTHORIZED DENOMINATION: x $1,000 and integral multiples thereof

o Other:

 

DEFAULT RATE:        %

 

 

 

 

 

AMORTIZING SECURITY:

o  Yes

x  No

 

AMORTIZATION FORMULA: N/A

 

AMORTIZATION PAYMENT DATE(S): N/A

ADDENDUM ATTACHED

x Yes

o No

 

OTHER/ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS: See Annex A attached to this Note

 

 

 

100


 

AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC. , a Maryland corporation (the “Company,” which term includes any successor corporation under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to [CEDE & CO.], or registered assigns, the Principal Amount of                     MILLION DOLLARS ($               ), on the Stated Maturity Date specified above (or any Redemption Date, as defined on the reverse hereof or in an addendum hereto, or any earlier date of acceleration of maturity) (each such date being hereinafter referred to as the “Maturity Date” with respect to the principal repayable on such date) and to pay interest thereon (and on any overdue principal, premium and/or interest to the extent legally enforceable) at a floating rate of interest per annum, reset quarterly, equal to the initial Interest Rate specified above until the Initial Interest Reset Date specified above and thereafter at a rate determined in accordance with the provisions specified in this Note and on the reverse hereof or in an Addendum hereto, until the principal hereof is paid or duly made available for payment.  The interest rate applicable to any day in a given Interest Period shall be either the Initial Interest Rate or the interest rate as reset on the immediately preceding Interest Payment Date. The Company will pay interest quarterly in arrears on each Interest Payment Date, if any, specified above (each, an “Interest Payment Date”), commencing on                    .  Interest on this Note will accrue from, and including, the immediately preceding Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for (or from, and including, the Original Issue Date if no interest has been paid or duly provided for) to, but excluding, the applicable Interest Payment Date or the Stated Maturity Date, as the case may be (each, an “Interest Period”).  The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, subject to certain exceptions described herein, be paid to the person in whose name this Note (or one or more predecessor Notes, as defined on the reverse hereof) is registered at the close of business on                            (whether or not a Business Day, as defined below) immediately preceding the relevant Interest Payment Date (the “Record Date”); provided, however, that interest payable on the Maturity Date will be payable to the person to whom the principal hereof and premium, if any, hereon shall be payable.

 

Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for on any Interest Payment Date other than the Maturity Date (“Defaulted Interest”) shall forthwith cease to be payable to the person in whose name this Note is registered (the “Holder”) on the close of business on any Record Date and, instead, shall be paid to the Holder at the close of business on a special record date (the “Special Record Date”) for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee hereinafter referred to, notice whereof shall be given to the Holder of this Note by the Trustee not less than 10 calendar days prior to such Special Record Date or may be paid at any time in any other lawful manner, all as more fully provided for in the Indenture.

 

Payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest in respect of this Note due on the Maturity Date will be made in immediately available funds upon presentation and surrender of this Note at the office or agency maintained by the Company for that purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, currently the office of the Trustee located at 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286, or at such other paying agency in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, as the Company may determine.

 

Payment of interest due on any Interest Payment Date other than the Maturity Date will be made at the aforementioned office or agency maintained by the Company or, at the option of the

 

101



 

Company, by check mailed to the address of the person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register maintained by the Trustee; provided, however , that a Holder of U.S. $10,000,000 or more in aggregate principal amount of Debt Securities (as defined on the reverse hereof), whether having identical or different terms and provisions, will be entitled to receive interest payments on such Interest Payment Date by wire transfer of immediately available funds if such Holder has delivered appropriate wire transfer instructions in writing to the Trustee not less than 15 calendar days prior to such Interest Payment Date.  Any such wire transfer instructions received by the Trustee shall remain in effect until revoked in writing by such Holder.

 

If any Interest Payment Date, other than the Maturity Date, falls on a day that is not a Business Day, the Interest Payment Date will be postponed to the next day that is a Business Day. If the Maturity Date falls on a day that is not a Business Day, the payment of interest and principal will be made on the next succeeding Business Day, and no interest on such payment will accrue for the period from and after the Maturity Date. If any such Interest Payment Date (other than the Maturity Date) is postponed as described above, the amount of interest for the relevant Interest Period will be adjusted accordingly.

 

As used herein, “Business Day” means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which commercial banks are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close in The City of New York; provided, however , that such day is also a London Banking Day (as defined on the reverse hereof).

 

The Company is obligated to make payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest in respect of this Note in the Specified Currency specified above.

 

Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Note set forth on the reverse hereof and, if so specified on the face hereof, in an Addendum hereto, which further provisions shall have the same force and effect as if set forth on the face hereof.

 

Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary contained herein, if the face of this Note specifies that an Addendum is attached hereto or that “Other/Additional Provisions” apply to this Note, this Note shall be subject to the terms set forth in such Addendum or such “Other/Additional Provisions.”

 

Unless the Certificate of Authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee by manual signature, this Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

 

102



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Note to be duly executed by one of its duly authorized officers.

 

 

Dated:

AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

[Corporate Seal]

 

 

Attest:

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

 

TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION:

 

This is one of the Debt Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

 

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON,

 

as Trustee

 

 

 

 

Dated:

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

103



 

[REVERSE OF NOTE]

AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.

 

MEDIUM-TERM NOTE

(Floating Rate)

 

This Note is one of a duly authorized series of Debt Securities (the “Debt Securities”) of the Company issued and to be issued under an Indenture, dated as of February 23, 2018, between the Company and THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, as trustee (the “Trustee,” which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), to which Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the Debt Securities, and of the terms upon which the Debt Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered.  This Note is one of the series of Debt Securities designated as “Medium-Term Notes Due Nine Months or More From Date of Issue” (the “Notes”).  All terms used but not defined in this Note or in an Addendum hereto shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Indenture or on the face hereof, as the case may be.

 

This Note is issuable only in registered form without coupons in minimum denominations of U.S. $1,000 and integral multiples thereof or other Authorized Denomination specified on the face hereof.

 

This Note will not be subject to any sinking fund and, unless otherwise specified on the face hereof in accordance with the provisions of the following two paragraphs, will not be redeemable or repayable prior to the Stated Maturity Date.

 

This Note will be subject to redemption at the option of the Company on any date on or after the Initial Redemption Date, if any, specified in this Note, in whole but not in part, from time to time in increments of U.S. $1,000 or other integral multiple of an Authorized Denomination (provided that any remaining principal amount hereof shall be at least U.S. $1,000 or such other minimum Authorized Denomination), at the Redemption Price (as defined below), together with unpaid interest accrued thereon to the date fixed for redemption (the “Redemption Date”), on written notice given to the Holder hereof (in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture) not more than 45 nor less than 15 calendar days prior to the Redemption Date.

 

The “Redemption Price” shall be the Initial Redemption Percentage specified on the face hereof (as adjusted by the Annual Redemption Percentage Reduction, if any, specified on the face hereof as set forth below) multiplied by the unpaid principal amount of this Note to be redeemed.  The Initial Redemption Percentage shall decline at each anniversary of the Initial Redemption Date by the Annual Redemption Percentage Reduction, if any, until the Redemption Price is 100% of unpaid principal amount to be redeemed.  In the event of redemption of this Note in part only, a new Note of like tenor for the unredeemed portion hereof and otherwise having the same terms and provisions as this Note shall be issued by the Company in the name of the Holder hereof upon the presentation and surrender hereof.

 

104



 

This Note will not be subject to repayment by the Company at the option of the Holder hereof.

 

Unless otherwise specified on the face hereof, elsewhere in this Note or in an Addendum hereto, the interest rate payable on this Note will be determined in accordance with the following provisions:

 

The Interest Category of this Note is specified on the face hereof as a “Regular Floating Rate Note” and accordingly, except as specified on the face hereof or set forth below or in an Addendum hereto, this Note shall bear interest at the rate determined by reference to the applicable Interest Rate Basis or Bases (a) plus or minus the Spread, if any, and/or (b) multiplied by the Spread Multiplier, if any, in each case as specified on the face hereof.

 

Commencing on the Initial Interest Reset Date, the rate at which interest on this Note shall be payable shall be reset as of each Interest Reset Date specified on the face hereof; provided, however, that the interest rate in effect for the period, if any, from the Original Issue Date to but not including the Initial Interest Reset Date shall be the Initial Interest Rate.

 

Except as set forth above or specified on the face hereof or in an Addendum hereto, the interest rate in effect on each day shall be (i) if such day is an Interest Reset Date, the interest rate determined as of the Interest Determination Date (as defined on the reverse hereof) immediately preceding such Interest Reset Date or (ii) if such day is not an Interest Reset Date, the interest rate determined as of the Interest Determination Date immediately preceding the most recent Interest Reset Date. If any Interest Reset Date would otherwise be a day that is not a Business Day, such Interest Reset Date shall be postponed to the next succeeding Business Day, except that if such Business Day falls in the next succeeding calendar month, such Interest Reset Date shall be the immediately preceding Business Day.

 

The interest rate applicable to each Interest Reset Period commencing on the related Interest Reset Date will be determined by the Calculation Agent as of the applicable Interest Determination Date and will be calculated by the Calculation Agent on such Interest Determination Date. The “Interest Determination Date” with respect to LIBOR shall be the second London Banking Day immediately preceding the applicable Interest Reset Date.

 

“Calculation Agent” means The Bank of New York Mellon, in its capacity as calculation agent for the Notes under a Calculation Agency Agreement between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon dated as of                    ; provided, that the Company may change the calculation agent without prior notice to or consent of the Holders of the Notes.

 

“Designated LIBOR Page” shall be Bloomberg L.P. page “BBAM” or such other page as may replace Bloomberg L.P. page “BBAM” on that service or any successor service for the purpose of displaying London interbank offered rates for U.S. dollar deposits of major banks.

 

“Interest Period” means the period from, and including, an Interest Payment Date to, but excluding, the next succeeding Interest Payment Date, except for the initial Interest Period, which shall be the period from, and including,                   to, but excluding, the Interest Payment Date occurring on                    .

 

105



 

“LIBOR” means, with respect to an Interest Period, the rate (expressed as a percentage per annum) for deposits in U.S. dollars for a three-month period beginning on the second London Banking Day (as defined below) after the applicable LIBOR Determination Date that appears on the Designated LIBOR Page as of 11:00 a.m., London time, on such LIBOR Determination Date. If the Designated LIBOR Page does not include such a rate or is unavailable on a LIBOR Determination Date, the Calculation Agent will request the principal London office of each of four major banks in the London interbank market, as selected by the Company, to provide such bank’s offered quotation (expressed as a percentage per annum), as of approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on such LIBOR Determination Date, to prime banks in the London interbank market for deposits in a Representative Amount (as defined below) of U.S. dollars for a three-month period beginning on the second London Banking Day after such LIBOR Determination Date.

 

If at least two such offered quotations are so provided, the LIBOR rate for the Interest Period shall be the arithmetic mean of such quotations. If fewer than two such quotations are so provided, the Calculation Agent will request each of three major banks in New York City, as selected by the Company, to provide such bank’s rate (expressed as a percentage per annum), as of approximately 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on such LIBOR Determination Date, for loans in a Representative Amount in U.S. dollars to leading European banks for a three-month period beginning on the second London Banking Day after such LIBOR Determination Date. If at least two such rates are so provided, the LIBOR rate for the Interest Period shall be the arithmetic mean of such rates. If fewer than two such rates are so provided, then the LIBOR rate for the Interest Period shall be the rate in effect with respect to the immediately preceding Interest Period.

 

“LIBOR Determination Date” means, with respect to an Interest Period, the London Banking Day that is two London Banking Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period.

 

“London Banking Day” is any day on which dealings in U.S. dollars are transacted or, with respect to any future date, are expected to be transacted in the London interbank market.

 

“Representative Amount” means a principal amount of not less than $1,000,000 for a single transaction in the relevant market at the relevant time.

 

“Index Currency” means the currency or composite currency specified on the face hereof as to which LIBOR shall be calculated. If no such currency or composite currency is specified on the face hereof, the Index Currency shall be United States dollars.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the interest rate on this Note shall in no event be higher than the maximum rate permitted by New York law as the same may be modified by United States law of general application. In addition, the interest rate on the Notes shall in no event be lower than zero.

 

Accrued interest hereon shall be an amount calculated by multiplying the principal amount hereof by an accrued interest factor. Such accrued interest factor shall be computed by adding the interest factor calculated for each day in the applicable Interest Period. Unless otherwise

 

106



 

specified as the Day Count Convention on the face hereof, the interest factor for each such date shall be computed by dividing the interest rate applicable to such day by 360.

 

All percentages resulting from any of the above calculations will be rounded, if necessary, to the nearest one hundred thousandth of a percentage point, with four one-millionths of a percentage point being rounded downwards (e.g., 9.876544% (or .09876544) being rounded to 9.87654% (or .0987654)) and all dollar amounts used in or resulting from such calculations will be rounded to the nearest cent (with less than one-half cent being rounded downwards). The Calculation Agent will, upon the written request of any Holder of this Note, provide to such holder the interest rate then in effect with respect to this Note. All calculations made by the Calculation Agent in the absence of manifest error will be conclusive for all purposes and binding on the Company and the Holders of this Note.

 

Notice of any redemption will be mailed, or delivered electronically if this Note is held by any Depositary (including, without limitation, DTC) in accordance with such Depositary’s customary procedures, to each registered holder whose interest in this Note is to be redeemed. Unless the Company defaults in payment of the redemption price, on and after the Redemption Date, interest will cease to accrue on this Note or any portion of the principal amount thereof called for redemption.

 

The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance of (i) the entire indebtedness of the Notes or (ii) certain covenants and Events of Default with respect to this Note, in each case upon compliance with certain conditions set forth therein, which provisions apply to this Note.

 

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 Debt Securities at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of all Debt Securities at the time outstanding and affected thereby.  The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of any series, on behalf of the Holders of all such Debt Securities, to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of the Indenture.  Furthermore, provisions in the Indenture permit the Holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of any series, in certain instances, to waive, on behalf of all of the Holders of Debt Securities of such series, certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences.  Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Note shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Note and other Notes issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange heretofore or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Note.

 

No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Note or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay principal, premium, if any, and interest in respect of this Note at the times, places and rate or formula, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed.

 

107



 

As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein and herein set forth, the transfer of this Note is registrable in the Security Register of the Company upon surrender of this Note for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Company in any place where the principal hereof and any premium or interest hereon are payable, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or by such Holder’s attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Notes having the same terms and provisions, of Authorized Denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount, will be issued by the Company to the designated transferee or transferees.

 

As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein and herein set forth, this Note is exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Notes of different Authorized Denominations but otherwise having the same terms and provisions, as requested by the Holder hereof 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.

 

Prior to due presentment of this Note for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Holder as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Note shall be overdue, and  neither the Company, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary, except as required by law.

 

This Note and all documents, agreements, understandings and arrangements relating to any transaction contemplated hereby or thereby have been executed or entered into by the undersigned in his/her capacity as an officer of the Company, and not individually. No recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement contained in the Indenture or in this Note, or because of any indebtedness evidenced hereby or thereby, shall be had against any promoter, as such, or against any past, present or future shareholder, officer or director, as such, of the Company or of any successor, either directly or through the Company or any successor, under any rule of law, statute or constitutional provision or by the enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding or otherwise, all such liability being expressly waived and released by the acceptance of this Note by the holder thereof and as part of the consideration for the issue of this Note.

 

THE INDENTURE AND THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAW PRINCIPLES.

 

Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Company has caused “CUSIP” numbers to be printed on the Notes of this series as a convenience to the holders of such Securities.  No representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of such CUSIP numbers as printed on the Notes, and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed hereon.

 

108



 

ABBREVIATIONS

 

The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this Note, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations:

 

TEN COM

 

-       as tenants in common

 

UNIF GIFT MIN ACT

 

           Custodian             

TEN ENT

 

-       as tenants by the entireties

 

 

 

   (Cust)                (Minor)

JT TEN

 

-       as joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common

 

Under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act

 

                          

(State)

 

Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.

 


 

ASSIGNMENT

 

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sell(s), assign(s) and transfer(s) unto

 

PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR

OTHER

IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE

 

 

(Please print or typewrite name and address including postal zip code of assignee)

 

this Note and all rights thereunder hereby irrevocably constituting and appointing

 

 

Attorney to transfer this Note on the books of the Trustee, with full power of substitution in the premises.

 

Dated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notice:  The signature(s) on this Assignment must correspond with the name(s) as written upon the face of this Note in every particular, without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever.

 

109



 

ANNEX A TO

AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.

MEDIUM-TERM NOTE

(Floating Rate)

Registered No. FLR-         — $                Principal Amount

 

Other/Additional Provisions:

 

Optional Redemption.   The Notes of this series may be redeemed at any time at the option of the Company, in whole but not in part, on                    (the date that is the first Business Day after the date that is one year following the issue date of such Notes) (the “Initial Redemption Date”) or at any time thereafter, upon notice of not more than     nor less than     days prior to the date fixed for redemption (each, a “Redemption Date”), at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such Notes being redeemed plus accrued interest and unpaid thereon to, but excluding, the Redemption Date.

 

Acceleration of Maturity .  If an Event of Default with respect to the Notes of this series that are then outstanding occurs and is continuing, and pursuant to Section 502 of the Indenture, the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes of this series shall have declared the principal amount (or, if the Notes of this series are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the principal as may be specified in the terms hereof) of all the Notes of this series to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by the Holders), then upon any such declaration such principal, or specified portion thereof, plus accrued interest to the date the Notes of this series are paid, shall become immediately due and payable.

 

110




Exhibit 5.1

 

February 23, 2018

 

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

Ballston Tower

671 N. Glebe Road, Suite 800

Arlington, VA 22203

 

Re:                              Securities Being Registered under Registration Statement on Form S-3

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

We have acted as counsel to you in connection with your filing of a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-      ) (as amended or supplemented, the “Registration Statement”) pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), relating to the registration of any combination of (i) common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”), of AvalonBay Communities, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), (ii) preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Preferred Stock”), of the Company and (iii) debt securities of the Company (“Debt Securities”)..  The Common Stock, Preferred Stock and Debt Securities are sometimes referred to collectively herein as the “Securities.”  Securities may be issued in an unspecified number (with respect to Common Stock and Preferred Stock) or in an unspecified principal amount (with respect to Debt Securities).  The Registration Statement provides that the Securities may be offered separately or together, in separate series, in amounts, at prices and on terms to be set forth in one or more prospectus supplements (each a “Prospectus Supplement”) to the prospectus contained in the Registration Statement.

 

We have reviewed such documents and made such examination of law as we have deemed appropriate to give the opinions set forth below.  We have relied, without independent verification, on certificates of public officials and, as to matters of fact material to the opinions set forth below, on certificates of officers of the Company.

 

The opinions set forth below are limited to the Maryland Business Corporation Law) , the law of New York,  and the federal law of the United States. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, we express no opinion with respect to (i) state securities or “blue sky” laws or (ii) state or federal antitrust laws.

 

For purposes of the opinions set forth below, without limiting any other exceptions or qualifications set forth herein, we have assumed that after the issuance of any Securities offered pursuant to the Registration Statement, the total number of issued shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock, as applicable, then outstanding, will not exceed the total number of authorized shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock, as applicable, under the Company’s certificate of incorporation as then in effect (the “Charter”).

 

For purposes of the opinions set forth below, we refer to the following as the “Future Authorization and Issuance” of Securities:

 

·                   with respect to any of the Securities, (a) the authorization by the Company of the amount, terms and issuance of such Securities (the “Authorization”) and (b) the issuance of such Securities in accordance with the Authorization therefor upon the receipt by the Company of the consideration (which, in the case of shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock, is not less than the par value of such shares) to be paid therefor in accordance with the Authorization;

 

·                   with respect to Preferred Stock, (a) the establishment of the terms of such Preferred Stock by the Company in conformity with the Charter and applicable law and (b) the execution, acknowledgement and filing with State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland, and the effectiveness of, articles supplementary to the Charter setting forth the terms of such Preferred Stock in accordance with the Charter and applicable law; and

 

·                   with respect to Debt Securities, (a) the authorization, execution and delivery of the indenture or a supplemental indenture relating to such Securities by the Company and the trustee thereunder and/or (b) the establishment of the terms of such Securities by the Company in conformity with the applicable indenture or supplemental indenture and applicable law, and (c) the execution, authentication and issuance of such Securities in accordance with the applicable indenture or supplemental indenture and applicable law.

 

Based upon the foregoing, and subject to the additional qualifications set forth below, we are of the opinion that:

 

1



 

1.                                       Upon the Future Authorization and Issuance of shares of Common Stock, such shares of Common Stock will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

2.                                       Upon the Future Authorization and Issuance of shares of Preferred Stock, such shares of Preferred Stock will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

3.                                       Upon the Future Authorization and Issuance of Debt Securities, such Debt Securities will be valid and binding obligations of the Company.

 

The opinions expressed above are subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and to general principles of equity.

 

This opinion letter and the opinions it contains shall be interpreted in accordance with the Legal Opinion Principles issued by the Committee on Legal Opinions of the American Bar Association’s Business Law Section as published in 53 Business Lawyer 831 (May 1998).

 

We hereby consent to the inclusion of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement and to the references to our firm under the caption “Legal Matters” in the Registration Statement. In giving our consent, we do not admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder.

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

 

 

/S/ Goodwin Procter LLP

 

 

 

GOODWIN PROCTER LLP

 

2




Exhibit 8.1

 

As of February 23, 2018

 

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

Ballston Tower

671 N. Glebe Rd, Suite 800

Arlington, Virginia 22203

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

This opinion letter is delivered to you in our capacity as counsel to AvalonBay Communities, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the registration statement on Form S-3 (the “Registration Statement”) filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), which relates to the sale from time to time of an indeterminate number or amount of debt securities (“Debt Securities”), shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Preferred Stock”), and shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Common Stock”), or any combination of Debt Securities, Preferred Stock and Common Stock (collectively, the “Securities”), having an indeterminate maximum aggregate public offering price. The Registration Statement provides that the Securities may be offered separately or together, in separate series, in amounts, at prices and on terms to be set forth in one or more prospectus supplements to the prospectus contained in the Registration Statement.

 

This opinion letter relates to the Company’s qualification for federal income tax purposes as a real estate investment trust (a “REIT”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), for taxable years commencing with the Company’s taxable year ended December 31, 1994, and the accuracy of certain matters discussed in the Registration Statement under the heading “Federal Income Tax Considerations and Consequences of Your Investment.”

 

In rendering the following opinions, we have reviewed and relied upon the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, as amended, and the Company’s bylaws, as amended (the “Organizational Documents”).  For purposes of our opinions, we have assumed (i) the genuineness of all signatures on documents we have examined, (ii) the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, (iii) the conformity to the original documents of all documents submitted to us as copies, (iv) the conformity, to the extent relevant to our opinions, of final documents to all documents submitted to us as drafts, (v) the authority and capacity of the individual or individuals who executed any such documents on behalf of any person, (vi) due execution and delivery of all such documents by all the parties thereto, (vii) the compliance of each party with all material provisions of such documents, and (viii) the accuracy and completeness of all records made available to us.

 



 

We also have reviewed and relied upon the representations, statements and covenants of the Company contained in a letter that it provided to us in connection with the preparation of this opinion letter (the “REIT Certificate”) regarding the formation, organization and operation of the Company and other matters affecting the Company’s ability to qualify as a REIT.  We assume that each such representation, statement and covenant has been, is, and will be true, correct and complete, that the Company and any subsidiaries have been and will be owned and operated in accordance with the REIT Certificate and that all representations, statements and covenants that speak to the best of the knowledge and belief (or mere belief and/or knowledge) of any person(s) or party(ies), or are subject to similar qualification, have been, are and will continue to be true, correct and complete as if made without such qualification.  To the extent that the REIT Certificate speaks to the intended or future organization, ownership or operations of the Company, we assume that the Company will in fact be organized, owned and operated in accordance with such stated intent.

 

The opinions set forth below are based upon the Code, the Income Tax Regulations and Procedure and Administration Regulations promulgated thereunder and existing administrative and judicial interpretations thereof, all as of the date of this letter (or to the extent different and relevant for a prior taxable year or other period, as in effect for the applicable taxable year or period).  All of the foregoing statutes, regulations and interpretations are subject to change, in some circumstances with retroactive effect.  Any changes to the foregoing authorities may result in federal income tax treatment of the Company and/or the holders of its securities that is materially and adversely different from that described herein or in the Registration Statement .

 

Based upon the foregoing and subject to the limitations set forth herein, we are of the opinion that (i) commencing with the Company’s taxable year ended December 31, 1994, the form of organization of the Company and its prior, current and proposed ownership and operations, as described in the REIT Certificate, are such as to enable the Company to have qualified and continue to qualify as a REIT under the applicable provisions of the Code and (ii) the statements set forth under the heading “Federal Income Tax Considerations and Consequences of Your Investment” in the Registration Statement, insofar as such statements constitute summaries of United States federal income tax laws and regulations or legal conclusions with respect thereto, are correct in all material respects.

 

We express no opinion other than the opinions expressly set forth herein.  Our opinions are not binding on the Internal Revenue Service or a court, and the Internal Revenue Service or a court may disagree with the opinions contained herein.  Although we believe that our opinions will be sustained if challenged, there can be no assurances to this effect.  Furthermore, for purposes of our opinions we have relied solely on the Organizational Documents, the REIT Certificate and the assumptions set forth herein.  The Company’s actual qualification as a REIT depends on the Company meeting and having met, in its actual ownership and operations, the

 

2



 

applicable asset composition, source of income, shareholder diversification, distribution, record keeping and other requirements of the Code necessary for a corporation to qualify as a REIT.  We have not verified and will not verify the Company’s compliance with those requirements, and no assurance can be given that the actual ownership and operations of the Company and its affiliates have satisfied or will satisfy those requirements or the representations made to us with respect thereto.

 

Our opinions do not preclude the possibility that the Company may need to utilize one or more of the various “savings provisions” under the Code and the regulations thereunder that would permit the Company to cure certain violations of the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT.  Utilizing such savings provisions could require the Company to pay significant penalty or excise taxes and/or interest charges and/or make additional distributions to shareholders that the Company otherwise would not make.

 

We hereby consent to the inclusion of this opinion as Exhibit 8.1 to the Registration Statement.  In giving our consent, we do not admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder, nor do we thereby admit that we are experts with respect to any part of such Registration Statement within the meaning of the term “experts” as used in the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

 

This opinion letter speaks only as of the date hereof.  We undertake no obligation to update this opinion letter or to notify any person of any changes in facts, circumstances or applicable law (including without limitation any discovery of any facts that are inconsistent with the REIT Certificate or our assumptions).

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

 

 

/s/ Goodwin Procter LLP

 

 

 

Goodwin Procter LLP

 

3




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EXHIBIT 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

        We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in this Registration Statement (Form S-3, No. 333-            ) and related Prospectus of AvalonBay Communities, Inc. for the registration of common stock, preferred stock and debt securities and to the incorporation by reference therein of our reports dated February 23, 2018, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of AvalonBay Communities, Inc., and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of AvalonBay Communities, Inc., included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2017, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Tysons, Virginia
February 23, 2018




QuickLinks


Exhibit 25.1

 

 

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

 

FORM T-1

 

STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A
CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

 

CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE
ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO
SECTION 305(b)(2) 
o

 


 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON

(Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)

 

New York

 

13-5160382

(Jurisdiction of incorporation

 

(I.R.S. employer

if not a U.S. national bank)

 

identification no.)

 

 

 

225 Liberty Street, New York, N.Y.

 

10286

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip code)

 


 

AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.

(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

 

Maryland

 

77-0404318

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. employer

incorporation or organization)

 

identification no.)

 

 

 

671 N. Glebe Road, Suite 800

 

 

Arlington, Virginia

 

22203

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip code)

 


 

Debt Securities

(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 the Department of Financial Services 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

 

550 17 th  Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20429

 

 

 

The Clearing House Association L.L.C.

 

100 Broad Street
New York, N.Y. 10004

 

(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. 333-152735).

 

2



 

4.                                       A copy of the existing By-laws of the Trustee (Exhibit 4 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 333-207042).

 

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. 333-188382).

 

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.

 

3



 

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 15th day of February, 2018.

 

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Francine Kincaid

 

 

Name:

Francine Kincaid

 

 

Title:

Vice President

 

4


 

EXHIBIT 7

 

Consolidated Report of Condition of

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON

 

of 225 Liberty Street, New York, N.Y. 10286
And Foreign and Domestic Subsidiaries,

 

a member of the Federal Reserve System, at the close of business December 31, 2017, published in accordance with a call made by the Federal Reserve Bank of this District pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Reserve Act.

 

 

 

Dollar amounts in thousands

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

Cash and balances due from depository institutions:

 

 

 

Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin

 

4,671,000

 

Interest-bearing balances

 

103,042,000

 

Securities:

 

 

 

Held-to-maturity securities

 

40,315,000

 

Available-for-sale securities

 

75,943,000

 

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell:

 

 

 

Federal funds sold in domestic offices

 

0

 

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

 

14,998,000

 

Loans and lease financing receivables:

 

 

 

Loans and leases held for sale

 

0

 

Loans and leases held for investment

 

29,491,000

 

LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses

 

133,000

 

Loans and leases held for investment, net of allowance

 

29,358,000

 

Trading assets

 

3,358,000

 

Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)

 

1,388,000

 

Other real estate owned

 

4,000

 

Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies

 

585,000

 

Direct and indirect investments in real estate ventures

 

0

 

Intangible assets:

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

6,390,000

 

Other intangible assets

 

834,000

 

Other assets

 

16,419,000

 

Total assets

 

297,305,000

 

 



 

LIABILITIES

 

 

 

Deposits:

 

 

 

In domestic offices

 

127,898,000

 

Noninterest-bearing

 

77,656,000

 

Interest-bearing

 

50,242,000

 

In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs

 

121,992,000

 

Noninterest-bearing

 

5,485,000

 

Interest-bearing

 

116,507,000

 

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase:

 

 

 

Federal funds purchased in domestic offices

 

4,917,000

 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

 

1,401,000

 

Trading liabilities

 

2,775,000

 

Other borrowed money:
(includes mortgage indebtedness and obligations under capitalized leases)

 

4,542,000

 

Not applicable

 

 

 

Not applicable

 

 

 

Subordinated notes and debentures

 

515,000

 

Other liabilities

 

6,284,000

 

Total liabilities

 

270,324,000

 

 

 

 

 

EQUITY CAPITAL

 

 

 

Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus

 

0

 

Common stock

 

1,135,000

 

Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock)

 

10,764,000

 

Retained earnings

 

15,872,000

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

-1,140,000

 

Other equity capital components

 

0

 

Total bank equity capital

 

26,631,000

 

Noncontrolling (minority) interests in consolidated subsidiaries

 

350,000

 

Total equity capital

 

26,981,000

 

Total liabilities and equity capital

 

297,305,000

 

 



 

I, Michael Santomassimo, Chief Financial Officer of the above-named bank do hereby declare that this Report of Condition is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

 

Michael Santomassimo
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.

 

Charles W. Scharf
Samuel C. Scott
Joseph J. Echevarria

 

Directors

 




Exhibit 25.2

 

 

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

 

FORM T-1

 

STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A
CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

 

CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE
ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO
SECTION 305(b)(2) 
o

 


 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON

(Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)

 

New York

 

13-5160382

(Jurisdiction of incorporation

 

(I.R.S. employer

if not a U.S. national bank)

 

identification no.)

 

 

 

225 Liberty Street, New York, N.Y.

 

10286

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip code)

 


 

AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES, INC.

(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

 

Maryland

 

77-0404318

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. employer

incorporation or organization)

 

identification no.)

 

 

 

671 N. Glebe Road, Suite 800

 

 

Arlington, Virginia

 

22203

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip code)

 


 

Senior Debt Securities

(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 the Department of Financial Services 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

 

550 17 th  Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20429

 

 

 

The Clearing House Association L.L.C.

 

100 Broad Street
New York, N.Y. 10004

 

(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. 333-152735).

 

2



 

4.                                       A copy of the existing By-laws of the Trustee (Exhibit 4 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 333-207042).

 

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. 333-188382).

 

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.

 

3



 

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 15th day of February, 2018.

 

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Francine Kincaid

 

 

Name:

Francine Kincaid

 

 

Title:

Vice President

 

4


 

EXHIBIT 7

 

Consolidated Report of Condition of

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON

 

of 225 Liberty Street, New York, N.Y. 10286
And Foreign and Domestic Subsidiaries,

 

a member of the Federal Reserve System, at the close of business December 31, 2017, published in accordance with a call made by the Federal Reserve Bank of this District pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Reserve Act.

 

 

 

Dollar amounts in thousands

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

Cash and balances due from depository institutions:

 

 

 

Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin

 

4,671,000

 

Interest-bearing balances

 

103,042,000

 

Securities:

 

 

 

Held-to-maturity securities

 

40,315,000

 

Available-for-sale securities

 

75,943,000

 

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell:

 

 

 

Federal funds sold in domestic offices

 

0

 

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

 

14,998,000

 

Loans and lease financing receivables:

 

 

 

Loans and leases held for sale

 

0

 

Loans and leases held for investment

 

29,491,000

 

LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses

 

133,000

 

Loans and leases held for investment, net of allowance

 

29,358,000

 

Trading assets

 

3,358,000

 

Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)

 

1,388,000

 

Other real estate owned

 

4,000

 

Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies

 

585,000

 

Direct and indirect investments in real estate ventures

 

0

 

Intangible assets:

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

6,390,000

 

Other intangible assets

 

834,000

 

Other assets

 

16,419,000

 

Total assets

 

297,305,000

 

 



 

LIABILITIES

 

 

 

Deposits:

 

 

 

In domestic offices

 

127,898,000

 

Noninterest-bearing

 

77,656,000

 

Interest-bearing

 

50,242,000

 

In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs

 

121,992,000

 

Noninterest-bearing

 

5,485,000

 

Interest-bearing

 

116,507,000

 

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase:

 

 

 

Federal funds purchased in domestic offices

 

4,917,000

 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

 

1,401,000

 

Trading liabilities

 

2,775,000

 

Other borrowed money:
(includes mortgage indebtedness and obligations under capitalized leases)

 

4,542,000

 

Not applicable

 

 

 

Not applicable

 

 

 

Subordinated notes and debentures

 

515,000

 

Other liabilities

 

6,284,000

 

Total liabilities

 

270,324,000

 

 

 

 

 

EQUITY CAPITAL

 

 

 

Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus

 

0

 

Common stock

 

1,135,000

 

Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock)

 

10,764,000

 

Retained earnings

 

15,872,000

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

-1,140,000

 

Other equity capital components

 

0

 

Total bank equity capital

 

26,631,000

 

Noncontrolling (minority) interests in consolidated subsidiaries

 

350,000

 

Total equity capital

 

26,981,000

 

Total liabilities and equity capital

 

297,305,000

 

 



 

I, Michael Santomassimo, Chief Financial Officer of the above-named bank do hereby declare that this Report of Condition is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

 

Michael Santomassimo
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.

 

Charles W. Scharf
Samuel C. Scott
Joseph J. Echevarria

 

Directors