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Registration No. 333-            

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 6, 2016

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

VEREIT, INC.

and

VEREIT OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Maryland (VEREIT, Inc.)

Delaware (VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P.)

 

45-2482685

45-1255683

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

2325 E. Camelback Road, Suite 1100

Phoenix, Arizona 85016

(800) 606-3610

(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)

 

 

Glenn J. Rufrano

Chief Executive Officer

VEREIT, Inc.

2325 E. Camelback Road, Suite 1100

Phoenix, Arizona 85016

(800) 606-3610

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

 

With copy to:

 

Gilbert G. Menna

David H. Roberts

Goodwin Procter LLP

Exchange Place

Boston, Massachusetts 02109

(617) 570-1000

 

Lauren Goldberg

Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

VEREIT, Inc.

2325 East Camelback Road, Suite 1100

Phoenix, Arizona 85016

(800) 606-3610

 

 

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.   ¨

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, as amended, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box:   x

If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.   ¨

If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.   ¨

If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box.   x

If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box.   ¨


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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (VEREIT, Inc.) is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer   x    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨    Smaller reporting company   ¨

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P.) is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non accelerated filer   x    Smaller reporting company   ¨

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of Each Class of

Securities to be Registered

 

Amount

to be

Registered (1)(2)

 

Proposed

Maximum

Offering Price

Per Share (2)

 

Proposed

Maximum
Aggregate

Offering Price (1)(2)

  Amount of
Registration Fee (3)

VEREIT, Inc.

               

Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share

               

Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share

               

Depositary Shares representing Preferred Stock

               

Debt Securities (4)(5)

               

Warrants to purchase Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares or Units

               

Units

               

Guarantees of debt securities of VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. (6)

               

VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P.

               

Debt Securities (4)

               

Guarantees of debt securities of VEREIT, Inc. (6)

               

TOTAL

               

 

 

(1) Omitted pursuant to General Instruction II.E of Form S-3 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(2) There are being registered hereunder such indeterminate number, principal amount or liquidation amount of securities of the registrants as may from time to time be issued at indeterminate prices in offerings or upon exercise, conversion or exchange of any securities registered hereunder that provide for exercise, conversion or exchange. Any securities registered hereunder may be sold separately or as units with other securities registered hereunder including, but not limited to, units consisting of equity securities and debt securities, equity securities and warrants, and warrants and debt securities.
(3) In reliance on, and in accordance with, Rules 456(b) and 457(r) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrants are deferring payment of all applicable registration fees.
(4) Debt securities issued by VEREIT, Inc. may be accompanied by guarantees to be issued by VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. Debt securities issued by VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. may be accompanied by guarantees to be issued by VEREIT, Inc.
(5) Debt securities are issuable in series as senior debt securities which may be convertible into or exchangeable for common stock or preferred stock of VEREIT, Inc.
(6) Pursuant to Rule 457(n) under the Securities Act, no separate registration fee will be paid in respect of any such guarantees.

Pursuant to Rule 415(a)(6), the offerings of the unsold securities registered under the Prior Registration Statement will be deemed terminated as of the date of effectiveness of this Registration Statement.

 

 

 


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PROSPECTUS

 

 

LOGO

VEREIT, INC.

Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares,

Debt Securities, Warrants, Units and Guarantees

VEREIT OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P

Debt Securities and Guarantees

 

 

VEREIT, Inc. may offer to sell from time to time common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, debt securities, units and warrants. The debt securities of VEREIT, Inc. may be convertible into common stock or preferred stock of VEREIT, Inc. and may be guaranteed by VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. The preferred stock of VEREIT, Inc. may either be sold separately or represented by depositary shares and may be convertible into common stock or preferred stock of another series. VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. may offer to sell from time to time debt securities, which may be guaranteed by VEREIT, Inc. This prospectus may also be used to offer shares of common stock to be issued to limited partners of VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. in exchange for common or preferred units of limited partnership interest in VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. or to cover the resale of securities by one or more selling security holders.

The common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, debt securities, units and warrants of VEREIT, Inc. and the debt securities of VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. may be offered separately or together, in multiple series, in amounts, at prices and on terms that will be set forth in one or more prospectus supplements to this prospectus. VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. may guarantee the payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on debt securities issued by VEREIT, Inc. to the extent and on the terms described herein and in the applicable prospectus supplement to this prospectus. VEREIT, Inc. may guarantee the payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on debt securities issued by VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. to the extent and on the terms described herein and in the applicable prospectus supplement to this prospectus.

This prospectus provides you with a general description of these securities that VEREIT, Inc., VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. and selling security holders may offer and the general manner in which they may be offered from time to time. Each time any of VEREIT, Inc., VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. or selling security holders sell securities, a prospectus supplement will be provided that will contain specific information about the terms of any securities offered and may add to or update the information in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement carefully before you invest in our securities.

VEREIT, Inc., VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. or selling security holders may offer the securities directly to investors, through agents designated from time to time by VEREIT, Inc. or VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P., or to or through underwriters or dealers. VEREIT, Inc. and VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. may offer and sell these securities on a continuous or delayed basis.

The common stock of VEREIT, Inc. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE, under the symbol “VER” and the 6.70% Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock of VEREIT, Inc. is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “VER PRF.” On May 5, 2016, the closing price of VEREIT, Inc.’s common stock on the NYSE was $9.39, and the closing price of VEREIT, Inc.’s 6.70% Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock on the NYSE was $25.79.

 

 

Investing in the securities described in this prospectus involves risks. You should carefully read and consider “ Risk Factors ” included in the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q of VEREIT, Inc. and VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P., referred to on page 6 of this prospectus and in the applicable prospectus supplement before investing in our securities.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is May 6, 2016.


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

     1   

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

     3   

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

     3   

INFORMATION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     4   

RISK FACTORS

     6   

USE OF PROCEEDS

     6   

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS

     7   

DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIES WE OR OUR SELLING SECURITY HOLDERS MAY OFFER

     10   

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

     10   

DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

     18   

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

     19   

DESCRIPTION OF GUARANTEES

     32   

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

     33   

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

     34   

CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE MARYLAND GENERAL CORPORATION LAW AND OUR CHARTER AND BYLAWS

     36   

CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

     44   

SELLING SECURITY HOLDERS

     71   

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

     72   

LEGAL MATTERS

     77   

EXPERTS

     77   

 

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

This summary only highlights the more detailed information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. It may not contain all of the information that is important to you. You should carefully read the entire prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus before deciding whether to invest in our securities.

Unless otherwise indicated or the context requires otherwise, in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement hereto, references to “our company,” “we,” “us” and “our” mean VEREIT, Inc., a Maryland corporation, which we refer to as “VEREIT,” together with its consolidated subsidiaries, including, without limitation, VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership of which we are the sole general partner, which we refer to as the “Operating Partnership.”

About This Prospectus

This prospectus is part of an automatic “shelf” registration statement on Form S-3 that we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, as a “well-known seasoned issuer” as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act. By using an automatic shelf registration statement, we or our selling security holders may sell, at any time and from time to time, in one or more offerings, any combination of the securities described in this prospectus. The exhibits to our registration statement and documents incorporated by reference contain the full text of certain contracts and other important documents that we have summarized in this prospectus or that we may summarize in a prospectus supplement. Since these summaries may not contain all the information that you may find important in deciding whether to purchase the securities we offer, you should review the full text of these documents. The registration statement and the exhibits and other documents can be obtained from the SEC as indicated under the Sections entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Documents By Reference.”

This prospectus only provides you with a general description of the securities we or our selling security holders may offer, which is not meant to be a complete description of each security. Each time we or our selling security holders sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that contains specific information about the terms of those securities. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement. You should read carefully both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with the additional information described under the Sections entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Documents By Reference.”

You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any applicable free writing prospectus. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different or additional information. If anyone provides you with different or additional information, you should not rely on it. This prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement do not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase, any securities in any jurisdiction to or from any person to whom or for whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement, any applicable free writing prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein or therein is accurate only as of their respective dates or on the date or dates which are specified in these documents. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

About VEREIT, Inc. and VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P.

We are a full-service real estate operating company that operates through two business segments, our real estate investment (“REI”) segment and our investment management segment, Cole Capital. Through our REI



 


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segment, we own and actively manage a diversified portfolio of 4,378 retail, restaurant, office and industrial real estate properties with an aggregate of 99.0 million square feet, of which 98.6% was leased as of March 31, 2016, with a weighted-average remaining lease term of 10.4 years. Through our Cole Capital segment, we are responsible for raising capital for and managing the affairs of certain non-listed real estate investment trusts (the “Cole REITs”) on a day-to-day basis, identifying and making acquisitions and investments on behalf of the Cole REITs, and recommending to the respective board of directors of each of the Cole REITs an approach for providing investors with liquidity. Cole Capital receives compensation and reimbursement for performing these services.

Substantially all of the REI segment’s operations are conducted through the Operating Partnership. VEREIT is the sole general partner and holder of 97.4% of the common partnership interests in the Operating Partnership (the “OP Units”) as of March 31, 2016 with the remaining 2.6% of the OP Units owned by certain non-affiliated investors and certain former directors, officers and employees of our former external manager, ARC Properties Advisors, LLC (the “Former Manager”). Substantially all of the Cole Capital segment’s operations are conducted through Cole Capital Advisors, Inc. (“CCA”), an Arizona corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Operating Partnership. CCA is treated as a taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”) under Section 856 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). In August 2013, our board of directors (the “Board of Directors” or the “Board”) determined that it was in our best interests to become self-managed, and we completed our transition to self-management on January 8, 2014. Through strategic mergers and acquisitions, our company has grown significantly since incorporation.

VEREIT was incorporated in the State of Maryland on December 2, 2010 and has elected to be treated as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Operating Partnership was formed in the State of Delaware on January 13, 2011. We operate our business in a manner that permits us to maintain our exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. VEREIT’s shares of common stock and 6.70% Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (“Series F Preferred Stock”) trade on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the trading symbols “VER” and “VER PRF,” respectively.

Our principal executive offices are located at 2325 E. Camelback Road, Suite 1100, Phoenix, Arizona 85016. Our telephone number is (800) 606-3610. We maintain a website at www.vereit.com . Information on our website is not, and should not be interpreted to be, part of this prospectus.

 



 

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INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

SEC rules allow us to incorporate by reference information into this prospectus. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document. Any information referred to in this way is considered part of this prospectus from the date we file that document. We incorporate by reference into this prospectus the following documents or information filed with the SEC (other than, in each case, documents or information deemed to have been furnished and not filed in accordance with SEC rules):

 

    VEREIT’s and the Operating Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 filed with the SEC on February 24, 2016;

 

    VEREIT’s and the Operating Partnership’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 filed with the SEC on May 5, 2016;

 

    VEREIT’s Current Reports on Forms 8-K filed with the SEC on October 7, 2013 (Accession No. 0001507385-13-000032) (solely with respect to Item 9.01(a)) and May 5, 2016 (Accession No. 0001507385-16-000141);

 

    VEREIT’s Current Reports on Forms 8-K/A (in each case, solely with respect to Item 9.01(a)) filed with the SEC on June 7, 2013, June 14, 2013, September 25, 2013, November 18, 2013 (Accession No. 0001144204-13-062549), November 18, 2013 (Accession No. 0001507385-13-000046) and March 14, 2014 (Accession No. 0001507385-14-000012); and

 

    the descriptions of VEREIT’s common stock and VEREIT’s 6.70% Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock included in VEREIT’s registration statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on July 28, 2015, including any amendment or reports filed for the purpose of updating such description.

All documents that we file (but not those that we furnish) pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act on or after the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering of the securities covered under this prospectus shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus and will automatically update and supersede the information in this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement and any previously filed documents.

We will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this prospectus is delivered, upon his or her written or oral request, a copy of any or all documents referred to above that have been or may be incorporated by reference into this prospectus, excluding exhibits to those documents unless they are specifically incorporated by reference into those documents. Requests for those documents should be directed to us as follows: VEREIT, Inc., 2325 E, Camelback Road, Suite 1100, Phoenix, Arizona 85016, Attn: Investor Relations, Telephone: (877) 405-2653.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act, and, in accordance with those requirements, file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Such reports, proxy statements and other information, as well as this registration statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto, can be inspected at the public reference room maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Information about the operation of the public reference facilities may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains a website that contains reports, proxy statements and other information regarding registrants, including us, that file such information electronically with the SEC. The address of the SEC’s website is http://www.sec.gov. Copies of these documents may be available on our website at www.vereit.com. Our internet website and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not incorporated into this prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto.

 

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INFORMATION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus includes “forward-looking statements” (within the meaning of the federal securities laws, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) that reflect our expectations and projections about our future results, performance, prospects and opportunities. We have attempted to identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “seek,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “targets,” “intends,” “should,” “estimates,” “could” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to us and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These factors include, among other things, those discussed below. We intend for all such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, as applicable by law. We do not undertake publicly to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required to satisfy our obligations under federal securities law.

The following are some, but not all, of the assumptions, risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those presented in our forward-looking statements:

 

    We may be unable to renew leases, lease vacant space or re-lease space as leases expire on favorable terms or at all.

 

    We are subject to risks associated with tenant, geographic and industry concentrations with respect to our properties.

 

    Our properties, goodwill and intangible assets and other assets may be subject to impairment charges.

 

    We could be subject to unexpected costs or unexpected liabilities that may arise from potential dispositions and may be unable to dispose of properties on advantageous terms.

 

    We are subject to competition in the acquisition and disposition of properties and in the leasing of our properties and we may be unable to acquire, dispose of, or lease properties on advantageous terms.

 

    We could be subject to risks associated with bankruptcies or insolvencies of tenants or from tenant defaults generally.

 

    We may be affected by risks associated with pending government investigations relating to the findings of an investigation conducted by VEREIT’s audit committee and related litigation.

 

    We have substantial indebtedness, which may affect our ability to pay dividends, and expose us to interest rate fluctuation risk and the risk of default under our debt obligations.

 

    Our overall borrowing and operating flexibility may be adversely affected by the terms and restrictions within the indenture governing the 2.00% senior notes due 2017, 3.00% senior notes due 2019, 4.60% senior notes due 2024 and unsecured credit facility.

 

    Our access to capital and terms of future financings may be affected by adverse changes to our credit rating.

 

    We may be affected by the incurrence of additional secured or unsecured debt.

 

    We may not be able to achieve and maintain profitability.

 

    We may not generate cash flows sufficient to pay our dividends to stockholders or meet our debt service obligations.

 

    We may be affected by risks resulting from losses in excess of insured limits.

 

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    We may fail to remain qualified as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

    We may be unable to fully reestablish the financial network which previously supported Cole Capital ® and its Cole REITs and/or regain the prior level of transaction and capital raising volume of Cole Capital.

 

    Our Cole Capital operations are subject to extensive governmental regulation.

 

    We are subject to conflicts of interest relating to Cole Capital’s investment management business.

 

    We may be unable to retain or hire key personnel.

 

    Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated as a result of certain factors, including the factors included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, including those set forth under the headings “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

The risks included herein are not exhaustive, and you should be aware that there may be other factors that could adversely affect our business and financial performance. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all risk factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Investors should also refer to the Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K that are incorporated herein by reference, including those filed in the future, and to other materials we may furnish to the public from time to time through Current Reports on Form 8-K or otherwise, for a discussion of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements.

 

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RISK FACTORS

Investing in our securities involves risks. Before purchasing the securities offered by this prospectus you should carefully consider the risks, uncertainties and additional information (i) set forth in VEREIT’s and the Operating Partnership’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, which are incorporated, or deemed to be incorporated, by reference into this prospectus, and in the other documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus that we file with the SEC after the date of this prospectus and which are deemed incorporated by reference in this prospectus and (ii) contained in any applicable prospectus supplement. For a description of these reports and documents, and information about where you can find them, see “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Documents By Reference.” The risks and uncertainties in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus are those that we currently believe may materially affect our company. Additional risks not presently known or that are currently deemed immaterial could also materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, business and prospects.

USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds from the offering of securities under this prospectus to fund potential acquisitions, to repurchase or repay outstanding indebtedness, and for other general corporate purposes. Further details relating to the use of the net proceeds from the offering of securities under this prospectus will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Pending such uses, we may temporarily invest the net proceeds in interest-bearing accounts or securities.

We will not receive any of the proceeds of the sale by any selling security holders of the securities covered by this prospectus.

 

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RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS

The following table sets forth VEREIT, Inc.’s consolidated ratios of earnings to fixed charges for each of the periods shown.

 

     Period from
January 1,
2016 to March 31,
2016
   

 

Year ended December 31,

    Period
September 6,
2011 through
December 31,
2011 (1)
    Period
January 1,
2011 through
September 5,
2011 (1)
 
     2015     2014     2013     2012      

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

     —   (2)       —   (2)       —   (2)       —   (2)       —   (2)       —   (2)       —   (2)  

 

(1)   VEREIT, Inc.’s initial public offering, or IPO, closed on September 6, 2011. Information presented for periods prior to the closing of VEREIT, Inc.’s IPO, relates to ARC Income Properties, LLC and ARC Income Properties III, LLC, the entities that directly or indirectly owned our initial 63 properties prior to the closing of VEREIT, Inc.’s IPO.
(2)   The ratio was less than 1:1 for the period from January 1, 2016 to March 31, 2016, for the years ended December 31, 2015, December 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, for the period from September 6, 2011 through December 31, 2011 and for the period from January 2, 2011 through September 5, 2011, as earnings were inadequate to cover fixed charges by deficiencies of approximately $142,980, $423,863, $1,118,310, $509,013, $40,948, $3,952 and $5,302, respectively.

The ratios of earnings to fixed charges were computed by dividing earnings by fixed charges. Earnings consist of income from continuing operations before income from unconsolidated joint ventures and gains on consolidation of joint ventures, plus amortization of interest capitalized, distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures, and fixed charges, minus interest capitalized, preferred distributions of consolidated subsidiaries and noncontrolling interest in income of a subsidiary that has not incurred fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest expensed, interest capitalized, portion of rental expense representative of the interest factor and preferred distributions of consolidated subsidiaries.

The following table sets forth the Operating Partnership’s consolidated ratios of earnings to fixed charges for each of the periods shown.

 

     Period from
January 1,
2016 to March 31,
2016
   

 

Year ended December 31,

    Period
September 6,
2011 through
December 31,
2011 (1)
 
     2015     2014     2013     2012    

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

     —   (2)       —   (2)       —   (2)       —   (2)       —   (2)       —   (2)  

 

(1)   The Operating Partnership was formed in connection with VEREIT, Inc.’s IPO. As a result, the ratio of earnings to fixed charges is not a meaningful measure for any period prior to September 6, 2011.
(2)   The ratio was less than 1:1 for the period from January 1, 2016 to March 31, 2016, for the years ended December 31, 2015, December 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and for the period from September 6, 2011 through December 31, 2011, as earnings were inadequate to cover fixed charges by deficiencies of approximately $136,074, $432,276, $1,151,883, $525,329 $41,533 and $4,057, respectively.

The ratios of earnings to fixed charges were computed by dividing earnings by fixed charges. Earnings consist of income from continuing operations before income from unconsolidated joint ventures and gains on consolidation of joint ventures, plus amortization of interest capitalized, distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures, and fixed charges, minus interest capitalized and noncontrolling interest in income of a subsidiary that has not incurred fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest expensed, interest capitalized and portion of rental expense representative of the interest factor.

 

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The following table sets forth VEREIT, Inc.’s consolidated ratios of earnings to fixed charges and preferred stock dividends for each of the periods shown.

 

     Period from
January 1,
2016 to March 31,
2016
   

 

Year ended December 31,

    Period
September 6,
2011 through
December 31,
2011 (1)(2)
    Period
January 1,
2011 through
September 5,
2011 (1)(2)
 
     2015     2014     2013     2012      

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends

     —   (3)       —   (3)       —   (3)       —   (3)       —   (3)       —   (3)       —   (3)  

 

(1)   VEREIT, Inc.’s IPO closed on September 6, 2011. Information presented for periods prior to the closing of VEREIT, Inc.’s IPO, relates to ARC Income Properties, LLC and ARC Income Properties III, LLC, the entities that directly or indirectly owned our initial 63 properties prior to the closing of VEREIT, Inc.’s IPO.
(2)   Neither VEREIT, Inc. nor its predecessor paid dividends on preferred stock prior to June 15, 2012.
(3)   The ratio was less than 1:1 for the period from January 1, 2016 to March 31, 2016, for the years ended December 31, 2015, December 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, for the period from September 6, 2011 through December 31, 2011 and for the period from January 1, 2011 through September 5, 2011, as earnings were inadequate to cover fixed charges and preferred stock dividends by deficiencies of approximately $142,980, $423,863, $1,118,310, $509,013, $40,948, $3,952 and $5,302, respectively.

The ratios of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred dividends were computed by dividing earnings by combined fixed charges and preferred dividends on securities of VEREIT, Inc. Earnings consist of income from continuing operations before income from unconsolidated joint ventures and gains on consolidation of joint ventures, plus amortization of interest capitalized, distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures, and fixed charges, minus interest capitalized, preferred distributions of consolidated subsidiaries and noncontrolling interest in income of a subsidiary that has not incurred fixed charges. Combined fixed charges and preferred dividends consist of interest expensed, interest capitalized, portion of rental expense representative of the interest factor, preferred distributions of consolidated subsidiaries and preferred dividends on securities of VEREIT, Inc.

The following table sets forth the Operating Partnership’s consolidated ratios of earnings to fixed charges and preferred unit distributions for each of the periods shown.

 

     Period from
January 1,
2016 to March 31,
2016
   

 

Year ended December 31,

    Period
September 6,
2011 through
December 31,
2011 (1)
 
     2015     2014     2013     2012    

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Unit Distributions

     —   (2)       —   (2)       —   (2)       —   (2)       —   (2)       —   (2)  

 

(1)   The Operating Partnership was formed in connection with VEREIT, Inc.’s IPO. As a result, the ratio of earnings to fixed charges is not a meaningful measure for any period prior to September 6, 2011.
(2)   The ratio was less than 1:1 for the period from January 1, 2016 to March 31, 2016, for the years ended December 31, 2015, December 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and for the period from September 6, 2011 through December 31, 2011, as earnings were inadequate to cover fixed charges and preferred unit distributions by deficiencies of approximately $136,074, $432,276, $1,151,883, $525,329, $41,533 and $4,057, respectively.

The ratios of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred distributions were computed by dividing earnings by combined fixed charges and preferred distributions on securities of the Operating Partnership.

 

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Earnings consist of income from continuing operations before income from unconsolidated joint ventures and gains on consolidation of joint ventures, plus amortization of interest capitalized, distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures, and fixed charges, minus interest capitalized and noncontrolling interest in income of a subsidiary that has not incurred fixed charges. Combined fixed charges and preferred distributions consist of interest expensed, interest capitalized, portion of rental expense representative of the interest factor and preferred distributions on securities of the Operating Partnership.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIES WE OR OUR SELLING SECURITY HOLDERS MAY OFFER

Please note that in the sections entitled “Description of Capital Stock,” “Description of Depositary Shares,” “Description of Warrants” and “Description of Units” references to “we,” “our” and “us” refer only to VEREIT and not to its consolidated subsidiaries.

This prospectus contains summary descriptions of our shares of common stock, shares of preferred stock, debt securities, depositary shares, warrants and units that we or our selling security holders may offer from time to time. As further described in this prospectus, these summary descriptions are not meant to be complete descriptions of each security. The particular terms of any security will be described in the accompanying prospectus supplement and other offering material. The accompanying prospectus supplement may add, update or change the terms and conditions of the securities as described in this prospectus.

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

The following summary of our capital stock does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to Maryland law and to our charter (including the applicable articles supplementary designating the terms of a class or series of preferred stock) and bylaws, copies of which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”

General

Our charter authorizes us to issue up to 1.61 billion shares, consisting of 1.5 billion shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 10.0 million shares of Manager’s Stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 100.0 million shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, 42,973,522 shares of which have been classified and designated as 6.70% Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock. As of March 31, 2016, we had the following stock issued and outstanding: (i) 904,757,365 shares of common stock, (ii) 42,834,138 shares of our 6.70% Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock and (iii) no shares of our Manager’s Stock. Additionally, as of March 31, 2016, 23,763,797 common units of limited partnership interest in our operating partnership were issued and outstanding (other than the common units held by the company), each of which is redeemable for one share of our common stock one year after the receipt of such common units (if we elect to issue common stock rather than pay cash upon such redemption). For a description of some of the terms of our outstanding Series F Preferred Stock, see the articles supplementary designating the terms of such class of preferred stock which are incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, including any subsequently filed amendments thereto and reports filed for the purpose of updating such descriptions, referred to under “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference.” For a description of some of the terms of any other class or series of preferred stock we may issue in the future, see the articles supplementary designating the terms of such class or series of preferred stock, which will be filed or incorporated by reference as an exhibit to such registration statement or a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and the description of such class or series of preferred stock contained in the applicable registration statement on Form 8-A, if any, including any subsequently filed amendments thereto and reports filed for the purpose of updating such description, which may be obtained as described below under “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference.”

Our Board of Directors, with the approval of a majority of the entire Board of Directors and without any action taken by our stockholders, may amend our charter from time to time to increase or decrease the aggregate number of our authorized shares or the number of shares of any class or series that we have authority to issue. Under Maryland law, stockholders are not generally liable for our debts or obligations solely as a result of their status as stockholders.

 

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Common Stock

Subject to the preferential rights, if any, of holders of any other class or series of our stock and to the provisions of our charter relating to the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock, the holders of our common stock:

 

    have the right to receive ratably any distributions from funds legally available therefor, when, as and if authorized by our Board of Directors and declared by us; and

 

    are entitled to share ratably in all of our assets available for distribution to holders of our common stock upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs.

There are no redemption, sinking fund, conversion or preemptive rights with respect to the shares of our common stock. Holders of our common stock generally will have no appraisal rights.

Subject to the provisions of our charter relating to the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock and except as may otherwise be specified in our charter, holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters on which holders of our common stock are entitled to vote at all meetings of our stockholders. The holders of our common stock do not have cumulative voting rights.

The holders of common stock shall vote together with the holders of shares of Manager’s Stock as a single class on all matters. Holders of shares of our common stock shall be entitled to vote for the election of directors. Directors may be removed from office, with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast not less than 66 2/3% of the total votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors. Vacancies on the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, removal or otherwise and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors may be filled by a majority of the directors then in office (although less than a quorum) or by the sole remaining director. Any director elected to fill a vacancy will hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor is elected and qualifies or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal.

Manager’s Stock

Concurrently with the completion of our initial public offering, we granted to our Former Manager 167,400 restricted shares of Manager’s Stock. Such shares of Manager’s Stock were converted into shares of our common stock, which have vested. There is no Manager’s Stock outstanding, and we do not expect to issue additional Manager’s Stock in the future. Except as set forth in our charter, the Manager’s Stock has the same rights as our common stock, including, without limitation, as follows:

 

    The holders of the Manager’s Stock have the right to receive ratably any distributions from funds legally available therefor, when, as and if authorized by our Board of Directors and declared by us and are entitled to share ratably in all our assets available for distribution to holders of our common stock upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs.

 

    The holders of the Manager’s Stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters on which holders of our common stock are entitled to vote at all meetings of our stockholders. The holders of the Manager’s Stock do not have cumulative voting rights.

 

    There are no redemption, sinking fund, conversion or preemptive rights with respect to the shares of the Manager’s Stock. The holders of the Manager’s Stock generally will have no appraisal rights.

 

    The holders of the Manager’s Stock will vote together with holders of our common stock as a single class on all matters, including voting for the election of directors.

The Manager’s Stock is a separate class of stock that, at such time as any dividends are paid on our common stock, is entitled to receive a concurrent dividend per share in an amount equal to 1% of such dividend received

 

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on each share of common stock. At such time that we cover the payment of cash dividends declared on shares of our common stock with adjusted funds from operations for the six immediately preceding months, to the extent any shares of Manager’s Stock remain outstanding, no dividends will be authorized or paid or set aside for payment on shares of our common stock until the holders of the Manager’s Stock then outstanding have received dividends per share of Manager’s Stock equal to the cash dividends that were paid on each share of common stock, less the amount of any concurrent dividends that were paid on the Manager’s Stock, that were not so paid on such shares of Manager’s Stock during the period in which such shares of common stock and Manager’s Stock were outstanding. Upon the occurrence of this dividend triggering event and the payment of all deferred dividends pursuant to the foregoing sentence, each share of Manager’s Stock will convert into a share of common stock; provided , that to the extent any shares of Manager’s Stock remain subject to further vesting requirements, such vesting requirements will apply to the shares of common stock into which such shares of Manager’s Stock were converted. The Manager’s Stock will be subject to any further restrictions contained in the equity plan pursuant to which it is issued.

Preferred Stock

General

Under our charter, our Board of Directors is authorized to provide for the issuance of shares of preferred stock in one or more classes or series, to establish the number of shares in each class or series and to fix the terms thereof. Our Board of Directors could authorize the issuance of additional shares of preferred stock with terms and conditions that could have the effect of discouraging a takeover or other transaction 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.

Some of the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of the shares of preferred stock of a series may include the following:

 

    distribution rights;

 

    conversion rights;

 

    voting rights;

 

    redemption rights and terms of redemptions; and

 

    liquidation preferences.

The preferred stock we may offer from time to time under this prospectus, when issued, will be duly authorized, fully paid and nonassessable.

Any shares of our preferred stock that we issue could rank senior to our shares of common stock and Series F Preferred Stock with respect to the payment of distributions, in which case we could not pay any distributions on such junior shares until full distributions have been paid with respect to such shares of our preferred stock.

The rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of each class or series of shares of our preferred stock will be fixed by articles supplementary relating to the class or series. We will describe the specific terms of the particular class or series of shares of our preferred stock offered in the prospectus supplement relating to that class or series, which terms may include:

 

    the designation and par value of the shares of our preferred stock;

 

    the voting rights, if any, of the shares of our preferred stock;

 

    the number of shares of our preferred stock offered, the liquidation preference per share of our preferred stock and the offering price of the shares of our preferred stock;

 

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    the distribution rate(s), period(s) and payment date(s) or method(s) of calculation applicable to the shares of our preferred stock;

 

    whether distributions will be cumulative or non-cumulative and, if cumulative, the date(s) from which distributions on the shares of our preferred stock will cumulate;

 

    the procedures for any auction and remarketing for the shares of our preferred stock, if applicable;

 

    the provision for a sinking fund, if any, for the shares of our preferred stock;

 

    the provision for, and any restriction on, redemption, if applicable, of the shares of our preferred stock;

 

    the provision for, and any restriction on, repurchase, if applicable, of the shares of our preferred stock;

 

    the terms and provisions, if any, upon which the shares of our preferred stock will be convertible into shares of common stock, including the conversion price (or manner or calculation) and conversion period;

 

    the terms under which the rights of the shares of our preferred stock may be modified, if applicable;

 

    the relative ranking and preferences of the shares of our preferred stock as to distribution rights and rights upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs;

 

    any limitation on issuance of any other series of shares of our preferred stock, including any series of shares of our preferred stock ranking senior to or on parity with the series of shares of our preferred stock as to distribution rights and rights upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs;

 

    any listing of the shares of our preferred stock on any securities exchange;

 

    if appropriate, a discussion of any additional material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the shares of our preferred stock;

 

    information with respect to book-entry procedures, if applicable;

 

    in addition to those restrictions described below, any other restrictions on the ownership and transfer of the shares of our preferred stock; and

 

    any additional rights, preferences, privileges or restrictions of the shares of our preferred stock.

Power to Reclassify Shares of Our Stock

Our Board of Directors may classify any unissued shares of preferred stock or unissued shares of common stock, and reclassify any unissued shares of preferred stock or unissued shares of common stock into other classes or series of stock, including one or more classes or series of stock that have priority over our common stock with respect to voting rights, distributions or upon liquidation, and authorize us to issue the newly classified shares or reclassified shares. Prior to the issuance of shares of each class or series, our Board of Directors is required by the Maryland General Corporation Law, or the MGCL, and our charter to set, subject to the provisions of our charter regarding the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock or any other limitation or restriction in our charter or bylaws, the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends and other distributions, qualifications or terms or conditions of redemption for each such class or series. These actions can be taken without stockholder approval, unless stockholder approval is required by applicable law, the terms of any other class or series of our stock or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which our securities may be listed or traded.

Power to Increase Authorized Stock and Issue Additional Shares of Our Common Stock and Preferred Stock

We believe that the power of our Board of Directors to amend our charter from time to time to increase the aggregate number of authorized shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that we

 

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have the authority to issue, to issue additional authorized but unissued shares of our common stock or preferred stock and to classify or reclassify unissued shares of our common stock or preferred stock into other classes or series of stock and thereafter to cause us to issue such classified or reclassified shares of stock will provide us with flexibility in structuring possible future financings and acquisitions and in meeting other needs which might arise. Shares of additional classes or series of stock, as well as additional shares of common stock, will be available for issuance without further action by our stockholders, unless stockholder consent is required by applicable law or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which our securities are then listed or traded. Although our Board of Directors does not currently intend to do so, it could authorize us to issue a class or series of common stock or preferred stock that could, depending upon the terms of the particular class or series, delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control of our company that might involve a premium price for our stockholders or otherwise be in their best interest.

Restrictions on Transfer and Ownership of Stock

In order for us to qualify as a REIT under the Code, shares of our stock must be owned by 100 or more persons during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months (other than the first year for which an election to be a REIT has been made) or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year. Also, under Section 856(h) of the Code, a REIT cannot be “closely held.” In this regard, not more than 50% of the value of the outstanding shares of stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities) during the last half of a taxable year (other than the first year for which an election to be a REIT has been made).

Our charter contains restrictions on the ownership and transfer of shares of our common stock and other outstanding shares of stock. The relevant sections of our charter provide that, subject to the exceptions described below, no person or entity may own, or be deemed to own, by virtue of the applicable beneficial and constructive ownership provisions of the Code, more than 9.8% in value of the aggregate of our outstanding shares of stock or more than 9.8% (in value or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of any class or series of our shares of common stock; we refer to these limitations as the “ownership limits.”

The beneficial and constructive ownership rules under the Code are complex and may cause shares of stock owned actually or constructively by a group of related individuals or entities to be owned constructively by one individual or entity. As a result, the acquisition of less than 9.8% in value of the aggregate of our outstanding shares of stock or 9.8% (in value or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of any class or series of our shares of common stock (or the acquisition of an interest in an entity that owns, actually or constructively, shares of our stock by an individual or entity), could, nevertheless, cause that individual or entity, or another individual or entity, to violate the ownership limits.

Our Board of Directors may, upon receipt of certain representations, undertakings and agreements and in its sole discretion, exempt (prospectively or retroactively) any person from the ownership limits or establish a different limit, or excepted holder limit, for a particular person if the person’s ownership in excess of the ownership limits will not then or in the future result in our being “closely held” under Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the person’s interest is held during the last half of a taxable year) or otherwise cause us to fail to qualify as a REIT. In order to be considered by our Board of Directors for exemption, a person also must not own, actually or constructively, an interest in one of our tenants (or a tenant of any entity which we own or control) that would cause us to own, actually or constructively, more than a 9.8% interest in the tenant unless the revenue derived by us from such tenant is sufficiently small that, in the opinion of our Board of Directors, rent from such tenant would not adversely affect our ability to qualify as a REIT. The person seeking an exemption must represent and covenant to the satisfaction of our Board of Directors that it will not violate these two restrictions. The person also must agree that any violation or attempted violation of these restrictions will result in the automatic transfer to a trust of the shares of stock causing the violation. As a condition of granting an exemption or creating an excepted holder limit, our Board of Directors may require an opinion of counsel or a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, satisfactory to our Board of Directors that in its sole discretion

 

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it may deem necessary or advisable in order to determine or ensure our status as a REIT. Notwithstanding the receipt of any ruling or opinion, our Board of Directors may impose such other conditions or restrictions as it deems appropriate.

In connection with granting an exemption from the ownership limits or establishing an excepted holder limit or at any other time, our Board of Directors may increase or decrease the ownership limits. Any decrease in the ownership limits will not be effective for any person whose percentage ownership of shares of our stock is in excess of such decreased limits until such person’s percentage ownership of shares of our stock equals or falls below such decreased limits (other than a decrease as a result of a retroactive change in existing law, which will be effective immediately), but any further acquisition of shares of our stock in excess of such percentage ownership will be in violation of the applicable limits. Our Board of Directors may not increase or decrease the ownership limits if, after giving effect to such increase or decrease, five or fewer persons could beneficially own or constructively own in the aggregate more than 49.9% in value of the shares of our stock then outstanding. Prior to any modification of the ownership limits, our Board of Directors may require such opinions of counsel, affidavits, undertakings or agreements as it may deem necessary or advisable in order to determine or ensure our qualification as a REIT.

Our charter further prohibits:

 

    any person from beneficially or constructively owning, applying certain attribution rules of the Code, shares of our stock that would result in our being “closely held” under Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the stockholder’s interest is held during the last half of a taxable year) or otherwise cause us to fail to qualify as a REIT; and

 

    any person from transferring shares of our stock if such transfer would result in shares of our stock being beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons (determined without reference to any rules of attribution).

Any person who acquires or attempts or intends to acquire beneficial or constructive ownership of shares of our stock that will or may violate the ownership limits or any of the other foregoing restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock will be required to immediately give written notice to us or, in the case of a proposed or attempted transaction, give at least 15 days’ prior written notice to us, and provide us with such other information as we may request in order to determine the effect of such transfer on our qualification as a REIT. The ownership limits and the other restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock will not apply if our Board of Directors determines that it is no longer in our best interests to continue to qualify as a REIT or that compliance with the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock is no longer required in order for us to qualify as a REIT.

If any transfer of shares of our stock would result in shares of our stock being beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons, such transfer will be void from the time of such purported transfer and the intended transferee will acquire no rights in such shares. In addition, if any purported transfer of shares of our stock or any other event would otherwise result in:

 

    any person violating the ownership limits or such other limit established by our Board of Directors; or

 

    our company being “closely held” under Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the stockholder’s interest is held during the last half of a taxable year) or otherwise failing to qualify as a REIT,

then that number of shares (rounded up to the nearest whole share) that would cause us to violate such restrictions will automatically be transferred to, and held by, a charitable trust for the exclusive benefit of one or more charitable organizations selected by us, and the intended transferee will acquire no rights in such shares. The transfer will be deemed to be effective as of the close of business on the business day prior to the date of the violative transfer or other event that results in the transfer to the charitable trust. A person who, but for the transfer of the shares to the charitable trust, would have beneficially or constructively owned the shares so

 

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transferred is referred to as a “prohibited owner,” which, if appropriate in the context, also means any person who would have been the record owner of the shares that the prohibited owner would have so owned. If the transfer to the charitable trust as described above would not be effective, for any reason, to prevent violation of the applicable restriction on ownership and transfer contained in our charter, then our charter provides that the transfer of the shares will be void from the time of such purported transfer and the intended transferee will acquire no rights in such shares.

Shares of stock transferred to a charitable trust are deemed offered for sale to us, or our designee, at a price per share equal to the lesser of (1) the price paid per share in the transaction that resulted in such transfer to the charitable trust (or, in the case of a devise or gift, the market price, defined generally as the last reported sales price reported on the applicable exchange, at the time of such devise or gift) and (2) the market price on the date we, or our designee, accept such offer. We may reduce the amount payable to the charitable trust by the amount of distributions which have been paid to the prohibited owner and are owed by the prohibited owner to the charitable trust as described below. We may pay the amount of such reduction to the charitable trust for the benefit of the charitable beneficiary. We have the right to accept such offer until the trustee of the charitable trust has sold the shares held in the charitable trust as discussed below. Upon a sale to us, the interest of the charitable beneficiary in the shares sold terminates, and the charitable trustee must distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the prohibited owner.

If we do not buy the shares, the charitable trustee must, within 20 days of receiving notice from us of the transfer of the shares to the charitable trust, sell the shares to a person or entity designated by the charitable trustee who could own the shares without violating the ownership limits or the other restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock described above. Upon such sale, the interest of the charitable beneficiary in the shares sold terminates, and the charitable trustee must distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the prohibited owner. Specifically, the charitable trustee must distribute to the prohibited owner an amount equal to the lesser of (1) the price paid by the prohibited owner for the shares in the transaction that resulted in the transfer to the charitable trust (or, if the prohibited owner did not give value for such shares in connection with the event causing the shares to be held in trust, e.g. , in the case of a gift, devise or other such transaction, the market price per share of such stock on the day of the event that resulted in the transfer to the charitable trust) and (2) the price per share received by the charitable trust for the shares. The charitable trustee may reduce the amount payable to the prohibited owner by the amount of distributions which have been paid to the prohibited owner and are owed by the prohibited owner to the charitable trust. Any net sales proceeds in excess of the amount payable to the prohibited owner will be immediately paid to the charitable beneficiary, together with any distributions thereon. In addition, if, prior to discovery by us that shares of stock have been transferred to a charitable trust, such shares of stock are sold by a prohibited owner, then such shares will be deemed to have been sold on behalf of the charitable trust and to the extent that the prohibited owner received an amount for or in respect of such shares that exceeds the amount that such prohibited owner was entitled to receive, such excess amount will be paid to the charitable trust upon demand by the charitable trustee. The prohibited owner will have no rights in the shares held by the charitable trust.

The charitable trustee will be designated by us and will be unaffiliated with us and with any prohibited owner. Prior to the sale of any shares by the charitable trust, the charitable trustee will receive, in trust for the charitable beneficiary, all distributions made by us with respect to such shares and may also exercise all voting rights with respect to such shares. Any dividend or other distribution paid prior to our discovery that shares of stock have been transferred to the charitable trust will be paid by the recipient to the charitable trust upon demand by the charitable trustee and any other distribution authorized but unpaid shall be paid when due to the charitable trustee. These rights will be exercised for the exclusive benefit of the charitable beneficiary.

Subject to Maryland law, effective as of the date that the shares have been transferred to the charitable trust, the charitable trustee will have the authority, at the charitable trustee’s sole discretion:

 

    to rescind as void any vote cast by a prohibited owner prior to our discovery that the shares have been transferred to the charitable trust; and

 

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    to recast the vote in accordance with the desires of the charitable trustee acting for the benefit of the charitable beneficiary.

However, if we have already taken irreversible action, then the charitable trustee may not rescind and recast the vote.

If our Board of Directors determines in good faith that a proposed transfer or other event would violate or has violated the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock set forth in our charter, our Board of Directors shall take such action as it deems advisable to refuse to give effect to or to prevent such transfer, including, but not limited to, causing us to redeem shares of stock, refusing to give effect to the transfer on our books or instituting proceedings to enjoin the transfer.

At our request, every owner of more than 5% (or such lower percentage as required by the Code or the regulations promulgated thereunder) of the outstanding shares of all classes or series of our stock, including common stock, will be required to give written notice to us within 30 days after the end of each taxable year stating the name and address of such owner, the number of shares of each class and series of our stock that the person beneficially owns and a description of the manner in which such shares are held. Each such owner will be required to provide to us such additional information as we may request in order to determine the effect, if any, of such beneficial ownership on our qualification as a REIT and to ensure compliance with the ownership limits. In addition, each stockholder will, upon demand, be required to provide to us such information as we may request, in good faith, in order to determine our qualification as a REIT and to comply with the requirements of any taxing authority or governmental authority or to determine such compliance.

Any certificates representing shares of our stock, or any written statements of information delivered in lieu of certificates, will bear a legend referring to the restrictions described above.

These restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for our common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock and our Series F Preferred Stock is Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

We may, at our option, elect to offer depositary shares, each of which would represent an interest in a fractional share, or multiple shares, of our preferred stock instead of whole shares of preferred stock. If so, we will allow a depositary to issue to the public depositary shares, each of which will represent an interest in a fractional share, or multiple shares, of preferred stock as described in the prospectus supplement. The shares of the preferred stock underlying any depositary shares will be deposited under a separate deposit agreement between us and a bank or trust company acting as depositary with respect to those shares of preferred stock. The prospectus supplement relating to a series of depositary shares will specify the name and address of the depositary. Under the deposit agreement, each owner of a depositary share will be entitled, in proportion of its interest in a fractional share, or multiple shares, of the preferred stock underlying that depositary share, to all the rights and preferences of that preferred stock, including dividend, voting, redemption, conversion, exchange and liquidation rights.

Some of the particular terms of the depositary shares offered by the applicable prospectus supplement, as well as some of the terms of the related deposit agreement, will be described in the prospectus supplement, which may also include a discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences.

Copies of the applicable form of deposit agreement and depositary receipt will be filed or incorporated by reference as exhibits to the Registration Statement of which this prospectus is a part or to a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein and may be obtained as described below under “Where You Can Find More Information.” The statements in this prospectus relating to any deposit agreement, the depositary receipts to be issued thereunder and the related depositary shares are summaries of certain anticipated provisions thereof and do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the applicable deposit agreement and related depositary receipts. Accordingly, you should read the form of deposit agreement and depositary receipt in their entirety before making an investment decision.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

The following is a description of the general terms and provisions of the debt securities VEREIT, Inc. and VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. may issue from time to time in one or more series and the related guarantees of VEREIT, Inc. or VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P., if applicable. Each series of debt securities may have different terms. When we offer to sell a particular series of debt securities, we will describe the specific terms of the series in a supplement to this prospectus, including the terms of any related guarantees by VEREIT, Inc. and the terms, if any, on which a series of debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for other securities. We will also indicate in the prospectus supplement whether the general terms and provisions described in this prospectus apply to a particular series of debt securities. To the extent the information contained in the prospectus supplement differs from this summary description, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement.

The debt securities may be offered in the form of senior debt securities. Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, the debt securities will be the direct, unsecured obligations of VEREIT, Inc. or VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P., as applicable. The debt securities will rank equally in right of payment with all of VEREIT, Inc.’s or VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P.’s other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness, as applicable.

Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, (1) debt securities of VEREIT, Inc. will be issued under an indenture, dated as of a date on or prior to such issuance between VEREIT, Inc., as the issuer of such debt securities and a trustee to be selected by VEREIT, Inc., as amended or supplemented from time to time (the “VEREIT, Inc. indenture”), the form of which is included as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part and incorporated into this prospectus by reference; and (2) debt securities of VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. will be issued under the indenture, dated as of February 6, 2014, by and among VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P., Clark Acquisition, LLC (which no longer exists), VEREIT, Inc., as guarantor, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. indenture” and, together with VEREIT, Inc. indenture, the “indentures”), which is included as an exhibit to our registration statement and incorporated into this prospectus by reference. Except as otherwise indicated, the terms of the indentures are identical.

We have summarized select portions of the indentures below, which will apply to the debt securities offered by this prospectus unless we provide otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement and in a supplement to the applicable indenture or an officer’s certificate delivered pursuant to the applicable indenture. The summary is not complete. You should read the applicable indenture, our debt securities and any guarantees thereof carefully for provisions that may be important to you.

General

The terms of each series of debt securities will be established by or pursuant to a resolution of our Board of Directors and set forth or determined in the manner provided in an officer’s certificate or by a supplemental indenture. The particular terms of each series of debt securities will be described in a prospectus supplement relating to such series, including any pricing supplement.

Each indenture provides that we may designate a trustee under an indenture and that in certain circumstances, we may, but need not, designate more than one trustee under an indenture. Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, the VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. indenture designates U.S. Bank National Association as the trustee for the indenture with respect to one or more series of VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P.’s debt securities and related guarantees of VEREIT, Inc., if applicable. U.S. Bank National Association, or any other specified trustee under an indenture may resign or be removed and a successor trustee may be appointed to act with respect to the series of debt securities administered by the resigning or removed trustee. If two or more persons are acting as trustee with respect to different series of debt securities, each trustee

 

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shall be a trustee of a trust under the applicable indenture separate and apart from the trust administered by any other trustee. Except as otherwise indicated in this prospectus, any action described in this prospectus to be taken by each trustee may be taken by each trustee with respect to, and only with respect to, the one or more series of debt securities for which it is trustee under the applicable indenture.

Unless otherwise specified in a supplement to this prospectus, the debt securities will be VEREIT, Inc.’s and VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P.’s direct, unsecured obligations, as applicable, and will rank equally with all of VEREIT, Inc.’s or VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P.’s other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness, as applicable. The debt securities may be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by VEREIT, Inc., VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. or other subsidiaries of VEREIT, Inc. We can issue an unlimited amount of debt securities under the indentures that may be in one or more series with the same or various maturities, at par, at a premium, or at a discount. We will set forth in a prospectus supplement, including any pricing supplement, relating to any series of debt securities being offered, the aggregate principal amount and the following terms of such series of debt securities, to the extent applicable:

 

  (1) the title of the series (which shall distinguish the debt securities of that particular series from the debt securities of any other series);

 

  (2) any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of that series that may be authenticated and delivered under the applicable indenture (except for debt securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other debt securities of that series), and if such series may be reopened from time to time for the issuance of additional debt securities of such series or to establish additional terms of such series;

 

  (3) the date or dates on which the principal of the debt securities of the series is payable and the place(s) of payment;

 

  (4) the rate or rates at which the debt securities of the series shall bear interest or the manner of calculation of such rate or rates, if any;

 

  (5) the date or dates from which such interest shall accrue, the interest payment dates on which such interest will be payable or the manner of determination of such interest payment dates, the place(s) of payment, and the record date or other method for the determination of holders to whom interest is payable on any such interest payment dates;

 

  (6) the right, if any, to extend the interest payment periods and the duration of such extension;

 

  (7) the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which, debt securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the issuer;

 

  (8) the obligation, if any, of the issuer to redeem or purchase debt securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions (including payments made in cash in satisfaction of future sinking fund obligations) or at the option of a holder thereof and the period or periods within which or the date or dates on which, the price or prices at which, the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which, and other terms and conditions upon which debt securities of the series shall be redeemed, repaid or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;

 

  (9) the form of the debt securities of the series including the form of the trustee’s certificate of authentication for such series;

 

  (10) if other than denominations of one thousand U.S. dollars ($1,000) or any integral multiple thereof, the denominations in which the debt securities of the series shall be issuable;

 

  (11) any and all other terms with respect to such series (which terms shall not be inconsistent with the terms of the applicable indenture, as amended by any supplemental indenture) including any terms which may be required by or advisable under United States laws or regulations or advisable in connection with the marketing of debt securities of that series;

 

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  (12) whether the debt securities are issuable as a global security and, in such case, the identity of the depositary for such series;

 

  (13) whether the debt securities will be convertible into and/or exchangeable for shares of common stock or other securities of VEREIT, Inc. and, if so, the terms and conditions upon which such debt securities will be so convertible, including the conversion price and the conversion period, and any deletions from or modifications or additions to the applicable indenture to permit or to facilitate the issuance of such convertible or exchangeable debt securities or the administration thereof;

 

  (14) if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of debt securities of the series which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to the applicable indenture;

 

  (15) any additional or different events of default or restrictive covenants provided for with respect to the debt securities of the series;

 

  (16) if applicable, that the debt securities of the series, in whole or in specified part, shall be defeasible pursuant to the applicable indenture and, if other than by a board resolution, the manner in which any election by the issuer to defease such debt securities shall be evidenced;

 

  (17) if other than the currency of the United States of America, the currency, currencies or currency units in which the principal of or any premium or interest on any debt securities of the series shall be payable or may be payable at the election of the issuer or a holder of such debt security thereof, and the period or periods within which, and the terms and conditions upon which, such election may be made, and the time and manner of, and identity of the exchange rate agent with responsibility for, determining the exchange rate between the currency or currencies, currency unit or currency units in which such debt securities are denominated or stated to be payable and the currency or currencies, currency unit or currency units in which such debt securities are to be so payable;

 

  (18) the terms and conditions, if any, upon which the issuer shall pay amounts in addition to the stated interest, premium, if any and principal amounts of the debt securities of the series to any holder of such debt securities that is not a United States person for federal tax purposes;

 

  (19) any restrictions on transfer, sale or assignment of the debt securities of the series;

 

  (20) the guarantors, if any, of the debt securities of the series, and the extent of the guarantees (including provisions relating to seniority, subordination and the release of the guarantors), if any, and any additions or changes to permit or facilitate guarantees of such debt securities; and

 

  (21) if the amount of payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the debt securities of the series may be determined with reference to an index, formula or other method including, but not limited to, an index based on a currency or currencies other than that in which the debt securities are stated to be payable, the manner in which such amounts shall be determined.

The indentures do not limit the amount of debt securities that VEREIT, Inc. or VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. may issue under the applicable indenture. Unless otherwise described in the applicable prospectus supplement and as established in one or more officer’s certificates or indentures supplemental to the applicable indenture, VEREIT, Inc. and VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. may, without the consent of the holders of any series of debt securities, create and issue additional debt securities of such series in the future having the same terms, other than the date of original issuance, the issue price, the date on which interest begins to accrue and, in some cases, the first interest payment date, so as to form a single series with the applicable series of debt securities. VEREIT, Inc. and VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. may also issue from time to time other series of debt securities under the indentures.

Unless otherwise described in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities of any series will be issuable in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

 

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Except as described under “— Covenants” and “— Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets,” and unless otherwise described in the applicable prospectus supplement and as established in one or more officer’s certificates or indentures supplemental to the applicable indenture, the indentures do not prohibit VEREIT, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries from incurring additional indebtedness or issuing preferred equity in the future, nor do the indentures afford holders of the debt securities protection in the event of (1) a recapitalization transaction or other highly leveraged or similar transaction involving VEREIT, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries, (2) a change of control of VEREIT, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries or (3) a merger, consolidation, reorganization, restructuring or transfer or lease of substantially all of VEREIT, Inc.’s or any of its subsidiaries’ assets or any similar transaction that may adversely affect the holders of the debt securities. VEREIT, Inc. may, in the future, enter into certain transactions such as the sale of all or substantially all of VEREIT, Inc.’s, VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. or any of its other subsidiaries’ assets or a merger or consolidation that may increase the amount of VEREIT, Inc.’s consolidated indebtedness or substantially change VEREIT, Inc.’s consolidated assets, which may have an adverse effect on VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. and its subsidiaries’ ability to service their indebtedness, including the debt securities.

Form of Debt Securities

We will issue each debt security in global — i.e., book-entry — form only, unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement. Debt securities in book-entry form will be represented by a global security registered in the name of a depositary, which will be the holder of all the debt securities represented by that global security. Those who own beneficial interests in a global debt security will do so through participants in the depositary’s securities clearance system, and the rights of these indirect owners will be governed solely by the applicable procedures of the depositary and its participants.

In addition, we will issue each debt security in fully registered form, without coupons.

Payment

Unless otherwise described in the applicable prospectus supplement, the principal of, and any premium (or make-whole amount) and interest on, any series of the debt securities will be payable at the corporate trust office of the applicable trustee, in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York or such other office designated by us or the applicable trustee for such purpose. We may also pay interest by mailing a check to the address of the person entitled to it as it appears in the applicable register for the debt securities or by wire transfer of funds to that person at an account maintained within the United States.

All monies that we pay to a paying agent or a trustee, or then held by us, in trust for payment of principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any debt security that are not applied but remain unclaimed by the holders of such debt securities for at least two years after the date upon which the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on such debt security shall have respectively become due and payable, or such shorter period set forth in applicable law, shall be repaid to us on May 31 of each year or (if then held by us) shall be discharged from such trust. After funds have been returned to us, the holder of the debt security may look only to us for payment as an unsecured general creditor.

Transfer and Exchange

Unless otherwise described in the applicable prospectus supplement, a holder of debt securities of a series may transfer or exchange such debt securities in accordance with the applicable indenture. The applicable registrar and trustee may require a holder to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents in connection with a transfer of such debt securities. Holders of debt securities will be required to pay all taxes due on transfer. The issuer of debt securities is not required to transfer or exchange any debt security selected for redemption. Also, the issuer of debt securities is not required to issue, transfer or exchange any debt security of a

 

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series for a period of 15 days before the mailing of a notice of redemption of debt securities of such series to be redeemed.

Covenants

Unless otherwise provided for in the applicable prospectus supplement, the following covenants apply to the debt securities of a series for the benefit of the holders of such debt securities:

Existence . Except as permitted under the heading entitled “— Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets,” each of VEREIT, Inc. and VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its legal existence, all material rights (by charter, bylaws or other governing document and statute) and all material franchises; provided , that neither VEREIT, Inc. nor VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. shall be required to preserve any right or franchise if its Board of Directors (or similar governing body) determines that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of its business.

Maintenance of Properties . Each of VEREIT, Inc. and VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. shall cause each of its material properties used or useful in the conduct of its business or the business of any subsidiary of VEREIT, Inc. to be maintained and kept in good condition, repair and working order and supplied with all necessary equipment and will require it to cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements to those properties, as in its judgment may be necessary so that the business carried on in connection with those properties may be properly and advantageously conducted at all times; provided , that VEREIT, Inc. and its subsidiaries shall not be prevented from selling or otherwise disposing of these properties for value in the ordinary course of business.

Insurance . VEREIT, Inc. shall, and shall cause each of its subsidiaries to, keep in force upon all of its properties and operations policies of insurance with financially sound and reputable carriers in such amounts and covering all risks as shall be customary in the industry, in accordance with prevailing market conditions and availability.

Payment of Taxes and Other Claims . VEREIT, Inc. shall pay or discharge (or, if applicable, cause to be transferred to bond or other security) or cause to be paid or discharged, before the same shall become delinquent, (1) all taxes, assessments and governmental charges levied or imposed on each of VEREIT, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries or upon the income, profits or property of each of VEREIT, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries and (2) all lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies that, if unpaid, might by law become a Lien upon its property or the property of any subsidiary; provided , that VEREIT, Inc. shall not be required to pay or discharge (or transfer to bond or other security) or cause to be paid or discharged any tax, assessment, charge or claim the amount, applicability or validity of which it is contesting in good faith through appropriate proceedings and for which it has established adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP.

Provision of Financial Information . The issuer of the debt securities will provide (which delivery may be via electronic mail) to the applicable trustee, within 15 days after it files the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), copies of the annual reports and of the information, documents and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the SEC may from time to time by rules and regulations prescribe) that it files with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”); provided , however , it will not be required to deliver to the applicable trustee any materials for which it has sought and received confidential treatment by the SEC; and provided further , so long as such filings of the issuer are available on the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval System (EDGAR), such filings shall be deemed to have been filed with the applicable trustee for purposes of this covenant without any further action required by the issuer; provided , however , that the applicable trustee shall have no obligation whatsoever to determine if such filing has been so made. The issuer of

 

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the debt securities will also comply with the other provisions of Section 314(a) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “TIA”).

Additional Covenants . The applicable prospectus supplement will set forth any additional covenants of VEREIT, Inc. or VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. relating to any series of debt securities.

Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets

Unless otherwise described in the applicable prospectus supplement and as established in one or more officer’s certificates or indentures supplemental to the applicable indenture, the indentures provide that VEREIT, Inc. or VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. may consolidate with, or sell, lease or convey all or substantially all of its assets to, or merge with or into, any other entity, provided that the following conditions are met:

 

  (1) (i) VEREIT, Inc. or VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P., as applicable, shall be the continuing entity, or (ii) the successor entity (if other than VEREIT, Inc. or VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P., as applicable) formed by or resulting from any consolidation or merger or which shall have received the transfer of assets shall be domiciled in the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia and shall expressly assume payment of the principal of and interest on each series of the debt securities and the due and punctual performance and observance of all of the covenants and conditions in the applicable indenture;

 

  (2) immediately after giving effect on a pro forma basis to the transaction (including the incurrence of any debt in connection therewith), no event of default under the applicable 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

 

  (3) an officer’s certificate and legal opinion covering these conditions shall be delivered to the applicable trustee.

In the event of any transaction described in and complying with the conditions listed in the immediately preceding paragraph in which VEREIT, Inc. or VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P., as applicable, is not the continuing entity, the successor person formed or remaining shall succeed, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of VEREIT, Inc.’s or VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P.’s, as applicable, and VEREIT, Inc. or VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P., as applicable, shall be discharged from its obligations under the applicable debt securities and indenture; provided , that VEREIT, Inc. or VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P., as applicable, shall not be relieved from the obligation to pay the principal of and interest on such series of debt securities except in the case of a sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of all of the Issuer’s assets that complies with the conditions listed in the immediately preceding paragraph.

Events of Default, Notice and Waiver

Unless otherwise described in the applicable prospectus supplement and as established in one or more officer’s certificates or indentures supplemental to the applicable indenture, the indentures provide that the following events are “events of default” with respect to each series of debt securities:

 

  (1) default in the payment of any installment of interest on any debt securities of that series, as and when the same shall become due and payable, and the continuance of such default for a period of 30 days; provided , however , that a valid extension of an interest payment period by the issuer in accordance with the terms of any indenture supplemental to the applicable indenture shall not constitute a default in the payment of interest for this purpose;

 

  (2)

default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any debt securities of that series as and when the same shall become due and payable, whether at stated maturity or by declaration of acceleration, notice of redemption, notice of option to elect repayment or otherwise or in any payment

 

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  required by any sinking or analogous fund established with respect to that series; provided , however , that a valid extension of the maturity of such debt securities of such series in accordance with the terms of any indenture supplemental to the applicable indenture shall not constitute a default in the payment of principal or premium, if any;

 

  (3) default in the observance or performance of any of the issuer’s or any guarantor’s other covenants or agreements with respect to that series contained in the applicable indenture or otherwise established with respect to that series of debt securities (other than a covenant or agreement that has been expressly included in the applicable indenture solely for the benefit of one or more series of debt securities other than such series of debt securities), which continues for a period of 60 days after the date on which written notice of such failure, requiring the same to be remedied and stating that such notice is a “notice of default” thereunder is given to the issuer by the applicable trustee, by registered or certified mail, or to the issuer and the applicable trustee by the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series;

 

  (4) the guarantee of any guarantor ceases to be in full force and effect or such guarantor denies or disaffirms in writing its obligations under the applicable indenture or its guarantee;

 

  (5) default under any bond, debenture, note or other evidence of indebtedness for money borrowed by VEREIT, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries (including obligations under leases required to be capitalized on the balance sheet of the lessee under generally accepted accounting principles, but not including any indebtedness or obligations for which recourse is limited to property purchased) in an aggregate principal amount in excess of $50.0 million or under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any indebtedness for money borrowed by VEREIT, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries (including such leases, but not including such indebtedness or obligations for which recourse is limited to property purchased) in an aggregate principal amount in excess of $50.0 million, whether the indebtedness exists at the date of the applicable indenture or shall thereafter be created, which default shall have resulted in the indebtedness becoming or being declared due and payable prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become due and payable or which default shall have resulted in the obligation being accelerated, without the acceleration having been rescinded or annulled; or

 

  (6) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization with respect to VEREIT, Inc., VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. or any Significant Subsidiary of VEREIT, Inc.

The term “Significant Subsidiary” as used above has the meaning ascribed to the term in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Act of 1934, as amended (the “Securities Act”).

If an event of default under the applicable indenture occurs and is continuing, then the applicable trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may declare the principal amount of all the debt securities of that series to be due and payable immediately by written notice thereof to the issuer (and to the applicable trustee if given by the holders of the applicable debt securities); provided that if an Event of Default specified in clause (6) above occurs, the principal amount of all outstanding debt securities of each series shall become due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the applicable trustee or any holder of debt securities. However, at any time after the declaration of acceleration with respect to debt securities of a series has been made, but before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the applicable trustee, the holders of not less than a majority of the principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may rescind and annul the declaration and its consequences if:

 

  (1) the issuer shall have paid or deposited with the applicable trustee all required payments of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the debt securities of that series (other than principal that has become due solely as a result of the acceleration), plus certain fees, expenses, disbursements and advances of the applicable trustee; and

 

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  (2) all events of default, other than the nonpayment of accelerated principal (or specified portion thereof), premium, if any, and interest with respect to debt securities of that series, have been cured or waived as provided in the applicable indenture.

The indentures also provide that the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may waive any past default with respect to that series and its consequences, except:

 

  (1) a default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any debt security of that series; or

 

  (2) a default in respect of a covenant or provision contained in the applicable indenture that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security of the series affected by the default.

The indentures require the applicable trustee to give notice of a default with respect to the debt securities of any series under the applicable indenture to the holders of such debt securities, subject to certain exceptions; provided , that the applicable trustee may withhold notice to the holders of any series of debt securities of any default with respect to that series (except a default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) any debt security of that series) if specified Responsible Officers (as defined in the applicable indenture) of the applicable trustee consider a withholding to be in those holders’ interest.

The indentures provide that no holders of debt securities of any series may institute any proceedings, judicial or otherwise, with respect to the applicable indenture or for any remedy thereunder, except in the case of failure of the applicable trustee, for 60 days, to act after it has received a written request to institute proceedings in respect of an event of default from the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series, as well as an offer of indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it, and no direction inconsistent with the written request has been given to such trustee during the 60-day period by holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series. This provision will not prevent, however, any holder of debt securities of a series from instituting suit for the enforcement of payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on those debt securities at the respective due dates thereof.

The indentures provide that, subject to provisions in the TIA relating to its duties in case of default, the applicable trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the applicable indenture at the request or direction of any holders of any series of the debt securities then outstanding under the applicable indenture, unless those holders shall have offered to such trustee reasonable security or indemnity. The holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to such trustee, or of exercising any trust or power conferred upon such trustee; provided that the direction shall not conflict with any rule of law or the applicable indenture or be unduly prejudicial to the rights of holders of the debt securities of any other series outstanding under the applicable indenture; and provided further that such trustee may refuse to follow any direction that may involve such trustee in personal liability or that may be unduly prejudicial to the holders of debt securities of that series not joining in the direction to such trustee.

Within 120 days after the close of each fiscal year, the issuer is required to deliver to the applicable trustee a certificate, signed by one of several specified officers, stating whether or not the officer has knowledge of any default under the applicable indenture and, if so, specifying each default and the nature and status thereof.

Modification of the Indentures

Modifications, amendments, and supplements to, and waivers of, any of the provisions of the applicable indenture are permitted with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of all outstanding debt securities of each series issued under the applicable indenture affected by the

 

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modification, amendment supplement or waiver; provided , that no modification, amendment supplement or waiver may, without the consent of the holder of each series of debt securities then outstanding affected thereby:

 

  (1) change the stated maturity of the principal of, or any installment of principal of, or interest (or premium, if any) on such series of debt securities;

 

  (2) reduce the principal amount of, or reduce the rate of interest or extend the time of payment of interest on, or reduce any premium payable upon redemption of such series of debt securities, or would be provable in bankruptcy, or adversely affect any right of repayment at the option of the holder of such debt securities (or reduce the amount of premium payable upon any repayment), or reduce the amount of the principal of an original issue discount debt security or any other debt security which would be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to the applicable indenture;

 

  (3) change the place of payment, or the coin or currency, for payment of principal of (or premium, if any) or interest payable on such series of debt securities;

 

  (4) impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to such series of debt securities when due;

 

  (5) reduce the percentage in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series, the consent of whose holders of such debt securities of a series is required for any such modification or amendment, or the consent of whose holders is required for any waiver of certain defaults under and their consequences provided for in the applicable indenture;

 

  (6) modify any of the foregoing provisions or any of the provisions relating to the waiver of certain past defaults or certain covenants, except to increase the required percentage to effect the action or to provide that certain other provisions of the applicable indenture may not be modified or waived without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security of that series affected thereby;

 

  (7) release VEREIT, Inc. from its guarantee of any series of debt securities for which VEREIT, Inc. is a guarantor; or

 

  (8) release VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. from its guarantee of any series of debt securities for which VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. is a guarantor.

The issuer, along with the applicable trustee, shall be permitted to modify and amend the applicable indenture without the consent of any holder of debt securities for any of the following purposes:

 

  (1) to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency in the applicable indenture or in the debt securities of any series, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under the applicable indenture which shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of such indenture; provided , however , that such action shall not adversely affect the interests of holders of debt securities of any series in any material respect;

 

  (2) to evidence the succession of another person to the issuer’s or any guarantor’s obligations under the applicable indenture;

 

  (3) to provide for uncertificated debt securities in addition to or in place of certificated debt securities;

 

  (4) to add to the covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions relating to the issuer or the guarantors for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of debt securities (and if such covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions are to be for the benefit of less than all series of debt securities, stating that such covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series), to make the occurrence, or the occurrence and the continuance, of a default in any such additional covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions an Event of Default, or to surrender any right or power conferred upon the issuer in the applicable indenture;

 

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  (5) to add to, delete from, or revise the conditions, limitations, and restrictions on the authorized amount, terms, or purposes of issue, authentication, and delivery of debt securities (prior to the issuance thereof), as set forth in the applicable indenture;

 

  (6) to change or eliminate any provisions of the applicable indenture; provided that any such change or elimination does not apply to any outstanding debt securities of a series that are entitled to the benefit of that provision;

 

  (7) to secure the debt securities or add a guarantor;

 

  (8) to evidence the release of any subsidiary guarantor pursuant to the terms of the applicable indenture;

 

  (9) to provide for the issuance of and establish the form and terms and conditions of the debt securities of any series, to establish the form of any certifications required to be furnished pursuant to the terms of the applicable indenture or any series of debt securities, or to add to the rights of the holders of any series of debt securities;

 

  (10) to provide for the acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee or facilitate the administration of the trusts under the applicable indenture by more than one trustee;

 

  (11) to supplement any of the provisions of the applicable indenture to the extent necessary to permit or facilitate defeasance, covenant defeasance and discharge of any series of debt securities; provided , however , that this action shall not adversely affect the interests of the holders of the debt securities of any series in any material respect;

 

  (12) to comply with any requirements of the SEC or any successor in connection with the qualification of the applicable indenture under the TIA; or

 

  (13) to provide for the issuance of additional debt securities in accordance with the limitations set forth in the applicable indenture.

Voting

The indentures provide that in determining whether the holders of the requisite principal amount of outstanding debt securities of a series have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver described in the applicable indenture or whether a quorum is present at a meeting of holders of a series of debt securities:

 

  (1) the principal amount of that series of debt securities that shall be deemed to be outstanding shall be the amount of the principal of that series of debt securities that would be due and payable as of the date of the determination upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof; and

 

  (2) debt securities of that series owned by an issuer or any other obligor upon the debt securities or any affiliate of an issuer or of the other obligor shall be disregarded.

The indentures contain provisions for convening meetings of the holders of debt securities of a series. A meeting may be permitted to be called at any time by the applicable trustee, and also, upon the request of the issuer or request of the holders of at least 10% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series, in any case upon notice given as provided in the applicable indenture. Except for any consent or waiver that must be given by the holder of each series of debt securities affected thereby, any resolution presented at a meeting or at an adjourned meeting duly reconvened at which a quorum is present, may be adopted by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series; provided , however , that, except as referred to above, any resolution with respect to any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action that may be made, given or taken by the holders of a specified percentage which is less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series may be adopted at a meeting or adjourned meeting duly reconvened at which a quorum is present by the affirmative vote of the holders of that specified percentage in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities

 

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of that series. Any resolution passed or decision taken at any meeting of holders of debt securities of any series duly held in accordance with the applicable indenture will be binding on all holders of debt securities of that series. The persons holding or representing a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series shall constitute a quorum for a meeting of holders of that series; provided , however , that if any action is to be taken at such meeting with respect to a consent or waiver that may be given by the holders of not less than a specified percentage in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series, the persons holding or representing the specified percentage in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series will constitute a quorum.

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, the indentures provide that if any action is to be taken at a meeting of holders of debt securities of any series with respect to any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action that the indentures expressly provides may be made, given or taken by the holders of that series and one or more additional series: (a) there shall be no minimum quorum requirement for such meeting and (b) the principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of all those series that are entitled to vote in favor of the request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action shall be taken into account in determining whether the request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action has been made, given or taken under the applicable indenture.

Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

Upon the issuer’s request, the indentures shall cease to be of further effect with respect to any series of debt securities issued under the applicable indenture specified in such request (except as to certain limited provisions of the indentures which shall survive) when either (a) all debt securities of that series have been delivered to the applicable trustee for cancellation or (b) all debt securities of that series have become due and payable or will become due and payable within one year (or are scheduled for redemption within one year) and the issuer has irrevocably deposited with the applicable trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the holders of such series of debt securities, cash in U.S. dollars, in an amount sufficient to pay the entire indebtedness on such series of debt securities in respect of principal (and premium, if any) and interest to the date of the deposit (if debt securities have become due and payable) or to the stated maturity or redemption date, as the case may be.

The indentures provide that the issuer may elect either to:

 

  (1) defease and be discharged from (and have the guarantors be discharged from) any and all obligations with respect to any series of debt securities (except for the obligation, if any, to pay additional amounts in respect of certain taxes imposed on non-U.S. holders of debt securities and the obligations to register the transfer or exchange of the debt securities, to replace temporary or mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen debt securities, to maintain an office or agency in respect of the debt securities and to hold money for payment in trust) (“defeasance”); or

 

  (2) be released and to have the guarantors be released from their obligations with respect to the covenants applicable to such series of the debt securities under the applicable indenture, including those described under “— Covenants,” and any omission to comply with these obligations shall not constitute a default or an event of default with respect to such series of debt securities (“covenant defeasance”),

in either case, upon the issuer’s irrevocable deposit with the applicable trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the holders of such series, cash in U.S. dollars, or Government Obligations (as defined below), or both, in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on such series of debt securities on the scheduled due dates.

A trust may only be established if, among other things, the issuer has delivered to the applicable trustee an opinion of counsel (as specified in the applicable indenture) to the effect that the holders of the applicable series of debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result

 

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of the defeasance or covenant defeasance and will be subject to United States federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the defeasance or covenant defeasance had not occurred. Additionally, in the case of defeasance, an opinion of counsel must refer to and be based on a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or a change in applicable United States federal income tax law occurring after the date of the applicable indenture. In the event of defeasance, the holders of those debt securities will thereafter be able to look only to the trust fund for payment of principal (and premium, if any) and interest.

“Government Obligations” means, with respect to the debt securities, securities that are (a) direct obligations (other than obligations subject to variation in principal repayment) of the United States of America for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged, or (b) obligations of a person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America, the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America, which, in either case, are not callable or redeemable prior to maturity at the option of the issuer 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 principal of or interest on any such Government Obligation held by a custodian for the account of the holder of such depository receipt; provided , however , 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 or interest on the Government Obligation evidenced by the depository receipt.

If after the issuer has deposited funds, Government Obligations or a combination of the foregoing to effect defeasance or covenant defeasance with respect to debt securities of any series:

 

  (1) the holder of a debt security of that series is entitled to, and does, elect pursuant to the applicable indenture or the terms of that debt security to receive payment in a currency, currency unit or composite currency other than that in which the deposit has been made in respect of that debt security, or

 

  (2) a Conversion Event (as defined below) occurs in respect of the currency, currency unit or composite currency in which the deposit has been made,

then the indebtedness represented by that debt security will 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 on that debt security as they become due out of the proceeds yielded by converting the amount so deposited in respect of such debt security into the currency, currency unit or composite currency in which the debt security becomes payable as a result of the election or Conversion Event based on the applicable market exchange rate.

“Conversion Event” means the cessation of use of:

 

  (1) a currency, currency unit or composite currency both by the government of the country which issued the currency and for the settlement of transactions by a central bank or other public institution of or within the international banking community; or

 

  (2) any currency unit or composite currency for the purposes for which it was established.

In the event the issuer effects a covenant defeasance with respect to any series of debt securities and those debt securities are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of any event of default, other than an event of default due to a breach of any of the covenants as to which there has been covenant defeasance (which covenants would no longer be applicable to such series of debt securities as a result of such covenant defeasance), the cash and Government Obligations on deposit with the applicable trustee may not be sufficient to pay amounts due on such debt securities at the time of the acceleration resulting from the event of default. The issuer would, however, remain obligated to make payment of the amounts due at the time of acceleration.

 

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Governing Law

The indentures are governed by and shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

No Personal Liability

None of the directors, officers, employees, members, partners, incorporators or stockholders of VEREIT, Inc. or VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. or any guarantor or of any predecessor or successor entity will have any personal liability for any of VEREIT, Inc. or VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. or such guarantor’s obligations under the debt securities, the debt securities, any guarantees or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each holder of debt securities by accepting such debt security waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the execution of the indentures and the issuance of such debt securities.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF GUARANTEES

VEREIT may guarantee (either fully or unconditionally or in a limited manner) the due and punctual payment of the principal of, and any premium and interest on, one or more series of debt securities of the Operating Partnership, whether at maturity, by acceleration, redemption, repayment or otherwise, in accordance with the terms of such guarantee and the applicable indenture. In case of the failure of the Operating Partnership punctually to pay any principal, premium or interest on any such guaranteed debt security, VEREIT will cause any such payment to be made as it becomes due and payable, whether at maturity, upon acceleration, redemption, repayment or otherwise, and as if such payment were made by the Operating Partnership. The particular terms of the guarantee, if any, will be set forth in a prospectus supplement relating to the guaranteed debt securities. Any guarantee by VEREIT will be of payment only and not of collection.

The Operating Partnership may guarantee (either fully or unconditionally or in a limited manner) the due and punctual payment of the principal of, and any premium and interest on, one or more series of debt securities of VEREIT, whether at maturity, by acceleration, redemption, repayment or otherwise, in accordance with the terms of such guarantee and the applicable indenture. In case of the failure of VEREIT punctually to pay any principal, premium or interest on any such guaranteed debt security, the Operating Partnership will cause any such payment to be made as it becomes due and payable, whether at maturity, upon acceleration, redemption, repayment or otherwise, and as if such payment were made by VEREIT. The particular terms of the guarantee, if any, will be set forth in a prospectus supplement relating to the guaranteed debt securities. Any guarantee by the Operating Partnership will be of payment only and not of collection.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

We may issue units comprised of shares of common stock, shares of preferred stock, warrants and other securities in any combination. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. The unit agreement under which a unit is issued may provide that the securities included in the unit may not be held or transferred separately, at any time or at any time before a specified date.

The applicable prospectus supplement may describe:

 

    the designation and terms of the units and of the securities comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances those securities may be held or transferred separately;

 

    any provisions of the governing unit agreement;

 

    the price or prices at which such units will be issued;

 

    the applicable U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to the units;

 

    any provisions for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units or of the securities comprising the units; and

 

    any other terms of the units and of the securities comprising the units.

The provisions described in this section, as well as those described under “Description of Capital Stock” and “Description of Warrants” will apply to the securities included in each unit, to the extent relevant.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

We may issue warrants. We may issue these securities in such amounts or in as many distinct series as we wish. This section summarizes the terms of these securities that apply generally. Most of the financial and other specific terms of any such series of securities will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Those terms may vary from the terms described here.

When we refer to a series of securities in this section, we mean all securities issued as part of the same series under any applicable indenture, agreement or other instrument. When we refer to the applicable prospectus supplement, we mean the prospectus supplement describing the specific terms of the security you purchase. The terms used in the applicable prospectus supplement generally will have the meanings described in this prospectus, unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Warrants

We may issue warrants, options or similar instruments for the purchase of our preferred stock, common stock, depositary shares or units. We refer to these collectively as “warrants.” Warrants may be issued independently or together with preferred stock, common stock, depositary shares or units, and may be attached to or separate from those securities.

Agreements

Each series of warrants may be evidenced by certificates and may be issued under a separate indenture, agreement or other instrument to be entered into between us and a bank that we select as agent with respect to such series. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrant agreement or any warrant certificates and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any warrant holders. Copies of the forms of agreements and the forms of certificates representing the warrants will be filed with the SEC near the date of filing of the applicable prospectus supplement with the SEC. Because the following is a summary of certain provisions of the forms of agreements and certificates, it does not contain all information that may be important to you. You should read all the provisions of the agreements and the certificates once they are available.

General Terms of Warrants

The prospectus supplement relating to a series of warrants will identify the name and address of the warrant agent, if any. The prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the series of warrants in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered, including:

 

    the offering price;

 

    the designation and terms of any securities with which the warrants are issued and in that event the number of warrants issued with each security or each principal amount of security;

 

    the dates on which the right to exercise the warrants will commence and expire, and the price at which the warrants are exercisable;

 

    the amount of warrants then outstanding;

 

    material U.S. federal income tax consequences of holding or exercising these securities; and

 

    any other terms of the warrants.

Warrant certificates may be exchanged for new certificates of different denominations and may be presented for transfer of registration and, if exercisable for other securities or other property, may be exercised at the

 

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warrant agent’s corporate trust office or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement. If the warrants are not separately transferable from any securities with which they were issued, an exchange may take place only if the certificates representing the related securities are also exchanged. Prior to exercise of any warrant exercisable for other securities or other property, warrant holders will not have any rights as holders of the underlying securities, including the right to receive any principal, premium, interest, dividends, or payments upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up or to exercise any voting rights.

 

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CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE MARYLAND GENERAL CORPORATION LAW AND OUR CHARTER AND BYLAWS

The following description of the terms of our stock and of certain provisions of Maryland law is only a summary. Copies of our charter and bylaws are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. See “Where You Can Find More Information.” Please note that in this section of the prospectus, references to “we,” “our” and “us” refer only to VEREIT and not to its consolidated subsidiaries.

Number, Election and Removal of Directors; Vacancies

Our charter and bylaws provide that the number of directors we have may be established only by resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of our entire Board of Directors, but may not be fewer than the minimum number permitted under Maryland law nor more than 15. We currently have seven directors. Each of our directors is elected by our stockholders to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies. Holders of shares of our common stock will have no right to cumulative voting in the election of directors. Our bylaws provide that, in a contested election, a plurality of all votes cast at a meeting of stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present shall be sufficient to elect a director. In an uncontested election, a majority of all votes cast at a meeting of stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present is required to elect a director. Our Board of Directors adopted a director resignation policy, whereby an incumbent director who does not receive the requisite majority of votes in an uncontested election must tender his or her resignation to the Board for consideration. Such resignation may specify that it will only be effective upon its acceptance by the Board within 90 days following certification of the stockholder vote, and if the resignation is not accepted, the director will continue to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until the director’s successor is duly elected and qualifies or until the director’s earlier resignation or removal. Any director may resign at any time. Our bylaws provide that vacancies on our Board of Directors may be filled by the remaining directors, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum, or the sole remaining director. Any individual elected to fill such vacancy will serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies.

Our bylaws require that each director be an individual at least 21 years of age who is not under legal disability and that at least a majority of our directors will be individuals whom our Board of Directors has determined are “independent” under the standards established by our Board of Directors and in accordance with the then applicable listing standards of the principal U.S. exchange upon which our common stock is listed.

Our charter provides that any director may be removed from office, with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of the stockholders entitled to cast not less than 66 2/3% of the total votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors. This provision may preclude stockholders from removing incumbent directors and filling the vacancies created by such removal with their own nominees.

Action by Stockholders

Under the MGCL, common stockholder action can be taken only at an annual or special meeting of stockholders or by unanimous consent in lieu of a meeting (unless the charter provides for a lesser percentage, which our charter does not). These provisions, combined with the requirements of our charter and bylaws regarding the calling of a stockholder-requested special meeting of stockholders discussed below, may have the effect of delaying consideration of a stockholder proposal until the next annual meeting.

Meetings and Special Voting Requirements

Subject to our charter restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock and except as may otherwise be specified in our charter, each holder of common stock is entitled at each meeting of stockholders to one vote per share owned by such stockholder on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. There is no cumulative

 

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voting in the election of our Board of Directors, which means that the holders of a majority of shares of our outstanding common stock and Manager’s Stock voting together as a single class can elect all the directors then standing for election and the holders of the remaining shares of common stock or Manager’s Stock will not be able to elect any directors.

Under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation generally cannot dissolve, amend its charter, merge, convert, 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 declared advisable by the Board of Directors and approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. However, a Maryland corporation may provide in its charter for approval of these matters by a lesser percentage, but not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Our charter provides for a lesser percentage for consolidations, mergers, conversions, sales of all or substantially all of our assets or share exchanges. Our charter further provides that (a) except for amendments to the provisions of our charter relating to director removal and the vote required for certain charter amendments, which require the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on such matter, we may not amend or repeal the provisions of our charter without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the total voting power of all outstanding securities of the company then entitled to vote on such matter and (b) we may not dissolve without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the total voting power of all outstanding securities of the company then entitled to vote on such matter.

Also, our operating assets are held by our subsidiaries and these subsidiaries may be able to merge or sell all or substantially all of their assets without the approval of our stockholders.

Pursuant to our bylaws, an annual meeting of our stockholders for the purpose of the election of directors and the transaction of any business will be held annually on a date and at the time and place set by our Board of Directors. Each of our directors is elected by our stockholders to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies. Special meetings of stockholders may be called upon the request of a majority of our directors, the chairman of the Board of Directors, the president or the chief executive officer and must be called by our secretary to act on any matter that may properly be considered at a meeting of stockholders upon the written request of stockholders entitled to cast at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on such matter at the meeting (subject to the stockholders’ compliance with certain procedures set forth in our bylaws). Our secretary will inform the requesting stockholders of the reasonably estimated cost of preparing and mailing the notice of meeting (including our proxy materials), and the requesting stockholder must pay such estimated cost before our secretary may prepare and mail the notice of the special meeting. The presence of stockholders entitled to cast at least a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at such meeting on any matter, either in person or by proxy, will constitute a quorum.

One or more persons who together are and for at least six months have been stockholders of record of at least five percent of the outstanding shares of any class of our stock are entitled to receive a copy of our stockholder list upon request in accordance with Maryland law. The list provided by us will include each stockholder’s name and address and the number of shares of each class owned by each stockholder and will be made available within 20 days of the receipt by us of the request. Stockholders and their representatives shall also be given access to our bylaws, the minutes of stockholder proceedings, our annual statements of affairs and any voting trust agreements on file at our principal office during usual business hours.

Approval of Extraordinary Corporate Action; Amendment of Charter and Bylaws

Under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation generally cannot consolidate, merge, sell all or substantially all of its assets or engage in a share exchange unless the action is declared advisable by its board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter unless a different proportion, which may not be less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, is specified in the corporation’s charter. As permitted by Maryland law, our charter provides

 

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that any of these actions must be approved by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of our directors and approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Also, many of our operating assets are held by our subsidiaries, and these subsidiaries may be able to merge or sell all or substantially all of their assets without the approval of our stockholders. Any amendment, waiver, alteration or repeal of any provision of, or addition to, the charter or the bylaws affecting the supermajority voting provisions of the Board of Directors in connection with our consolidation or merger, a sale of all or substantially all of our assets or engaging in a share exchange, including the requisite vote or percentage required to approve or take such actions, must be approved by the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of the Board of Directors. These supermajority voting provisions applicable to our Board of Directors could prevent a change in control of us that might involve a premium for our common stock or otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders.

Our charter provides that, in the case of certain reorganizations, share exchanges, consolidations, conversions or mergers of us with or into another person in which shares of our common stock are converted into (or entitled to receive with respect thereto) shares of stock or other securities or property (including cash), each holder of a share of our (i) common stock and (ii) Series F Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive with respect to each such share the same kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities and property (including cash), subject with respect to our Series F Preferred Stock, to adjustments as set forth in our charter.

Under the MGCL, a Maryland corporation generally cannot amend its charter unless the amendment is declared advisable by its board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter unless a different percentage (but not less than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter) is set forth in the corporation’s charter.

Except as set forth below, our charter may be amended only with the approval of our Board of Directors and the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast at least a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Any amendment, waiver, alteration or repeal of any provision of, or addition to, the charter or the bylaws affecting the supermajority voting provisions of the Board of Directors in connection with our consolidation or merger, a sale of all or substantially all of our assets or engaging in a share exchange, including the requisite vote or percentage required to approve or take such actions, must be approved by the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of the Board of Directors. Our charter further provides that, except for amendments to the provisions of our charter relating to director removal and the vote required for certain charter amendments, which require the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on such matter, we may not amend or repeal the provisions of our charter without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the total voting power of all outstanding securities of the company then entitled to vote on such matter.

With the exception of certain provisions in our bylaws related to business combinations and control share acquisitions described below, which require the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the matter by the holders of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock, our Board of Directors has the exclusive power to adopt, alter or repeal any provision of our bylaws and to make new bylaws.

No Appraisal Rights

As permitted by the MGCL, our charter provides that stockholders will not be entitled to exercise appraisal rights unless a majority of our Board of Directors determines that appraisal rights apply, with respect to all or any classes or series of stock, to one or more transactions occurring after the date of such determination in connection with which stockholders would otherwise be entitled to exercise appraisal rights.

Dissolution

Our dissolution must be declared advisable by a majority of our entire Board of Directors and approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on such matter.

 

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Business Combinations

Under the MGCL, certain “business combinations,” including a merger, consolidation, share exchange or, in certain circumstances, an asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities, between a Maryland corporation and an “interested stockholder” or, generally, any person who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the voting power of the corporation’s outstanding voting stock or an affiliate or associate of the corporation who, at any time within the two-year period prior to the date in question, was the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 10% or more of the voting power of the then outstanding stock of the corporation, or an affiliate of such an interested stockholder, are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. Thereafter, any such business combination must be recommended by the board of directors of such corporation and approved by the affirmative vote of at least (1) 80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding voting stock of the corporation and (2) two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of voting stock of the corporation other than shares held by the interested stockholder with whom (or with whose affiliate) the business combination is to be effected or held by an affiliate or associate of the interested stockholder. The super-majority vote requirements do not apply if the corporation’s common stockholders receive a minimum price (as defined in the MGCL) for their shares and the consideration is received in cash or in the same form as previously paid by the interested stockholder for its shares. Under the MGCL, a person is not an “interested stockholder” if the board of directors approved in advance the transaction by which the person otherwise would have become an interested stockholder. A corporation’s board of directors may provide that its approval is subject to compliance with any terms and conditions determined by it.

These provisions of the MGCL do not apply, however, to business combinations that are approved or exempted by a board of directors prior to the time that the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. As permitted by the MGCL, our Board of Directors has by resolution exempted business combinations between us and any person. Consequently, the five-year prohibition and the supermajority vote requirements will not apply to such business combinations. As a result, any person described above may be able to enter into business combinations with us that may not be in the best interest of our stockholders without compliance by us with the supermajority vote requirements and other provisions of the statute. This resolution may not be altered or repealed without the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the matter by the holders of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock.

Control Share Acquisitions

The MGCL provides that “control shares” of a Maryland corporation acquired in a “control share acquisition” have no voting rights except to the extent approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding shares of stock in respect of which any of the following persons is entitled to exercise or direct the exercise of the voting power of such shares in the election of directors: (1) the person that has made or proposed to make the control share acquisition, (2) an officer of the corporation or (3) an employee of the corporation who is also a director of the corporation. “Control shares” are shares of voting stock which, if aggregated with all other such shares owned by the acquirer, directly or indirectly, or in respect of which the acquirer is able to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power (except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy), would entitle the acquirer to exercise voting power in electing directors within one of the following ranges of voting power: (A) one-tenth or more but less than one-third, (B) one-third or more but less than a majority or (C) a majority or more of all voting power. Control shares do not include shares that the acquirer is then entitled to vote as a result of having previously obtained stockholder approval. A “control share acquisition” means the acquisition of issued and outstanding control shares, subject to certain exceptions.

A person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition, upon satisfaction of certain conditions (including an undertaking to pay expenses and making an “acquiring person statement” as described in MGCL), may compel the board of directors to call a special meeting of stockholders to be held within 50 days

 

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of demand to consider the voting rights of the shares. If no request for a meeting is made, the corporation may itself present the question at any stockholders’ meeting.

If voting rights are not approved at the meeting or if the acquirer does not deliver an “acquiring person statement” as required by the statute, then, subject to certain conditions and limitations, the corporation may redeem any or all of the control shares (except those for which voting rights have previously been approved) for fair value determined, without regard to the absence of voting rights for the control shares, as of the date of any meeting of stockholders at which the voting rights of such shares are considered and not approved or, if no such meeting is held, as of the date of the last control share acquisition by the acquirer. If voting rights for control shares are approved at a stockholders’ meeting and the acquirer becomes entitled to vote a majority of the shares entitled to vote, all other stockholders may exercise appraisal rights, unless the corporation’s charter or bylaws provides otherwise. The fair value of the shares as determined for purposes of such appraisal rights may not be less than the highest price per share paid by the acquirer in the control share acquisition.

The control share acquisition statute does not apply to (1) shares acquired in a merger, consolidation or share exchange if the corporation is a party to the transaction or (2) acquisitions approved or exempted by the charter or bylaws of the corporation.

Our bylaws contain a provision exempting from the control share acquisition statute any and all acquisitions by any person of our stock. There is no assurance that such provision will not be amended or eliminated at any time in the future. However, such provision may not be altered, amended or repealed by the Board of Directors unless it obtains the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the matter by the holders of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock.

Subtitle 8

Subtitle 8 of Title 3 of the MGCL permits a Maryland corporation with a class of equity securities registered under the Exchange Act and at least three independent directors to elect to be subject, by provision in its charter or bylaws or a resolution of its board of directors and notwithstanding any contrary provision in the charter or bylaws, to any or all of five provisions:

 

    a classified board;

 

    a two-thirds vote requirement for removing a director;

 

    a requirement that the number of directors be fixed only by vote of the directors;

 

    a requirement that a vacancy on the board be filled only by the remaining directors and for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors in which the vacancy occurred; and

 

    a majority requirement for the calling of a stockholder-requested special meeting of stockholders.

Our Board of Directors adopted a resolution pursuant to Subtitle 8 that prohibits us from electing to be subject to the provision of Subtitle 8 regarding a classified board of directors. This prohibition may not be repealed unless the repeal is first approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the matter by stockholders entitled to vote generally in the election of directors. Through provisions in our charter and bylaws unrelated to Subtitle 8, we already (1) require the affirmative vote of the stockholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors for the removal of a director from the Board of Directors, (2) vest in the Board of Directors the exclusive power to fix the number of directors provided the number is not more than 15 and (3) require, unless called by the chairman of our Board of Directors, our chief executive officer, our president or a majority of our directors, the request of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on any matter that may properly be considered at a meeting of stockholders to call a special meeting of stockholders to act on such matter.

 

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Advance Notice of Director Nominations and New Business

Our bylaws provide that nominations of individuals for election to the Board of Directors or proposals of other business may be made at an annual meeting (1) pursuant to the company’s notice of meeting, (2) by or at the direction of our Board of Directors, or (3) by any stockholder of record both at the time of giving of notice pursuant to the bylaws and at the time of the annual meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of each individual so nominated or on any such other business and who has complied with the advance notice procedures set forth in our bylaws. Our bylaws currently require the stockholder to provide notice to the secretary containing the information required by our bylaws not earlier than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the 150 th day nor later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the 120 th day prior to the first anniversary of the date of our proxy statement for the preceding year’s annual meeting. Additionally, our bylaws allow for proxy access, which requires the company to include in its annual proxy statement nominees for election of up to 25% of the Board of Directors that have been nominated by stockholders. To be eligible to nominate directors for election, a stockholder or limited group of stockholders must have owned 3% or more of the company’s common stock for at least three years as of the applicable nomination deadline.

With respect to special meetings of stockholders, only the business specified in our notice of meeting may be brought before the meeting. Nominations of individuals for election to the Board of Directors may be made at a special meeting, (1) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, (2) by a stockholder that has requested that a special meeting be called for the purpose of electing directors in accordance with our bylaws and has supplied the information required by our bylaws about each individual whom such stockholder proposes to nominate for election as a director or (3) provided that the special meeting has been called for the purpose of electing directors, by any stockholder who is a holder of record both at the time of giving of notice and at the time of the special meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of each individual so nominated and who complies with the notice procedures set forth in our bylaws. Such stockholder may nominate one or more individuals, as the case may be, for election as a director if the stockholder’s notice containing the information required by our bylaws is delivered to the secretary not earlier than the 120 th day prior to such special meeting and not later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the later of (1) the 90 th day prior to such special meeting or (2) the tenth day following the day on which public announcement is first made of the date of the special meeting and the proposed nominees of our Board of Directors to be elected at the meeting.

Indemnification and Limitation of Directors’ and Officers’ Liability

Maryland law permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision limiting the liability of its directors and officers to the corporation and its stockholders for money damages except for liability resulting from (1) actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or (2) active and deliberate dishonesty established by a final judgment as being material to the cause of action. Our charter contains such a provision and limits the liability of our directors and officers to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.

Our charter obligates us, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, to indemnify and, without requiring a preliminary determination of the ultimate entitlement to indemnification, pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to (1) any present or former director or officer of our company who is made or threatened to be made a party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity or (2) any individual who, while serving as our director or officer and at our request, serves or has served another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise as a director, officer, partner, member, manager or trustee of such corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, and who is made or threatened to be made a party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity. Our charter also permits us to indemnify and advance expenses to any person who served any predecessor of our company in any of the capacities described above and to any employee or agent of our company or of any predecessor.

The MGCL requires us (unless our charter provides otherwise, which our charter does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which

 

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he or she is made or threatened to be made a party by reason of his or her service in that capacity. The MGCL permits a corporation to indemnify its present and former directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made or threatened to be made a party by reason of their service in those or other capacities unless it is established that (1) the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (A) was committed in bad faith or (B) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty, (2) the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services, or (3) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. However, under the MGCL, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify a director or officer for an adverse judgment in a suit by or in the right of the corporation or for a judgment of liability on the basis that a personal benefit was improperly received. A court may order indemnification if it determines that the director or officer is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification, even though the director or officer did not meet the prescribed standard of conduct or was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received. However, indemnification for an adverse judgment in a suit by us or in our right, or for a judgment of liability on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received, is limited to expenses. In addition, the MGCL permits a corporation to advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer upon the corporation’s receipt of (1) a written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the corporation and (2) a written undertaking to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by the corporation if it is ultimately determined that the appropriate standard of conduct was not met.

We also are party to indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers that provide for indemnification to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling us pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.

VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. Limited Partnership Agreement

The limited partnership agreement of the Operating Partnership may not be amended without VEREIT’s consent as general partner. As general partner, VEREIT may, without the consent of the limited partners, amend the partnership agreement in any respect or merge or consolidate the Operating Partnership with or into any other partnership or business entity in certain transactions pursuant to the partnership agreement; provided, however, that the following amendments and any other merger or consolidation of the Operating Partnership shall require the consent of limited partners holding more than 50% of the ownership interests of all limited partners:

(a) certain amendments affecting the operation of the redemption rights for OP Units, or the mechanism for converting OP Units into shares of our common stock, in a manner adverse to the limited partners;

(b) any amendment that would adversely affect the rights of the limited partners to receive the distributions payable to them under the partnership agreement, other than with respect to the issuance of additional OP Units pursuant to certain provisions of the partnership agreement;

(c) any amendment that would alter the Operating Partnership’s allocations of profit and loss to the limited partners, other than with respect to the issuance of additional OP Units pursuant to certain provisions of the partnership agreement; or

(d) any amendment that would impose on the limited partners any obligation to make additional capital contributions to the Operating Partnership.

The limited partnership agreement of the Operating Partnership also generally provides that VEREIT, as general partner of the Operating Partnership, will incur no liability to the Operating Partnership or any limited

 

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partner for losses sustained or liabilities incurred as a result of errors in judgment or of any act or omission if VEREIT acted in good faith. In addition, VEREIT is not responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of its agents, provided VEREIT appointed such agents in good faith.

The limited partnership agreement of the Operating Partnership also provides for indemnification of VEREIT, the directors and officers of VEREIT, and such other persons as VEREIT may from time to time designate against any liabilities, expenses and other amounts arising from any claim or proceeding that relates to the operations of the Operating Partnership or VEREIT as set forth in the limited partnership agreement of the Operating Partnership in which such indemnified person is involved, or is threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, unless it is established that: (1) the act or omission of the indemnified person was material to the matter giving rise to the preceding and either was committed in bad faith or was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty; (2) the indemnified person actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services; or (3) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the indemnified person had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. Under the limited partnership agreement, the Operating Partnership generally must also advance all reasonable expenses incurred by an indemnified person who is a party to proceeding in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding.

 

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CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The following summary discusses certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations associated with our qualification and taxation as a REIT and the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our shares of common stock, preferred stock, and debt securities. Supplemental U.S. federal income tax considerations relevant to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of the securities offered by this prospectus may be provided in the prospectus supplement that relates to those securities. The information in this section is based on the current Code, current, temporary and proposed income tax regulations promulgated under the Code (“Treasury Regulations”), the legislative history of the Code, current administrative interpretations and practices of 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. Future legislation, regulations, administrative interpretations and court decisions could change current law or adversely affect existing interpretations of current law, possibly with retroactive effect. Any change could apply retroactively. We have not obtained any rulings from the IRS concerning the tax treatment of the matters discussed below. Thus, it is possible that the IRS could challenge the statements in this discussion and that a court could agree with the IRS.

Special rules that are not discussed below may apply to you if, for example you are a broker-dealer, a trust, an estate, a regulated investment company, a REIT, a financial institution, an insurance company, a person who holds 10% or more (by vote or value) of our stock, a person holding their interest through a partnership or similar pass-through entity, a person subject to the alternative minimum tax provisions of the Code, a person holding our common stock or preferred stock as part of a “straddle,” “hedge,” “short sale,” “conversion transaction,” “synthetic security” or other integrated investment, a person who marks-to market our common stock or preferred stock, a person who makes an election under Treasury Regulations Section 1272-3(a) to accrue interest on our debt securities using the constant yield method, a U.S. expatriate, a U.S. Stockholder (as defined below) whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, a tax-exempt organization, a Non-U.S. Stockholder (as defined below) or are otherwise subject to special tax treatment under the Code.

This summary does not discuss the impact that U.S. state and local taxes, alternative minimum taxes, estate taxes, and taxes imposed by non U.S. jurisdictions could have on the matters discussed in this summary. In addition, this summary assumes that security holders hold our stock and debt securities as capital assets, which generally means as property held for investment.

Prospective investors are urged to consult their tax advisors in order to determine the U.S. federal, state, local, foreign and other tax consequences to them of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our shares or debt securities, the tax treatment of a REIT and the effect of potential changes in the applicable tax laws.

For purposes of this discussion, references to “our company”, “we”, “us”, and “our” refer solely to VEREIT, Inc. and do not include the Operating Partnership or any of our other subsidiaries. For purposes of this discussion, the term “corporation” includes any entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and the term “stock” means interests treated as equity in a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

General

We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under the applicable provisions of the Code and the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, or Treasury Regulations, commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2011. We believe we have operated as a REIT and intend to continue operating as a REIT so long as our Board of Directors determines that REIT qualification remains in our best interest. However, we cannot assure you that we will meet the applicable requirements under U.S. federal income tax laws, which are highly technical and complex.

In brief, a corporation that complies with the provisions in Code Sections 856 through 860, and qualifies as a REIT generally is not taxed on its taxable income to the extent such income is currently distributed to

 

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stockholders, thereby completely or substantially eliminating the “double taxation” that a corporation and its stockholders generally bear together. However, as discussed in greater detail below, we could be subject to U.S. federal income tax in some circumstances even if we qualify as a REIT and would likely suffer adverse consequences, including reduced cash available for distribution to its stockholders, if we fail to qualify as a REIT.

Goodwin Procter LLP has acted as our tax counsel in connection with this registration statement. Goodwin Procter LLP is of the opinion that (i) commencing with our taxable year ended on December 31, 2011, we have been organized in conformity with the requirements for qualification as a REIT under the Code and our actual method of operation through the date hereof (as represented by us to Goodwin Procter LLP ) has enabled us to meet, and our proposed method of operation (as represented by us to Goodwin Procter LLP ) will enable us to continue to meet, the requirements for qualification and taxation 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 reviewed and will not review 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, 2011 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.

Taxation

We are subject to tax at normal corporate rates on our “REIT taxable income.” The term “REIT taxable income” means the taxable income as computed for a corporation which is not a REIT:

 

    without the deductions allowed by Code Sections 241 through 247, and 249 (relating generally to the deduction for dividends received);

 

    excluding amounts equal to: the net income from foreclosure property and the net income derived from prohibited transactions;

 

    deducting amounts equal to: the net loss from foreclosure property, the net loss derived from prohibited transactions, the tax imposed by Code Section 857(b)(5) upon a failure to meet the 95% or the 75% gross income tests, the tax imposed by Code Section 856(c)(7)(C) upon a failure to meet the quarterly asset tests, the tax imposed by Code Section 856(g)(5) for otherwise avoiding REIT disqualification, and the tax imposed by Code Section 857(b)(7) on redetermined rents, redetermined deductions and excess interest;

 

    deducting the amount of dividends paid under Code Section 561, computed without regard to the amount of the net income from foreclosure property (which is excluded from REIT taxable income); and

 

    without regard to any change of annual accounting period pursuant to Code Section 443(b).

 

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Because we are allowed the deduction for dividends paid in calculating our REIT taxable income, in any year in which we qualify as a REIT we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on that portion of our taxable income or net capital gain which is distributed to our stockholders.

Although we can eliminate or substantially reduce our U.S. federal income tax liability by maintaining our REIT qualification and paying sufficient dividends, we will be subject to U.S. federal tax in the following circumstances:

 

    We will be taxed at normal corporate rates on any undistributed taxable income and/or net capital gain.

 

    If we fail to satisfy either the 95% Gross Income Test or the 75% Gross Income Test (each of which is described below), but our failure is due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, and we therefore maintain our REIT qualification, we will be subject to a tax equal to the product of (a) the amount by which we failed the 75% or 95% Gross Income Test (whichever amount is greater) multiplied by (b) a fraction intended to reflect our profitability.

 

    We will be subject to an excise tax if we fail to currently distribute sufficient income. In order to make the “required distribution” with respect to a calendar year, we must distribute the sum of (1) 85% of our REIT ordinary income for the calendar year, (2) 95% of our REIT capital gain net income for the calendar year, and (3) the excess, if any, of the grossed up required distribution (as defined in the Code) for the preceding calendar year over the distributed amount for that preceding calendar year. Any excise tax liability would be equal to 4% of the difference between the amount required to be distributed under this formula and the amount actually distributed and would not be deductible by us.

 

    We may be subject to the corporate “alternative minimum tax” on our items of tax preference, including any deductions of net operating losses.

 

    If we have net income from prohibited transactions (generally, gain from inventory or “dealer property”) such income would be subject to a 100% tax. See “— REIT Qualification Tests — Prohibited Transactions.”

 

    We will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the highest corporate rate on any non-qualifying income from foreclosure property, although we will not own any foreclosure property unless we make loans or accept purchase money notes secured by interests in real property and foreclose on the property following a default on the loan, or foreclose on property pursuant to a default on a lease.

 

    If we fail to satisfy any of the REIT asset tests, as described below, other than a failure of the 5% or 10% REIT assets tests that does not exceed a statutory de minimis amount as described more fully below, but our failure is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect and we nonetheless maintain our REIT qualification because of specified cure provisions, we will be required to pay a tax equal to the greater of $50,000 or the amount determined by multiplying the highest corporate tax rate (currently 35%) by the net income generated by the non-qualifying assets during the period in which we failed to satisfy the asset tests.

 

    If we fail to satisfy any other provision of the Code that would result in our failure to continue to qualify as a REIT (other than a gross income or asset test requirement) and that violation is due to reasonable cause, we may retain our REIT qualification if we pay a penalty of $50,000 for each such failure.

 

    We may be required to pay monetary penalties to the IRS in certain circumstances, including if we fail to meet record-keeping requirements intended to monitor our compliance with rules relating to the composition of our stockholders. Such penalties generally would not be deductible by us.

 

   

If we fail to qualify for taxation as a REIT because we have accumulated non-REIT earnings and profits at the end of the relevant year (i.e., any earnings and profits that we inherit from a taxable C corporation during the year, such as through tax-free merger or tax-free liquidation with a taxable C

 

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corporation, and that are not distributed or otherwise offset during the taxable year), and the presence of non-REIT earnings and profits at year-end is not due to fraud with intent to evade tax, we generally may retain our REIT status by paying a special distribution, but we will be required to pay an interest charge on 50% of the amount of undistributed non-REIT earnings and profits.

 

    If we acquire any asset from a corporation that is subject to full corporate-level U.S. federal income tax in a transaction in which our basis in the asset is determined by reference to the transferor corporation’s basis in the asset, such as through a tax-free merger or other tax-free reorganization, and we recognize gain on the disposition of such an asset for up to a 5-year period beginning on the date we acquired such asset, then the excess of the fair market value as of the beginning of the applicable recognition period over our adjusted basis in such asset at the beginning of such recognition period will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the highest regular corporate U.S. federal income tax rate (currently 35%). The results described in this paragraph assume that the non-REIT corporation will not elect, in lieu of this treatment, to be subject to an immediate tax when the asset is acquired by us.

 

    We will be subject to a 100% penalty tax on some payments we receive or on certain other amounts (or on certain expenses deducted by our TRSs) if arrangements among us, our tenants and/or our TRSs are not comparable to similar arrangements among unrelated parties.

 

    The earnings of our subsidiaries that are C corporations, including any subsidiary we have elected to treat as a TRS, will generally be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax.

 

    We may elect to retain and pay income tax on our net capital gain. In that case, a stockholder would include his, her or its proportionate share of our undistributed net capital gain (to the extent we make a timely designation of such gain to the stockholder) in his, her or its income as long-term capital gain, would be deemed to have paid the tax that we paid on such gain, and would be allowed a refund or credit as the case may be for his, her or its proportionate share of the tax deemed to have been paid, and an adjustment would be made to increase the stockholder’s basis in our stock. Stockholders that are U.S. corporations will also appropriately adjust their earnings and profits for the retained capital gain in accordance with Treasury Regulations to be promulgated.

In addition, notwithstanding our qualification as a REIT, we and our subsidiaries may be subject to a variety of taxes, including state and local and foreign income, property, payroll and other taxes on our assets and operations. We could also be subject to tax in situations and on transactions not presently contemplated.

REIT Qualification Tests

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

 

  (1) that is managed by one or more trustees or directors;

 

  (2) the beneficial ownership of which is evidenced by transferable shares or by transferable certificates of beneficial interest;

 

  (3) that would be taxable as a domestic corporation but for its qualification as a REIT;

 

  (4) that is neither a financial institution nor an insurance company;

 

  (5) that meets the gross income requirements (the “Gross Income Test”), asset requirements (the “Asset Tests”) and annual distribution requirements summarized below;

 

  (6) the beneficial ownership of which is held by 100 or more persons on at least 335 days in each full taxable year, proportionately adjusted for a short taxable year;

 

  (7) generally in which, at any time during the last half of each taxable year, no more than 50% in value of the outstanding stock is owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include specified entities);

 

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  (8) that makes an election to be taxable as a REIT for the current taxable year, or has made this election for a previous taxable year, which election has not been revoked or terminated, and satisfies all relevant filing and other administrative requirements established by the IRS that must be met to maintain qualification as a REIT; and

 

  (9) that uses a calendar year for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Organizational requirements (1) through (5) must be met during each taxable year for which REIT qualification is sought, while requirements (6) and (7) do not have to be met until after the first taxable year for which a REIT election is made. We have adopted December 31 as our year end, thereby satisfying requirement (9).

Ownership of Interests in Partnerships and Qualified REIT Subsidiaries . A REIT that is a partner in a partnership or a member in a limited liability company or other unincorporated entity 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 or limited liability company, as the case may be, based on its interest in partnership capital, and will be deemed to be entitled to its proportionate share of the income of that entity. For purposes of this discussion of “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations,” the term “partnership” includes any entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and the term “partner” includes any person treated as a member of a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

The assets and gross income of a partnership of which a REIT is a partner retain the same character in the hands of the REIT. Thus, our pro rata share of the assets and items of income of any partnership in which we own an interest is treated as our assets and items of income for purposes of Asset Tests and Gross Income Tests (each as defined below).

We generally expect to control the partnerships in which we invest and to operate them in a manner consistent with the requirements for our qualification as a REIT. If we become a partner in any partnership that we do not control and such entity takes or expects to take actions that could jeopardize our qualification as a REIT or require us to pay tax, we may be forced to dispose of our interest in such entity. In addition, it is possible that a partnership could take an action which could cause us to fail a Gross Income Test or Asset Test, and that we would not become aware of such action in time to dispose of our interest in the partnership or take other corrective action on a timely basis. In that case, we could fail to qualify as a REIT unless we were entitled to relief, as described below.

We may from time to time own certain assets through subsidiaries that we intend to be treated as “qualified REIT subsidiaries.” A corporation will qualify as our qualified REIT subsidiary if we own 100% of the corporation’s outstanding stock and do not elect with the subsidiary to treat it as a TRS, as described below. A qualified REIT subsidiary is not treated as a separate corporation, and all assets, liabilities and items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of a qualified REIT subsidiary are treated as assets, liabilities and items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the parent REIT for purposes of the Asset Tests and Gross Income Tests. A qualified REIT subsidiary is not subject to U.S. federal income tax, but may be subject to state or local tax, and our ownership of the stock of a qualified REIT subsidiary will not violate the restrictions on ownership of securities, as described below under “— Asset Tests.” While we currently hold all of our investments through the Operating Partnership, we also may hold investments separately, through qualified REIT subsidiaries. Because a qualified REIT subsidiary must be wholly owned by a REIT, any such subsidiary utilized by us would have to be owned by us, or another qualified REIT subsidiary, and could not be owned by the Operating Partnership unless we own 100% of the equity interest in the Operating Partnership.

Certain other entities also may be treated as disregarded entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, generally including any domestic unincorporated entity that would be treated as a partnership if it had more than one owner for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, all assets, liabilities and

 

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items of income, deduction and credit of any such disregarded entity will be treated as assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of the owner of the disregarded entity.

If a disregarded subsidiary or qualified REIT subsidiary ceases to be wholly owned by us (for example, if any equity interest in the subsidiary is acquired by a person other than us or another one of our disregarded subsidiaries), the subsidiary’s separate existence would no longer be disregarded for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Instead, it would have multiple owners and would be treated as either a partnership (if not formerly a qualified REIT subsidiary) or a taxable corporation (if formerly a qualified REIT subsidiary). Such an event could, depending on the circumstances, adversely affect our ability to satisfy the Asset Tests and Gross Income Tests, including the requirement that REITs generally may not own, directly or indirectly, more than 10% of the value or voting power of the outstanding securities of another corporation. See “— Asset Tests” and “— Income Tests.”

Ownership of Interests in TRSs . We currently own an interest in two TRSs and may acquire securities in additional TRSs in the future. A TRS is a corporation other than a REIT in which a REIT directly or indirectly holds stock, and that has made a joint election with such REIT to be treated as a TRS. If a TRS owns more than 35% of the total voting power or value of the outstanding securities of another corporation, such other corporation will also be treated as a TRS. Other than some activities relating to lodging and health care facilities, a TRS generally may engage in any business, including investing in assets and engaging in activities that could not be held or conducted directly by us without jeopardizing our qualification as a REIT.

A domestic TRS is subject to U.S. federal income tax as a regular C corporation (and a non-U.S. TRS would be subject to U.S. federal income tax on certain U.S. source income and income effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business, if any). We conduct our investment management business, among other activities, through a TRS and the amount of such taxes paid by our TRSs could be substantial.

In addition, if certain tests regarding the TRS’s debt-to-equity ratio are not satisfied, a TRS generally may not deduct interest payments made in any year to an affiliated REIT to the extent that such payments exceed 50% of the TRS’s adjusted taxable income for that year (although the TRS may carry forward to, and deduct in, a succeeding year the disallowed interest amount if the 50% test is satisfied in that year). A REIT’s ownership of securities of a TRS is not subject to the 5% or 10% asset tests described below. However, for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2018 no more than 25% of the gross value of a REIT’s assets may be comprised of securities of one or more TRSs, and for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2018 no more than 20% of the gross value of a REIT’s assets may comprise securities of one or more TRSs.

Share Ownership Requirements

The common stock and any other stock we issue must be held by a minimum of 100 persons (determined without attribution to the owners of any entity owning our stock) for at least 335 days in each full taxable year, proportionately adjusted for partial taxable years. In addition, we cannot be “closely-held,” which means that at all times during the second half of each taxable year, no more than 50% in value of our stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (determined by applying certain attribution rules under the Code to the owners of any entity owning our stock) as specifically defined for this purpose. However, these two requirements do not apply until after the first taxable year an entity elects REIT status.

Our charter contains certain provisions intended, among other purposes, to enable us to meet requirements (6) and (7) above. First, subject to certain exceptions, our charter provides that no person may beneficially or constructively own (applying certain attribution rules under the Code) more than 9.8% in value of the aggregate of our outstanding shares of stock or more than 9.8% (in value or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of any class or series of shares of our stock, as well as in certain other circumstances. See the Section entitled “Description of Capital Stock — Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer” in this prospectus. Additionally, our charter contains provisions requiring each holder of our shares to disclose, upon demand,

 

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constructive or beneficial ownership of shares as deemed necessary to comply with the requirements of the Code. Furthermore, stockholders failing or refusing to comply with our disclosure request will be required, under Treasury Regulations promulgated under the Code, to submit a statement of such information to the IRS at the time of filing their annual income tax returns for the year in which the request was made.

Asset Tests

At the close of each calendar quarter of the taxable year, we must satisfy five tests based on the composition of our assets, or the Asset Tests. After initially meeting the Asset Tests at the close of any quarter, we will not lose our qualification as a REIT for failure to satisfy the Asset Tests at the end of a later quarter solely due to changes in value of our assets. In addition, if the failure to satisfy the Asset Tests results from an acquisition during a quarter, the failure generally can be cured by disposing of non-qualifying assets within 30 days after the close of that quarter. We will continue to maintain adequate records of the value of our assets to ensure compliance with these tests and intend to act within 30 days after the close of any quarter as may be required to cure any noncompliance.

75% Asset Test . At least 75% of the value of our assets must be represented by “real estate assets,” cash, cash items (including receivables) and government securities, which we refer to as the 75% Asset Test. Real estate assets include (1) real property (including interests in real property and interests in mortgages on real property or on interests in real property); (2) for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2016, personal property leased with real property if the rents attributable to the personal property would be rents from real property under the income tests discussed below; (3) shares in other qualifying REITs; (4) for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2016, debt instruments issued by publicly offered REITs; and (5) any stock or debt instrument (not otherwise a real estate asset) attributable to the temporary investment of “new capital,” but only for the one-year period beginning on the date we received the new capital. A stock or debt instrument will qualify as being attributable to the temporary investment of new capital if the money used to purchase the stock or debt instrument is received by us in exchange for our stock or in a public offering of debt obligations that have a maturity of at least five years. Assets that do not qualify for purposes of the 75% test are subject to the additional asset tests described below under “— 25% Asset Test.”

We are currently invested in a number of real properties. In addition, we have invested and intend to invest funds not used to acquire properties in cash sources, “new capital” investments or other liquid investments which allow us to continue to qualify under the 75% Asset Test. Therefore, our investment in real properties should constitute “real estate assets” and should allow us to meet the 75% Asset Test. A real estate mortgage loan that we own generally will be treated as a real estate asset for purposes of the 75% Asset Test if, on the date that we acquire or originate the mortgage loan, the value of the real property securing the loan is equal to or greater than the principal amount of the loan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, a mortgage loan secured by both real property and personal property shall be treated as a wholly qualifying real estate asset (and all interest shall be qualifying income for purposes of the 75% income test) if the fair market value of such personal property does not exceed 15% of the total fair market value of all such property, even if the real property collateral value is less than the outstanding principal balance of the loan.

25% Asset Test . Except as described below, the remaining 25% of our assets generally may be invested without restriction, which we refer to as the 25% Asset Test. However, if we invest in any securities that do not qualify under the 75% Asset Test, other than securities of our TRS, such securities may not exceed either (1) 5% of the value of our assets as to any one issuer; or (2) 10% of the outstanding securities by vote or value of any one issuer. 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, a partnership interest held by a REIT is not considered a “security” for purposes of the 10% value test; instead, the REIT is treated as owning directly its proportionate share of the partnership’s assets, which is based on the REIT’s proportionate interest in any securities issued by the partnership (disregarding for this purpose the general rule that a partnership interest is not a security), but excluding certain securities described in the Code.

 

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For purposes of the 10% value test, “straight debt” means a written unconditional promise to pay on demand or on a specified date a sum certain in money if (i) the debt is not convertible, directly or indirectly, into stock, and (ii) the interest rate and interest payment dates are not contingent on profits, the borrower’s discretion, or similar factors other than certain contingencies relating to the timing and amount of principal and interest payments, as described in the Code. In the case of an issuer which is a corporation or a partnership, securities that otherwise would be considered straight debt will not be so considered if we, and any of our “controlled taxable REIT subsidiaries” as defined in the Code, hold any securities of the corporate or partnership issuer which (a) are not straight debt or other excluded securities (prior to the application of this rule), and (b) have an aggregate value greater than 1% of the issuer’s outstanding securities (including, for the purposes of a partnership issuer, our interest as a partner in the partnership).

TRS Ownership Test . As described above, for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2018 no more than 25% of the gross value of a REIT’s assets may comprise securities of one or more TRSs and for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2018 no more than 20% of the gross value of a REIT’s assets may comprise securities of one or more TRSs.

25% Debt Test . Not more than 25% of the value of our total assets may be represented by debt instruments of publicly offered REITs that are not secured by mortgages on real property or interests in real property.

We believe that our holdings of real estate assets and other securities comply with the foregoing REIT asset requirements, and we intend to monitor compliance on an ongoing basis.

A REIT is able to cure certain asset test violations. As noted above, a REIT cannot own securities of any one issuer representing more than 5% of the total value of the REIT’s assets or more than 10% of the outstanding securities, by vote or value, of any one issuer. However, a REIT would not lose its REIT qualification for failing to satisfy these 5% or 10% asset tests in a quarter if the failure is due to the ownership of assets the total value of which does not exceed the lesser of (1) 1% of the total value of the REIT’s assets at the end of the quarter for which the measurement is done, or (2) $10 million; provided , that in either case the REIT either disposes of the assets within six months after the last day of the quarter in which the REIT identifies the failure (or such other time period prescribed by the Department of the Treasury, or the Treasury), or otherwise meets the requirements of those rules by the end of that period.

If a REIT fails to meet any of the asset test requirements for a quarter and the failure exceeds the de minimis threshold described above, then the REIT still would be deemed to have satisfied the requirements if (1) following the REIT’s identification of the failure, the REIT files a schedule with a description of each asset that caused the failure, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Treasury; (2) the failure was due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect; and (3) the REIT disposes of the assets within six months after the last day of the quarter in which the identification occurred or such other time period as is prescribed by the Treasury (or the requirements of the rules are otherwise met within that period). A REIT that relies on this cure provision must pay a tax on the failure equal to the greater of (1) $50,000, or (2) an amount determined (under regulations) by multiplying (x) the highest rate of tax for corporations under Code Section 11, by (y) the net income generated by the assets that caused the failure for the period beginning on the first date of the failure and ending on the date the REIT has disposed of the assets (or otherwise satisfies the requirements).

Income Tests

For each calendar year, we must satisfy two separate tests based on the composition of our gross income, as defined under our method of accounting, or the Gross Income Tests.

75% Gross Income Test . At least 75% of our gross income for the taxable year (excluding gross income from prohibited transactions) must result from (1) rents from real property, (2) interest on obligations secured by mortgages on real property or on interests in real property, (3) gains from the sale or other disposition of real

 

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property (including interests in real property and interests in mortgages on real property) other than property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of our trade or business, (4) dividends from other qualifying REITs and gain (other than gain from prohibited transactions) from the sale of shares of other qualifying REITs, (5) other specified sources relating to real property or mortgages thereon, and (6) for a limited time, temporary investment income (as described under the 75% Asset Test above). We refer to this requirement as the 75% Gross Income Test.

95% Gross Income Test . At least 95% of our gross income (excluding gross income from prohibited transactions) for the taxable year must be derived from (1) sources which satisfy the 75% Gross Income Test, (2) dividends, (3) interest, or (4) gain from the sale or disposition of stock or other securities that are not assets held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of our trade or business. We refer to this requirement as the 95% Gross Income Test. It is important to note that dividends and interest on obligations not collateralized by an interest in real property qualify under the 95% Gross Income Test, but not under the 75% Gross Income Test.

Rents from Real Property . Income attributable to a lease of real property generally will qualify as “rents from real property” under the 75% Gross Income Test and the 95% Gross Income Test if such lease is respected as a true lease for U.S. federal income tax purposes (see “— Characterization of Property Leases”) and subject to the rules discussed below. Rent from a particular tenant will not qualify if we, or an owner of 10% or more of our stock, directly or indirectly, own 10% or more of the total combined voting power or 10% of the total value of all classes of stock in a corporate tenant, or 10% or more of the assets or net profits of a non-corporate tenant (subject to certain exceptions). The portion of rent attributable to personal property rented in connection with real property will not qualify, unless the portion attributable to personal property is 15% or less of the total rent received under, or in connection with, the lease.

Generally, rent will not qualify if it is based in whole, or in part, on the income or profits of any person from the underlying property. However, rent will not fail to qualify if it is based on a fixed percentage (or designated varying percentages) of receipts or sales, including amounts above a base amount so long as the base amount is fixed at the time the lease is entered into, the provisions are in accordance with normal business practice and the arrangement is not an indirect method for basing rent on income or profits.

If a REIT operates or manages a property or furnishes or renders certain “impermissible tenant services” to the tenants at the property, and the income derived from the services exceeds 1% of the total amount received by that REIT with respect to the property, then no amount received by the REIT with respect to the property will qualify as “rents from real property.” Impermissible services are services other than services “usually or customarily rendered” in connection with the rental of real property and not otherwise considered “rendered to the occupant.” For these purposes, the income that a REIT is considered to receive from the provision of “impermissible tenant services” will not be less than 150% of the cost of providing the service. If the amount so received is 1% or less of the total amount received by us with respect to the property, then only the income from the impermissible services will not qualify as “rents from real property.” However, this rule generally will not apply if such services are provided to tenants through an independent contractor from whom we derive no revenue, or through a TRS. With respect to this rule, tenants have received and will receive some services in connection with their leases of the real properties. We believe we have structured, and intend to structure, the services we provide as necessary (such as through the use of our TRS and/or independent contractors and/or by limiting the revenues from impermissible tenant services at certain properties to comply with the 1% rule) as needed so that providing these services will not cause the rents received with respect to the properties to fail to qualify as rents from real property for purposes of the 75% Gross Income Test (and the 95% Gross Income Test described below) or so that the amount of any non-qualifying rents does not jeopardize our compliance with the Gross Income Tests.

In addition, we believe we have structured, and intend to structure our leasing activities so that any non-qualifying rent (i) based in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person (excluding rent based on a

 

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percentage of receipts or sales, as described above), (ii) attributable to personal property in an amount greater than 15% of the total rent received under the applicable lease, and (iii) from any lease with a related party tenant does not cause us to fail the Gross Income Tests.

Amounts received as rent from a TRS are not excluded from rents from real property by reason of the related party rules described above, if the activities of the TRS and the nature of the properties it leases meet certain requirements (generally relating to leases of less than 10% of the space in a building and leases of hotels and health care facilities). The TRSs must pay regular corporate tax rates on any taxable income they earn. In addition, the TRS rules limit the deductibility of interest paid or accrued by a TRS to its parent REIT to assure that the TRS is subject to an appropriate level of corporate taxation. Further, the rules impose a 100% excise tax on transactions between a TRS and its parent REIT or the REIT’s tenants whose terms are not on an arm’s-length basis.

Interest Income . All interest income qualifies under the 95% Gross Income Test, and interest on loans secured by real property or by interests in real property qualifies under the 75% Gross Income Test; provided , that in both cases, the interest does not depend, in whole or in part, on the income or profits of any person (excluding amounts based on a fixed percentage of receipts or sales). If a loan is secured by both real property and other property, the interest on it may nevertheless qualify under the 75% Gross Income Test if the amount of the loan does not exceed the fair market value of the real property at the time of the loan commitment. For taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2016, if a loan is secured by both real property and personal property and the value of the personal property collateral represents less than 15% of the value of the total property securing the loan, the interest on it may qualify under the 75% Gross Income Test regardless of whether the amount of the loan exceeds the fair market value of the real property at the time of the loan commitment. We believe we have structured, and intend to structure all of our loan investments as needed so that our investments in loans do not prevent us from satisfying the 75% Gross Income Test.

Dividend Income . Distributions from TRSs or other corporations that are not REITs or qualified REIT subsidiaries are generally classified as dividends to the extent of the earnings and profits of the distributing corporation. Such distributions generally constitute qualifying income for purposes of the 95% Gross Income Test, but not the 75% Gross Income Test. Any dividends received by us from a REIT will be qualifying income for purposes of both the 95% and 75% Gross Income Tests.

We have monitored and will monitor the amount of the dividend and other income from our TRSs and will take actions intended to keep this income, and any other non-qualifying income, within the limitations of the Gross Income Tests. Although we intend to take these actions to prevent a violation of the Gross Income Tests, we cannot guarantee that such actions will in all cases prevent such a violation.

Foreclosure Property . Foreclosure property is 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 on 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 acquired by the REIT at a time when the REIT did not know or have reason to know that default would occur, and (3) for which such REIT makes a proper election to treat the property as foreclosure property. REITs generally are subject to tax at the maximum U.S. federal corporate tax rate (currently 35%) 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 property election has been made will not be subject to the 100% tax on gains from prohibited transactions described above, even if the property would otherwise constitute inventory or dealer property in the hands of the selling REIT. If we believe we will receive any income from foreclosure property that is not qualifying income for purposes of the 75% Gross Income Test, we intend to elect to treat the related property as foreclosure property.

 

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Satisfaction of the Gross Income Tests . Our share of income from the properties primarily gives rise to rental income and gains on sales of the properties, substantially all of which generally has qualified and will qualify under the 75% Gross Income and 95% Gross Income Tests. However, we have a TRS through which we may provide certain services, engage in activities that would give rise to non-qualifying income for either Gross Income Test (such as our investment management business), make sales that we believe could be subject to the 100% tax on prohibited transactions if made outside a TRS, and/or otherwise conduct activities that we determine are not appropriate for a REIT. The gross income generated by our TRS would not be included in our gross income. However, any dividends from our TRS to us would be included in our gross income and qualify for the 95% Gross Income Test, but not the 75% Gross Income Test. Because the activities our TRS are/could be substantial, the amount of such dividends also could be substantial.

If we fail to satisfy either the 75% Gross Income or 95% Gross Income Tests for any taxable year, we may retain our qualification as a REIT for such year if we satisfy the IRS that (1) the failure was due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, and (2) we attach to our return a schedule describing the nature and amount of each item of our gross income. If this relief provision is available, we would remain subject to tax equal to the greater of the amount by which we failed the 75% Gross Income Test or the 95% Gross Income Test, as applicable, multiplied by a fraction meant to reflect our profitability. 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 unexpectedly exceeds the limits on nonqualifying income, the IRS could conclude that the failure to satisfy the tests was not due to reasonable cause. If these relief provisions are inapplicable to a particular set of circumstances involving us, we will fail to qualify as a REIT.

Annual Distribution Requirements

In addition to the other tests described above, we are required to distribute dividends (other than capital gain dividends) to our stockholders each year in an amount at least equal to the excess of: (1) the sum of: (a) 90% of our REIT taxable income (determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and by excluding any net capital gain); and (b) 90% of the net income (after tax) from foreclosure property; less (2) the sum of some types of items of non-cash income. Whether sufficient amounts have been distributed is based on amounts paid in the taxable year to which they relate, or in the following taxable year if we: (1) declared a dividend before the due date of our tax return (including extensions); (2) distribute the dividend within the 12-month period following the close of the taxable year (and not later than the date of the first regular dividend payment made after such declaration); and (3) file an election with our tax return. Additionally, dividends that we declare in October, November or December in a given year payable to stockholders of record in any such month will be treated as having been paid on December 31st of that year so long as the dividends are actually paid during January of the following year. If we fail to meet the annual distribution requirements as a result of an adjustment to our U.S. federal income tax return by the IRS, or under certain other circumstances, we may cure the failure by paying a “deficiency dividend” (plus penalties and interest to the IRS) within a specified period.

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.

If we do not distribute 100% of our REIT taxable income, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the undistributed portion. We also will be subject to an excise tax if we fail to currently distribute sufficient income. In order to make the “required distribution” with respect to a calendar year and avoid the excise tax, we must distribute the sum of (1) 85% of our REIT ordinary income for the calendar year, (2) 95% of our REIT

 

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capital gain net income for the calendar year, and (3) the excess, if any, of the grossed up required distribution (as defined in the Code) for the preceding calendar year over the distributed amount for that preceding calendar year. Any excise tax liability would be equal to 4% of the difference between the amount required to be distributed and the amount actually distributed and would not be deductible by us.

We believe we have paid and intend to pay sufficient dividends each year to satisfy the annual distribution requirements and avoid U.S. federal income and excise taxes on our earnings; however, it may not always be possible to do so. It is possible that we may not have sufficient cash or other liquid assets to meet the annual distribution requirements due to tax accounting rules and other timing differences. Other potential sources of non-cash taxable income include:

 

    “residual interests” in REMICs or taxable mortgage pools;

 

    loans or mortgage-backed securities held as assets that are issued at a discount and require the accrual of taxable economic interest in advance of receipt in cash; and

 

    loans on which the borrower is permitted to defer cash payments of interest, distressed loans on which we may be required to accrue taxable interest income even though the borrower is unable to make current servicing payments in cash, and debt securities purchased at a discount.

We will closely monitor the relationship between our REIT taxable income and cash flow, and if necessary to comply with the annual distribution requirements, will attempt to borrow funds to fully provide the necessary cash flow or to pay dividends in the form of taxable in-kind distributions of property, including taxable stock dividends. The insufficiency of our cash flow to cover our distribution requirements could require us to (1) sell assets in adverse market conditions, (2) borrow on unfavorable terms, (3) distribute amounts that would otherwise be invested in future acquisitions or capital expenditures or used for the repayment of debt, (4) pay dividends in the form of taxable stock dividends or (5) use cash reserves, in order to comply with the REIT distribution requirements.

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.

Non-REIT Accumulated Earnings and Profits . As a REIT, at the end of a taxable year (including our first REIT taxable year ending December 31, 2011), we may not have any earnings and profits accumulated in a non-REIT year (sometimes referred to as “non-REIT earnings and profits”). Such non-REIT earnings and profits include any accumulated earnings and profits of non-REIT corporations whose assets we acquire (or are deemed to have acquired) through tax-free mergers and other tax-free reorganizations and through tax-free liquidations. We have acquired a number of entities through tax-free reorganizations. We believe, and received opinions of counsel confirming, that the entities we acquired through tax-free reorganizations were themselves REITs and thus had no non-REIT earnings and profits. However, if any of those entities failed to qualify as a REIT and had any earnings and profits, we would have inherited those non-REIT earnings and profits.

We believe that we have operated, and we intend to continue to operate, so that we have not had and will not have any earnings and profits accumulated in a non-REIT year at the close of any taxable year. However, if it is subsequently determined that we had any accumulated non-REIT earnings and profits as of the end of any taxable year, we could fail to qualify as a REIT beginning with the applicable taxable year. Pursuant to Treasury Regulations, however, so long as our failure to comply with the prohibition on non-REIT earnings and profits was not due to fraud with intent to evade tax, we could cure such failure by paying an interest charge on 50% of the amount of accumulated non-REIT earnings and profits and by making a special distribution of accumulated non-REIT earnings and profits. We intend to utilize such cure provisions if ever required to do so. The amount of any such interest charge could be substantial.

 

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Failure to Qualify

If we fail to continue to qualify, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as a REIT in any taxable year, we may be eligible for relief provisions if the failures are due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect and if a penalty tax is paid with respect to each failure to satisfy the applicable requirements. If the applicable relief provisions are not available or cannot be met, we will not be able to deduct our dividends and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on our taxable income at regular corporate rates, thereby reducing cash available for distributions. In such event, all distributions to stockholders (to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits) will be taxable as qualified dividend income. This “double taxation” results from our failure to continue to qualify as a REIT. Unless entitled to relief under specific statutory provisions, we will not be eligible to elect REIT qualification for the four taxable years following the year during which qualification was lost.

Recordkeeping Requirements

We are required to maintain records and request on an annual basis information from specified stockholders. These requirements are designed to assist us in determining the actual ownership of our outstanding stock and maintaining our qualification as a REIT.

Prohibited Transactions

As discussed above, we will be subject to a 100% U.S. federal income tax on any net income derived from “prohibited transactions.” Net income derived from prohibited transactions arises from the sale or exchange of property held for sale to customers in the ordinary course of our business which is not foreclosure property. There is an exception to this rule for the sale of property that:

 

    is a real estate asset under the 75% Asset Test;

 

    generally has been held for at least two years;

 

    has aggregate expenditures which are includable in the basis of the property not in excess of 30% of the net selling price;

 

    in some cases, was held for production of rental income for at least two years;

 

    in the case of real property not acquired through foreclosure or lease termination, substantially all of the marketing and development expenditures were made through an independent contractor; and

 

    when combined with other sales in the year, (i) does not cause the REIT to have made more than seven sales of property during the taxable year (excluding sales of foreclosure property or in connection with an involuntary conversion); (ii) occurs in a year when the REIT disposes of less than 10% of its assets (measured by U.S. federal income tax basis or fair market value, and ignoring involuntary dispositions and sales of foreclosure property); or (iii) for tax years beginning after December 18, 2015, occurs in a year when the REIT disposes of less than 20% of its assets and less than 10% of its three-year average of its assets (measured by U.S. federal income tax basis or fair market value, and ignoring involuntary dispositions and sales of foreclosure property).

Although we may eventually sell any property, our primary intention in acquiring and operating the properties is the production of rental income and we do not expect to hold any property for sale to customers in the ordinary course of our business unless held through a TRS or we structure the sale of such property to comply with the above safe harbor. The 100% tax will not apply to gains from the sale of property that is held through a TRS or other taxable corporation, although such income will be subject to tax in the hands of the corporation at regular corporate income tax rates.

Hedging Transactions . We have entered into hedging transactions with respect to one or more of our assets or liabilities and may enter into additional hedging transactions in the future. Hedging transactions could take a

 

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variety of forms, including interest rate swaps or cap agreements, options, futures contracts, forward rate agreements or similar financial instruments. Except to the extent provided by Treasury Regulations, any income from a hedging transaction (1) made in the normal course of our business primarily to manage risk of interest rate or price changes or currency fluctuations with respect to borrowings made or to be made, or ordinary obligations incurred or to be incurred by us to acquire or own real estate assets, (2) entered into 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 that generates such income or gain), or, (3) for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, that hedges against transactions described in clause (i) or (ii) and is entered into in connection with the extinguishment of debt or sale of property that is being hedged against by the transaction described in clause (i) or (ii), and which complies with certain identification requirements, including gain from the disposition or termination of such a transaction, will not constitute gross income for purposes of the 95% gross income test and the 75% gross income test. To the extent we enter into other types of hedging transactions, the income from those transactions is likely to be treated as non-qualifying income for purposes of both the 75% and 95% gross income tests. We believe we have structured and intend to structure any hedging transactions in a manner that does not jeopardize our ability to qualify as a REIT.

Characterization of Net Leases. We have acquired and intend to acquire and own commercial properties subject to net leases. We believe we have structured and currently intend to structure our leases so that they qualify as true leases for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If, however, the IRS were to recharacterize our leases as service contracts, loans, partnership agreements or otherwise, rather than true leases, or disregard the leases altogether for tax purposes, all or part of the payments that we receive from the lessees would not be considered rent and might not otherwise satisfy the various requirements for qualification as “rents from real property.” In that case, we would not be able to satisfy either the 75% or 95% Gross Income Tests and, as a result, could lose our REIT qualification.

Tax on Built-in Gains of Former C Corporation Assets. If a REIT acquires an asset from a C corporation in a transaction in which the REIT’s tax basis in the asset is determined by reference to the basis of the asset in the hands of the C corporation (e.g., a tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Code), the REIT may be subject to an entity-level tax upon a taxable disposition during a 5-year period following the acquisition date. The amount of the tax is determined by applying the highest regular corporate tax rate, which is currently 35%, to the lesser of (i) the excess, if any, of the asset’s fair market value over the REIT’s tax basis in the asset on the acquisition date, or (ii) the gain recognized by the REIT in the disposition. The amount described in clause (i) is referred to as “built-in gain.” We have engaged in a number of tax-free reorganizations under Section 368(a) of the Code. We believe that all of the entities that were parties to our tax-free reorganizations were REITs, and therefore were not C corporations for purposes of the foregoing rules. However, the forgoing rules would apply to the assets acquired in those reorganizations if the other parties to the reorganizations failed to qualify as REITs for a period prior to the reorganizations, the mergers nonetheless qualified as reorganizations under Section 368(a) of the Code, and we sold such assets within the applicable recognition periods. We do not believe we have acquired assets the disposition of which would be subject to the built-in gains tax but are not foreclosed from doing so in the future.

Tax Aspects of Investments in Partnerships

General . We currently hold and anticipate holding direct or indirect interests in one or more partnerships, including the Operating Partnership. We operate as an Umbrella Partnership REIT, or UPREIT, which is a structure whereby we own a direct interest in the Operating Partnership, and the Operating Partnership, in turn, directly or indirectly owns our properties (generally through lower-tier partnerships and disregarded entities, but the Operating Partnership also may hold properties through lower-tier REITs or TRSs or other taxable corporations).

The following is a summary of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of our investment in the Operating Partnership if the Operating Partnership is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. This discussion should also generally apply to any investment by the Operating Partnership in a lower-tier property partnership.

 

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A partnership (that is not a publicly traded partnership taxed as a corporation) is generally not subject to tax as an entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Rather, partners are allocated their allocable share of the items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the partnership, and are potentially subject to tax thereon, without regard to whether the partners receive any distributions from the partnership. We are required to take into account our allocable share of the foregoing items for purposes of the various REIT gross income and asset tests, and in the computation of our REIT taxable income and U.S. federal income tax liability. Further, there can be no assurance that distributions from the Operating Partnership will be sufficient to pay the tax liabilities resulting from an investment in the Operating Partnership.

Generally, an entity with two or more members formed as a partnership or non-corporate entity under state law will be taxed as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes unless it specifically elects otherwise or is treated as a corporation under special rules for “publicly traded partnerships.” Because the Operating Partnership was formed as a partnership under state law, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Operating Partnership will be treated as a partnership, if it has two or more partners and is not treated as a corporation under the publicly traded partnership rules, or a disregarded entity, if it is treated as having one partner. As a result, if the Operating Partnership becomes wholly owned by us, it will cease to be a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and become a disregarded entity.

Domestic unincorporated entities with more than one owner may be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, including if the entity is a “publicly traded partnership” that does not qualify for an exemption based on the character of its income. A partnership is a “publicly traded partnership” under Section 7704 of the Code if:

 

    interests in the partnership are traded on an established securities market; or

 

    interests in the partnership are readily tradable on a “secondary market” or the “substantial equivalent” of a secondary market.

A partnership will not be treated as a publicly traded partnership if it qualifies for certain safe harbors. We intend that interests in the Operating Partnership (and any partnership invested in by the Operating Partnership) has complied and will comply with a “safe harbor” for partnerships with fewer than 100 partners to avoid being classified as a publicly traded partnership. However, no assurance can be given that any such partnership will at all times satisfy such safe harbor. We reserve the right to not satisfy any safe harbor.

There is a risk that the right of a holder of Operating Partnership common units to redeem the units for cash (or common stock at our option) could cause Operating Partnership common units to be considered readily tradable on the substantial equivalent of a secondary market, and we may not be eligible for a safe harbor at all times. If the Operating Partnership is a publicly traded partnership, it will be taxed as a corporation unless at least 90% of its gross income has consisted and will consists of “qualifying income” under Section 7704 of the Code. Qualifying income generally includes real property rents and other types of passive income. We believe that the Operating Partnership has had and will continue to have sufficient qualifying income so that it would be taxed as a partnership, even if it were classified as a publicly traded partnership. The income requirements applicable to REITs under the Code and the definition of qualifying income under the publicly traded partnership rules are very similar. Although differences exist between these two income tests, we do not believe that these differences will cause the Operating Partnership to fail the 90% gross income test applicable to publicly traded partnerships. However, there is sparse guidance as to the proper interpretation of this 90% gross income test, and thus it is possible that differences will arise that prevent us from satisfying the 90% gross income test.

If for any reason the Operating Partnership (or any partnership invested in by the Operating Partnership) is taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the character of our assets and items of gross income would change, and as a result, we would most likely be unable to satisfy the applicable REIT requirements under U.S. federal income tax laws discussed above. In addition, any change in the status of any partnership may be treated as a taxable event, in which case we could incur a tax liability without a related cash

 

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distribution. Further, if any partnership was treated as a corporation, items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of such partnership would be subject to corporate income tax, and the partners of any such partnership would be treated as stockholders, with distributions to such partners being treated as dividends.

Income Taxation of Partnerships and their Partners . Although a partnership agreement generally will determine the allocation of a partnership’s income and losses among the partners, such allocations may be disregarded for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Code Section 704(b) and the Treasury Regulations if the allocations do not have “substantial economic effect” and are not otherwise consistent with the partners’ interests in the partnership. If any allocation is not recognized for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the item subject to the allocation will be reallocated in accordance with the partners’ economic interests in the partnership. We believe that the allocations of taxable income and loss in the Operating Partnership agreement comply with the requirements of Code Section 704(b) and the Treasury Regulations.

In some cases, special allocations of net profits or net losses will be required to comply with the U.S. federal income tax principles governing partnership tax allocations. Additionally, pursuant to Code Section 704(c), income, gain, loss and deduction attributable to property contributed to the Operating Partnership in exchange for units must be allocated in a manner so that the contributing partner is charged with, or benefits from, the unrealized gain or loss attributable to the property at the time of contribution. The amount of such unrealized gain or loss is generally equal to the difference between the fair market value and the adjusted basis of the property at the time of contribution. These allocations are designed to eliminate book-tax differences by allocating to contributing partners lower amounts of depreciation deductions and increased taxable income and gain attributable to the contributed property than would ordinarily be the case for economic or book purposes. With respect to any property purchased by the Operating Partnership, such property generally will have an initial tax basis equal to its fair market value, and accordingly, Code Section 704(c) will not apply, except as described further below in this paragraph. The application of the principles of Code Section 704(c) in tiered partnership arrangements is not entirely clear. Accordingly, the IRS may assert a different allocation method than the one selected by the Operating Partnership to cure any book-tax differences. In certain circumstances, we create book-tax differences by adjusting the values of properties for economic or book purposes and generally the rules of Code Section 704(c) would apply to such differences as well.

Some expenses incurred in the conduct of the Operating Partnership’s activities may not be deducted in the year they were paid. To the extent this occurs, the taxable income of the Operating Partnership may exceed its cash receipts for the year in which the expense is paid. As discussed above, the costs of acquiring properties must generally be recovered through depreciation deductions over a number of years. Prepaid interest and loan fees, and prepaid management fees are other examples of expenses that may not be deducted in the year they were paid.

Congress recently revised the rules applicable to federal income tax audits of partnerships (such as the Operating Partnership) and the collection of any tax resulting from any such audits or other tax proceedings, generally for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017. Under the new rules, the partnership itself may be liable for a hypothetical increase in partner-level taxes (including interest and penalties) resulting from an adjustment of partnership tax items on audit, regardless of changes in the composition of the partners (or their relative ownership) between the year under audit and the year of the adjustment. The new rules also include an elective alternative method under which the additional taxes resulting from the adjustment are assessed against the affected partners, subject to a higher rate of interest than otherwise would apply. Many questions remain as to how the new rules will apply, especially with respect to partners that are REITs (such as us), and it is not clear at this time what effect this new legislation will have on us. However, these changes could increase the U.S. federal income tax, interest, and/or penalties otherwise borne by us in the event of a federal income tax audit of the Operating Partnership or one of its subsidiary partnerships.

 

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Taxation of U.S. Stockholders

Taxation of Taxable U.S. Stockholders . As long as we qualify as a REIT, distributions paid to our U.S. stockholders out of current or accumulated earnings and profits (and not designated as capital gain dividends or qualified dividend income) will be ordinary income. Dividends on our preferred stock will be treated as made out of any available earnings and profits in priority to distributions on our stock. Generally, for purposes of this discussion, a “U.S. Stockholder” is a person (other than a partnership or entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

 

    an individual citizen or resident of the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

 

    a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

 

    an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or

 

    a trust if (1) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (2) the trust has a valid election in effect under current Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U. S. person.

If a partnership or entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds our stock, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A partner of a partnership holding our stock should consult its own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences to the partner of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our stock by the partnership.

Distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits are treated first as a tax-deferred return of capital to the U.S. Stockholder, reducing the U.S. Stockholder’s tax basis in his, her or its stock by the amount of such distribution, and then as capital gain. Because our earnings and profits are reduced for depreciation and other non-cash items, it is possible that a portion of each distribution will constitute a tax-deferred return of capital. Additionally, because distributions in excess of earnings and profits reduce the U.S. Stockholder’s basis in our stock, this will increase the U.S. Stockholder’s gain, or reduce the U.S. Stockholder’s loss, on any subsequent sale of the stock.

Distributions that are designated as capital gain dividends will be taxed as long-term capital gain to the extent they do not exceed our actual net capital gain for the taxable year, without regard to the period for which the U.S. Stockholder that receives such distribution has held its stock. However, corporate stockholders may be required to treat up to 20% of some types of capital gain dividends as ordinary income. We also may decide to retain, rather than distribute, our net capital gain and pay any tax thereon. In such instances, U.S. Stockholders would include their proportionate shares of such gain in income as long-term capital gain, receive a refund or credit on their returns for their proportionate share of our tax payments, and increase the tax basis of their shares of stock by the after-tax amount of such gain.

With respect to U.S. Stockholders who are taxed at the rates applicable to individuals, we may elect to designate a portion of our distributions paid to such U.S. Stockholders as “qualified dividend income.” A portion of a distribution that is properly designated as qualified dividend income is taxable to non-corporate U.S. Stockholders as capital gain; provided , that the U.S. Stockholder has held the stock with respect to which the distribution is made for more than 60 days during the 121 day period beginning on the date that is 60 days before the date on which such stock became ex-dividend with respect to the relevant distribution. The maximum amount of our distributions eligible to be designated as qualified dividend income for a taxable year is equal to the sum of:

 

  (1) the qualified dividend income received by us during such taxable year from C corporations (including TRSs);

 

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  (2) the excess of any “undistributed” REIT taxable income recognized during the immediately preceding year over the U.S. federal income tax paid by us with respect to such undistributed REIT taxable income; and

 

  (3) the excess of any income recognized during the immediately preceding year attributable to the sale of a built-in-gain asset that was acquired in a carry-over basis transaction from a non-REIT corporation.

Generally, dividends that we receive will be treated as qualified dividend income for purposes of (1) above if the dividends are received from a regular, domestic C corporation, such as any TRS, and specified holding period and other requirements are met.

Dividend income is characterized as “portfolio” income under the passive loss rules and cannot be offset by a stockholder’s current or suspended passive losses. Corporate stockholders cannot claim the dividends-received deduction for such dividends unless we lose our REIT qualification. In addition, taxable distributions from us generally will be treated as investment income for purposes of the investment interest limitations. A U.S. stockholder that elects to treat capital gain dividends, capital gains from the disposition of stock or qualified dividend income as investment income for purposes of the investment interest limitation will be taxed at ordinary income rates on such amounts.

Although U.S. Stockholders generally will recognize taxable income in the year that a distribution is received, any distribution we declare in October, November or December of any year and is payable to a U.S. Stockholder of record on a specific date in any such month will be treated as both paid by us and received by the U.S. Stockholder on December 31st of the year it was declared if we pay it during January of the following calendar year. Because we are not a pass-through entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, U.S. Stockholders may not use any of our operating or capital losses to reduce their tax liabilities.

We may have the ability to declare a large portion of a dividend in shares of our stock. As long as a portion of such dividend is paid in cash or other property and certain requirements are met, the entire distribution may be treated as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, U.S. Stockholders could be taxed on 100% of the dividend in the same manner as a cash dividend, even though most of the dividend was paid in shares of our stock. In general, any dividend on shares of our preferred stock will be taxable as a dividend, regardless of whether any portion is paid in stock.

In general, the sale of our stock held for more than 12 months will produce long-term capital gain or loss. All other sales will produce short-term gain or loss. In each case, the gain or loss is equal to the difference between the amount of cash and fair market value of any property received from the sale and the U.S. Stockholder’s basis in the stock sold. However, any loss from a sale or exchange of stock by a U.S. Stockholder who has held such stock for six months or less generally will be treated as a long-term capital loss, to the extent that the U.S. Stockholder treated our distributions as long-term capital gain. The use of capital losses is subject to limitations. A redemption by us of any redeemable preferred stock we may issue could be treated either as a taxable disposition of shares or as a dividend, depending on the applicable facts and circumstances. In the event we issue any redeemable preferred stock, the prospectus supplement will discuss the tax considerations of owning such securities in greater detail.

Information reporting (transfer statements) on other transactions may also be required under these rules. Generally, these reports are made for certain transactions. Transfer statements are issued between “brokers” and are not issued to the IRS or to you.

Stockholders should consult their tax advisors regarding the consequences of these rules.

Capital Gains and Losses. The tax rate differential between capital gain and ordinary income for non-corporate taxpayers may be significant. A taxpayer generally must hold a capital asset for more than one year for gain or loss derived from its sale or exchange to be treated as long-term capital gain or loss. The highest marginal

 

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individual income tax rate is currently 39.6%. The maximum tax rate on long-term capital gains applicable to non-corporate taxpayers is 20% for sales and exchanges of capital assets held for more than one year, except that the maximum tax rate on long-term capital gain from the sale or exchange of “section 1250 property,” or depreciable real property, is 25% to the extent that such gain, known as “unrecaptured section 1250 gains”, would have been treated as ordinary income on depreciation recapture if the property were “section 1245 property.” With respect to distributions that we designate as capital gain dividends and any retained capital gain that we are deemed to distribute, we generally may designate whether such a distribution is taxable to our non-corporate stockholders as long-term capital gains or unrecaptured section 1250 gains. 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 taxpayers) to a portion of capital gain realized by a non-corporate stockholder on the sale of REIT stock that would correspond to the REIT’s “unrecaptured Section 1250 gain.” In addition, the characterization of income as capital gain or ordinary income may affect the deductibility of capital losses. A non-corporate taxpayer may deduct capital losses not offset by capital gains against its ordinary income only up to a maximum annual amount of $3,000. A non-corporate taxpayer may carry forward unused capital losses indefinitely. A corporate taxpayer must pay tax on its net capital gain at ordinary corporate rates (currently up to 35%). A corporate taxpayer can deduct capital losses only to the extent of capital gains, with unused losses being carried back three years and forward five years.

If a U.S. stockholder recognizes a loss upon a subsequent disposition of our common stock or preferred stock in an amount that exceeds a prescribed threshold, it is possible that the provisions of certain Treasury Regulations involving “reportable transactions” could apply, with a resulting requirement to separately disclose the loss generating transactions to the IRS. While these regulations are directed towards “tax shelters,” they are written quite broadly and apply to transactions that would not typically be considered tax shelters. Significant penalties apply for failure to comply with these requirements. You should consult your tax advisors concerning any possible disclosure obligation with respect to the receipt or disposition of our common stock or preferred stock, or transactions that might be undertaken directly or indirectly by us. Moreover, you should be aware that we and other participants in transactions involving us (including our advisors) might be subject to disclosure or other requirements pursuant to these regulations.

Taxation of Tax-Exempt Stockholders . U.S. tax-exempt entities, including qualified employee pension and profit sharing trusts and individual retirement accounts, generally are exempt from U.S. federal income taxation. However, they are subject to taxation on their unrelated business taxable income, or UBTI. While many investments in real estate may generate UBTI, the IRS has ruled that dividend distributions from a REIT to a tax-exempt entity do not constitute UBTI. Based on that ruling, our distributions to a U.S. Stockholder that is a domestic tax-exempt entity should not constitute UBTI unless such U.S. Stockholder borrows funds (or otherwise incurs acquisition indebtedness within the meaning of the Code) to acquire its shares of stock. Furthermore, part or all of the income or gain recognized with respect to our stock held by certain domestic tax-exempt entities including social clubs, voluntary employee benefit associations, supplemental unemployment benefit trusts and qualified group legal service plans (all of which are exempt from U.S. federal income taxation under Code Sections 501(c)(7), (9), (17) or (20)), may be treated as UBTI.

Special rules apply to the ownership of REIT shares by some tax-exempt pension trusts. If, treating stock held by a tax-exempt pension trust as being held by a single individual rather than by the trust’s beneficiaries, we would be “closely-held” (discussed above with respect to the share ownership tests), then tax-exempt pension trusts owning more than 10% by value of our stock may be required to treat a percentage of our dividends as UBTI. This rule applies if: (1) at least one tax-exempt pension trust owns more than 25% by value of our shares, or (2) one or more tax-exempt pension trusts (each owning more than 10% by value of our shares) hold in the aggregate more than 50% by value of our shares. The percentage treated as UBTI is our gross income (less direct expenses) derived from an unrelated trade or business (determined as if we were a tax-exempt pension trust) divided by our gross income from all sources (less direct expenses). If this percentage is less than 5%, however, none of the dividends will be treated as UBTI.

 

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Backup Withholding and Information Reporting . We will report to our U.S. Stockholders and the IRS the amount of dividends treated as paid during each calendar year and the amount of any tax withheld. Under the backup withholding rules, a U.S. Stockholder may be subject to backup withholding at the current rate of 28% with respect to dividends paid, unless the U.S. Stockholder (1) is a corporation or comes within other exempt categories and, when required, demonstrates this fact or (2) provides a taxpayer identification number or social security number, certifies under penalties of perjury that such number is correct and that such U.S. Stockholder is not subject to backup withholding and otherwise complies with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. A U.S. Stockholder that does not provide his, her or its correct taxpayer identification number or social security number may also be subject to penalties imposed by the IRS.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a refund or a credit against such U.S. Stockholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is furnished to the IRS.

Medicare Tax . Certain net investment income earned by U.S. citizens and resident aliens and certain estates and trusts is subject to a 3.8% Medicare tax. Net investment income includes, among other things, dividends on and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of shares of stock. Holders of shares of our stock should consult their tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of this tax on their ownership and disposition of such shares.

Taxation of Non-U.S. Stockholders

General . The rules governing the U.S. federal income taxation of Non-U.S. Stockholders are complex, and as such, only a summary of such rules is provided in this prospectus. Non-U.S. investors should consult with their own tax advisors and financial planners to determine the impact that U.S. federal, state and local income tax or similar laws will have on such investors as a result of an investment in our stock. A “Non-U.S. Stockholder” means a nonresident alien individual or foreign corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes that is not otherwise subject to special treatment under the Code. The discussion below assumes we have qualified as a REIT and will continue to qualify as a REIT.

Distributions — In General . Distributions paid by us that are not attributable to gain from our sales or exchanges of United States real property interests, or USRPIs (discussed further below), and not designated by us as capital gain dividends will be treated as dividends of ordinary income to the extent that they are made out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. Such dividends to Non-U.S. Stockholders ordinarily will be subject to a withholding tax equal to 30% of the gross amount of the dividend unless an applicable tax treaty reduces or eliminates that tax. Under some treaties, however, lower rates generally applicable to dividends do not apply to dividends from REITs. If income from the investment in our stock is treated as effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Stockholder’s conduct of a U.S. trade or business, the Non-U.S. Stockholder generally will be subject to a tax at the graduated rates applicable to ordinary income, in the same manner as U.S. stockholders are taxed with respect to such dividends (and also may be subject to the 30% branch profits tax in the case of a stockholder that is a foreign corporation that is not entitled to the benefits of a treaty that exempts it from such tax). In general, Non-U.S. Stockholders will not be considered to be engaged in a U.S. trade or business solely as a result of their ownership of our stock.

Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits and not attributable to gain from our sales or exchanges of USRPIs will not be taxable to a stockholder to the extent they do not exceed the adjusted basis of the stockholder’s shares. Instead, they will reduce the adjusted basis of such shares. To the extent that such dividends exceed the adjusted basis of a Non-U.S. Stockholder’s shares, they will give rise to tax liability if the Non-U.S. Stockholder would otherwise be subject to tax on any gain from the sale or disposition of his shares, as described in the “Sales of Shares” portion of this Section below. However, as discussed below, we may nevertheless withhold on such distributions.

 

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Distributions Attributable to Sale or Exchange of Real Property . Except as discussed below with respect to 10% or less holders of regularly traded classes of stock, “qualified shareholders” and “qualified foreign pension funds” (for periods on and after December 18, 2015), for any year in which we qualify as a REIT, a non-U.S. stockholder will incur tax on distributions by us that are attributable to gain from our sale or exchange of USRPIs under special provisions of the U.S. federal income tax laws known as the Foreign Investment in Real Property Act, or FIRPTA. The term USRPIs includes interests in real property and shares in corporations at least 50% of whose real estate and business assets consist of interests in U.S. real property. Under those rules, a non-U.S. stockholder is taxed on distributions by us attributable to gain from sales of USRPIs as if the gain were effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the non-U.S. stockholder. A non-U.S. stockholder thus would be taxed on such a distribution at regular tax rates applicable to U.S. stockholders, subject to any applicable alternative minimum tax. A corporate non-U.S. stockholder not entitled to treaty relief or exemption also may be subject to the 30% branch profits tax on such a distribution. We must withhold 35% of any distribution that is a distribution attributable to USRPI gain and may be required to withhold 35% of any capital gain dividend not otherwise subject to withholding as a distribution of USRPI gain. A non-U.S. stockholder may receive a credit against its tax liability for the amount we withhold. However, FIRPTA and the 35% withholding tax will not apply to any distribution with respect to any class of our stock that is regularly traded on an established securities market located in the United States if the recipient non-U.S. stockholder did not own more than 10% of such class of stock at any time during the one-year period ending on the date of distribution. Instead, any distribution will be treated as an ordinary distribution subject to the rules discussed above, which generally impose a 30% withholding tax (unless reduced by a treaty).

U.S. Federal Income Tax Withholding on Distributions not Subject to FIRPTA . For U.S. federal income tax withholding purposes, we generally will withhold tax at the rate of 30% on the amount of any distribution (other than distributions designated as capital gain dividends or distributions of USRPI gain subject to FIRPTA as discussed above) made to a Non-U.S. Stockholder, unless the Non-U.S. Stockholder provides us with appropriate documentation (1) evidencing that such Non-U.S. Stockholder is eligible for an exemption or reduced rate under an applicable income tax treaty, generally an IRS Form W-8BEN (in which case we will withhold at the lower treaty rate) or (2) claiming that the dividend is effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Stockholder’s conduct of a trade or business within the U.S., generally an IRS Form W-8ECI (in which case we will not withhold tax). We are also generally required to withhold tax at the rate of 35% on the portion of any dividend to a Non-U.S. Stockholder that is or could be designated by us as a capital gain dividend, to the extent attributable to gain on a sale or exchange of an interest in U.S. real property. Such withheld amounts of tax do not represent actual tax liabilities, but rather, represent payments in respect of those tax liabilities described in the preceding two paragraphs. Therefore, such withheld amounts are creditable by the Non-U.S. Stockholder against its actual U.S. federal income tax liabilities, including those described in the preceding two paragraphs. The Non-U.S. Stockholder would be entitled to a refund of any amounts withheld in excess of such Non-U.S. Stockholder’s actual U.S. federal income tax liabilities; provided that the Non-U.S. Stockholder files applicable returns or refund claims with the IRS.

Additional withholding regulations may require us to withhold 15% of any distribution that exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits. Consequently, although we intend to withhold at a rate of 30% on the entire amount of any distribution (other than distributions subject to FIRPTA, as described below, and except to the extent an exemption or a lower rate of withholding applies), to the extent that we do not do so, we will withhold at a rate of 15% on any portion of such a distribution.

Sales of Shares . A non-U.S. stockholder generally will not incur tax under FIRPTA with respect to gain on a disposition of our common stock or preferred stock as long as at all times during the five-year period ending on the date of disposition non-U.S. persons hold, directly or indirectly, less than 50% in value of our stock. For these purposes, beginning on December 18, 2015, a person holding less than 5% of our regularly traded classes of stock for five years 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 assure you that our non-U.S. ownership will be less than 50% at any time. Even if our non-U.S. ownership remains under 50% for five years and we

 

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otherwise meet the requirements of this rule, pursuant to certain “wash sale” rules under FIRPTA, a non-U.S. stockholder may incur tax under FIRPTA to the extent such stockholder disposes of our stock within a certain period prior to a distribution attributable to USRPI gain and directly or indirectly (including through certain affiliates) reacquires our stock within certain prescribed periods, provided that this rule will not apply to a disposition and reacquisition of our common stock by a non-U.S. stockholder owning, actually or constructively, 5% or less of our common stock at any time during the one-year period ending on the date of such distribution attributable to USRPI gain.

Regardless of the extent of our non-U.S. ownership, a non-U.S. stockholder will not incur tax under FIRPTA on a disposition of the shares of our publicly traded stock if such non-U.S. stockholder owned, actually or constructively, at all times during a specified testing period, 10% (5% for dispositions prior to December 18, 2015) or less of the total fair market value of such class of stock. The testing period is the shorter of (1) the period during which the non-U.S. stockholder held the shares and (2) the five-year period ending on the disposition date. For as long as our common stock is regularly traded on an established securities market, a non-U.S. stockholder should not incur tax under FIRPTA with respect to gain on a sale of our common stock unless it owns, actually or constructively, more than 10% of our common stock during such testing period. If we issue a class of preferred stock that is regularly traded on an established securities market, the rules described in the previous sentence will also apply to sales of such preferred stock. Provided that our common stock continues to be regularly traded on an established securities market, a non-U.S. stockholder will not incur tax under FIRPTA on a disposition of the shares of our non-publicly traded preferred stock if the fair market value of all of the shares of such class of preferred stock acquired by such non-U.S. stockholder did not exceed 5% of the fair market value of our regularly traded class of stock with the lowest fair market value, determined as of the most recent acquisition date. While the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 increased several FIRPTA-related thresholds from 5% to 10%, it did not alter the Treasury Regulation containing the exception described in the previous sentence, and it is not clear whether the Treasury intends to amend the rule in light of the legislative changes.

If the gain on the sale of our stock were taxed under FIRPTA, a non-U.S. stockholder would be taxed on that gain in the same manner as U.S. stockholders, subject to any applicable alternative minimum tax. Furthermore, a non-U.S. stockholder generally will incur U.S. federal income tax on gain not subject to FIRPTA if:

 

    the gain is effectively connected with the non-U.S. stockholder’s U.S. trade or business, in which case the non-U.S. stockholder will be subject to the same treatment as U.S. stockholders with respect to such gain and may be subject to the 30% branch profits tax in the case of a foreign corporation; or

 

    the non-U.S. stockholder is a nonresident alien individual who was present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and meets certain other criteria, in which case the non-U.S. stockholder will incur a 30% tax on his or her capital gains derived from sources within the United States.

Qualified Shareholders . For periods on or after December 18, 2015, 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 USRPI. 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 USRPI. 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

 

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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 USRPI will be treated as amounts realized from the disposition of USRPIs. 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 a person who holds an interest in the qualified shareholder and holds more than 10% of our stock applying certain constructive ownership rules. Distributions received by qualified shareholders will be taxed described above at —Distributions — In General regardless of whether the distribution is attributable to the sale of a USRPI. Gain treated as gain from the sale or exchange of our stock (including capital gain dividends and distributions treated as gain from the sale or exchange of our stock under the rules described above at — Distributions — In General ) will not be subject to tax unless such gain is treated as effectively connected with the qualified shareholder’s conduct of a U.S. trade or business, in which case the qualified shareholder generally will be subject to a tax at the graduated rates applicable to ordinary income, in the same manner as U.S. stockholders.

Qualified Foreign Pension Funds . For periods on or after December 18, 2015, the FIRPTA rules will not apply to any USRPI 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. Distributions received by qualified foreign pension funds will be taxed described above at — Distributions — In General regardless of whether the distribution is attributable to the sale of a USRPI. Gain treated as gain from the sale or exchange of our stock (including capital gain dividends and distributions treated as gain from the sale or exchange of our stock under the rules described above at — Distributions — In General ) will not be subject to tax unless such gain is treated as effectively connected with the qualified foreign pension fund’s conduct of a U.S. trade or business, in which case the qualified foreign pension fund generally will be subject to a tax at the graduated rates applicable to ordinary income, in the same manner as U.S. stockholders.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding . If the proceeds of a disposition of stock are paid by or through a U.S. office of a broker-dealer, the payment is generally subject to information reporting and to backup withholding unless the disposing Non-U.S. Stockholder certifies as to its name, address and non-U.S. status or otherwise establishes an exemption. Generally, U.S. information reporting and backup withholding will not apply to a payment of disposition proceeds if the payment is made outside the U.S. through a foreign office of a foreign broker-dealer. Under Treasury Regulations, if the proceeds from a disposition of stock paid to or through a foreign office of a U.S. broker-dealer or a non-U.S. office of a foreign broker-dealer that is (1) a “controlled foreign corporation” for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (2) a person 50% or more of whose gross income from all sources for a three-year period was effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business, (3) a foreign partnership with one or more partners who are U.S. persons and who, in the aggregate, hold more than 50% of the income or capital interest in the partnership, or (4) a foreign partnership engaged in the conduct of a trade or business in the U.S., then (A) backup withholding will not apply unless the broker-dealer has actual knowledge that the owner is not a Non-U.S. Stockholder, and (B) information reporting will not apply if the Non-U.S. Stockholder certifies its non-U.S. status and further certifies that it has not been, and at the time the certificate is furnished reasonably expects not to be, present in the U.S. for a period aggregating 183 days or more during each calendar year to which the certification pertains. Prospective foreign purchasers should consult their tax advisors and financial planners concerning these rules.

 

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Taxation of U.S. Holders of Debt Securities

This summary addresses only fixed rate debt securities issued by us or the Operating Partnership without original issue discount, or 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 sold to persons other than bond houses, brokers, or similar persons or organizations acting in the capacity of underwriters, placement agents or wholesalers) or with holders who hold the debt securities with amortizable bond premium (which generally arises if the holder’s tax basis in the debt security exceeds its stated redemption price at maturity, as defined below). This summary does not discuss the rules applicable to debt securities issued with OID, except to the limited extent specifically discussed below.

When we refer to a “U.S. Holder,” we mean a beneficial owner of the debt securities that is for United States federal income tax purposes:

(1) an individual who is a citizen or resident, as defined in Code Section 7701(b), of the United States;

(2) a corporation, or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

(3) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or

(4) a trust (i) if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the trust’s administration and one or more United States persons, within the meaning of the Code, have the authority to control all substantive decisions of the trust or (ii) that has a valid election in effect under the applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person under the Code.

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 stated interest. Stated interest on the 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 (“OID”) for United States 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 or at certain floating rates that properly take 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.

 

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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 stated 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 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 and increased by any accrued OID previously included in such U.S. Holder’s income. 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.

Medicare Tax . Income and gains in respect of our debt securities may constitute “net investment income” for purposes of the Medicare Tax described above at “ Taxation of U.S. Stockholders — Medicare Tax ” If you are a U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate or 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 debt securities.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding . Information reporting to the IRS generally will apply to payments of stated interest (and accruals of OID, if any) with respect to debt securities and the proceeds of any sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other taxable disposition of debt securities, and backup withholding, currently at a rate of 28%, may also apply to such payments and proceeds unless the holder:

(1) is a corporation or comes within certain other exempt categories and, when required, demonstrates this fact; or

(2) provides a taxpayer identification number, certifies as to no loss of exemption from backup withholding and otherwise complies with the applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules.

A U.S. holder who does not provide us with its correct taxpayer identification number also may be subject to penalties imposed by the IRS. Any amount paid as backup withholding will be creditable against the U.S. holder’s income tax liability (or may be refunded) provided the required information is timely provided to the IRS.

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, a nonresident alien individual, a foreign estate, or a foreign trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes that is not otherwise subject to special treatment under the Code. The rules governing the United States 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.

Payments of principal and interest (including any 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 information reporting and backup withholding and FATCA withholding; provided, in the case of interest (including any OID) that is not effectively connected with the conduct by such Non-U.S. holder of such trade or business, each of the following conditions is met:

(1) the Non-U.S. Holder does not actually or constructively own 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of the stock of VEREIT, Inc. entitled to vote (if the debt securities are issued by VEREIT, Inc., or if the debt securities are issued by the Operating Partnership and the Operating Partnership is a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes); or the Non-U.S. Holder does not actually or constructively own 10% or more of the Operating Partnership’s capital or profits interests (if the debt securities are issued by the Operating Partnership and the Operating Partnership is a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes);

 

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(2) the Non-U.S. Holder is not a controlled foreign corporation, as defined in the Code, that is related, directly or indirectly, to the issuer of the applicable debt securities (i.e. us or the Operating Partnership); and

(3) the Non-U.S. Holder is not a bank extending credit pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of its trade or business, as described in Code Section 881(c)(3)(A).

In order for a Non-U.S. Holder to qualify for the above exemption from taxation on interest (including any 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 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 IRS Form W-8.

A Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to U.S. federal income and withholding taxes on any gain recognized 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. Any amount received by a Non-U.S. Holder on the sale, exchange or other disposition of the debt securities attributable to accrued but unpaid stated interest will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax and income tax as interest income.

If a Non-U.S. Holder engages in a trade or business in the United States, and if interest (including any 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, the Non-U.S. Holder, although exempt from the withholding tax discussed in the preceding paragraphs (provided that an appropriate IRS Form W-8 is timely delivered to the applicable withholding agent), 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 unless an applicable income tax treaty provides otherwise. In addition, if a Non-U.S. Holder is classified as a corporation for United States 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.

If a Non-U.S. Holder is an individual who 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, such Non-U.S. Holder will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (unless reduced or eliminated by an applicable income tax treaty) on any gain (net of certain capital losses) recognized in the sale, exchange or other disposition

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding . The amount of interest (including any OID) paid and the amount of tax, if any, withheld with respect to those payments will be reported to the Non-U.S. Holder and the IRS. Copies of the information returns reporting such interest and any withholding may also be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which a Non-U.S. Holder resides, under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty.

 

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In general, a Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to backup withholding with respect to payments of interest, provided that the withholding agent does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that such Non-U.S. Holder is a U.S. person, and has received the statement described above in the third bullet point under “— Payments of Interest.” In addition, information returns will not be filed with the IRS in connection with the payment of proceeds from a sale or other disposition (including a retirement or redemption) of debt securities unless paid within the United States or through certain U.S.-related payors and, unless the withholding agent has received an appropriate statement on the applicable IRS Form W-8, as described above, a Non-U.S. Holder may also be subject to U.S. backup withholding on such proceeds.

Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or credit against a Non-U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

Foreign Accounts and “FATCA”

FATCA Withholding on Certain Foreign Accounts and Entities. The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, or FATCA, provisions of the Code, enacted in 2010, together with administrative guidance and certain intergovernmental agreements entered into thereunder, impose a 30% withholding tax on“withholdable payments” (as defined below) made to “foreign financial institutions” (as defined below) and certain other non-U.S. entities (whether or not such foreign financial institutions or non-U.S. entities receive the payment as a beneficial owner or intermediary) unless (1) the foreign financial institution undertakes certain diligence and reporting, and withholding obligations or (2) the foreign non-financial entity either certifies it does not have any substantial U.S. owners or furnishes identifying information regarding each substantial U.S. owner. “Withholdable payment” generally means (i) any payment of interest, dividends, and certain other types of generally passive income if such payment is from sources within the United States and (ii) any gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of any property of a type that can produce interest or dividends from sources within the United States (including, for example, stock and debt of U.S. corporations). “Foreign financial institution generally means any non-U.S. entity that (i) accepts deposits in the ordinary course of a banking or similar business, (ii) as a substantial portion of its business holds financial assets for the account of others, or (iii) is engaged or holds itself out as being engaged primarily in the business of investing, reinvesting, or trading in securities, partnership interests, commodities, or any interest in such assets. 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 U.S. Treasury requiring, among other things, that it undertakes to identify accounts held by certain U.S. persons or U.S.-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. Investors in jurisdictions that have entered into intergovernmental agreements may, in lieu of foregoing requirements, be required to report such information to their home jurisdiction. Withholding under FATCA on gross proceeds will apply to gross proceeds from a sale or other disposition occurring after December 31, 2018 of property that can produce U.S. source interest or dividends, and began after June 30, 2014 with respect to other withholdable payments.

Other Tax Considerations

State, Local and Foreign Taxes . We and you may be subject to state, local or foreign taxation in various jurisdictions, including those in which we transact business or reside. Our and your state, local and foreign tax treatment may not conform to the U.S. federal income tax consequences discussed above. Any foreign taxes incurred by us would not pass through to stockholders as a credit against their U.S. federal income tax liability. You should consult your own tax advisors and financial planners regarding the effect of state, local and foreign tax laws on an investment in the shares of our stock or debt securities.

Legislative Proposals . You should recognize that our and your present U.S. federal income tax treatment may be modified by legislative, judicial or administrative actions at any time, which may be retroactive in effect. The rules dealing with U.S. federal income taxation are constantly under review by Congress, the IRS and the Treasury Department, and statutory changes as well as promulgation of new regulations, revisions to existing statutes, and revised interpretations of established concepts occur frequently.

 

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SELLING SECURITY HOLDERS

Information about selling security holders, where applicable, will be set forth in a prospectus supplement.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

Sales By Us

We may sell the securities in any one or more of the following ways:

 

    directly to investors;

 

    to investors through agents;

 

    to dealers;

 

    through a special offering, an exchange distribution or a secondary distribution in accordance with applicable New York Stock Exchange or other stock exchange rules;

 

    through underwriting syndicates led by one or more managing underwriters; and

 

    through one or more underwriters acting alone.

VEREIT’s common stock or preferred stock may be issued upon conversion of debt securities or preferred stock of VEREIT. If we sell securities to a dealer acting as principal, the dealer may resell such securities at varying prices to be determined by such dealer in its discretion at the time of resale without consulting with us and such resale prices may not be disclosed in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Any underwritten offering may be on a best efforts or a firm commitment basis. We may also make direct sales through subscription rights distributed to our stockholders on a pro rata basis, which may or may not be transferable. In any distribution of subscription rights to stockholders, if all of the underlying securities are not subscribed for, we may then sell the unsubscribed securities directly to third parties or may engage the services of one or more underwriters, dealers or agents, including standby underwriters, to sell the unsubscribed securities to third parties.

The distribution of the securities may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions:

 

    at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed;

 

    at market prices prevailing at the time of sale;

 

    at prices related to such prevailing market prices; or

 

    at negotiated prices.

Any of the prices may represent a discount from the prevailing market prices.

In the sale of the securities, underwriters or agents may receive compensation from us or from purchasers of the securities, for whom they may act as agents, in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions. Underwriters may sell the securities to or through dealers, and such dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agents. Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters under the Securities Act, and any discounts or commissions they receive from us and any profit on the resale of securities they realize may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. The applicable prospectus supplement will, where applicable:

 

    identify any such underwriter or agent;

 

    describe any compensation in the form of discounts, concessions, commissions or otherwise received from us by each such underwriter or agent and in the aggregate to all underwriters and agents;

 

    identify the amounts underwritten; and

 

    identify the nature of the underwriter’s obligation to take the securities.

 

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Unless otherwise specified in the related prospectus supplement, each series of securities will be a new issue with no established trading market, other than shares of VEREIT’s common stock and 6.70% Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, which are listed on the NYSE. Common stock and 6.70% Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock sold pursuant to a prospectus supplement will be listed on the NYSE, subject to the NYSE’s approval of the listing of the additional shares sold. We may elect to list any series of securities on an exchange, but we are not obligated to do so. It is possible that one or more underwriters may make a market in a series of securities, but such underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. Therefore, no assurance can be given as to the liquidity of, or the trading market for, any series of securities.

Until the distribution of the securities is completed, rules of the SEC may limit the ability of any underwriters and selling group members to bid for and purchase the securities. As an exception to these rules, underwriters are permitted to engage in some transactions that stabilize the price of the securities. Such transactions consist of bids or purchases for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the securities.

If any underwriters create a short position in the securities in an offering in which they sell more securities than are set forth on the cover page of the applicable prospectus supplement, the underwriters may reduce that short position by purchasing the securities in the open market.

The lead underwriters may also impose a penalty bid on other underwriters and selling group members participating in an offering. This means that if the lead underwriters purchase securities in the open market to reduce the underwriters’ short position or to stabilize the price of the securities, they may reclaim the amount of any selling concession from the underwriters and selling group members who sold those securities as part of the offering.

In general, purchases of a security for the purpose of stabilization or to reduce a short position could cause the price of the security to be higher than it might be in the absence of such purchases. The imposition of a penalty bid might also have an effect on the price of a security to the extent that it discourages resales of the security before the distribution is completed.

We do not make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above might have on the price of the securities. In addition, we do not make any representation that underwriters will engage in such transactions or that such transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.

Under agreements into which we may enter, underwriters, dealers and agents who participate in the distribution of the securities may be entitled to indemnification by us against some liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

Underwriters, dealers and agents may engage in transactions with us, perform services for us or be our customers in the ordinary course of business.

If indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will authorize underwriters or other persons acting as our agents to solicit offers by particular institutions to purchase securities from us at the public offering price set forth in such prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on the date or dates stated in such prospectus supplement. Each delayed delivery contract will be for an amount no less than, and the aggregate principal amounts of securities sold under delayed delivery contracts shall be not less nor more than, the respective amounts stated in the applicable prospectus supplement. Institutions with which such contracts, when authorized, may be made include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions and others, but will in all cases be subject to our approval. The obligations of any purchaser under any such contract will be subject to

 

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the conditions that (a) the purchase of the securities shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of any jurisdiction in the United States to which the purchaser is subject, and (b) if the securities are being sold to underwriters, we shall have sold to the underwriters the total principal amount of the securities less the principal amount thereof covered by the contracts. The underwriters and such other agents will not have any responsibility in respect of the validity or performance of such contracts.

To comply with applicable state securities laws, the securities offered by this prospectus will be sold, if necessary, in such jurisdictions only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, securities may not be sold in some states unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in the applicable state or an exemption from the registration or qualification requirement is available and is complied with.

In addition to the foregoing, we may issue shares of our common stock or preferred stock to holders of units of limited partnership interest in the Operating Partnership, and any of their pledgees, donees, transferees or other successors in interest, in exchange for their units of limited partnership interest in the Operating Partnership. We may only offer our common stock in this manner if the holders of these units of limited partnership interest in the Operating Partnership present them for redemption under the partnership agreement of the Operating Partnership, and we exercise our right to issue our common stock to them instead of paying a cash amount. We will receive no cash proceeds from any issuance of the shares of our common stock in exchange for units of limited partnership interest in the Operating Partnership, but we will acquire additional units of limited partnership interest in the Operating Partnership in exchange for any such issuances.

Sales by Selling Stockholders

The selling stockholders may resell or redistribute securities from time to time on any stock exchange or automated interdealer quotation system on which the shares are listed, in the over-the-counter market, in privately negotiated transactions, or in any other legal manner, at fixed prices that may be changed, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. Persons who are pledgees, donees, transferees, or other successors in interest of any of the named selling stockholders (including but not limited to persons who receive shares from a named selling stockholder as a gift, partnership distribution or other non-sale-related transfer after the date of this prospectus) may also use this prospectus and are included when we refer to “selling stockholders” in this prospectus. The selling stockholders may sell the shares by one or more of the following methods, without limitation:

 

    block trades (which may include cross trades) in which the broker or dealer so engaged will attempt to sell the shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction;

 

    purchases by a broker or dealer as principal and resale by the broker or dealer for its own account;

 

    an exchange distribution or secondary distribution in accordance with the rules of any stock exchange on which the shares are listed;

 

    ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker solicits purchases;

 

    an offering at other than a fixed price on or through the facilities of any stock exchange on which the shares are listed or to or through a market maker other than on that stock exchange;

 

    privately negotiated transactions, directly or through agents;

 

    short sales;

 

    through the writing of options on the shares, whether or the options are listed on an options exchange;

 

    through the distribution of the shares by any selling stockholder to its partners, members or stockholders;

 

    one or more underwritten offerings;

 

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    agreements between a broker or dealer and any selling stockholder to sell a specified number of the shares at a stipulated price per share; and

 

    any combination of any of these methods of sale or distribution, or any other method permitted by applicable law.

The selling stockholders may also transfer the shares by gift.

The selling stockholders may engage brokers and dealers, and any brokers or dealers may arrange for other brokers or dealers to participate in effecting sales of the shares. These brokers, dealers or underwriters may act as principals, or as an agent of a selling stockholder. Broker-dealers may agree with a selling stockholder to sell a specified number of the shares at a stipulated price per share. If the broker-dealer is unable to sell shares acting as agent for a selling stockholder, it may purchase as principal any unsold shares at the stipulated price. Broker-dealers who acquire shares as principals may thereafter resell the shares from time to time in transactions on any stock exchange or automated interdealer quotation system on which the shares are then listed, at prices and on terms then prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to the then-current market price or in negotiated transactions. Broker-dealers may use block transactions and sales to and through broker-dealers, including transactions of the nature described above. The selling stockholders may also sell all or a portion of their shares of our common stock in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in reliance upon Rule 144 under the Securities Act rather than pursuant to this prospectus, regardless of whether the shares are covered by this prospectus.

From time to time, one or more of the selling stockholders may pledge, hypothecate or grant a security interest in some or all of the shares owned by them. The pledgees, secured parties or persons to whom the shares have been hypothecated will, upon foreclosure in the event of default, be deemed to be selling stockholders. The number of a selling stockholder’s shares offered under this prospectus will decrease as and when it takes such actions. The plan of distribution for that selling stockholder’s shares will otherwise remain unchanged. In addition, a selling stockholder may, from time to time, sell the shares short, and, in those instances, this prospectus may be delivered in connection with the short sales and the shares offered under this prospectus may be used to cover short sales.

The selling stockholders and any underwriters, brokers, dealers or agents that participate in the distribution of the shares may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act, and any discounts, concessions, commissions or fees received by them and any profit on the resale of the shares sold by them may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions.

A selling stockholder may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers and the broker-dealers may engage in short sales of the shares in the course of hedging the positions they assume with that selling stockholder, including, without limitation, in connection with distributions of the shares by those broker-dealers. A selling stockholder may enter into option or other transactions with broker-dealers that involve the delivery of the shares offered hereby to the broker-dealers, who may then resell or otherwise transfer those shares. A selling stockholder may also loan or pledge the shares offered hereby to a broker-dealer and the broker-dealer may sell the shares offered hereby so loaned or upon a default may sell or otherwise transfer the pledged shares offered hereby.

The selling stockholders and other persons participating in the sale or distribution of the shares will be subject to applicable provisions of the Exchange Act and the related rules and regulations adopted by the SEC, including Regulation M. This regulation may limit the timing of purchases and sales of any of the shares by the selling stockholders and any other person. The anti-manipulation rules under the Exchange Act may apply to sales of shares in the market and to the activities of the selling stockholders and their affiliates. Furthermore, Regulation M may restrict the ability of any person engaged in the distribution of the shares to engage in market-making activities with respect to the particular shares being distributed for a period of up to five business days before the distribution. These restrictions may affect the marketability of the shares and the ability of any person or entity to engage in market-making activities with respect to the shares.

 

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We may agree to indemnify the selling stockholders and their respective officers, directors, employees and agents, and any underwriter or other person who participates in an offering against specified liabilities, including liabilities under the federal securities laws or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect of those liabilities. The selling stockholders may agree to indemnify us, the other selling stockholders and any underwriter or other person who participates in an offering against specified liabilities, including liabilities under the federal securities laws or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect of those liabilities. The selling stockholders may agree to indemnify any brokers, dealers or agents who participate in transactions involving sales of the shares against specified liabilities arising under the federal securities laws in connection with the offering and sale of the shares.

If a selling stockholder notifies us that a material arrangement has been entered into with a broker-dealer for the sale of shares through a block trade, special offering, exchange, distribution or secondary distribution or a purchase by a broker or dealer, the prospectus supplement will include any other facts that are material to the transaction. If applicable, this may include a statement to the effect that the participating broker-dealers did not conduct any investigation to verify the information set out or incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

Certain legal matters will be passed upon for us by Goodwin Procter LLP . Certain legal matters regarding the validity of the securities offered hereby and certain matters of Maryland law have been passed upon for us by Venable LLP. If the validity of any securities is also passed upon by counsel for the underwriters, dealers or agents of an offering of those securities, that counsel will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements, and the related financial statement schedules, incorporated in this prospectus by reference from VEREIT, Inc.’s (formerly American Realty Capital Properties, Inc.) Annual Report on Form 10-K, and the effectiveness of VEREIT, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

The consolidated financial statements, and the related financial statement schedules, incorporated in this prospectus by reference from the VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P.’s (formerly ARC Properties Operating Partnership, L.P.) Annual Report on Form 10-K, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

The consolidated financial statements and schedules of VEREIT, Inc. and VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. as of December 31, 2014, and for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2014 incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement have been so incorporated by reference in reliance upon the reports of Grant Thornton LLP, independent registered public accountants, upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

The audited Historical Summary of the GE Capital Portfolio which comprises the statement of revenues and certain expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012 included in the June 7, 2013 Current Report of VEREIT, Inc. on Form 8-K/A incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement has been so incorporated by reference in reliance upon the report of Grant Thornton LLP, independent certified public accountants, upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

The consolidated financial statements, the related financial statement schedules and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of CapLease, Inc. incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed by VEREIT, Inc. on June 14, 2013, have been audited by RSM US LLP (formerly McGladrey LLP), an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report incorporated by reference herein, and have been so incorporated in reliance upon such reports and upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

The audited Historical Summary of the Inland Portfolio which comprises the statement of revenues and certain expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012 included in the September 25, 2013 Current Report of VEREIT, Inc. on Form 8-K/A incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement has been so incorporated by reference in reliance upon the report of Grant Thornton LLP, independent certified public accountants, upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

The audited Historical Summary of the Fortress Portfolio which comprises the statement of revenues and certain expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012 included in the October 7, 2013 Current Report of

 

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VEREIT, Inc. on Form 8-K incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement has been so incorporated by reference in reliance upon the report of Grant Thornton LLP, independent certified public accountants, upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

The consolidated financial statements of Cole Real Estate Investment, Inc. (f/k/a Cole Credit Property Trust III, Inc.) as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 and for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013, incorporated in this prospectus by reference from VEREIT, Inc.’s (formerly American Realty Capital Properties, Inc.) Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on March 14, 2014, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their report which is incorporated herein by reference (which report expresses an unmodified opinion on the consolidated financial statements and includes an emphasis-of-matter paragraph referring to its Agreement and Plan of Merger with American Realty Capital Properties, Inc., and Clark Acquisition, LLC). Such consolidated financial statements have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

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LOGO

VEREIT, INC.

Common Stock

Preferred Stock

Debt Securities

Depositary Shares

Warrants

Units

Guarantees

VEREIT OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P.

Debt Securities

Guarantees

 

 

PROSPECTUS

 

 

 

 

 


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PART II INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

Item 14. Other expenses of issuance and distribution

The following table sets forth the costs and expenses to be borne by the registrant in connection with the offering described in this registration statement.

 

SEC registration fee

   $  *   

Legal fees and expenses

     **   

Accounting fees and expenses

     **   

Printing expenses

     **   

Miscellaneous expenses

     **   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $  **   
  

 

 

 

 

* Omitted because the registration fee is being deferred in reliance on, and in accordance with, Rules 456(b) and 457(r) under the Securities Act.
** These fees and expenses depend on the securities offered and the number of issuances and, accordingly, cannot be estimated at this time.

 

Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Maryland law permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision limiting the liability of its directors and officers to the corporation and its stockholders for money damages except for liability resulting from (1) actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or (2) active and deliberate dishonesty established by a final judgment as being material to the cause of action. Our charter contains such a provision and limits the liability of our directors and officers to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.

Our charter obligates us, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, to indemnify and, without requiring a preliminary determination of the ultimate entitlement to indemnification, pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to (1) any present or former director or officer of our company who is made or threatened to be made a party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity or (2) any individual who, while serving as our director or officer and at our request, serves or has served another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise as a director, officer, partner, member, manager or trustee of such corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, and who is made or threatened to be made a party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity. Our charter also permits us to indemnify and advance expenses to any person who served any predecessor of our company in any of the capacities described above and to any employee or agent of our company or of any predecessor.

The MGCL requires us (unless our charter provides otherwise, which our charter does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made or threatened to be made a party by reason of his or her service in that capacity. The MGCL permits a corporation to indemnify its present and former directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made or threatened to be made a party by reason of their service in those or other capacities unless it is established that (1) the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (A) was committed in bad faith or (B) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty, (2) the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services, or (3) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. However, under the MGCL, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify a director or officer for an adverse judgment in a suit by or in the right of the corporation or for a

 

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judgment of liability on the basis that a personal benefit was improperly received. A court may order indemnification if it determines that the director or officer is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification, even though the director or officer did not meet the prescribed standard of conduct or was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received. However, indemnification for an adverse judgment in a suit by us or in our right, or for a judgment of liability on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received, is limited to expenses. In addition, the MGCL permits a corporation to advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer upon the corporation’s receipt of (1) a written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the corporation and (2) a written undertaking to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by the corporation if it is ultimately determined that the appropriate standard of conduct was not met.

We also are party to indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers that provide for indemnification to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling us pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.

 

Item 16. Exhibits

The exhibit index at the end of this registration statement identifies the exhibits that are included in this registration statement and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 17. Undertakings

 

  (a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

 

  (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made of securities registered hereby, 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 maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement;

 

  (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 (i), (ii) and (iii) above 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 SEC by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in this registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  (ii) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(l)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof; provided, however , that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.

 

  (5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities:

The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  (b)

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (and, where applicable, each filing

 

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  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 this registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered herein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

  (c) With respect to any offering in which securities are to be offered to existing security holders pursuant to warrants or rights and any securities not taken by security holders are to be reoffered to the public, the undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supplement the prospectus, after the expiration of the subscription period, to set forth the results of the subscription offer, the transactions by the underwriters during the subscription period, the amount of unsubscribed securities to be purchased by the underwriters, and the terms of any subsequent reoffering thereof. If any public offering by the underwriters is to be made on terms differing from those set forth on the cover page of the prospectus, a post-effective amendment will be filed to set forth the terms of such offering.

 

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

 

  (e) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining 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 SEC under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Phoenix, State of Arizona, on this 6 th day of May, 2016.

 

VEREIT, INC.
By:  

/s/ Michael J. Bartolotta

  Michael J. Bartolotta
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints each of Glenn J. Rufrano and Michael J. Bartolotta, with the power to act without the other, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him or her or in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign any and all amendments or post-effective amendments to this registration statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, and in connection with any registration of additional securities pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to sign any abbreviated registration statements and any and all amendments thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, in each case, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

NAME

  

CAPACITY

 

DATE

/s/ Glenn J. Rufrano

Glenn J. Rufrano

  

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer and Director)

  May 6, 2016

/s/ Michael J. Bartolotta

Michael J. Bartolotta

   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)   May 6, 2016

/s/ Gavin B. Brandon

Gavin B. Brandon

   Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)   May 6, 2016

/s/ Hugh R. Frater

Hugh R. Frater

   Independent Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors   May 6, 2016

/s/ Bruce D. Frank

Bruce D. Frank

   Independent Director   May 6, 2016

/s/ David B. Henry

David B. Henry

   Independent Director   May 6, 2016


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NAME

  

CAPACITY

 

DATE

/s/ Mark S. Ordan

Mark S. Ordan

   Independent Director   May 6, 2016

/s/ Eugene A. Pinover

Eugene A. Pinover

   Independent Director   May 6, 2016

/s/ Julie G. Richardson

Julie G. Richardson

   Independent Director   May 6, 2016


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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Phoenix, State of Arizona, on this 6 th day of May, 2016.

 

VEREIT OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P.
By:   VEREIT, Inc., its general partner
By:  

/s/ Michael J. Bartolotta

  Michael J. Bartolotta
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints each of Glenn J. Rufrano and Michael J. Bartolotta, with the power to act without the other, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him or her or in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign any and all amendments or post-effective amendments to this registration statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, and in connection with any registration of additional securities pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to sign any abbreviated registration statements and any and all amendments thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, in each case, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, 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 VEREIT, Inc. as the sole general partner of VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P.

 

NAME

  

CAPACITY

 

DATE

/s/ Glenn J. Rufrano

Glenn J. Rufrano

  

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer and Director)

  May 6, 2016

/s/ Michael J. Bartolotta

Michael J. Bartolotta

   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)   May 6, 2016

/s/ Gavin B. Brandon

Gavin B. Brandon

   Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)   May 6, 2016

/s/ Hugh R. Frater

Hugh R. Frater

   Independent Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors   May 6, 2016

/s/ Bruce D. Frank

Bruce D. Frank

   Independent Director   May 6, 2016


Table of Contents

NAME

  

CAPACITY

 

DATE

/s/ David B. Henry

David B. Henry

   Independent Director   May 6, 2016

/s/ Mark S. Ordan

Mark S. Ordan

   Independent Director   May 6, 2016

/s/ Eugene A. Pinover

Eugene A. Pinover

   Independent Director   May 6, 2016

/s/ Julie G. Richardson

Julie G. Richardson

   Independent Director   May 6, 2016


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

 

Document

  1.1*   Form of Underwriting Agreement
  3.1 (1)   Articles of Amendment and Restatement of VEREIT, Inc.
  3.2 (2)   Articles Supplementary Relating to the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of VEREIT, Inc., dated May 10, 2012
  3.3 (3)   Articles Supplementary Relating to the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock of VEREIT, Inc., dated July 24, 2012
  3.4 (4)   Articles Supplementary Relating to the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock of VEREIT, Inc., dated June 6, 2013
  3.5 (5)   Articles of Amendment to Articles of Amendment and Restatement of VEREIT, Inc., effective July 2, 2013
  3.6 (6)   Articles Supplementary Relating to the Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock of VEREIT, Inc., filed November 8, 2013
  3.7 (7)   Articles of Amendment to Articles of Amendment and Restatement of VEREIT, Inc., effective December 9, 2013
  3.8 (8)   Articles Supplementary Relating to the 6.70% Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock of VEREIT, Inc., dated January 2, 2014
  3.9 (9)   Articles of Amendment to Articles of Amendment and Restatement of VEREIT, Inc., dated July 28, 2015
  3.10 (10)   Articles Supplementary to Articles of Amendment and Restatement of VEREIT, Inc., dated August 5, 2015
  3.11 (11)   Amended and Restated Bylaws of VEREIT, Inc. , effective as of January 1, 2016
  3.12 (12)   Certificate of Limited Partnership of VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P.
  3.13 (10)   Amendment to Certificate of Limited Partnership of VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P., effective July 28, 2015
  4.1 (13)   Third Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P., effective January 3, 2014
  4.2 (10)   First Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P., dated January 26, 2015
  4.3 (10)   Second Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P., dated July 28, 2015
  4.4   Form of Senior Indenture, between VEREIT, Inc. and one or more trustees to be named
  4.5   Form of Senior Debt Security of VEREIT, Inc. (included in Exhibit 4.4)
  4.6 (14)   Indenture, between VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. (f/k/a ARC Properties, Operating Partnership, L.P.) Clark Acquisitions LLC, the guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee
  4.7 (14)   Officers’ Certificate, in respect of the VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. and Clark Acquisition, LLC 2.000% Senior Notes due 2017, 3.000% Senior Notes due 2019 and 4.600% Senior Notes due 2024, by and among VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P., Clark Acquisition, LLC, the guarantors named therein, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee


Table of Contents

Exhibit No.

 

Document

  4.8 (15)
 
  First Supplemental Indenture in respect of the VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. 2.000% Senior Notes due 2017, 3.000% Senior Notes due 2019 and 4.600% Senior Notes due 2024, by and among VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P., the guarantors named therein, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee
  4.9*   Form of Senior Debt Security of VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P.
  5.1   Opinion of Venable LLP
  5.2   Opinion of Goodwin Procter LLP
  8.1   Opinion of Goodwin Procter LLP as to certain tax matters
12.1   Statement Regarding Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends of VEREIT, Inc.
12.2   Statement Regarding Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Distributions of VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P.
23.1   Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
23.2   Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
23.3   Consent of Grant Thornton LLP
23.4   Consent of Grant Thornton LLP
23.5   Consent of RSM US LLP
23.6   Consent of Grant Thornton LLP
23.7   Consent of Grant Thornton LLP
23.8   Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
23.9   Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
23.10   Consent of Venable LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)
23.11   Consent of Goodwin Procter LLP (included in Exhibit 5.2)
23.12   Consent of Goodwin Procter LLP (included in Exhibit 8.1)
24.1   Powers of Attorney (included on the signature pages of this Registration Statement)
25.1   Statement of Eligibility of Senior Trustee on Form T-1 for VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P.

 

* To be filed by amendment or as an exhibit to a report filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and incorporated herein by reference.
(1) Previously filed with the Pre-Effective Amendment No. 5 to Form S-11 Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-172205) filed with the SEC on July 5, 2011.
(2) Previously filed with the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 15, 2012.
(3) Previously filed with the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 30, 2012.
(4) Previously filed with the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 12, 2013.
(5) Previously filed with the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 9, 2013.
(6) Previously filed with the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 15, 2013.
(7) Previously filed with the Amended Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC on December 20, 2013.
(8) Previously filed with the Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on January 3, 2014.
(9) Previously filed with the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 28, 2015.
(10) Previously filed with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 6, 2015.
(11) Previously filed with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 5, 2015.


Table of Contents
(12) Previously filed with the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-197780-01) filed with the SEC on August 1, 2014.
(13) Previously filed with Amendment No. 2 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2013 filed with the SEC on March 2, 2015.
(14) Previously filed with the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 7, 2014.
(15) Previously filed with the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 13, 2015.

Exhibit 4.4

VEREIT, INC,

Issuer

and

[            ],

Trustee

 

 

INDENTURE

 

 

Dated as of [            ], [            ]

Senior Debt Securities


TABLE OF CONTENTS 1

 

           Page  
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION      1   

Section 1.01

   Definitions of Terms      1   

Section 1.02

   Rules of Construction      6   

Section 1.03

   Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee      7   
ARTICLE II ISSUE, DESCRIPTION, TERMS, EXECUTION, REGISTRATION AND EXCHANGE OF SECURITIES      7   

Section 2.01

   Designation and Terms of Securities      7   

Section 2.02

   Form of Securities and Trustee’s Certificate      10   

Section 2.03

   Denominations; Provisions for Payment      10   

Section 2.04

   Execution and Authentication      12   

Section 2.05

   Registration of Transfer and Exchange      12   

Section 2.06

   Temporary Securities      13   

Section 2.07

   Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Securities      14   

Section 2.08

   Cancellation      14   

Section 2.09

   Benefits of Indenture      15   

Section 2.10

   Authenticating Agent      15   

Section 2.11

   Global Securities      15   
ARTICLE III REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES AND SINKING FUND PROVISIONS      17   

Section 3.01

   Redemption      17   

Section 3.02

   Notice of Redemption      17   

Section 3.03

   Payment Upon Redemption      18   

Section 3.04

   Sinking Fund      18   

Section 3.05

   Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities      19   

Section 3.06

   Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund      19   
ARTICLE IV COVENANTS      19   

Section 4.01

   Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest      19   

Section 4.02

   Maintenance of Office or Agency      19   

Section 4.03

   Paying Agents      20   

Section 4.04

   Appointment to Fill Vacancy in Office of Trustee      21   

Section 4.05

   Statement by Officers as to Default      21   

Section 4.06

   Maintenance of Properties      21   

Section 4.07

   Insurance      21   

Section 4.08

   Payment of Taxes and Other Claims      21   

Section 4.09

   Existence      22   

 

1   This Table of Contents does not constitute part of the Indenture and shall not have any bearing on the interpretation of any of its terms or provisions.

 

i


ARTICLE V SECURITYHOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY THE ISSUER AND THE TRUSTEE      22   

Section 5.01

   Issuer to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Securityholders      22   

Section 5.02

   Preservation Of Information; Communications With Securityholders      22   

Section 5.03

   Reports by the Issuer      23   

Section 5.04

   Reports by the Trustee      23   
ARTICLE VI REMEDIES OF THE TRUSTEE AND SECURITYHOLDERS ON EVENT OF DEFAULT      23   

Section 6.01

   Events of Default      23   

Section 6.02

   Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee      26   

Section 6.03

   Application of Moneys Collected      28   

Section 6.04

   Limitation on Suits      28   

Section 6.05

   Rights and Remedies Cumulative; Delay or Omission Not Waiver      29   

Section 6.06

   Control by Securityholders      29   

Section 6.07

   Undertaking to Pay Costs      30   
ARTICLE VII CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE      30   

Section 7.01

   Certain Duties and Responsibilities of Trustee      30   

Section 7.02

   Notice of Defaults      31   

Section 7.03

   Certain Rights of Trustee      32   

Section 7.04

   Trustee Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance or Securities      33   

Section 7.05

   May Hold Securities      33   

Section 7.06

   Moneys Held in Trust      33   

Section 7.07

   Compensation and Reimbursement      33   

Section 7.08

   Reliance on Officer’s Certificate      34   

Section 7.09

   Disqualification; Conflicting Interests      34   

Section 7.10

   Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility      34   

Section 7.11

   Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor      35   

Section 7.12

   Acceptance of Appointment By Successor      36   

Section 7.13

   Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business      37   

Section 7.14

   Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Issuer      38   
ARTICLE VIII CONCERNING THE SECURITYHOLDERS      38   

Section 8.01

   Evidence of Action by Securityholders      38   

Section 8.02

   Proof of Execution by Securityholders      38   

Section 8.03

   Who May be Deemed Owners      39   

Section 8.04

   Certain Securities Owned by Issuer Disregarded      39   

Section 8.05

   Actions Binding on Future Securityholders      39   
ARTICLE IX SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES      40   

Section 9.01

   Supplemental Indentures Without the Consent of Securityholders      40   

Section 9.02

   Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Securityholders      41   

Section 9.03

   Effect of Supplemental Indentures      42   

Section 9.04

   Securities Affected by Supplemental Indentures      43   

Section 9.05

   Execution of Supplemental Indentures      43   
ARTICLE X SUCCESSOR ENTITY      43   

Section 10.01

   Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets      43   

Section 10.02

   Successor Entity Substituted      44   

Section 10.03

   Evidence of Consolidation, Etc. to Trustee      45   

 

ii


ARTICLE XI SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE; DEFEASANCE

     45   

Section 11.01

   Satisfaction and Discharge      45   

Section 11.02

   Defeasance      46   

Section 11.03

   Deposited Moneys to be Held in Trust      47   

Section 11.04

   Payment of Moneys Held by Paying Agents      48   

Section 11.05

   Repayment to Issuer      48   

Section 11.06

   Reinstatement      48   

ARTICLE XII MEETINGS OF SECURITYHOLDERS OF SECURITIES

     48   

Section 12.01

   Purposes For Which Meetings May Be Called      48   

Section 12.02

   Call, Notice and Place of Meetings      49   

Section 12.03

   Persons Entitled to Vote at Meetings      49   

Section 12.04

   Quorum; Action      49   

Section 12.05

   Determination of Voting Rights, Conduct and Adjournment of Meetings      50   

Section 12.06

   Counting Votes and Recording Action of Meetings      51   

ARTICLE XIII GUARANTEES

     51   

Section 13.01

   Guarantees      51   

Section 13.02

   Execution and Delivery      53   

Section 13.03

   Limitation on Liability      54   

Section 13.04

   Successors and Assigns      54   

Section 13.05

   No Waiver      54   

Section 13.06

   Modification      54   

Section 13.07

   Release of Guarantor      54   

Section 13.08

   Contribution      55   

ARTICLE XIV IMMUNITY OF INCORPORATORS, STOCKHOLDERS, OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

     55   

Section 14.01

   No Recourse      55   

ARTICLE XV MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

     55   

Section 15.01

   Effect on Successors and Assigns      55   

Section 15.02

   Actions by Successor      56   

Section 15.03

   Surrender of Issuer Powers      56   

Section 15.04

   Notices      56   

Section 15.05

   Governing Law      56   

Section 15.06

   Treatment of Securities as Debt      56   

Section 15.07

   Compliance Certificates and Opinions      56   

Section 15.08

   Payments on Business Days      57   

Section 15.09

   Conflict with Trust Indenture Act      57   

Section 15.10

   Counterparts      57   

Section 15.11

   Separability      57   

 

iii


EXHIBIT A FORM OF SENIOR DEBT SECURITY

 

iv


CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE 2

 

Section of Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as Amended

   Indenture

310(a)

   7.10

310(b)

   7.09; 7.11

310(c)

   Inapplicable

311(a)

   7.14(a)

311(b)

   7.14(b)

311(c)

   Inapplicable

312(a)

   5.02(a)

312(b)

   5.02(c)

312(c)

   5.02(c)

313(a)

   5.04(a)

313(b)

   5.04(b)

313(c)

   5.04(a); 5.04(b)

313(d)

   5.04(c)

314(a)

   5.03; 4.05

314(b)

   Inapplicable

314(c)

   15.07

314(d)

   Inapplicable

314(e)

   15.07

314(f)

   Inapplicable

315(a)

   7.01(a); 7.03

315(b)

   7.02

315(c)

   7.01

315(d)

   7.01(b); 7.01(c)

315(e)

   6.07; 7.07

316(a)

   6.06; 8.04

316(b)

   6.04

316(c)

   8.01

317(a)

   6.02

317(b)

   4.03

318(a)

   15.09

 

2   This Cross-Reference Table does not constitute part of the Indenture and shall not have any bearing on the interpretation of any of its terms or provisions.


INDENTURE , dated as of [            ], [            ], between VEREIT, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “ Issuer ”) and [            ], as trustee (the “ Trustee ”):

WHEREAS , for its lawful corporate purposes, the Issuer has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance of unsecured debt securities (hereinafter referred to as the “ Securities ”) and related guarantees, unlimited as to principal amount, to be issued from time to time in one or more series as in this Indenture provided, as registered Securities without coupons, to be authenticated by the certificate of the Trustee;

WHEREAS , to provide the terms and conditions upon which the Securities are to be authenticated, issued and delivered, the Issuer has duly authorized the execution of this Indenture; and

WHEREAS , all things necessary to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the Issuer, in accordance with its terms, have been done.

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the Securities by the holders thereof, it is mutually covenanted and agreed as follows for the equal and ratable benefit of the holders of Securities or of series thereof.

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION

Section 1.01 Definitions of Terms . The terms defined in this Section (except as in this Indenture otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires) for all purposes of this Indenture and of any indenture supplemental hereto shall have the respective meanings specified in this Section and shall include the plural as well as the singular. All other terms used in this Indenture that are defined in the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, or that are by reference in said Trust Indenture Act defined in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (except as herein otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires), shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in said Trust Indenture Act and in said Securities Act as in force at the date of the execution of this instrument.

Authenticating Agent ” means an authenticating agent with respect to all or any of the series of Securities appointed with respect to all or any series of the Securities by the Trustee pursuant to Section 2.10.

Authentication Order ” has the meaning given in Section 2.04.

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

Board of Directors ” means the Board of Directors of the Issuer, or any committee thereof duly authorized to act on behalf of such Board.


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

Business Day ” means, with respect to any series of Securities, any day other than a day on which Federal or State banking institutions in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, or in the city in which the Corporate Trust Office is located, are authorized or obligated by law, executive order or regulation to close.

Certificate ” means a certificate signed by the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer or the principal accounting officer of the Issuer or by a Person duly authorized to act in a similar capacity on the Issuer’s behalf. The Certificate need not comply with the provisions of Section 15.07.

Commission ” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Conversion Event ” means the cessation of use of (a) a currency, currency unit or composite currency both by the government of the country which issued the currency and for the settlement of transactions by a central bank or other public institution of or within the international banking community; or (b) any currency unit or composite currency for the purposes for which it was established.

Corporate Trust Office ” means the corporate trust office of the Trustee at which this Indenture is currently administered located at [(a) for purposes of payment and presentment of the Securities of a series, [            ], Attention: [            ] and (b) for all other purposes,] [            ], Attention: [            ], or such other address as the Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Securityholders and the Issuer, or the principal corporate trust office of any successor Trustee (or such other address as such successor Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Securityholders and the Issuer).

Covenant Defeasance ” has the meaning given in Section 11.02.

Custodian ” means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.

Debt ” means any indebtedness of the Issuer or any Subsidiary, and without duplication, unless otherwise specified with respect to the Securities of any series, means any indebtedness for or in respect of (i) any notes, bonds, debenture stock, loan stock or other securities or (ii) any borrowed money, which in each case would be reflected, in accordance with GAAP, on the balance sheet of the Issuer or any Subsidiary as a liability as of the date of determination.

Default ” means any event, act or condition that with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

Defaulted Interest ” has the meaning given in Section 2.03.

 

2


Depositary ” means, with respect to Securities of any series, for which the Issuer shall determine that such Securities will be issued as a Global Security, The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, another clearing agency, or any successor registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act, or other applicable statute or regulation, which, in each case, shall be designated by the Issuer pursuant to either Section 2.01 or 2.11.

Equity Interests ” means, with respect to any Person, all of the shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person, all of the warrants, options or other rights for the purchase or acquisition from such Person of shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person, all of the securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person or warrants, rights or options for the purchase or acquisition from such Person of such shares (or such other interests), and all of the other ownership or profit interests in such Person (including partnership, member or trust interests therein), whether voting or nonvoting, and whether or not such shares, warrants, options, rights or other interests are outstanding on any date of determination.

Event of Default ” means, with respect to Securities of a particular series any event specified in Section 6.01, continued for the period of time, if any, therein designated.

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor statute or statutes thereto.

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles, as in effect as of the date of determination, as used in the United States applied on a consistent basis.

Global Security ” means, with respect to any series of Securities, a Security executed by the Issuer and delivered by the Trustee to the Depositary or pursuant to the Depositary’s instruction, all in accordance with the Indenture, which shall be registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee.

Government Obligations ” means, with respect to the Securities, securities that are (i) direct obligations (other than obligations subject to variation in principal repayment) of the United States of America for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged or (ii) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America, the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America which, in either case, are not callable or redeemable prior to maturity at the option of the issuer thereof, and shall also include a depositary receipt issued by a bank (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) or trust company as custodian with respect to any such Governmental Obligation or a specific payment of principal of or interest on any such Governmental Obligation held by a custodian for the account of the holder of such depositary receipt; provided, however , that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depositary receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the Governmental Obligation or the specific payment of principal of or interest on the Governmental Obligation evidenced by such depositary receipt.

Guarantee ” means any guarantee by a Guarantor of the Issuer’s obligations with respect to any series of Securities issued under this Indenture.

Guaranteed Obligation ” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.01.

 

3


Guarantors ” means, as of any date, all Subsidiaries of the Issuer that guarantee the obligations of the Issuer under this Indenture and any series of Securities in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture, and “Guarantor” means any one of the Guarantors; provided that upon the release or discharge of such Guarantor from its guarantee in accordance with the Indenture, such Subsidiary shall cease to be a Guarantor.

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 in accordance with the terms hereof, including, for all purposes of this instrument and any such supplemental indenture, the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are deemed to be a part of and govern this instrument and any such supplemental indenture, respectively. The term “Indenture” shall also include the terms of particular series of Securities established as contemplated by Section 2.01.

Interest Payment Date ”, when used with respect to any installment of interest on a Security of a particular series, means the date specified in such Security or in a Board Resolution (or Officer’s Certificate) or in an indenture supplemental hereto with respect to such series as the fixed date on which an installment of interest with respect to Securities of that series is due and payable.

Issuer ” means, VEREIT, Inc., a Maryland corporation. Subject to the provisions of Article X, the term “ Issuer ” shall also include the Issuer’s successors and assigns.

Legal Defeasance ” has the meaning given in Section 11.02.

Lien ” means any mortgage, lien, charge, encumbrance, trust deed, deed of trust, deed to secure debt, security agreement, pledge, security interest, security agreement or other encumbrance of any kind.

Officer ” means the Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, a Vice President, the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Controller, an Assistant Controller, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Issuer or a Person duly authorized to act in a similar capacity on the Issuer’s behalf.

Officer’s Certificate ” means a certificate signed by an Officer, that is delivered to the Trustee in accordance with the terms hereof. Each such certificate shall include the statements provided for in Section 15.07, if and to the extent required by the provisions thereof.

Opinion of Counsel ” means an opinion in writing of legal counsel, who may be an employee of or counsel for the Issuer that is delivered to the Trustee in accordance with the terms hereof. Each such opinion shall include the statements provided for in Section 15.07, if and to the extent required by the provisions thereof.

Original Issue Discount Security ” means any Security which provides for an amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.01.

 

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Outstanding ”, when used with reference to Securities of any series, means, subject to the provisions of Section 8.04, as of any particular time, all Securities of that series theretofore authenticated and delivered by the Trustee under this Indenture, except (a) Securities theretofore canceled by the Trustee or any paying agent, or delivered to the Trustee or any paying agent for cancellation or that have previously been canceled; (b) Securities or portions thereof for the payment or redemption of which moneys or Governmental Obligations in the necessary amount shall have been deposited in trust with the Trustee or with any paying agent (other than the Issuer) or shall have been irrevocably set aside and segregated in trust by the Issuer (if the Issuer shall act as its own paying agent); provided, however , that if such Securities or portions of such Securities are to be redeemed prior to the maturity thereof, notice of such redemption shall have been given as in Article III or provision satisfactory to the Trustee shall have been made for giving such notice; and (c) Securities in lieu of or in substitution for which other Securities shall have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to the terms of Section 2.07; provided, however , that in determining whether the holders of the requisite principal amount of the Outstanding Securities have given, made or taken any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action hereunder as of any date, the principal amount of an Original Issue Discount Security which shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the amount of the principal thereof which would be due and payable as of such date upon acceleration of the maturity thereof to such date pursuant to Section 6.01.

Person ” means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint-venture, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

Predecessor Security ” of any particular Security means every previous Security evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such particular Security; and, for the purposes of this definition, any Security authenticated and delivered under Section 2.07 in lieu of a lost, destroyed or stolen Security shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the lost, destroyed or stolen Security.

Responsible Officer ” when used with respect to the Trustee means the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the President, any Vice President, the Secretary, the Treasurer, any trust officer, any corporate trust officer or any other officer or assistant officer of the Trustee customarily performing functions similar to those performed by the Persons who at the time shall be such officers, respectively, or to whom any corporate trust matter is referred because of his or her knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.

Securities ” means the debt Securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.

Securityholder ”, “ Holder ”, “ holder of Securities ”, “ registered holder ”, or other similar term, means the Person or Persons in whose name or names a particular Security shall be registered on the books of the Issuer kept for that purpose in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.

Security Register ” has the meaning given in Section 2.05.

Security Registrar ” has the meaning given in Section 2.05.

 

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Significant Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary of the Issuer that would be a “Significant Subsidiary” within the meaning ascribed to the term in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other business entity of which a majority of the Equity Interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing body (other than Equity Interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) are at the time beneficially owned, or the management of which is otherwise controlled, directly or indirectly through one or more of its intermediaries, or both, by such Person.

Trustee ” means [            ], and, subject to the provisions of Article VII, shall also include its successors and assigns, and, if at any time there is more than one Person acting in such capacity hereunder, “Trustee” shall mean each such Person. The term “Trustee” as used with respect to a particular series of the Securities shall mean the trustee with respect to that series.

Trust Indenture Act ” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, subject to the provisions of Sections 9.01, 9.02, and 10.01, as in effect at the date of execution of this instrument.

Section 1.02 Rules of Construction . For all purposes of this Indenture, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:

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

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

(3) all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, and, except as otherwise herein expressly provided, the term “generally accepted accounting principles” with respect to any computation required or permitted hereunder shall mean such accounting principles as are generally accepted in the United States of America at the date of such computation;

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

(5) 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”);

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

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

 

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Section 1.03 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 Person or Persons duly authorized to act in a similar capacity on the Issuer’s behalf, 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 with respect to the matters upon which his 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 a Person or Persons duly authorized to act in a similar capacity on the Issuer’s behalf, 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 unless such 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.

ARTICLE II

ISSUE, DESCRIPTION, TERMS, EXECUTION,

REGISTRATION AND EXCHANGE OF SECURITIES

Section 2.01 Designation and Terms of Securities . The aggregate principal amount of Securities that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited. The Securities may be issued in one or more series up to the aggregate principal amount of Securities of that series from time to time authorized by or pursuant to a Board Resolution (and to the extent established pursuant to but not set forth in a Board Resolution, in an Officer’s Certificate detailing such establishment) or pursuant to one or more indentures supplemental hereto. Prior to the initial issuance of Securities of any series, there shall be established in or pursuant to a Board Resolution, and set forth in an Officer’s Certificate, or established in one or more indentures supplemental hereto:

(1) the title of the Security of the series (which shall distinguish the Securities of the series from all other Securities);

(2) any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of that series that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except for Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Securities of that series), and if such series may be reopened from time to time for the issuance of additional Securities of such series or to establish additional terms of such series;

 

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(3) the date or dates on which the principal of the Securities of the series is payable and the place(s) of payment;

(4) the rate or rates at which the Securities of the series shall bear interest or the manner of calculation of such rate or rates, if any;

(5) the date or dates from which such interest shall accrue, the Interest Payment Dates on which such interest will be payable or the manner of determination of such Interest Payment Dates, the place(s) of payment, and the record date or other method for the determination of holders to whom interest is payable on any such Interest Payment Dates;

(6) the right, if any, to extend the interest payment periods and the duration of such extension;

(7) the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which, Securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Issuer;

(8) the obligation, if any, of the Issuer to redeem or purchase Securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions (including payments made in cash in satisfaction of future sinking fund obligations) or at the option of a holder thereof and the period or periods within which or the date or dates on which, the price or prices at which, the currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which, and other terms and conditions upon which Securities of the series shall be redeemed, repaid or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;

(9) the form of the Securities of the series including the form of the Trustee’s certificate of authentication for such series;

(10) if other than denominations of one thousand U.S. dollars ($1,000) or any integral multiple thereof, the denominations in which the Securities of the series shall be issuable;

(11) any and all other terms with respect to such series (which terms shall not be inconsistent with the terms of this Indenture, as amended by any supplemental indenture) including any terms which may be required by or advisable under United States laws or regulations or advisable in connection with the marketing of Securities of that series;

(12) whether the Securities are issuable as a Global Security and, in such case, the identity of the Depositary for such series;

(13) whether the Securities will be convertible into and/or exchangeable for shares of common stock or other securities of the Issuer and, if so, the terms and

 

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conditions upon which such Securities will be so convertible, including the conversion price and the conversion period, and any deletions from or modifications or additions to this Indenture to permit or to facilitate the issuance of such convertible or exchangeable Securities or the administration thereof;

(14) if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of Securities of the series which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.01;

(15) any additional or different Events of Default or restrictive covenants provided for with respect to the Securities of the series;

(16) if applicable, that the Securities of the series, in whole or in specified part, shall be defeasible pursuant to Section 11.02 and, if other than by a Board Resolution, the manner in which any election by the Issuer to defease such Securities shall be evidenced;

(17) if other than the currency of the United States of America, the currency, currencies or currency units in which the principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities of the series shall be payable or may be payable at the election of the Issuer or a Holder thereof, and the period or periods within which, and the terms and conditions upon which, such election may be made, and the time and manner of, and identity of the exchange rate agent with responsibility for, determining the exchange rate (for any purpose, including for purposes of the definition of “Outstanding” in Section 1.01) between the currency or currencies, currency unit or currency units in which such Securities are denominated or stated to be payable and the currency or currencies, currency unit or currency units in which such Securities are to be so payable.

(18) the terms and conditions, if any, upon which the Issuer shall pay amounts in addition to the stated interest, premium, if any and principal amounts of the Securities of the series to any Securityholder that is not a United States person for federal tax purposes;

(19) any restrictions on transfer, sale or assignment of the Securities of the series;

(20) the Guarantors, if any, of the Securities of the series, and the extent of the Guarantees (including provisions relating to seniority, subordination and the release of the Guarantors), if any, and any additions or changes to permit or facilitate Guarantees of such Securities; and

(21) if the amount of payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Securities of the series may be determined with reference to an index, formula or other method including, but not limited to, an index based on a currency or currencies other than that in which the Securities are stated to be payable, the manner in which such amounts shall be determined.

 

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All Securities of any one series shall be substantially identical except as to denomination and except as may otherwise be provided in or pursuant to any such Board Resolution or Officer’s Certificate or in any indentures supplemental hereto. If any of the terms of the series are established by action taken pursuant to a Board Resolution and set forth therein, a copy of an appropriate record of such action shall be certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Issuer or by a Person duly authorized to act in a similar capacity on the Issuer’s behalf, and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Officer’s Certificate setting forth the terms of the series. Securities of any particular series may be issued at various times, with different dates on which the principal or any installment of principal is payable, with different rates of interest, if any, or different methods by which rates of interest may be determined, with different dates on which such interest may be payable and with different redemption dates. Notwithstanding Section 2.01(2) and unless otherwise expressly provided with respect to a series of Securities, the aggregate principal amount of a series of Securities may be increased and additional Securities of such series may be issued up to the maximum aggregate principal amount authorized with respect to such series as increased.

Section 2.02 Form of Securities and Trustee’s Certificate . The Securities of any series and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication to be borne by such Securities shall be substantially of the tenor and purport as the form set forth in Exhibit A hereto or such other form set forth in one or more indentures supplemental hereto or as established in a Board Resolution and as set forth in an Officer’s Certificate. The Securities may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification or designation and such legends or endorsements printed, lithographed or engraved thereon as the Issuer may deem appropriate and as are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture, or as may be required to comply with any law or with any rule or regulation made pursuant thereto or with any rule or regulation of any stock exchange on which Securities of that series may be listed, or to conform to usage.

Section 2.03 Denominations; Provisions for Payment . The Securities shall be issuable as registered Securities and in the denominations of one thousand U.S. dollars ($1,000) or any integral multiple thereof, subject to Section 2.01(10). The Securities of a particular series shall bear interest payable on the dates and at the rates specified or provided for with respect to that series. Except as contemplated by Section 2.01(17), the principal of and the interest on the Securities of any series, as well as any premium thereon in case of redemption thereof prior to maturity, shall be payable in U.S. dollars, upon presentment of such Securities at the office or agency of the Issuer maintained for that purpose, or such other office designated by the Issuer or the Trustee for that purpose (which shall be the Corporate Trust Office), in the Borough of Manhattan, the City and State of New York or such other office designated by the Issuer or the Trustee; provided, however, that, at the option of the Issuer, payment of interest may be made (1) by wire transfer of funds to such Person at an account maintained within the United States of America or (2) if no wire is provided, by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register. Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication by the Trustee. Except as contemplated by Section 2.01(4), interest on the Securities shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year composed of twelve 30-day months. Except as contemplated by Section 2.01(5), the interest installment on any Security that is payable, and is punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date for Securities of that series shall be paid to the Person in whose name said Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the regular record date for such interest installment. In the event that any Security of a particular series or portion thereof is called for redemption and the redemption date is subsequent to a regular record date with respect

 

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to any Interest Payment Date and prior to such Interest Payment Date, interest on such Security will be paid upon presentation and surrender of such Security as provided in Section 3.03. Any interest on any Security that is payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date for Securities of the same series (herein called “Defaulted Interest”) shall forthwith cease to be payable to the registered holder on the relevant regular record date by virtue of having been such holder; and such Defaulted Interest shall be paid by the Issuer, at its election, as provided in clause (1) or clause (2) below:

(1) The Issuer may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on Securities to the Persons in whose names such Securities (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on a special record date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be fixed in the following manner: the Issuer shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each such Security and the date of the proposed payment, and at the same time the 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 prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this clause provided. Thereupon the Trustee shall fix a special record date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest which shall not be more than 15 or 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 mailed, first class postage prepaid, to each Securityholder at his or her address as it appears in the Security Register (as hereinafter defined), 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 mailed as aforesaid, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Persons in whose names such Securities (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered on such special record date.

(2) The Issuer may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on any Securities in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which such Securities may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if, after notice given by the Issuer to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this clause, such manner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee. Unless otherwise set forth in a Board Resolution or Officer’s Certificate or one or more indentures supplemental hereto establishing the terms of any series of Securities pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof, the term “regular record date” as used in this Section with respect to a series of Securities with respect to any Interest Payment Date for such series shall mean either the fifteenth day of the month immediately preceding the month in which an Interest Payment Date established for such series pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof shall occur, if such Interest Payment Date is the first day of a month, or the last day of the month immediately preceding the month in which an Interest Payment Date established for such series pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof shall occur, if such Interest Payment Date is the fifteenth day of a month, whether or not such

 

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date is a Business Day. Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section, each Security of a series delivered under this Indenture upon transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Security of such series shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, that were carried by such other Security.

Section 2.04 Execution and Authentication . The Securities shall be signed on behalf of the Issuer by an Officer. Signatures may be in the form of a manual, electronic or facsimile signature. The Issuer may use the signature of any Person who shall have served in any of the above capacities, notwithstanding the fact that at the time the Securities shall be authenticated and delivered or disposed of such Person shall have ceased to act in such capacity. The Securities may contain such notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rule or usage. A Security shall not be valid until authenticated by the manual, electronic or facsimile signature of the Trustee, or by an Authenticating Agent. Such signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Security so authenticated has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder and that the holder is entitled to the benefits of this Indenture. At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Issuer may deliver Securities of any series executed by the Issuer to the Trustee for authentication, together with a written order of the Issuer (an “ Authentication Order ”) for the authentication and delivery of such Securities, signed by an Officer, and the Trustee in accordance with such written order 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 be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 7.01) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating that such Securities, when authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and issued by the Issuer in the manner and subject to any conditions specified in such Opinion of Counsel, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Issuer enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to any Bankruptcy Law or other insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding in equity or at law). The Trustee shall not be required to authenticate such 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 otherwise in a manner that is not reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.

Section 2.05 Registration of Transfer and Exchange .

(a) Securities of any series may be exchanged upon presentation thereof at the Corporate Trust Office or such other office or agency of the Issuer designated for such purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, the City and State of New York, or such other location designated by the Issuer, for other Securities of such series of authorized denominations, and for a like aggregate principal amount, upon payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge in relation thereto, all as provided in this Section. In respect of any Securities so surrendered for exchange, the Issuer shall execute, the Trustee shall authenticate and such office or agency shall deliver in exchange therefor the Security or Securities of the same series that the Securityholder making the exchange shall be entitled to receive, bearing numbers not contemporaneously outstanding.

 

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(b) The Issuer shall keep, or cause to be kept, at the Corporate Trust Office or such other office or agency designated for such purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, the City and State of New York, or such other location designated by the Issuer, a register or registers (herein referred to as the “Security Register”) in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Issuer shall register the Securities and the transfers of Securities as in this Article provided and which at all reasonable times shall be open for inspection by the Trustee. The registrar for the purpose of registering Securities and transfer of Securities as herein provided shall be appointed as authorized by Board Resolution (the “Security Registrar”). Upon surrender for transfer of any Security at the office or agency of the Issuer designated for such purpose, the Issuer shall execute, the Trustee shall authenticate and such office or agency shall deliver in the name of the transferee or transferees a new Security or Securities of the same series as the Security presented for a like aggregate principal amount. All Securities presented or surrendered for exchange or registration of transfer, as provided in this Section, shall be accompanied (if so required by the Issuer or the Security Registrar) by a written instrument or instruments of transfer, in form satisfactory to the Issuer or the Security Registrar, duly executed by the registered holder or by such holder’s duly authorized attorney in writing.

(c) No service charge shall be made for any exchange or registration of transfer of Securities, or issue of new Securities in case of partial redemption of any series, but the Issuer may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge in relation thereto, other than exchanges pursuant to Section 2.06, Section 3.03(b) and Section 9.04 not involving any transfer. The Issuer shall not be required (i) to issue, exchange or register the transfer of any Securities during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of the mailing of a notice of redemption and ending at the close of business on the day of such mailing, nor (ii) to register the transfer of or exchange any Securities of any series or portions thereof called for redemption. The provisions of this Section 2.05 are, with respect to any Global Security, subject to Section 2.11 hereof.

Section 2.06 Temporary Securities . Pending the preparation of definitive Securities of any series, the Issuer may execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, temporary Securities (printed, lithographed or typewritten) of any authorized denomination. Such temporary Securities shall be substantially in the form of the definitive Securities in lieu of which they are issued, but with such omissions, insertions and variations as may be appropriate for temporary Securities, all as may be determined by the Issuer. Every temporary Security of any series shall be executed by the Issuer and be authenticated by the Trustee upon the same conditions and in substantially the same manner, and with like effect, as the definitive Securities of such series. Without unnecessary delay the Issuer will execute and will furnish definitive Securities of such series and thereupon any or all temporary Securities of such series may be surrendered in exchange therefor (without charge to the holders), at the office or agency of the Issuer designated for the purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, the City and State of New York, or such other location designated by the Issuer, and the Trustee shall authenticate and such office or agency shall deliver in exchange for such temporary Securities an equal aggregate principal amount of definitive Securities of such series, unless the Issuer advises the Trustee to the effect that definitive Securities need not be executed and furnished until further notice from the Issuer. Until so exchanged, the temporary Securities of such series shall be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Securities of such series authenticated and delivered hereunder.

 

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Section 2.07 Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Securities . In case any temporary or definitive Security shall become mutilated or be destroyed, lost or stolen, the Issuer (subject to the next succeeding sentence) shall execute, and upon the Issuer’s request the Trustee (subject as aforesaid) shall authenticate and deliver, a new Security of the same series, bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding, in exchange and substitution for the mutilated Security, or in lieu of and in substitution for the Security so destroyed, lost or stolen. In every case the applicant for a substituted Security shall furnish to the Issuer and the Trustee such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them harmless, and, in every case of destruction, loss or theft, the applicant shall also furnish to the Issuer and the Trustee evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of the applicant’s Security and of the ownership thereof. The Trustee may authenticate any such substituted Security and deliver the same upon the written request or authorization of an officer of the Issuer (or any other Person duly authorized to act in a similar capacity on the Issuer’s behalf). Upon the issuance of any substituted Security, the Issuer may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith. In case any Security that has matured or is about to mature shall become mutilated or be destroyed, lost or stolen, the Issuer may, instead of issuing a substitute Security, pay or authorize the payment of the same (without surrender thereof except in the case of a mutilated Security) if the applicant for such payment shall furnish to the Issuer and the Trustee such security or indemnity as they may require to save them harmless, and, in case of destruction, loss or theft, evidence to the satisfaction of the Issuer and the Trustee of the destruction, loss or theft of such Security and of the ownership thereof. Every replacement Security issued pursuant to the provisions of this Section shall constitute an additional contractual obligation of the Issuer whether or not the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be found at any time, or be enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Securities of the same series duly issued hereunder. All Securities shall be held and owned upon the express condition that the foregoing provisions are exclusive with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities, and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) any and all other rights or remedies, notwithstanding any law or statute existing or hereafter enacted to the contrary with respect to the replacement or payment of negotiable instruments or other securities without their surrender.

Section 2.08 Cancellation . All Securities surrendered for the purpose of payment, redemption, exchange or registration of transfer shall, if surrendered to the Issuer or any paying agent, be delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, or, if surrendered to the Trustee, shall be cancelled by it, and no Securities shall be issued in lieu thereof except as expressly required or permitted by any of the provisions of this Indenture. On request of the Issuer at the time of such surrender, the Trustee shall deliver to the Issuer canceled Securities held by the Trustee. In the absence of such request the Trustee may dispose of canceled Securities in accordance with its standard procedures and deliver a certificate of disposition to the Issuer. If the Issuer shall otherwise acquire any of the Securities, however, such acquisition shall not operate as a redemption or satisfaction of the indebtedness represented by such Securities unless and until the same are delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.

 

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Section 2.09 Benefits of Indenture . Nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities, express or implied, shall give or be construed to give to any Person, other than the parties hereto and the holders of the Securities any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Indenture, or under any covenant, condition or provision herein contained; all such covenants, conditions and provisions being for the sole benefit of the parties hereto and of the holders of the Securities.

Section 2.10 Authenticating Agent . So long as any of the Securities of any series remain Outstanding there may be an Authenticating Agent for any or all such series of Securities which the Trustee shall have the right to appoint. Said Authenticating Agent shall be authorized to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of such series issued upon exchange, transfer or partial redemption thereof, 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. All references in this Indenture to the authentication of Securities by the Trustee shall be deemed to include authentication by an Authenticating Agent for such series. Each Authenticating Agent shall be acceptable to the Issuer and shall be a corporation that has a combined capital and surplus, as most recently reported or determined by it, sufficient under the laws of any jurisdiction under which it is organized or in which it is doing business to conduct a trust business, and that is otherwise authorized under such laws to conduct such business and is subject to supervision or examination by Federal or State authorities. If at any time any Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with these provisions, it shall resign immediately. Any Authenticating Agent may at any time resign by giving written notice of resignation to the Trustee and to the Issuer. The Trustee may at any time (and upon request by the Issuer shall) terminate the agency of any Authenticating Agent by giving written notice of termination to such Authenticating Agent and to the Issuer. Upon resignation, termination or cessation of eligibility of any Authenticating Agent, the Trustee may appoint an eligible successor Authenticating Agent acceptable to the Issuer. Any successor Authenticating Agent, upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder, shall become vested with all the rights, powers and duties of its predecessor hereunder as if originally named as an Authenticating Agent pursuant hereto.

Any corporation into which an Authenticating Agent may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which such Authenticating Agent shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to the corporate agency or corporate trust business of an Authenticating Agent, shall continue to be an Authenticating Agent; provided that 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.

Section 2.11 Global Securities.

(a) If the Issuer shall establish pursuant to Section 2.01 that the Securities of a particular series are to be issued as a Global Security, then the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall, in accordance with Section 2.04, authenticate and deliver, a Global Security that

(1) shall represent, and shall be denominated in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of, all or a portion of the Outstanding Securities of such series,

 

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(2) shall be registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee,

(3) shall be delivered by the Trustee to the Depositary or pursuant to the Depositary’s instruction and

(4) shall bear a legend substantially to the following effect: “Except as provided in Section 2.11 of the Indenture, this Security may be transferred, in whole but not in part, only to the Depositary, another nominee thereof or by a nominee thereof to the Depositary or another nominee of Depositary or by the Depositary or any such nominee to a successor Depositary or to a nominee of such successor Depositary.”

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.05, the Global Security of a series may be transferred, in whole but not in part and in the manner provided in Section 2.05, only to the Depositary for such series, another nominee of the Depositary for such series, or to a successor Depositary for such series selected or approved by the Issuer or to a nominee of such successor Depositary.

(c) If at any time the Depositary for a series of the Securities notifies the Issuer that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such series or if at any time the Depositary for such series shall no longer be registered or in good standing under the Exchange Act, or other applicable statute or regulation, and a successor Depositary for such series is not appointed by the Issuer within 90 days after the Issuer has received such notice or has become aware of such condition, as the case may be, this Section 2.11 shall no longer be applicable to the Securities of such series and the Issuer will execute, and subject to Section 2.05, the Trustee will authenticate and deliver the Securities of such series in definitive registered form without coupons, in authorized denominations, and in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Global Security of such series in exchange for such Global Security. In addition, the Issuer may at any time determine that the Securities of any series shall no longer be represented by a Global Security and that the provisions of this Section 2.11 shall no longer apply to the Securities of such series. In such event the Issuer will execute and subject to Section 2.05, the Trustee, upon receipt of an Officer’s Certificate evidencing such determination by the Issuer, will authenticate and deliver the Securities of such series in definitive registered form without coupons, in authorized denominations, and in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Global Security of such series in exchange for such Global Security. Upon the exchange of the Global Security for such Securities in definitive registered form without coupons, in authorized denominations, the Global Security shall be canceled by the Trustee. Such Securities in definitive registered form issued in exchange for the Global Security pursuant to this Section 2.11(c) shall be registered in such names and in such authorized denominations as the Depositary, pursuant to instructions from its direct or indirect participants or otherwise, shall instruct the Trustee. The Trustee shall deliver such Securities to the Depositary for delivery to the Persons in whose names such Securities are so registered.

 

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ARTICLE III

REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES AND SINKING FUND PROVISIONS

Section 3.01 Redemption . The Issuer may redeem the Securities of any series issued hereunder on and after the dates and in accordance with the terms established for such series pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof.

Section 3.02 Notice of Redemption .

(a) In case the Issuer shall desire to exercise such right to redeem all or, as the case may be, a portion of the Securities of any series in accordance with the right reserved so to do, the Issuer shall, or shall cause the Trustee to, give notice of such redemption to holders of the Securities of such series to be redeemed by mailing, first class postage prepaid, a notice of such redemption not less than 30 days and not more than 60 days before the date fixed for redemption of that series to such holders at their last addresses as they shall appear upon the Security Register unless a shorter period is specified in the Securities to be redeemed. Any notice that is mailed in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or not the registered holder receives the notice. In any case, failure duly to give such notice to the holder of any Security of any series designated for redemption in whole or in part, or any defect in the notice, shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other Securities of such series or any other series. Each such notice of redemption shall specify the date fixed for redemption and the redemption price at which Securities of that series are to be redeemed, and shall state that payment of the redemption price of such Securities to be redeemed will be made upon presentation and surrender of such Securities at the office or agency designated by the Issuer for such purposes in the Borough of Manhattan, the City and State of New York, or such other location designated by the Issuer or the Trustee for such purposes, that interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption will be paid as specified in said notice, that from and after said date interest will cease to accrue, that the redemption is for a sinking fund, if such is the case, and the CUSIP number of the Securities and state that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP number, if any, listed in the notice or printed on the Securities. If less than all the Securities of a series are to be redeemed, the notice to the holders of Securities of that series to be redeemed in whole or in part shall specify the particular Securities to be so redeemed. In case any Security is to be redeemed in part only, the notice that relates to such Security shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed, and shall state that on and after the redemption date, upon surrender of such Security, a new Security or Securities of such series in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued.

(b) If less than all the Securities of a series are to be redeemed, the Issuer shall give the Trustee at least 45 days’ notice (unless a shorter period is satisfactory to the Trustee) in advance of the date of delivery of the notice of redemption as to the aggregate principal amount of Securities of the series to be redeemed, and thereupon the Trustee shall select in a manner that complies with the requirements, if any, of any applicable stock exchange or which the Securities are listed and that the Trustee deems appropriate and fair in its discretion and that may provide for the selection of a portion or portions (equal to two thousand U.S. dollars ($2,000) or any integral multiple of one thousand U.S. dollars ($1,000) in excess thereof) of the principal amount

 

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of such Securities of a denomination larger than $2,000, the Securities to be redeemed and shall thereafter promptly notify the Issuer in writing of the numbers of the Securities to be redeemed, in whole or in part. The Issuer may, if and whenever it shall so elect, by delivery of instructions signed on behalf of the Issuer by an Officer, instruct the Trustee or any paying agent to call all or any part of the Securities of a particular series for redemption and to give notice of redemption in the manner set forth in this Section, such notice to be in the name of the Issuer or its own name as the Trustee or such paying agent as it may deem advisable. In any case in which notice of redemption is to be given by the Trustee or any such paying agent, the Issuer shall deliver or cause to be delivered to, or permit to remain with, the Trustee or such paying agent, as the case may be, such Security Register, transfer books or other records, or suitable copies or extracts therefrom, sufficient to enable the Trustee or such paying agent to give any notice by mail that may be required under the provisions of this Section.

Section 3.03 Payment Upon Redemption .

(a) If the giving of notice of redemption shall have been completed as above provided, the Securities or portions of Securities of the series to be redeemed specified in such notice shall become due and payable on the date and at the place stated in such notice at the applicable redemption price, together with interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption and interest on such Securities or portions of Securities shall cease to accrue on and after the date fixed for redemption, unless the Issuer shall default in the payment of such redemption price and accrued interest with respect to any such Security or portion thereof. On presentation and surrender of such Securities on or after the date fixed for redemption at the place of payment specified in the notice, said Securities shall be paid and redeemed at the applicable redemption price for such series, together with interest accrued thereon to the date fixed for redemption (but if the date fixed for redemption is an Interest Payment Date, the interest installment payable on such date shall be payable to the registered holder at the close of business on the applicable record date pursuant to Section 2.03).

(b) Upon presentation of any Security of such series that is to be redeemed in part only, the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and the office or agency where the Security is presented shall deliver to the holder thereof, at the expense of the Issuer, a new Security of the same series of authorized denominations in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the Security so presented.

Section 3.04 Sinking Fund . The provisions of Sections 3.04, 3.05 and 3.06 shall be applicable to any sinking fund for the retirement of Securities of a series, except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.01 for Securities of such series. The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of Securities of any series is herein referred to as a “mandatory sinking fund payment”, and any payment in excess of such minimum amount provided for by the terms of Securities of any series is herein referred to as an “optional sinking fund payment”. If provided for by the terms of Securities of any series, the cash amount of any sinking fund payment may be subject to reduction as provided in Section 3.05. 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.

 

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Section 3.05 Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities . The Issuer:

(1) may deliver Outstanding Securities of a series (other than any Securities previously called for redemption) and

(2) may apply as a credit Securities of a series that have been redeemed either at the election of the Issuer pursuant to the terms of such Securities or through the application of permitted optional sinking fund payments pursuant to the terms of such Securities, in each case in satisfaction of all or any part of any sinking fund payment with respect to the Securities of such series required to be made pursuant to the terms of such Securities as provided for by the terms of such series; 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.

Section 3.06 Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund . Not less than 35 days (unless a shorter period is satisfactory to the Trustee) prior to each sinking fund payment date for any series of Securities, the Issuer will deliver to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate specifying the amount of the next ensuing sinking fund payment for that series pursuant to the terms of the series, the portion thereof, if any, that is to be satisfied by delivering and crediting Securities of that series pursuant to Section 3.05 and the basis for such credit and will, together with such Officer’s Certificate, deliver to the Trustee any Securities to be so delivered. Not less than 30 days before each such sinking fund payment date the Trustee shall select the Securities to be redeemed upon such sinking fund payment date in the manner specified in Section 3.02 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 3.02. Such notice having been duly given, the redemption of such Securities shall be made upon the terms and in the manner stated in Section 3.03.

ARTICLE IV

COVENANTS

Section 4.01 Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest . The Issuer will duly and punctually pay or cause to be paid the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Securities of each series at the time and place and in the manner provided herein and established with respect to such Securities.

Section 4.02 Maintenance of Office or Agency . So long as any series of the Securities remain Outstanding, the Issuer agrees to maintain an office or agency for purposes of presentment and surrender for payment of the Securities in the Borough of Manhattan, the City and State of New York, the Corporate Trust Office or such other office designated by the Issuer for such purpose and for all other purposes, with respect to each such series and at such other location or locations as may be designated as provided in this Section 4.02, where (i) Securities of that series may be presented for payment, (ii) Securities of that series may be presented as herein above authorized for registration of transfer and exchange, and (iii) notices and demands to or upon the Issuer in respect of the Securities of that series and this Indenture may be given or

 

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served, such designation to continue with respect to such office or agency until the Issuer shall, by written notice signed by an Officer, and delivered to the Trustee, designate some other office or agency in the Borough of Manhattan, the City and State of New York for such purposes or any of them. 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, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and the Issuer hereby appoints the Trustee as its agent to receive all such presentations, notices and demands.

The Issuer may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the Securities of one or more series may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided, however , that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Issuer of its obligation to maintain an office or agency in the Borough of Manhattan, the City and State of New York, or such other location designated by the Issuer, for Securities of any series for such purposes. 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.

Section 4.03 Paying Agents .

(a) If the Issuer shall appoint one or more paying agents for all or any series of the Securities, other than the Trustee, the Issuer will cause each 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:

(1) 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 of that series (whether such sums have been paid to it by the Issuer or by any other obligor of such Securities) in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto;

(2) that it will give the Trustee notice of any failure by the Issuer (or by any other obligor of such Securities) to make any payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on the Securities of that series when the same shall be due and payable;

(3) that it will, at any time during the continuance of any failure referred to in the preceding paragraph (a)(2) above, upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums so held in trust by such paying agent; and

(4) that it will perform all other duties of paying agent as set forth in this Indenture.

(b) If the Issuer shall act as its own paying agent with respect to any series of the Securities, it will on or before each due date of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on Securities of that series, set aside, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto a sum sufficient to pay such principal (and premium, if any) or interest so becoming due on Securities of that series until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided and will promptly notify the Trustee of such action, or any failure (by it or any other obligor on such Securities) to take such action. Whenever the

 

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Issuer shall have one or more paying agents for any series of Securities, it will, prior to each due date of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on any Securities of that series, deposit with the paying agent a sum sufficient to pay the principal (and premium, if any) or interest so becoming due, such sum to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such principal, premium or interest, and (unless such paying agent is the Trustee) the Issuer will promptly notify the Trustee of this action or failure so to act.

(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Section to the contrary,

(1) the agreement to hold sums in trust as provided in this Section is subject to the provisions of Section 11.05, and

(2) the Issuer may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or direct any paying agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums held in trust by the Issuer or such paying agent, such sums to be held by the Trustee upon the same terms and conditions as those upon which such sums were held by the Issuer or such paying agent; and, upon such payment by any paying agent to the Trustee, such paying agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such money.

Section 4.04 Appointment to Fill Vacancy in Office of Trustee . The Issuer, whenever necessary to avoid or fill a vacancy in the office of Trustee, will appoint, in the manner provided in Section 7.11, a Trustee, so that there shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder.

Section 4.05 Statement by Officers as to Default . Within 120 days after the close of each fiscal year, the Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating whether or not the Officer has knowledge of any default under this Indenture, and if so, specifying each default and the nature and status thereof.

Section 4.06 Maintenance of Properties . The Issuer shall cause each of its material properties used or useful in the conduct of its business or the business of any Subsidiary of the Issuer to be maintained and kept in good condition, repair and working order and supplied with all necessary equipment and will require it to cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements to those properties, as in its judgment may be necessary so that the business carried on in connection with those properties may be properly and advantageously conducted at all times; provided , that the Issuer and its Subsidiaries shall not be prevented from selling or otherwise disposing of these properties for value in the ordinary course of business.

Section 4.07 Insurance . The Issuer shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, keep in force upon all of its properties and operations policies of insurance with financially sound and reputable carriers in such amounts and covering all risks as shall be customary in the industry, in accordance with prevailing market conditions and availability.

Section 4.08 Payment of Taxes and Other Claims . The Issuer shall pay or discharge (or, if applicable, cause to be transferred to bond or other security) or cause to be paid or discharged, before the same shall become delinquent, (a) all taxes, assessments and governmental charges levied or imposed on each of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries or upon

 

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the income, profits or property of each of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries and (b) all lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies that, if unpaid, might by law become a Lien upon its property or the property of any Subsidiary; provided , that the Issuer shall not be required to pay or discharge (or transfer to bond or other security) or cause to be paid or discharged any tax, assessment, charge or claim the amount, applicability or validity of which it is contesting in good faith through appropriate proceedings and for which it has established adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP.

Section 4.09 Existence . Except as permitted under Article X, the Issuer shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its legal existence, all material rights (by charter, bylaws or other governing document and statute) and all material franchises; provided , that the Issuer shall not be required to preserve any right or franchise if the Board of Directors determines that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of its business.

ARTICLE V

SECURITYHOLDERS’ LISTS AND

REPORTS BY THE ISSUER AND THE TRUSTEE

Section 5.01 Issuer to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Securityholders . The Issuer will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee:

(1) not more than 15 days after each regular record date (as defined in Section 2.03) a list, in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the holders of each series of Securities as of such regular record date; provided that the Issuer shall not be obligated to furnish or cause to furnish such list at any time that the list shall not differ in any respect from the most recent list furnished to the Trustee by the Issuer; and

(2) at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing within 30 days after the receipt by the Issuer of any such request, a list of similar form and content as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such list is furnished;

provided, however , that, in either case, no such list need be furnished for any series for which the Trustee shall be the Security Registrar.

Section 5.02 Preservation Of Information; Communications With Securityholders .

(a) The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, all information as to the names and addresses of the holders of Securities contained in the most recent list furnished to it as provided in Section 5.01 and as to the names and addresses of holders of Securities received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar (if acting in such capacity).

(b) The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in Section 5.01 upon receipt of a new list so furnished.

 

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(c) Securityholders may communicate as provided in Section 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act with other Securityholders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or under the Securities, and, in connection with any such communications, the Trustee shall satisfy its obligations under Section 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the provisions of Section 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.

Section 5.03 Reports by the Issuer . The Issuer covenants and agrees to provide (which delivery may be via electronic mail) to the Trustee, within 15 days after the Issuer files the same with the Commission, copies of the annual reports and of the information, documents and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the Commission may from time to time by rules and regulations prescribe) that the Issuer files with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act; provided, however , the Issuer shall not be required to deliver to the Trustee any materials for which the Issuer has sought and received confidential treatment by the Commission; and provided further , so long as such filings by the Issuer are available on the Commission’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval System (EDGAR), such filings shall be deemed to have been filed with the Trustee for purposes of this Section 5.03 without any further action required by the Issuer; provided, however , that the Trustee shall have no obligation whatsoever to determine if such filing has been so made. The Issuer will also comply with the other provisions of Section 314(a) of the Trust Indenture Act.

Section 5.04 Reports by the Trustee .

(a) On or before August 31 in each year in which any of the Securities are Outstanding, the Trustee shall transmit by mail, first class postage prepaid, to the Securityholders, as their names and addresses appear upon the Security Register, a brief report dated as of the preceding June 30, if and to the extent required under Section 313(a) of the Trust Indenture Act.

(b) The Trustee shall comply with Sections 313(b) and 313(c) of the Trust Indenture Act.

(c) A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to Securityholders, be filed by the Trustee with the Issuer, with each stock exchange upon which any Securities are listed (if so listed) and also with the Commission. The Issuer agrees to notify the Trustee when any Securities become listed on any stock exchange.

ARTICLE VI

REMEDIES OF THE TRUSTEE AND

SECURITYHOLDERS ON EVENT OF DEFAULT

Section 6.01 Events of Default .

(a) Whenever used herein with respect to Securities of a particular series, “Event of Default means any one or more of the following events that has occurred and is continuing (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or

 

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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):

(1) the Issuer defaults in the payment of any installment of interest upon any of the Securities of that series, as and when the same shall become due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days; provided, however , that a valid extension of an interest payment period by the Issuer in accordance with the terms of any indenture supplemental hereto shall not constitute a default in the payment of interest for this purpose;

(2) the Issuer defaults in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any of the Securities of that series as and when the same shall become due and payable whether at maturity, or, by declaration of acceleration, notice of redemption, notice of option to elect repayment or otherwise, or in any payment required by any sinking or analogous fund established with respect to that series; provided, however , that a valid extension of the maturity of such Securities in accordance with the terms of any indenture supplemental hereto shall not constitute a default in the payment of principal or premium, if any;

(3) the Issuer or any Guarantor fails to observe or perform any other of its covenants or agreements with respect to that series contained in this Indenture or otherwise established with respect to that series of Securities pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof (other than a covenant or agreement that has been expressly included in this Indenture solely for the benefit of one or more series of Securities other than such series) which continues for a period of 60 days after the date on which written notice of such failure, requiring the same to be remedied and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” hereunder, shall have been given to the Issuer by the Trustee, by registered or certified mail, or to the Issuer and the Trustee by the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Securities of that series at the time Outstanding;

(4) the Guarantee of any Guarantor ceases to be in full force and effect or such Guarantor denies or disaffirms in writing its obligations under this Indenture or its Guarantee;

(5) default under any bond, debenture, note or other evidence of indebtedness for money borrowed by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries (including obligations under leases required to be capitalized on the balance sheet of the lessee under generally accepted accounting principles, but not including any indebtedness or obligations for which recourse is limited to property purchased) in an aggregate principal amount in excess of a certain threshold amount described in such Officer’s Certificate or supplemental indenture establishing such series of Securities or under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any indebtedness for money borrowed by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries (including such leases, but not including such indebtedness or obligations for which recourse is limited to property purchased) in an aggregate principal amount in excess of a certain threshold amount described in such Officer’s Certificate or supplemental indenture establishing such series of Securities, whether the indebtedness

 

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exists at the date of the Indenture or shall thereafter be created, which default shall have resulted in the indebtedness becoming or being declared due and payable prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become due and payable or which default shall have resulted in the obligation being accelerated, without the acceleration having been rescinded or annulled;

(6) The Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law:

 

  (i) commences a voluntary case,

 

  (ii) consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case,

 

  (iii) consents to the appointment of a Custodian of it or for all or substantially all of its property or

 

  (iv) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors;

(7) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order under any Bankruptcy Law that:

 

  (i) is for relief against the Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary in an involuntary case,

 

  (ii) appoints a Custodian of the Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary or for all or substantially all of its property, or

 

  (iii) orders the liquidation of the Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary, and the order remains unstayed and in effect for 90 days; or

(8) any other Event of Default provided as contemplated by Section 2.01 with respect to Securities of that series.

(b) If any Event of Default (other than an Event of Default in clause (6) and (7) of Section 6.01(a) hereof) occurs and is continuing, in each and every such case, unless the principal of all the Securities of that series shall have already become due and payable, either the Trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of that series then Outstanding hereunder, by notice in writing to the Issuer (and to the Trustee if given by such Securityholders), may declare the principal amount of (and premium, if any, on) and accrued and unpaid interest on all the Securities of that series to be due and payable immediately, and upon any such declaration the same shall become and shall be immediately due and payable; provided that if an Event of Default in clause (6) and (7) of Section 6.01(a) hereof occurs, the principal amount of (and premium, if any, on) and accrued and unpaid interest on all the Securities of that series shall be due and payable without any declaration or other act by or on the part of the Trustee or Securityholders of that series.

 

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(c) At any time after the principal of the Securities of that series shall have been so declared due and payable, and before any judgment or decree for the payment of the moneys due shall have been obtained or entered as hereinafter provided, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of that series then Outstanding hereunder, by written notice to the Issuer and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if:

(1) the Issuer has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest upon all the Securities of that series and the principal of (and premium, if any) any and all Securities of that series that shall have become due otherwise than solely as a result of acceleration (with interest upon such principal and premium, if any, and, to the extent that such payment is enforceable under applicable law, upon overdue installments of interest, at the rate per annum expressed in the Securities of that series to the date of such payment or deposit) and the amount payable to the Trustee under Section 7.07, and

(2) any and all Events of Default under the Indenture with respect to such series, other than the nonpayment of accelerated principal (or specified portion thereof), premium, if any, and interest on Securities of that series that shall not have become due by their terms, shall have been remedied or waived as provided in Section 6.06. No such rescission and annulment shall extend to or shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon.

(d) In case the Trustee shall have proceeded to enforce any right with respect to Securities of that series under this Indenture and such proceedings shall have been discontinued or abandoned because of such rescission or annulment or for any other reason or shall have been determined adversely to the Trustee, then and in every such case, subject to any determination in such proceedings, the Issuer, and the Trustee shall be restored respectively to their former positions and rights hereunder, and all rights, remedies and powers of the Issuer and the Trustee shall continue as though no such proceedings had been taken.

Section 6.02 Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee .

(a) The Issuer covenants that:

(1) in case it shall default in the payment of any installment of interest on any of the Securities of a series, as and when the same shall have become due and payable, and such default shall have continued for a period of 90 days, or

(2) in case it shall default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any of the Securities of a series when the same shall have become due and payable, whether upon maturity of the Securities of a series or upon redemption or upon declaration, pursuant to any sinking or analogous fund established with respect to that series or otherwise, then, upon demand of the Trustee, the Issuer will pay to the Trustee, for the benefit of the holders of the Securities of that series, the whole amount that then shall have been become due and payable on all such Securities for principal (and premium, if any) or interest, or both, as the case may be, with interest upon the

 

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overdue principal (and premium, if any) and (to the extent that payment of such interest is enforceable under applicable law) upon overdue installments of interest at the rate per annum expressed in the Securities of that series; and, in addition thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, and the amount payable to the Trustee under Section 7.07.

(b) If the Issuer shall fail to pay such amounts forthwith upon such demand, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, shall be entitled and empowered to institute any action or proceedings at law or in equity for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, and may prosecute any such action or proceeding to judgment or final decree, and may enforce any such judgment or final decree against the Issuer or other obligor upon the Securities of that series and collect the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Issuer or other obligor upon the Securities of that series, wherever situated.

(c) In case of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, readjustment, arrangement, composition or judicial proceedings affecting the Issuer, or its creditors or property, the Trustee shall have power to intervene in such proceedings and take any action therein that may be permitted by the court and shall (except as may be otherwise provided by law) be entitled to file such proofs of claim and other papers and documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee and of the holders of Securities of such series allowed for the entire amount due and payable by the Issuer under the Indenture at the date of institution of such proceedings and for any additional amount that may become due and payable by the Issuer after such date, and to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such claim, and to distribute the same after the deduction of the amount payable to the Trustee under Section 7.07; and any receiver, assignee or trustee in bankruptcy or reorganization is hereby authorized by each of the holders of Securities of such series to make such payments to the Trustee, and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to such Securityholders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due it under Section 7.07.

(d) All rights of action and of asserting claims under this Indenture, or under any of the terms established with respect to Securities of that series, may be enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of such Securities, or the production thereof at any trial or other proceeding relative thereto, and any such suit or proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after provision for payment to the Trustee of any amounts due under Section 7.07, be for the ratable benefit of the holders of the Securities of such series. In case of an Event of Default hereunder, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce the rights vested in it by this Indenture by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most effectual to protect and enforce any of such rights, either at law or in equity or in bankruptcy or otherwise, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement contained in the Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted in this Indenture, or to enforce any other legal or equitable right vested in the Trustee by this Indenture or by law. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Securityholder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Securities of that series or the rights of any holder thereof or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Securityholder in any such proceeding.

 

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Section 6.03 Application of Moneys Collected . Any moneys collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article with respect to a particular series of Securities shall be applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such moneys on account of principal (or premium, if any) or interest, upon presentation of the Securities of that series, and notation thereon of the payment, if only partially paid, and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:

FIRST: To the payment of costs and expenses of collection and of all amounts payable to the Trustee under Section 7.07;

SECOND: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid upon Securities of such series for principal (and premium, if any) and interest, in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on such Securities for principal (and premium, if any) and interest, respectively;

THIRD: To the payment of the remainder, if any, to the Issuer or any other Person lawfully entitled thereto.

Section 6.04 Limitation on Suits . No holder of any Security of any series shall have any right by virtue or by availing of any provision of this Indenture to institute any proceedings, judicial or otherwise, upon or under or with respect to this Indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless:

(1) such holder previously shall have given to the Trustee written notice of an Event of Default and of the continuance thereof with respect to the Securities of such series specifying such Event of Default, as hereinbefore provided;

(2) the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of such series then Outstanding shall have made written request upon the Trustee to institute such action, suit or proceeding in its own name as trustee hereunder;

(3) such holder or holders shall have offered to the Trustee such reasonable indemnity as it may require against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred therein or thereby;

(4) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity, shall have failed to institute any such action, suit or proceeding; and

(5) during such 60 day period, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of that series do not give the Trustee a direction inconsistent with the request. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the right of any holder of any Security to receive payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on such Security, as therein provided, on the respective due dates expressed in such Security (or in the case of redemption, on the redemption date), or to institute suit

 

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for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates or redemption date, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such holder and by accepting a Security hereunder it is expressly understood, intended and covenanted by the taker and holder of every Security of such series with every other such taker and holder and the Trustee, that no one or more holders of Securities of such series shall have any right in any manner whatsoever by virtue or by availing of any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of the holders of any other of such Securities, or to obtain or seek to obtain priority over or preference to any other such holder, or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal, ratable and common benefit of all holders of Securities of such series. For the protection and enforcement of the provisions of this Section, each and every Securityholder and the Trustee shall be entitled to such relief as can be given either at law or in equity.

Section 6.05 Rights and Remedies Cumulative; Delay or Omission Not Waiver .

(a) Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.07, all powers and remedies given by this Article to the Trustee or to the Securityholders shall, to the extent permitted by law, be deemed cumulative and not exclusive of any other powers and remedies available to the Trustee or the holders of the Securities, by judicial proceedings or otherwise, to enforce the performance or observance of the covenants and agreements contained in this Indenture or otherwise established with respect to such Securities.

(b) No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any holder of any of the Securities to exercise any right or power accruing upon any Event of Default occurring and continuing as aforesaid shall impair any such right or power, or shall be construed to be a waiver of any such default or on acquiescence therein; and, subject to the provisions of Section 6.04, every power and remedy given by this Article or by law to the Trustee or the Securityholders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as shall be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Securityholders.

Section 6.06 Control by Securityholders . The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of any series at the time Outstanding, determined in accordance with Section 8.01, shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to such series; provided, however , that such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Indenture or be unduly prejudicial to the rights of holders of Securities of any other series at the time Outstanding determined in accordance with Section 8.01. Subject to the provisions of Section 7.01, the Trustee shall have the right to decline to follow any such direction if the Trustee in good faith shall, by a Responsible Officer or Responsible Officers of the Trustee, determine that the proceeding so directed would involve the Trustee in personal liability. The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of any series at the time Outstanding affected thereby, determined in accordance with Section 8.01, may on behalf of the holders of all of the Securities of such series waive any past default in the performance of any of the covenants contained herein or established pursuant to Section 2.01 with respect to such series and its consequences, except a default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest

 

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on, any of the Securities of that series as and when the same shall become due by the terms of such Securities otherwise than by acceleration (unless such default has been cured and a sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest and principal and any premium has been deposited with the Trustee in accordance with Section 6.01(c)) or in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under Article IX cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each Outstanding Security affected by the default. Upon any such waiver, the default covered thereby shall be deemed to be cured for all purposes of this Indenture and the Issuer, the Trustee and the holders of the Securities of such series shall be restored to their former positions and rights hereunder, respectively; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or impair any right consequent thereon.

Section 6.07 Undertaking to Pay Costs . All parties to this Indenture agree, and each holder of any Securities 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 an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; but the provisions of this Section shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Securityholder, or group of Securityholders, holding more than 10% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series, or to any suit instituted by any Securityholder for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any Security of such series, on or after the respective due dates expressed in such Security or established pursuant to this Indenture.

ARTICLE VII

CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE

Section 7.01 Certain Duties and Responsibilities of Trustee .

(a) The Trustee, prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of a series and after the curing of all Events of Default with respect to the Securities of that series that may have occurred, shall undertake to perform with respect to the Securities of such series such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture, and no implied covenants shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee. In case an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of a series has occurred (that has not been cured or waived) and is known to a Responsible Officer of the Trustee, the Trustee shall exercise with respect to Securities of that series such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as a prudent man would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his own affairs.

 

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(b) No provision of this Indenture shall be construed to relieve the Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that:

(1) prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of a series and after the curing or waiving of all such Events of Default with respect to that series that may have occurred: the duties and obligations of the Trustee shall with respect to the Securities of such series be determined solely by the express provisions of this Indenture, and the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to the Securities of such series except for the performance of such duties and obligations as are specifically set forth in this Indenture, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and in the absence of bad faith on the part of the Trustee, the Trustee may with respect to the Securities of such series conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon any certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture; but in the case of any such certificates or opinions that by any provision hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not they conform to the requirement of this Indenture;

(2) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer or Responsible Officers of the Trustee, unless it shall be proved that the Trustee, was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts;

(3) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Securities of any series at the time Outstanding relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee under this Indenture with respect to the Securities of that series;

(4) none of the provisions contained in this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur personal financial liability in the performance of any of its duties or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if there is reasonable ground for believing that the repayment of such funds or liability is not reasonably assured to it under the terms of this Indenture or adequate indemnity against such risk is not reasonably assured to it; and

(5) if any party fails to deliver a notice relating to an event the fact of which, pursuant to this Indenture, requires notice to be sent to the Trustee, the Trustee may conclusively rely on its failure to receive such notice as reason to act as if no such event occurred, unless such Responsible Officer of the Trustee had actual knowledge of such event.

Section 7.02 Notice of Defaults . If a Default occurs hereunder with respect to Securities of any series and is known to a Responsible Officer of the Trustee, the Trustee shall give the holders of Securities of such series notice of such Default as and to the extent provided by the Trust Indenture Act; provided, however , that in the case of any Default of the character specified in clause (3) of Section 6.01(a) with respect to Securities of such series, no such notice to holders shall be given until at least 30 days after the occurrence thereof; provided, further , that, except in the case of a Default in the payment of the principal of, or a Default in the

 

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payment or delivery of the consideration due upon conversion, the Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if and so long as a committee of Responsible Officers of the Trustee in good faith determine that the withholding of such notice is in the interests of the holders.

Section 7.03 Certain Rights of Trustee . Except as otherwise provided in Section 7.01:

(a) The Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, approval, bond, security or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;

(b) Any request, direction, order or demand of the Issuer mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution or an instrument signed in the name of the Issuer, by an Officer (unless other evidence in respect thereof is specifically prescribed herein);

(c) The Trustee may consult with counsel and the written advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken or suffered or omitted hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon;

(d) The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request, order or direction of any of the Securityholders, pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture, unless such Securityholders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities that may be incurred therein or thereby; nothing contained herein shall, however, relieve the Trustee of the obligation, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to a series of the Securities (that has not been cured or waived) to exercise with respect to Securities of that series such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and to use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as a prudent man would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his own affairs;

(e) The Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith and believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture;

(f) The Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, approval, bond, security, or other papers or documents, unless requested in writing so to do by the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of the particular series affected thereby (determined as provided in Section 8.04); provided, however , that if the payment within a reasonable time to the Trustee of the costs, expenses or liabilities likely to be incurred by it in the making of such investigation is, in the opinion of the Trustee, not reasonably assured to the Trustee by the security afforded to it by the terms of this Indenture, the Trustee may require reasonable indemnity against such costs, expenses or liabilities as a condition to so proceeding. The reasonable expense of every such examination shall be paid by the Issuer or, if paid by the Trustee, shall be repaid by the Issuer upon demand;

 

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(g) The Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder; and

(h) In no event shall the Trustee be liable for any consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including but not limited to lost profits), even if the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action other than any such loss or damage caused by the Trustee’s willful misconduct or gross negligence. The Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of any Default or Event of Default with respect to any Securities of a series, unless either (1) a Responsible Officer shall have actual knowledge of such Default or Event of Default or (2) written notice of such Default or Event of Default referencing this Indenture and the series of Securities and stating that it is a “Notice of Default” shall have been given to the Trustee by the Issuer or by any Securityholder of the Securities.

Section 7.04 Trustee Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance or Securities .

(a) The recitals contained herein and in the Securities shall be taken as the statements of the Issuer, and the Trustee assumes no responsibility for the correctness of the same.

(b) The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Securities.

(c) The Trustee shall not be accountable for the use or application by the Issuer of any of the Securities or of the proceeds of such Securities, or for the use or application of any moneys paid over by the Trustee in accordance with any provision of this Indenture or established pursuant to Section 2.01, or for the use or application of any moneys received by any paying agent other than the Trustee.

Section 7.05 May Hold Securities . The Trustee or any paying agent or Security Registrar, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, paying agent or Security Registrar.

Section 7.06 Moneys Held in Trust . Subject to the provisions of Section 11.05, all moneys received by the Trustee shall, until used or applied as herein provided, be held in trust for the purposes for which they were received, but need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. The Trustee shall be under no liability for interest on any moneys received by it hereunder except such as it may agree with the Issuer to pay thereon.

Section 7.07 Compensation and Reimbursement .

(a) The Issuer covenants and agrees to pay to the Trustee, and the Trustee shall be entitled to, such reasonable compensation (which shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust), as the Issuer, and the Trustee may from time to time agree in writing, for all services rendered by it in the execution of the trusts hereby created and in the exercise and performance of any of the powers and duties hereunder of the Trustee, and, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the Issuer will pay

 

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or reimburse the Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee (as trustee and in other capacity hereunder) in accordance with any of the provisions of this Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its counsel and of all Persons not regularly in its employ) except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may arise from its gross negligence or bad faith. The Issuer also covenants to indemnify the Trustee in all its capacities under the Indenture (and its officers, agents, directors and employees) for, and to hold them harmless against, any loss, liability or expense incurred without gross negligence or bad faith on the part of the Trustee and arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of this trust or in any other capacity under the Indenture, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim of liability in the premises.

(b) The obligations of the Issuer under this Section to compensate and indemnify the Trustee and to pay or reimburse the Trustee for expenses, disbursements and advances shall constitute additional indebtedness hereunder and shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture and the earlier resignation or removal or the Trustee. Such additional indebtedness shall be secured by a lien prior to that of the Securities upon all property and funds held or collected by the Trustee as such, except funds held in trust for the benefit of the holders of particular Securities. Without prejudice to any other rights available to the Trustee under applicable law, when the Trustee and its agents and any Authenticating Agent incur expenses or render services after an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01, clause (6) or (7) occurs, the expenses and the compensation for the services are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws.

Section 7.08 Reliance on Officer’s Certificate . Except as otherwise provided in Section 7.01, whenever in the administration of the provisions of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it necessary or desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking or suffering or omitting to take any action hereunder, such matter (unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of gross negligence or bad faith on the part of the Trustee, be deemed to be conclusively proved and established by an Officer’s Certificate delivered to the Trustee and such certificate, in the absence of gross negligence or bad faith on the part of the Trustee, shall be full warrant to the Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken by it under the provisions of this Indenture upon the faith thereof.

Section 7.09 Disqualification; Conflicting Interests . If the Trustee has or shall acquire any “conflicting interest” within the meaning of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee and the Issuer shall in all respects comply with the provisions of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act, subject to the penultimate paragraph thereof.

Section 7.10 Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility . There shall at all times be a Trustee with respect to the Securities issued hereunder which shall at all times be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America or any State or Territory thereof or of the District of Columbia, or a corporation or other Person permitted to act as trustee by the Commission, authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust powers, having a combined capital and surplus of at least 100 million U.S. dollars ($100,000,000), and subject to supervision or examination by Federal, State, Territorial, or District of Columbia authority. If such corporation publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or

 

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to the requirements of the aforesaid supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such corporation shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. The Issuer may not, nor may any Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Issuer, serve as Trustee. In case at any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, the Trustee shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in Section 7.11.

Section 7.11 Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor .

(a) The Trustee or any successor hereafter appointed, may at any time resign with respect to the Securities of one or more series by giving written notice thereof to the Issuer and by transmitting notice of resignation by mail, first class postage prepaid, to the Securityholders of such series, as their names and addresses appear upon the Security Register. Upon receiving such notice of resignation, the Issuer shall promptly appoint a successor trustee with respect to Securities of such series by written instrument, in duplicate, executed by order of the Board of Directors, one copy of which instrument shall be delivered to the resigning Trustee and one copy to the successor trustee. If no successor trustee shall have been so appointed and have accepted appointment within 30 days after the mailing of such notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor trustee with respect to Securities of such series, or any Securityholder of that series who has been a bona fide holder of a Security or Securities for at least six months may on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any such court for the appointment of a successor trustee. Such court may thereupon after such notice, if any, as it may deem proper and prescribe, appoint a successor trustee.

(b) In case at any time any one of the following shall occur:

(1) the Trustee shall fail to comply with the provisions of Section 7.09 after written request therefor by the Issuer or by any Securityholder who has been a bona fide holder of a Security or Securities for at least six months; or

(2) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of Section 7.10 and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Issuer or by any such Securityholder; or

(3) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting, or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent, or commence a voluntary bankruptcy proceeding, or a receiver of the Trustee or of its property shall be appointed or consented to, or any public officer shall take charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation, then, in any such case, the Issuer may remove the Trustee with respect to all Securities and appoint a successor trustee by written instrument, in duplicate, executed by order of the Board of Directors, one copy of which instrument shall be delivered to the Trustee so removed and one copy to the successor trustee, or, unless, in the case of a failure to comply with Section 7.09, the Trustee’s duty to resign is stayed as provided in the penultimate paragraph of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act, any Securityholder who has been a bona fide holder of a Security or

 

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Securities for at least six months may, on behalf of that holder and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor trustee. Such court may thereupon after such notice, if any, as it may deem proper and prescribe, remove the Trustee and appoint a successor trustee.

(c) The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of any series at the time Outstanding may at any time remove the Trustee with respect to such series by so notifying the Trustee and the Issuer and may appoint a successor Trustee for such series with the consent of the Issuer.

(d) Any resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a successor trustee with respect to the Securities of a series pursuant to any of the provisions of this Section shall become effective upon acceptance of appointment by the successor trustee as provided in Section 7.12.

(e) Any successor trustee appointed pursuant to this Section may be appointed with respect to the Securities of one or more series or all of such series, and at any time there shall be only one Trustee with respect to the Securities of any particular series.

Section 7.12 Acceptance of Appointment By Successor .

(a) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor trustee with respect to all Securities, every such successor trustee so appointed shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Issuer and to the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee; but, on the request of the Issuer or the successor trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor trustee all the rights, powers, and trusts of the retiring Trustee and shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder.

(b) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more (but not all) series, the Issuer, the retiring Trustee and each successor trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series shall execute and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto wherein each successor trustee shall accept such appointment and which:

(1) shall contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, each successor trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor trustee relates,

(2) 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

 

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(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 hereunder separate and apart from any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such Trustee and that no Trustee shall be responsible for 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 with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor trustee relates 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, and each such successor trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor trustee relates; but, on request of the Issuer or any successor trustee, such retiring Trustee 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.

(c) Upon request of any such successor trustee, the Issuer shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section, as the case may be.

(d) No successor trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance such successor trustee shall be qualified and eligible under this Article.

(e) Upon acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee as provided in this Section, the Issuer shall transmit notice of the succession of such trustee hereunder by mail, first class postage prepaid, to the Securityholders, as their names and addresses appear upon the Security Register. If the Issuer fails to transmit such notice within ten days after acceptance of appointment by the successor trustee, the successor trustee shall cause such notice to be transmitted at the expense of the Issuer.

Section 7.13 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 the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder; provided that such corporation shall be qualified under the provisions of Section 7.09 and eligible under the provisions of Section 7.10, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto, anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding. In case any Securities shall have been authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such authentication and deliver the Securities so authenticated with the same effect as if such successor Trustee had itself authenticated such Securities.

 

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Section 7.14 Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Issuer . The Trustee shall comply with Section 311(a) of the Trust Indenture Act, excluding any creditor relationship described in Section 311(b) of the Trust Indenture Act. A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to Section 311(a) of the Trust Indenture Act to the extent included therein.

ARTICLE VIII

CONCERNING THE SECURITYHOLDERS

Section 8.01 Evidence of Action by Securityholders . Whenever in this Indenture it is provided that the holders of a majority or specified percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of a particular series may take any action (including the making of any demand or request, the giving of any notice, consent or waiver or the taking of any other action), the fact that at the time of taking any such action the holders of such majority or specified percentage of that series have joined therein may be evidenced by any instrument or any number of instruments of similar tenor executed by such holders of Securities of that series in Person or by agent or proxy appointed in writing, or may be embodied in and evidenced by the record of holders of Securities of such series voting in favor thereof, either in person or by proxies duly appointed in writing, at any meeting of Securityholders of Securities of such series duly called and held in accordance with the provisions of Article XII, or a combination of such instruments and any such record. 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. If the Issuer shall solicit from the Securityholders of any series any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, the Issuer may, at its option, as evidenced by an Officer’s Certificate, fix in advance a record date for such series for the determination of Securityholders entitled to give such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, but the Issuer shall have no obligation to do so. If such a record date is fixed, such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action may be given before or after the record date, but only the Securityholders of record at the close of business on the record date shall be deemed to be Securityholders for the purposes of determining whether Securityholders of the requisite proportion of Outstanding Securities of that series have authorized or agreed or consented to such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, and for that purpose the Outstanding Securities of that series shall be computed as of the record date; provided , however , that no such authorization, agreement or consent by such Securityholders on the record date shall be deemed effective unless it shall become effective pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture not later than six months after the record date.

Section 8.02 Proof of Execution by Securityholders . Subject to the provisions of Section 7.01, proof of the execution of any instrument by a Securityholder (such proof will not require notarization) or his agent or proxy and proof of the holding by any Person of any of the Securities shall be sufficient if made in the following manner:

(a) The fact and date of the execution by any such Person of any instrument may be proved in any reasonable manner acceptable to the Trustee.

 

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(b) The ownership of Securities shall be proved by the Security Register of such Securities or by a certificate of the Security Registrar thereof.

(c) The Trustee may require such additional proof of any matter referred to in this Section as it shall deem necessary.

Section 8.03 Who May be Deemed Owners . Prior to the due presentment for registration of transfer of any Security, the Issuer, the Trustee, any paying agent and any Security Registrar may deem and treat the Person in whose name such Security shall be registered upon the books of the Issuer as the absolute owner of such Security (whether or not such Security shall be overdue and notwithstanding any notice of ownership or writing thereon made by anyone other than the Security Registrar) for the purpose of receiving payment of or on account of the principal of (and premium, if any) and (subject to Section 2.03) interest on such Security and for all other purposes; and neither the Issuer nor the Trustee nor any paying agent nor any Security Registrar shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.

Section 8.04 Certain Securities Owned by Issuer Disregarded . In determining whether the holders of the requisite aggregate principal amount of Securities of a particular series have concurred in any direction, consent or waiver under this Indenture, the Securities of that series that are owned by the Issuer or any other obligor on the Securities of that series or by any Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under common control with the Issuer or any other obligor on the Securities of that series shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding for the purpose of any such determination, except that for the purpose of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such direction, consent or waiver, only Securities of such series that the Trustee actually knows are so owned shall be so disregarded. The Securities so owned that have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding for the purposes of this Section, if the pledgee shall establish to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee’s right so to act with respect to such Securities and that the pledgee is not a Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Issuer or any such other obligor. In case of a dispute as to such right, any decision by the Trustee taken upon the advice of counsel shall be full protection to the Trustee.

Section 8.05 Actions Binding on Future Securityholders . At any time prior to (but not after) the evidencing to the Trustee, as provided in Section 8.01, of the taking of any action by the holders of the majority or percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of a particular series specified in this Indenture in connection with such action, any holder of a Security of that series that is shown by the evidence to be included in the Securities the holders of which have consented to such action may, by filing written notice with the Trustee, and upon proof of holding as provided in Section 8.02, revoke such action so far as concerns such Security. Except as aforesaid any such action taken by the holder of any Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such holder and upon all future holders and owners of such Security, and of any Security issued in exchange therefor, on registration of transfer thereof or in place thereof, irrespective of whether or not any notation in regard thereto is made upon such Security. Any action taken by the holders of the majority or percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of a particular series specified in this Indenture in connection with such action shall be conclusively binding upon the Issuer, the Trustee and the holders of all the Securities of that series.

 

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ARTICLE IX

SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES

Section 9.01 Supplemental Indentures Without the Consent of Securityholders . In addition to any supplemental indenture otherwise authorized by this Indenture, the Issuer and the Trustee may from time to time and at any time enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto (which shall conform to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect), without the consent of the Securityholders, for one or more of the following purposes:

(1) to cure any ambiguity, defect, or inconsistency herein or in the Securities of any series, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under the Indenture which shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of the Indenture; provided, however, that such action shall not adversely affect the interests of holders of Securities of any series in any material respect;

(2) to comply with Article X;

(3) to provide for uncertificated Securities in addition to or in place of certificated Securities;

(4) to add to the covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions relating to the Issuer or the Guarantors for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series), to make the occurrence, or the occurrence and the continuance, of a default in any such additional covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions an Event of Default, or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Issuer;

(5) to add to, delete from, or revise the conditions, limitations, and restrictions on the authorized amount, terms, or purposes of issue, authentication, and delivery of Securities (prior to the issuance thereof), as herein set forth;

(6) to make any change or eliminate any provision herein; provided that any such change or elimination does not apply to any Outstanding Securities of a series that are entitled to the benefit of such provision;

(7) to secure the Securities or add a Guarantor;

(8) to evidence the release of any Guarantor pursuant to the requirements of Section 13.07;

 

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(9) to provide for the issuance of and establish the form and terms and conditions of the Securities of any series as provided in Section 2.01, to establish the form of any certifications required to be furnished pursuant to the terms of this Indenture or any series of Securities, or to add to the rights of the holders of any series of Securities;

(10) 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 7.12;

(11) to supplement any of the provisions of the Indenture to the extent necessary to permit or facilitate defeasance, covenant defeasance and discharge of Securities of any series of notes; provided , however , that this action shall not adversely affect the interests of the holders of the Securities of any series in any material respect;

(12) to comply with any requirements of the Commission or any successor in connection with the qualification of this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act; or

(13) to provide for the issuance of additional Securities of any series in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and the Securities of such series.

The Trustee is hereby authorized to join with the Issuer in the execution of any such supplemental indenture, and to make any further appropriate agreements and stipulations that may be therein contained, but the Trustee shall not be obligated to enter into any such supplemental indenture that affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.

Any supplemental indenture authorized by the provisions of this Section may be executed by the Issuer and the Trustee without the consent of the holders of any of the Securities at the time Outstanding, notwithstanding any of the provisions of Section 9.02.

Section 9.02 Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Securityholders . With the consent (evidenced as provided in Section 8.01) of the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of each series affected by such supplemental indenture or indentures (voting or separate classes) at the time Outstanding, the Issuer, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee may from time to time and at any time enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto (which shall conform to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect) for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or of any supplemental indenture or of modifying in any manner not covered by Section 9.01 the rights of the holders of the Securities of such series under this Indenture; provided , however , that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the holders of each Security then Outstanding and affected thereby:

(1) change the stated maturity of the principal of, or any installment of principal of or interest (or premium, if any) on, any Security, or reduce the principal

 

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amount thereof, or reduce the rate of interest or extend the time of payment of interest thereon, or reduce any premium payable upon the redemption thereof, or would be provable in bankruptcy, or adversely affect any right of repayment at the option of the Securityholder of such security (or reduce the amount of premium payable upon any repayment), or reduce the amount of the principal of an Original Issue Discount Security or any other Security which would be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.01 or change the place of payment, or the coin or currency in which any Security or any premium or interest thereon is payable, or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment); or

(2) reduce the percentage in 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 certain defaults hereunder and their consequences provided for in this Indenture; or

(3) modify any of the provisions of this Section or Section 6.06 relating to waivers of default, except to increase any such percentage or to provide that certain other provisions of this Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby; provided , however , that this clause shall not be deemed to require the consent of any holder with respect to changes in the references to “the Trustee” and concomitant changes in this Section, or the deletion of this proviso, in accordance with the requirements of Sections 7.12 and 9.01(8); or

(4) release VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. from its guarantee of any series of Securities for which VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. is a Guarantor.

A supplemental indenture which changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of this Indenture which has expressly been included solely for the benefit of one or more particular series of 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. It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Securityholders of any series affected thereby under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such consent shall approve the substance thereof.

Section 9.03 Effect of Supplemental Indentures . Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Article or of Section 10.01, this Indenture shall, with respect to such series, be and be deemed to be modified and amended in accordance therewith and the respective rights, limitations of rights, obligations, duties and immunities under this Indenture of the Trustee, the Issuer and the holders of Securities of the series affected thereby shall thereafter be determined, exercised and enforced hereunder subject in all respects to such modifications and amendments, and all the terms and conditions of any such supplemental indenture shall be and be deemed to be part of the terms and conditions of this Indenture for any and all purposes.

 

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Section 9.04 Securities Affected by Supplemental Indentures . Securities of any series, affected by a supplemental indenture, authenticated and delivered after the execution of such supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Article or of Section 10.01, may bear a notation in form approved by the Issuer, provided such form meets the requirements of any exchange upon which such series may be listed, as to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Issuer shall so determine, new Securities of that series so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, to any modification of this Indenture contained in any such supplemental indenture may be prepared by the Issuer, authenticated by the Trustee and delivered in exchange for the Securities of that series then Outstanding.

Section 9.05 Execution of Supplemental Indentures . Upon the request of the Issuer, accompanied by Board Resolutions authorizing the execution of any such supplemental indenture, and upon the filing with the Trustee of evidence of the consent of Securityholders required to consent thereto as aforesaid, the Trustee shall join with the Issuer in the execution of such supplemental indenture unless such supplemental indenture affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise, in which case the Trustee may in its discretion but shall not be obligated to enter into such supplemental indenture. The Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 7.01, may receive an Officer’s Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel as conclusive evidence that any supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article is authorized or permitted by, and conforms to, the terms of this Article and that it is proper for the Trustee under the provisions of this Article to join in the execution thereof; provided , however , that such Officer’s Certificate or Opinion of Counsel need not be provided in connection with the execution of a supplemental indenture or Officer’s Certificate that establishes the terms of a series of Securities pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof.

Promptly after the execution by the Issuer and the Trustee of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Section, the Trustee shall transmit by mail, first class postage prepaid, a notice, setting forth in general terms the substance of such supplemental indenture, to the Securityholders of all series affected thereby as their names and addresses appear upon the Security Register. Any failure of the Trustee to mail such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such supplemental indenture.

ARTICLE X

SUCCESSOR ENTITY

Section 10.01 Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets .

(a) Except as provided pursuant to Section 2.01 pursuant to a Board Resolution, and set forth in an Officer’s Certificate, or established in one or more indentures supplemental to this Indenture, the Issuer may consolidate with, or sell, lease or convey all or substantially all of its assets to, or merge with or into, any other entity; provided that the following conditions are met:

(1)(i) The Issuer shall be the continuing entity, or (ii) the successor entity (if other than the Issuer) formed by or resulting from any consolidation or merger or which shall have received the transfer of assets shall be domiciled in the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia and shall expressly assume payment of the principal of and interest on each series of the notes and the due and punctual performance and observance of all of the covenants and conditions in the Indenture;

 

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(2) immediately after giving effect on a pro forma basis to the transaction (including the incurrence of any Debt in connection therewith), 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

(3) an Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel covering these conditions shall be delivered to the Trustee.

(b) Except as provided pursuant to Section 2.01 pursuant to a Board Resolution, and set forth in an Officer’s Certificate, or established in one or more indentures supplemental to this Indenture, the Issuer shall not permit any Guarantor to consolidate with, or sell, lease or convey all or substantially all of its assets to, or merge with or into, any other entity unless the following conditions are met:

(1)(i) such Guarantor shall be the continuing entity, or (ii) the successor entity (if not such Guarantor) formed by or resulting from any consolidation or merger or which shall have received the transfer of assets shall be domiciled in the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia and shall expressly assume, by a supplemental indenture, all the obligations of such Guarantor, if any, under the notes or its guarantee, as applicable; provided , that the foregoing requirement will not apply in the case of a Guarantor (x) that has been disposed of in its entirety to another person (other than to the Issuer or an affiliate of the Issuer), whether through a merger, consolidation or sale of capital stock or has sold, leased or converted all or substantially all of its assets or (y) that, as a result of the disposition of all or a portion of its capital stock, ceases to be a Subsidiary;

(2) immediately after giving effect on a pro forma basis to the transaction (including the incurrence of any Debt in connection therewith), 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

(3) an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel covering these conditions shall be delivered to the Trustee.

Section 10.02 Successor Entity Substituted . Upon any consolidation or merger, or any sale, assignment, transfer, lease or conveyance of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer or a Guarantor in accordance with Section 10.01 hereof, the successor corporation formed by such consolidation or into or with which the Issuer or such Guarantor, as applicable, is merged or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease or conveyance is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for (so that from and after the date of such consolidation, merger, sale, lease or conveyance, the provisions of this Indenture referring to the Issuer or such Guarantor, as applicable, shall refer instead to the successor corporation and not to the Issuer or such Guarantor, as applicable), and may exercise every right and power of the Issuer or such Guarantor, as applicable, under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor Person

 

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had been named as Issuer or a Guarantor, as applicable, herein; provided , that a predecessor Issuer shall not be relieved from the obligation to pay the principal of and interest on such series of Securities except in the case of a sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of all of the Issuer’s assets that meets the requirements of Section 10.01 hereof.

Section 10.03 Evidence of Consolidation, Etc. to Trustee . The Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 7.01, may receive an Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel as conclusive evidence that any such consolidation or merger, or sale, assignment, transfer or conveyance, and any such assumption, comply with the provisions of this Article.

ARTICLE XI

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE; DEFEASANCE

Section 11.01 Satisfaction and Discharge . This Indenture will be discharged and will cease to be of further effect with respect to a series of Securities (except as to any surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of such series of Securities herein expressly provided for), and the Trustee, at the expense of the Issuer, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to such series, when:

(1) either (A) all Securities of that series theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than (i) any Securities that shall have been destroyed, lost or stolen and that shall have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 2.07 and (ii) Securities for whose payment money or noncallable Governmental Obligations have theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Issuer and thereafter repaid to the Issuer or discharged from such trust, as provided in Section 11.05) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or (B) all Securities of such series not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation (i) have become due and payable by maturity, the giving of a notice of redemption or otherwise, or (ii) will by their terms become due and payable within one year or (iii) are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption, and the Issuer shall deposit or cause to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for the purpose (x) moneys in an amount, or (y) noncallable Governmental Obligations the scheduled principal of and interest on which in accordance with their terms will provide, not later than the due date of any payment, money in an amount, or (z) a combination thereof, sufficient, in the case of (y) or (z) in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge, at maturity or upon redemption, all Securities of that series not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, including principal (and premium, if any) and interest due or to become due to such date of maturity or date fixed for redemption, as the case may be;

(2) the Issuer has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable hereunder with respect to such series by the Issuer; and

(3) the Issuer has delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all the conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to such series of Securities have been complied with.

 

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Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to a series of Securities, the obligations of the Trustee under Section 7.07 and, if money shall have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to subclause (y) of clause (1) of this Section, the obligations of the Trustee under Sections 11.03 and 11.05 shall survive.

Section 11.02 Defeasance . The Issuer may, at its option and at any time (including notwithstanding the exercise by the Issuer of a Covenant Defeasance (as defined herein)), elect to have any and all its obligations discharged (and have the Guarantors be discharged from) with respect to a series of the Securities (“ Legal Defeasance ”). Such Legal Defeasance means that the Issuer shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by such series of Securities, except for (a) the rights of holders to receive payments in respect of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Securities when such payments are due solely from the trust fund described in this Section, (b) the Issuer’s obligation, if any, to pay additional amounts in respect of certain taxes imposed on non-U.S. holders of Securities of such series, (c) the Issuer’s obligations with respect to such series of Securities concerning issuing temporary Securities, registration of transfer or exchange of such series of Securities, mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities of such series and the maintenance of an office or agency for payments, (d) the rights, powers, trust, duties and immunities of the Trustee and the Issuer’s obligations in connection therewith and (e) the Legal Defeasance provisions of this Indenture. In addition, the Issuer may, at its option and at any time, elect to have any and all its obligations released and to have the Guarantors obligations be released with respect to covenants provided with respect to such series of Securities under Sections 2.01(15), 4.06, 4.07, 4.08 and 4.09 of this Indenture (“ Covenant Defeasance ”) and thereafter any omission to comply with such obligations shall not constitute a Default or Event of Default with respect to such series of Securities. In the event of Covenant Defeasance, those events described under Section 6.01(a) with respect to the foregoing covenants will no longer constitute an Event of Default with respect to such series of Securities.

In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance:

(1) the Issuer must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the holders of such series, (A) cash in U.S. dollars in an amount, or (B) Governmental Obligations the scheduled principal of and interest on which in accordance with their terms will provide, not later than the due date of any payment, money in an amount, or (C) a combination thereof, sufficient, in the case of (B) or (C) in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge, at maturity or upon redemption, the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on such series of Securities on the stated date for payment thereof or on the applicable redemption date, as the case may be;

(2) in the case of Legal Defeasance, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel confirming that (A) the Issuer has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (B) since the date of this

 

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Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall confirm that, the holders of such series of Securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred;

(3) in the case of Covenant Defeasance, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel confirming that the holders of such series of Securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to 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;

(4) no Default or Event of Default with respect to the Securities of such series shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit;

(5) the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for or relating to the Legal Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance, as the case may be, have been complied with; and

(6) if such series of Securities is to be redeemed prior to final maturity (other than from mandatory sinking fund payments or analogous payments), notice of such redemption shall have been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee shall have been made.

Section 11.03 Deposited Moneys to be Held in Trust . All moneys or Governmental Obligations deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Sections 11.01 or 11.02 shall be held in trust and shall be available for payment as due, either directly or through any paying agent (including the Issuer acting as its own paying agent), to the holders of the particular series of Securities for the payment or redemption of which such moneys or Governmental Obligations have been deposited with the Trustee.

If, after a deposit referred to in Section 11.02(1) has been made with respect to any series of Securities, (1) the holder of a Security in respect of which such deposit was made is entitled to, and does, elect pursuant to Section 2.01 or the terms of such Security to receive payment in a currency or currency unit or composite currency other than that in which the deposit pursuant to Section 11.02(1) has been made in respect of such Security or (2) a Conversion Event occurs in respect of the currency or currency unit or composite currency in which the deposit pursuant to Section 11.02(1) has been made, the indebtedness represented by such Security and any coupons appertaining thereto 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 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 or currency unit or composite currency in which such Security becomes payable as a result of such election or Conversion Event based on the applicable market exchange rate for such currency or currency unit or composite currency in effect on the second Business Day prior to each payment date.

 

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Section 11.04 Payment of Moneys Held by Paying Agents . In connection with the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture all moneys or Governmental Obligations then held by any paying agent under the provisions of this Indenture shall, upon demand of the Issuer, be paid to the Trustee and thereupon such paying agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such moneys or Governmental Obligations.

Section 11.05 Repayment to Issuer . Any moneys or Governmental Obligations deposited with any paying agent or the Trustee, or then held by the Issuer, in trust for payment of principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on the Securities of a particular series that are not applied but remain unclaimed by the holders of such Securities for at least two years after the date upon which the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on such Securities shall have respectively become due and payable, or such other shorter period set forth in applicable escheat or abandoned property law, shall be repaid to the Issuer on May 31 of each year or (if then held by the Issuer) shall be discharged from such trust; and thereupon the paying agent and the Trustee shall be released from all further liability with respect to such moneys or Governmental Obligations, and the holder of any of the Securities entitled to receive such payment shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Issuer for the payment thereof as an unsecured general creditor, unless an abandoned property law designates another Person.

Section 11.06 Reinstatement . If the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee or any paying agent appointed as provided herein) is unable to apply any moneys or Government Obligations in accordance with this Article XI 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 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 in accordance with this Article IX; provided , however , that if the Issuer makes any payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest if any, on the Securities of such series following the reinstatement of its obligations as aforesaid, the Issuer shall be subrogated to the rights of the Securityholders to receive such payment from the funds held by the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee or paying agent).

ARTICLE XII

MEETINGS OF SECURITYHOLDERS OF SECURITIES

Section 12.01 Purposes For Which Meetings May Be Called . A meeting of Securityholders of Securities of any series may be called at any time and from time to time pursuant to this Article XII to make, give or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be made, given or taken by Securityholders of Securities of such series.

 

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Section 12.02 Call, Notice and Place of Meetings .

(a) The Trustee may at any time call a meeting of Securityholders of Securities of any series for any purpose specified in Section 12.01, to be held at such time and at such place as the Trustee shall determine. Notice of every meeting of Securityholders of Securities of any series, setting forth the time and the place of such meeting and in general terms the action proposed to be taken at such meeting, shall be given, in the manner provided in Section 5.02, not less than 20 nor more than 180 days prior to the date fixed for the meeting.

(b) In case at any time the Issuer, pursuant to a Board Resolution, or the holders of at least 10% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series shall have requested the Trustee to call a meeting of the Securityholders of Securities of such series for any purpose specified in Section 12.01, by written request setting forth in reasonable detail the action proposed to be taken at the meeting, and the Trustee shall not have made the first publication of the notice of such meeting within 20 days after receipt of such request or shall not thereafter proceed to cause the meeting to be held as provided herein, then the Issuer or the Securityholders of Securities of such series in the amount above specified, as the case may be, may determine the time and the place for such meeting and may call such meeting for such purposes by giving notice thereof as provided in clause (a) of this Section 12.02.

Section 12.03 Persons Entitled to Vote at Meetings . To be entitled to vote at any meeting of Securityholders of Securities of any series, a Person shall be (a) a Securityholder of one or more Outstanding Securities of such series or (b) a Person appointed by an instrument in writing as proxy for a Securityholder or Securityholders of one or more Outstanding Securities of such series by such Securityholder or Securityholders. The only Persons who shall be entitled to be present or to speak at any meeting of Securityholders of Securities of any series shall be the Persons entitled to vote at such meeting and their counsel, any representatives of the Trustee and its counsel and any representatives of the Issuer and its counsel.

Section 12.04 Quorum; Action . The Persons entitled to vote a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of a series shall constitute a quorum for a meeting of Securityholders of Securities of such series; provided , however , that if any action is to be taken at such meeting with respect to a consent or waiver which this Indenture expressly provides may be given by the Securityholders of not less than a specified percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of a series, the Persons entitled to vote such specified percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series shall constitute a quorum. In the absence of a quorum within 30 minutes after the time appointed for any such meeting, the meeting shall, if convened at the request of Securityholders of Securities of such series, be dissolved. In any other case the meeting may be adjourned for a period of not less than 10 days as determined by the chairman of the meeting prior to the adjournment of such meeting. In the absence of a quorum at the reconvening of any such adjourned meeting, such adjourned meeting may be further adjourned for a period of not less than 10 days. Notice of the reconvening of any adjourned meeting shall be given as provided in Section 12.02(b), except that such notice need be given only once not less than five days prior to the date on which the meeting is scheduled to be reconvened.

 

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Except as limited by the proviso to Section 9.02, any resolution presented to a meeting or adjourned meeting duly reconvened at which a quorum is present as aforesaid may be adopted by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series; provided, however, that, except as limited by the proviso to Section 9.02, any resolution with respect to any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action which this Indenture expressly provides may be made, given or taken by the holders of a specified percentage, which is less than a majority, in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of a series may be adopted at a meeting or an adjourned meeting duly reconvened and at which a quorum is present as aforesaid by the affirmative vote of the Securityholders of such specified percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series.

Any resolution passed or decision taken at any meeting of Securityholders of Securities of any series duly held in accordance with this Section 12.04 shall be binding on all the Securityholders of Securities of such series and the related coupons, whether or not present or represented at the meeting.

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 12.04, if any action is to be taken at a meeting of Securityholders of Securities of any series with respect to any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action that this Indenture expressly provides may be made, given or taken by the Securityholders of such series and one or more additional series:

(1) there shall be no minimum quorum requirement for such meeting and

(2) the principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of all such series that are entitled to vote in favor of such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action shall be taken into account in determining whether such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action has been made, given or taken under this Indenture.

Section 12.05 Determination of Voting Rights, Conduct and Adjournment of Meetings .

(a) Notwithstanding any provisions of this Indenture, the Trustee may make such reasonable regulations as it may deem advisable for any meeting of Securityholders of Securities of a series in regard to proof of the holding of Securities of such series and of the appointment of proxies and in regard to the appointment and duties of inspector of elections, the submission and examination of proxies, certificates and other evidence of the right to vote, and such other matters concerning the conduct of the meeting as it shall deem appropriate. Except as otherwise permitted or required by any such regulations, the holding of Securities shall be proved in the manner specified in Section 8.02 and the appointment of any proxy shall be proved in the manner specified in Section 8.02.

 

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(b) The Trustee shall, by an instrument in writing appoint a temporary chairman of the meeting, unless the meeting shall have been called by the Issuer or by Securityholders of Securities as provided in Section 12.02(b), in which case the Issuer or the Securityholders of Securities of the series calling the meeting, as the case may be, shall in like manner appoint a temporary chairman. A permanent chairman and a permanent secretary of the meeting shall be elected by vote of the Persons entitled to vote a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series represented at the meeting.

(c) At any meeting each holder of a Security of such series or proxy shall be entitled to one vote for each $1,000 principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series held or represented by him; provided , however , that no vote shall be cast or counted at any meeting in respect of any Security challenged as not Outstanding and ruled by the chairman of the meeting to be not Outstanding. The chairman of the meeting shall have no right to vote, except as a holder of a Security of such series or proxy.

(d) Any meeting of Securityholders of Securities of any series duly called pursuant to Section 12.02 at which a quorum is present may be adjourned from time to time by Persons entitled to vote a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series represented at the meeting, and the meeting may be held as so adjourned without further notice.

Section 12.06 Counting Votes and Recording Action of Meetings . The vote upon any resolution submitted to any meeting of Securityholders of Securities of any series shall be by written ballots on which shall be subscribed the signatures of the Securityholders of Securities of such series or of their representatives by proxy and the principal amounts and serial numbers of the Outstanding Securities of such series held or represented by them.

The permanent chairman of the meeting shall appoint two inspectors of votes who shall count all votes cast at the meeting for or against any resolution and who shall make and file with the secretary of the meeting their verified written reports in duplicate of all votes cast at the meeting. A record, at least in duplicate, of the proceedings of each meeting of Securityholders of Securities of any series shall be prepared by the secretary of the meeting and there shall be attached to said record the original reports of the inspectors of votes on any vote by ballot taken thereat and affidavits by one or more persons having knowledge of the fact, setting forth a copy of the notice of the meeting and showing that said notice was given as provided in Section 12.02 and, if applicable, Section 12.04. Each copy shall be signed and verified by the affidavits of the permanent chairman and secretary of the meeting and one such copy shall be delivered to the Issuer and another to the Trustee to be preserved by the Trustee, the latter to have attached thereto the ballots voted at the meeting. Any record so signed and verified shall be conclusive evidence of the matters therein stated.

ARTICLE XIII

GUARANTEES

Section 13.01 Guarantees . If Guarantees have been provided for any particular series of Securities pursuant to Section 2.01, each applicable Guarantor hereby unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees, jointly and severally, to each holder of Securities of such series, to the Trustee and its successors and assigns: (a) the full and punctual payment of all of the principal of, and any premium and interest on, the Securities of such series when due, whether at maturity,

 

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by acceleration, by redemption or otherwise, and all other monetary obligations of the Issuer under this Indenture and the Securities of such series; and (b) the full and punctual performance within applicable grace periods of all other obligations of the Issuer under this Indenture with respect to the Securities of such series and under the Securities of such series (all the foregoing being hereinafter collectively called the “Guaranteed Obligations” ). Each Guarantor further agrees that the Guaranteed Obligations may be extended or renewed, in whole or in part, without notice or further assent from such Guarantor and that such Guarantor will remain bound under this Article XIII notwithstanding any extension or renewal of any Guaranteed Obligation.

In addition, if Guarantees have been provided pursuant to Section 2.01 for a particular series of Securities, each applicable Guarantor waives: (1) presentation to, demand of, payment from and protest to the Issuer of any of the Guaranteed Obligations and also waives notice of protest for non-payment; and (2) notice of any default under the Securities of such series or the Guaranteed Obligations, and agrees that the holders of such Securities may exercise their rights of enforcement under its Guarantee without first exercising their rights of enforcement directly against the Issuer. The obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall not be affected by: (a) the failure of any holder or the Trustee to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or remedy against the Issuer or any other Person under this Indenture, the Securities or any other agreement or otherwise; (b) any extension or renewal of any thereof; (c) any rescission, waiver, amendment or modification of any of the terms or provisions of this Indenture, the Securities or any other agreement; (d) the release of any security held by any holder or the Trustee for the Guaranteed Obligations or any of them; (e) the failure of any holder or the Trustee to exercise any right or remedy against any other Guarantor of the Guaranteed Obligations; or (f) any change in the ownership of such Guarantor.

If Guarantees have been provided for a particular series of Securities pursuant to Section 2.01, each applicable Guarantor further agrees that its Guarantee constitutes a guarantee of payment, performance and compliance when due (and not a guarantee of collection) and waives any right to require that any resort be had by any holder or the Trustee to any security held for payment of the Guaranteed Obligations.

If Guarantees have been provided for a particular series of Securities pursuant to Section 2.01, and except as expressly set forth in Sections 13.02 and 13.06, the obligations of each applicable Guarantor hereunder shall not be subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason, including any claim of waiver, release, surrender, alteration or compromise, and shall not be subject to any defense of setoff, counterclaim, recoupment or termination whatsoever or by reason of the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of the Guaranteed Obligations or otherwise. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the obligations of each Guarantor herein shall not be discharged or impaired or otherwise affected by the failure of any Securityholder or the Trustee to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any remedy under this Indenture, the Securities or any other agreement, by any waiver or modification of any thereof, by any default, failure or delay, willful or otherwise, in the performance of the obligations, or by any other act or thing or omission or delay to do any other act or thing which may or might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of such Guarantor or would otherwise operate as a discharge of such Guarantor as a matter of law or equity.

 

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If Guarantees have been provided for a particular series of Securities pursuant to Section 2.01, each applicable Guarantor further agrees that its Guaranteed Obligations herein shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment, or any part thereof, of principal of, or premium or interest on, any Guaranteed Obligation is rescinded or must otherwise be restored by any holder of Securities or the Trustee upon the bankruptcy or reorganization of the Issuer or otherwise.

In furtherance of the foregoing and not in limitation of any other right which any Securityholder or the Trustee has at law or in equity against any Guarantor by virtue hereof, upon the failure of the Issuer to pay the principal of, or premium or interest on, any Guaranteed Obligation when and as the same shall become due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, by redemption or otherwise, or to perform or comply with any other Guaranteed Obligation, each Guarantor hereby promises to and shall, upon receipt of written demand by the Trustee, forthwith pay, or cause to be paid, in cash, to the Securityholders or the Trustee an amount equal to the sum of: (1) the unpaid amount of such Guaranteed Obligations; (2) accrued and unpaid interest on such Guaranteed Obligations (but only to the extent not prohibited by law); and (3) all other monetary Guaranteed Obligations of the Issuer to the Securityholders and the Trustee.

Each Guarantor agrees that, as between it, on the one hand, and the Securityholders and the Trustee, on the other hand: (x) the maturity of the Guaranteed Obligations may be accelerated as provided in Article VI for the purposes of such Guarantor’s Guarantee herein, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations; and (y) in the event of any declaration of acceleration of such Obligations as provided in Article VI, such Guaranteed Obligations (whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by such Guarantor for the purposes of this Section.

If Guarantees have been provided for a particular series of Securities pursuant to Section 2.01, each applicable Guarantor also agrees to pay any and all costs and expenses (including reasonable fees and expenses of attorneys and other agents) incurred by the Trustee or any Securityholder in enforcing any rights under this Section.

Section 13.02 Execution and Delivery . If Guarantees have been provided for a particular series of Securities pursuant to Section 2.01, to evidence its Guarantee set forth in Section 13.01, each Guarantor hereby agrees that this Indenture and any applicable indenture supplemental hereto shall be executed in the name and on behalf of such Guarantor by the manual, electronic or facsimile signature of its Chief Executive Officer, President, one of its Vice Presidents, its Treasurer or a Person duly authorized to act in a similar capacity on such Guarantor’s behalf. If the Person whose signature is on this Indenture and any applicable indenture supplemental hereto no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates the Securities, the Guarantee shall nevertheless be valid.

Each Guarantor hereby agrees that its Guarantee set forth in Section 13.01 shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the absence of the endorsement of any notation of such Guarantee on the Securities.

 

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The delivery of any Security by the Trustee, after the authentication thereof hereunder, shall constitute due delivery of the Guarantee set forth in this Indenture on behalf of the Guarantors.

Section 13.03 Limitation on Liability . Any term or provision of this Indenture to the contrary notwithstanding, the maximum aggregate amount of the Guaranteed Obligations by any Guarantor shall not exceed the maximum amount that can be hereby guaranteed without rendering this Indenture, as it relates to such Guarantor, or the applicable supplemental indenture voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally.

Section 13.04 Successors and Assigns . If Guarantees have been provided for a particular series of Securities pursuant to Section 2.01, this Article XIII shall be binding upon each Guarantor so providing a Guarantee with respect to such series and its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Trustee and the Securityholders and, in the event of any transfer or assignment of rights by any Securityholder or the Trustee, the rights and privileges conferred upon that party in this Indenture and in such series of Securities shall automatically extend to and be vested in such transferee or assignee, all subject to the terms and conditions of this Indenture.

Section 13.05 No Waiver . Neither a failure nor a delay on the part of the Trustee or the Securityholders in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Article XVI shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall a single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise of any right, power or privilege. The rights, remedies and benefits of the Trustee and the Securityholders herein expressly specified are cumulative and not exclusive of any other rights, remedies or benefits which they may have under this Article XIII or this Indenture at law, in equity, by statute or otherwise.

Section 13.06 Modification . No modification, amendment or waiver of any provision of this Article XIII, nor the consent to any departure by any Guarantor therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Trustee, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. No notice to or demand on any Guarantor in any case shall entitle such Guarantor to any other or further notice or demand in the same, similar or other circumstances.

Section 13.07 Release of Guarantor . A Guarantor will be automatically released and relieved from all its obligations under its guarantee in the following circumstances:

(1) upon the sale or other disposition (including by way of consolidation or merger), in one transaction or a series of related transactions, of at least a majority of the total voting power of the capital stock or other interests of such Guarantor (other than to the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries), as permitted in Article X;

(2) upon the sale or disposition of all or substantially all the assets of such Guarantor (other than to the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries), as permitted in Article X; or

 

54


(3) if at any time when no default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the notes, such Guarantor no longer guarantees (or which guarantee is being simultaneously released or will be immediately released after the release of the Guarantor) any other Debt of the Issuer or any Guarantor.

Section 13.08 Contribution . If Guarantees have been provided for a particular series of Securities pursuant to Section 2.01, each Guarantor that makes a payment under its Guarantee shall be entitled upon payment in full of all Guaranteed Obligations with respect to such series to a contribution from each other Guarantor, if any, so providing a Guarantee with respect to such series of Securities, in an amount equal to such other Guarantor’s pro rata portion of such payment based on the respective net assets of all the Guarantors so providing a Guarantee with respect to such series of Securities at the time of such payment determined in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

ARTICLE XIV

IMMUNITY OF INCORPORATORS,

STOCKHOLDERS, OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

Section 14.01 No Recourse . No recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement of this Indenture, or of any Security, or for any claim based thereon or otherwise in respect thereof, shall be had against any incorporator, stockholder, officer, director, employee, member or partner, past, present or future as such, of the Issuer or Guarantor or of any predecessor or successor entity, either directly or through the Issuer or Guarantor or any such predecessor or successor entity, whether by virtue of any constitution, statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty or otherwise; it being expressly understood that this Indenture and the obligations issued hereunder are solely corporate obligations, and that no such personal liability whatever shall attach to, or is or shall be incurred by, the incorporators, stockholders, officers or directors as such, of the Issuer or of any predecessor or successor entity, or any of them, because of the creation of the indebtedness hereby authorized, or under or by reason of the obligations, covenants or agreements contained in this Indenture or in any of the Securities or implied therefrom; and that any and all such personal liability of every name and nature, either at common law or in equity or by constitution or statute, of, and any and all such rights and claims against, every such incorporator, stockholder, officer, director, employee, member or partner as such, because of the creation of the indebtedness hereby authorized, or under or by reason of the obligations, covenants or agreements contained in this Indenture or in any of the Securities or implied therefrom, are hereby expressly waived and released as a condition of, and as a consideration for, the execution of this Indenture and the issuance of such Securities.

ARTICLE XV

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Section 15.01 Effect on Successors and Assigns . All the covenants, stipulations, promises and agreements in this Indenture contained by or on behalf of the Issuer shall bind its successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.

 

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Section 15.02 Actions by Successor . Any act or proceeding by any provision of this Indenture authorized or required to be done or performed by any board, committee or officer of the Issuer or any Person authorized to act in a similar capacity on its behalf shall and may be done and performed with like force and effect by the corresponding board, committee or officer of any entity that shall at the time be the lawful successor of the Issuer.

Section 15.03 Surrender of Issuer Powers . The Issuer, by instrument in writing executed by authority of the Board of Directors and delivered to the Trustee, may surrender any of the powers reserved to the Issuer, and thereupon such power so surrendered shall terminate both as to the Issuer and as to any successor company.

Section 15.04 Notices . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein any notice or demand that by any provision of this Indenture is required or permitted to be given or served by the Trustee or by the holders of Securities to or on the Issuer may be given or served by being deposited first class postage prepaid in a post-office letterbox addressed (until another address is filed in writing by the Issuer with the Trustee), as follows: VEREIT, Inc., [2325 E. Camelback Road, Suite 1100, Phoenix, AZ 85016, Attn: Secretary]. Any notice, election, request or demand by the Issuer or any Securityholder to or upon the Trustee shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given or made, for all purposes, if given or made in writing at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee.

Section 15.05 Governing Law . This Indenture and each Security shall be deemed to be a contract made under the internal laws of the State of New York, and for all purposes shall be construed in accordance with the laws of said state.

Section 15.06 Treatment of Securities as Debt . It is intended that the Securities will be treated as indebtedness and not as equity for federal income tax purposes. The provisions of this Indenture shall be interpreted to further this intention.

Section 15.07 Compliance Certificates and Opinions .

(a) Except with regard to the initial issuance of a series of notes hereunder, upon any application or demand by the Issuer to the Trustee to take any action under any of the provisions of this Indenture, the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that all conditions precedent provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with and an Opinion of Counsel stating that in the opinion of such counsel all such conditions precedent have been complied with, except that in the case of any such application or demand as to which the furnishing of such documents is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture relating to such particular application or demand, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.

(b) Each certificate or opinion provided for in this Indenture and delivered to the Trustee with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant in this Indenture shall include

(1) a statement that the Person making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition;

 

56


(2) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;

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

(4) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such Person, such condition or covenant has been complied with.

Section 15.08 Payments on Business Days . Except as provided pursuant to Section 2.01 pursuant to a Board Resolution, and as set forth in an Officer’s Certificate, or established in one or more indentures supplemental to this Indenture, in any case where the date of maturity of interest or principal of any Security or the date of redemption of any Security shall not be a Business Day, then payment of interest or principal (and premium, if any) may be made on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if made on the nominal date of maturity or redemption, and no interest shall accrue for the period after such nominal date.

Section 15.09 Conflict with Trust Indenture Act . If and to the extent that any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by Sections 310 to 317, inclusive, of the Trust Indenture Act, such imposed duties shall control. If any provision of this Indenture modifies or excludes any provision of the Trust Indenture Act which 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.

Section 15.10 Counterparts . This Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts (including by electronic or facsimile transmission), each of which shall be an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

Section 15.11 Separability . In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Indenture or in the Securities of any series shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions of this Indenture or of such Securities, but this Indenture and such Securities shall be construed as if such invalid or illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein or therein.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

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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.

 

ISSUER:
VEREIT, INC.
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 

[Signature Page to Base Indenture]


TRUSTEE:
[             ]
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 

[Signature Page to Base Indenture]


EXHIBIT A

FORM OF SENIOR DEBT SECURITY

[Face of Security]

[UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), TO VEREIT, INC. (THE “ISSUER”) OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 2.11 OF THE INDENTURE, THIS SECURITY MAY BE TRANSFERRED, IN WHOLE BUT NOT IN PART, ONLY TO DTC, ANOTHER NOMINEE THEREOF OR BY A NOMINEE THEREOF TO DTC OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF DTC OR BY DTC OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR OF DTC OR TO A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR OF DTC.] 3

 

3   Insert if this Security is to be a Global Security.

 

A-1


VEREIT, INC.

[Designation of Series]

 

CUSIP No. [            ]  
ISIN No. [            ]  
No. [     ]   $[            ]

VEREIT, INC., a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Maryland (hereinafter referred to as the “Issuer,” which term includes any successor thereof under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to [            ], or its registered assigns, the principal sum of [            ] Dollars ($[            ]) on [            ] (the “Stated Maturity Date” with respect to the principal of this Security), unless previously repaid or redeemed in accordance with the provisions set forth on the reverse hereof (the Stated Maturity Date or any redemption date is referred herein as the “Maturity Date” with respect to principal repayable on such date) and to pay interest thereon semiannually in arrears on [            ] and [            ] of each year (each, an “Interest Payment Date”), commencing on [            ] , at the rate of [            ]% per annum, until payment of said principal has been made or duly provided for. Interest on this Security payable on an Interest Payment Date will accrue from and including the immediately preceding Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly made available for payment, or from and including [            ] if no interest has been paid or duly made available for payment, to but excluding the applicable Interest Payment Date or the Maturity Date, as the case may be. Interest on this Security will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.

Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings assigned to them in the Indenture (as defined on the reverse hereof).

The interest so payable and punctually paid or duly made available for payment on any Interest Payment Date will be paid to the Holder in which name this Security (or one or more predecessor Securities) is registered in the Security Register at the close of business on the “Regular Record Date” for such payment, which shall be the [            ] or [            ], as the case may be, immediately preceding such Interest Payment Date (regardless of whether such day is a Business Day (as defined below)). Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly made available for payment shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date, and shall be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a subsequent “Special Record Date” for the payment of such Defaulted Interest (which shall not be more than 15 or less than 10 days prior to the date of the payment of such Defaulted Interest) established by notice given by mail by or on behalf of the Issuer to the Holders of the Securities not less than 10 calendar days preceding such subsequent Special Record Date, or may be paid at any time in any other lawful manner, all as more fully provided in the Indenture.

The principal of, and premium, if any, with respect to, this Security payable on the Maturity Date will be paid against presentation and surrender of this Security at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee or such other office or agency of the Issuer designated for that purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, the City and State of New York. The Issuer hereby initially designates the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee (as defined on the reverse hereof) as the office to be maintained by it where Securities may be presented for payment, registration of transfer or exchange and where notices or demands to or upon the Issuer in respect of the Securities or the Indenture may be served.

 

A-2


If any Interest Payment Date or the Maturity Date falls on a day that is not a Business Day, the payment required to be made on such date will, instead, be made on the next Business Day with the same force and effect as if it were made on the date such payment was due, and no interest shall accrue on the amount so payable for the period from and after such Interest Payment Date or the Maturity Date, as the case may be. “Business Day” means any day, other than a Saturday, a Sunday or other day on which Federal or State banking institutions in the Borough of Manhattan, the City and State of New York, or in the city in which the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee is located, are authorized or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to be closed.

Payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest in respect of this Security will be made in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for the payment of public and private debts (i) in the case of payments on the Maturity Date, in immediately available funds, and (ii) in the case of payments of interest on an Interest Payment Date other than the Maturity Date, (a) by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account maintained by the payee with a bank located in the United States of America, or (b) if no wire transfer is provided, by check mailed to the Holder entitled thereto at the applicable address appearing in the Security Register; provided, however, that so long as Cede & Co. is the Holder of this Security, payments of interest on an Interest Payment Date may be made in immediately available funds.

Reference is made to the further provisions of this Security set forth on the reverse hereof. Such further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as though fully set forth at this place.

This Security shall not be entitled to the benefits of the Indenture [or the Guarantee] (as defined on the reverse of this Security) or be valid or become obligatory for any purpose until the certificate of authentication hereon shall have been executed by manual signature by the Trustee.

 

A-3


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has caused this instrument to be duly executed, manually or by facsimile by an authorized signatory.

Date: [            ]

 

VEREIT, INC.
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

This is one of the Securities of the series designated herein, referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

[TRUSTEE],

as Trustee

By:    
  Authorized Signatory

 

A-4


[Reverse of Security]

VEREIT, INC.

[Designation of Series]

This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Issuer (hereinafter called the “Securities”) of the series hereinafter specified, all issued or to be issued under and pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of [            ], duly executed and delivered by the Issuer [and the other guarantors named therein (the “Guarantors”)] to [            ], as trustee (the “Trustee,” which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture with respect to the series of Securities of which this Security is a part), together with the [Officer’s Certificate][Supplemental Indenture] establishing the terms of the Securities, dated as of [            ] (collectively, the “Indenture”) and reference is hereby made to the Indenture, and all modifications and amendments and indentures supplemental thereto relating to the Securities, made for a description of the rights, limitations of rights, obligations, duties, and immunities thereunder of the Trustee, the Issuer[, the Guarantors] and the Holders of the Securities and the terms upon which the Securities are authenticated and delivered. The Securities may be issued in one or more series, which different series may be issued in various aggregate principal amounts, may mature at different times, may accrue interest (if any) at different rates or formulas and may otherwise vary as provided in the Indenture. This Security is one of a series of Securities designated as the [            ] (collectively, the “[Securities]”) of the Issuer, limited (except as permitted under the Indenture) in aggregate principal amount to $[            ].

[Payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest in respect of the Securities will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Guarantors.]

[Insert applicable redemption provisions, if any.]

[This Security is not mandatorily redeemable and is not entitled to the benefit of a sinking fund or any analogous provisions.]

In case an Event of Default with respect to this Security shall have occurred and be continuing, the principal hereof may be (and, in certain cases, shall be) declared, and upon such declaration shall become, due and payable, in the manner, with the effect, and subject to the conditions, provided in the Indenture.

The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Issuer [and, if applicable, the Guarantors,] and the rights of the Holders of the Securities under the Indenture at any time by the Issuer [and, if applicable, the Guarantors,] and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of a majority in the aggregate principal amount of Securities of each series (voting as separate classes) issued under the Indenture at the time Outstanding and affected thereby. Furthermore, provisions in the Indenture permit the Holders of a majority in the aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series, in certain instances, to waive, on behalf of all of the Holders of Securities of such series, certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such waiver by the Holder of this Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and other Securities issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange hereof, or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security.

 

A-5


No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Security or the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Issuer, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of, and premium, if any, with respect to, and interest on, this Security in the manner, at the respective times, at the rate and in the coin or currency herein prescribed.

The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance and discharge and for defeasance at any time of certain restrictive covenants and Events of Default with respect to Securities of this series upon compliance with certain conditions set forth in the Indenture.

[This Security is issuable only in definitive registered form, without coupons, in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.] This Security may be exchanged for a like aggregate principal amount of Securities of other authorized denominations at the office or agency of the Issuer maintained for such purpose, in the manner and subject to the limitations provided herein and in the Indenture, but without the payment of any charge except for any tax or other governmental charge imposed in connection therewith.

The Issuer shall not pay additional amounts on this Security held by a Person that is not a U.S. Person in respect of taxes or similar charges withheld or deducted.

The Issuer[, the Guarantors] or the Trustee and any authorized agent of the Issuer[, the Guarantors] or the Trustee may deem and treat the Person in whose name this Security is registered as the Holder and absolute owner of this Security (whether or not this Security shall be overdue and notwithstanding any notation of ownership or other writing hereon), for the purpose of receiving payment of, or on account of, the principal of, or premium, if any, with respect to, or subject to the provisions on the face hereof, interest on, this Security and for all other purposes, and [none][neither] of the Issuer[, the Guarantors] or the Trustee or any authorized agent of the Issuer[, the Guarantors] or the Trustee shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.

THE INDENTURE AND THIS SECURITY SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE A CONTRACT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, AND FOR ALL PURPOSES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF SUCH STATE.

 

A-6


ASSIGNMENT FORM

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sell(s), assign(s) and transfer(s) unto:

 

 

Please insert social security number or other identifying number of assignee:

 

 

Please print or type name and address (including zip code) of assignee:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the within Security and all rights thereunder, hereby irrevocably constituting and                 appointing                                              attorney to transfer said Security of VEREIT, Inc. (the “Issuer”) on the books of the Issuer, with full power of substitution in the premises.

 

 

 

Dated:                                          

Signature Guaranteed

 

 

NOTICE: Signature must be guaranteed by an eligible Guarantor Institution (banks, stockbrokers, savings and loan associations and credit unions) with membership in an approved signature guarantee medallion program pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 17Ad-15.

 

 

NOTICE: The signature to this Assignment must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the within Security in every particular, without alteration or enlargement or any change whatever.

 

A-7

Exhibit 5.1

[LETTERHEAD OF VENABLE LLP]

May 6, 2016

VEREIT, Inc.

Suite 1100

2325 East Camelback Road

Phoenix, Arizona 85016

 

  Re: Registration Statement on Form S-3

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have served as Maryland counsel to VEREIT, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), in connection with certain matters of Maryland law arising out of the registration of the following securities (collectively, the “Securities”): (a) shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (“Common Shares”); (b) shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (“Preferred Shares”); (c) depositary shares representing fractional interests in Preferred Shares (“Depositary Shares”); (d) debt securities of the Company (“Debt Securities”); (e) guarantees by the Company of the obligations of VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the “Operating Partnership”), under the debt securities of the Operating Partnership (“Guarantees”); (f) units comprised of Common Shares, Preferred Shares, Warrants (as defined herein) and other Securities in any combination (“Units”); and (g) warrants to purchase Common Shares, Preferred Shares, Depositary Shares or Units (“Warrants”), covered by the above-referenced Registration Statement, and all amendments thereto (the “Registration Statement”), filed by the Company and the Operating Partnership with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”).

In connection with our representation of the Company, and as a basis for the opinion hereinafter set forth, we have examined originals, or copies certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of the following documents (collectively, the “Documents”):

1. The Registration Statement and the related form of prospectus included therein in the form in which it was transmitted to the Commission under the 1933 Act;

2. The charter of the Company (the “Charter”), certified by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland (the “SDAT”);

3. The Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (the “Bylaws”), certified as of the date hereof by an officer of the Company;


VEREIT, Inc.

May 6, 2016

Page 2

 

4. A certificate of the SDAT as to the good standing of the Company, dated as of a recent date;

5. Resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) relating to the registration of the Securities (the “Resolutions”), certified as of the date hereof by an officer of the Company;

6. A certificate executed by an officer of the Company, dated as of the date hereof; and

7. Such other documents and matters as we have deemed necessary or appropriate to express the opinion set forth below, subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications stated herein.

In expressing the opinion set forth below, we have assumed the following:

1. Each individual executing any of the Documents, whether on behalf of such individual or another person, is legally competent to do so.

2. Each individual executing any of the Documents on behalf of a party (other than the Company) is duly authorized to do so.

3. Each of the parties (other than the Company) executing any of the Documents has duly and validly executed and delivered each of the Documents to which such party is a signatory, and such party’s obligations set forth therein are legal, valid and binding and are enforceable in accordance with all stated terms.

4. All Documents submitted to us as originals are authentic. The form and content of all Documents submitted to us as unexecuted drafts do not differ in any respect relevant to this opinion from the form and content of such Documents as executed and delivered. All Documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic copies conform to the original documents. All signatures on all Documents are genuine. All public records reviewed or relied upon by us or on our behalf are true and complete. All representations, warranties, statements and information contained in the Documents are true and complete. There has been no oral or written modification of or amendment to any of the Documents, and there has been no waiver of any provision of any of the Documents, by action or omission of the parties or otherwise.

5. The issuance of, and certain terms of, the Securities to be issued by the Company from time to time will be authorized and approved by the Board, or a duly authorized committee thereof, in accordance with the Maryland General Corporation Law, the Charter, the Bylaws and the Resolutions (such approval referred to herein as the “Corporate Proceedings”).


VEREIT, Inc.

May 6, 2016

Page 3

 

6. Articles Supplementary creating and designating the number of shares and the terms of any class or series of Preferred Shares to be issued by the Company will be filed with and accepted for record by the SDAT prior to the issuance of such Preferred Shares.

7. Upon the issuance of any Securities that are Common Shares (“Common Securities”), including Common Securities which may be issued upon conversion or exercise of any other Securities convertible into or exercisable for Common Securities, the total number of Common Shares issued and outstanding will not exceed the total number of Common Shares that the Company is then authorized to issue under the Charter.

8. Upon the issuance of any Securities that are Preferred Shares (“Preferred Securities”), including (a) Preferred Securities which may be issued upon conversion or exercise of any other Securities convertible into or exercisable for Preferred Securities and (b) Preferred Securities represented by Depositary Shares, the total number of Preferred Shares issued and outstanding, and the total number of issued and outstanding shares of the applicable class or series of Preferred Shares designated pursuant to the Charter, will not exceed the total number of Preferred Shares or the number of shares of such class or series of Preferred Shares that the Company is then authorized to issue under the Charter.

9. None of the Securities will be issued, sold or transferred in violation of the restrictions on ownership and transfer set forth in Section 4.07 of Article 4 of the Charter or any comparable provision in the Articles Supplementary creating any class or series of Preferred Shares.

Based upon the foregoing, and subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications stated herein, it is our opinion that:

1. The Company is a corporation duly incorporated and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Maryland and is in good standing with the SDAT.

2. Upon the completion of all Corporate Proceedings relating to Common Securities, the issuance of the Common Securities will be duly authorized and, when and if issued and delivered against payment therefor in accordance with the Registration Statement, the Resolutions and the Corporate Proceedings, the Common Securities will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.


VEREIT, Inc.

May 6, 2016

Page 4

 

3. Upon the completion of all Corporate Proceedings relating to Preferred Securities, the issuance of the Preferred Securities will be duly authorized and, when and if issued and delivered against payment therefor in accordance with the Registration Statement, the Resolutions and the Corporate Proceedings, the Preferred Securities will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

4. Upon the completion of all Corporate Proceedings relating to Securities that are Depositary Shares, the issuance of the Depositary Shares will be duly authorized.

5. Upon the completion of all Corporate Proceedings relating to Securities that are Debt Securities, the issuance of the Debt Securities will be duly authorized.

6. Upon the completion of all Corporate Proceedings relating to Securities that are Guarantees, the issuance of the Guarantees will be duly authorized.

7. Upon the completion of all Corporate Proceedings relating to Securities that are Units, the issuance of the Units will be duly authorized.

8. Upon the completion of all Corporate Proceedings relating to Securities that are Warrants, the issuance of the Warrants will be duly authorized.

The foregoing opinion is limited to the laws of the State of Maryland and we do not express any opinion herein concerning any other law. We express no opinion as to compliance with any federal or state securities laws, including the securities laws of the State of Maryland, or as to federal or state laws regarding fraudulent transfers. To the extent that any matter as to which our opinion is expressed herein would be governed by the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Maryland, we do not express any opinion on such matter. The opinion expressed herein is subject to the effect of judicial decisions which may permit the introduction of parol evidence to modify the terms or the interpretation of agreements.

The opinion expressed herein is limited to the matters specifically set forth herein and no other opinion shall be inferred beyond the matters expressly stated. We assume no obligation to supplement this opinion if any applicable law changes after the date hereof or if we become aware of any fact that might change the opinion expressed herein after the date hereof.

This opinion is being furnished to you for submission to the Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the use of the name of our firm therein. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required by Section 7 of the 1933 Act.

Very truly yours,

/s/ Venable LLP

Exhibit 5.2

[ LETTERHEAD OF GOODWIN PROCTER LLP ]

May 6, 2016

VEREIT, Inc.

VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P.

2325 E. Camelback Road, Suite 1100

Phoenix, Arizona 85016

 

  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 (as amended or supplemented, the “Registration Statement”) pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), relating to the issuance and/or sale from time to time of (i) common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”), of VEREIT, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”); (ii) preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (the “Preferred Stock”), which may be issued as such or in the form of depositary shares (the “Depositary Shares”) evidenced by depositary receipts issued against deposit of shares of Preferred Stock pursuant to a deposit agreement to be entered into between the Company and a bank or trust company selected by the Company; (iii) debt securities of the Company (“VEREIT Debt Securities”); (iv) warrants to purchase Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares or Units (as defined below) (“Warrants”); (v) units comprised of Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Warrants and other securities in any combination (“Units”); (vi) debt securities (the “OP Debt Securities”) of VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership and the subsidiary through which the Company owns substantially all of its properties and assets and conducts its business (the “Operating Partnership”); (vii) guarantees by the Operating Partnership of VEREIT Debt Securities (the “OP Guarantees”); and (viii) guarantees by the Company of OP Debt Securities (the “VEREIT Guarantees”). The Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares, VEREIT Debt Securities, Warrants, Units, OP Debt Securities, OP Guarantees and VEREIT Guarantees are sometimes referred to collectively herein as the “Securities.” Securities may be issued in an unspecified number (with respect to Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares, Warrants and Units) or in an unspecified principal amount (with respect to VEREIT Debt Securities, OP Debt Securities, OP Guarantees and VEREIT Guarantees). The Registration Statement provides that the Securities may be offered separately, together or as units, in separate classes or series, in amounts, at prices and on terms to be determined at the time of sale and set forth in a prospectus supplement to the prospectus contained in the Registration Statement.


VEREIT, Inc.

VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P.

May 6, 2016

Page 2

 

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 and/or the Operating Partnership.

The opinions set forth below are limited to the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, 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, we refer to the following as the “Future Authorization and Issuance” of the VEREIT Debt Securities, OP Debt Securities, VEREIT Guaranties, OP Guaranties, Warrants, Units and Depositary Shares:

 

    with respect to Depositary Shares, (a) the authorization, execution and delivery by the Company and the Depository of the deposit agreement under which such Depositary Shares are to be issued, (b) the establishment of the terms of such Depositary Shares by the Company in conformity with the deposit agreement and applicable law, (c) the authorization, issuance and delivery to the Depository of the shares of Preferred Stock represented by the Depositary Shares in accordance with the Company’s charter and applicable law and (d) the execution, countersignature and issuance of depositary receipts evidencing the Depositary Shares in accordance with the deposit agreement and applicable law;

 

    with respect to the VEREIT Debt Securities, OP Debt Securities, VEREIT Guaranties, OP Guaranties, Warrants, Units and Depositary Shares (a) the authorization by the Company and/or the Operating Partnership, as applicable, 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 and/or the Operating Partnership, as applicable, of the consideration to be paid therefor in accordance with the Authorization;

 

    with respect to VEREIT Debt Securities, OP Debt Securities, VEREIT Guarantees and OP Guarantees, (a) the authorization, execution and delivery of the indenture or a supplemental indenture governed by New York law relating to such Securities by the Company and/or the Operating Partnership, as applicable, and the trustee thereunder and/or (b) the establishment of the terms of such Securities by the Company and/or the Operating Partnership, as applicable, 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; and


VEREIT, Inc.

VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P.

May 6, 2016

Page 3

 

    with respect to Warrants and Units, (a) the authorization, execution and delivery by the Company and the other parties thereto of any agreement under which such Securities are to be issued and (b) the establishment of the terms of such Securities, and the execution and delivery of such Securities, in conformity with any applicable agreement under which such Securities are to be issued and applicable law.

Based upon the foregoing, and subject to the additional qualifications set forth below, we are of the opinion that:

1.    Upon the Future Authorization and Issuance of Depositary Shares, such Depositary Shares will be validly issued and will entitle the holders thereof to the rights specified in such Depositary Shares and the applicable deposit agreement.

2.    Upon the Future Authorization and Issuance of VEREIT Debt Securities, such VEREIT Debt Securities will be valid and binding obligations of the Company.

3.    Upon the Future Authorization and Issuance of Warrants, such Warrants will be valid and binding obligations of the Company.

4.    Upon the Future Authorization and Issuance of Units, such Units will be valid and binding obligations of the Company.

5.    Upon the Future Authorization and Issuance of OP Debt Securities, such OP Debt Securities will be valid and binding obligations of the Operating Partnership.

6.    Upon the Future Authorization and Issuance of OP Guarantees, such OP Guarantees will be valid and binding obligations of the Operating Partnership.

7.    Upon the Future Authorization and Issuance of VEREIT Guarantees, such VEREIT Guarantees 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).


VEREIT, Inc.

VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P.

May 6, 2016

Page 4

 

We hereby consent to the inclusion of this opinion as an exhibit 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

Exhibit 8.1

[ LETTERHEAD OF GOODWIN PROCTER LLP ]

May 6, 2016

VEREIT, Inc., a Maryland corporation

2325 E. Camelback Road

Suite 1100

Phoenix, AZ 85016

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel for VEREIT, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), and for VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership through which the Company owns substantially all its properties and assets and conducts its business (the “Operating Partnership”), in connection with the preparation of a registration statement on Form S-3 (as amended or supplemented, the “Registration Statement”) pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, relating to the registration of (i) common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company (“Common Stock”); (ii) preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company (“Preferred Stock”), which may be issued as such or in the form of depositary shares (“Depositary Shares”) evidenced by depositary receipts issued against deposit of shares of Preferred Stock pursuant to a deposit agreement to be entered into between the Company and a bank or trust company selected by the Company; (iii) debt securities of the Company (“VEREIT Debt Securities”); (iv) warrants to purchase Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares or Units (as defined below) (“Warrants”); (v) units comprised of Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Warrants and other securities in any combination (“Units”); (vi) debt securities of the Operating Partnership (“OP Debt Securities”); (vii) guarantees by the Operating Partnership of VEREIT Debt Securities; and (viii) guarantees by the Company of OP Debt Securities.

This opinion letter relates to the Company’s qualification for U.S. 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, 2011, and the accuracy of certain matters discussed in the Registration Statement under the heading “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

In rendering the following opinions, we have reviewed and relied upon the Company’s Articles of Amendment and Restatement, the Bylaws of the Company, and the Third Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P., in each case as amended or amended and restated, and as in effect through the date hereof (the “ Organizational Documents ”). For purposes of this opinion letter, 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 original documents of copies obtained by us from filings with the SEC, (v) the conformity, to the extent relevant to our opinions, of final documents to all documents submitted to us as drafts, (vi) the authority and


VEREIT, Inc., a Maryland corporation

May 6, 2016

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capacity of the individual or individuals who executed any such documents on behalf of any person, (vii) due execution and delivery of all such documents by all the parties thereto, (viii) the compliance of each party with all material provisions of such documents, and (ix) the accuracy and completeness of all records made available to us.

We also have reviewed and relied upon the representations and covenants of the Company and the Operating Partnership contained in a letter that they provided to us in connection with the preparation of this opinion letter (the “ REIT Certificate ”) regarding the formation, organization, ownership and operations of the Company and the Operating Partnership and other matters affecting the Company’s ability to qualify as a REIT. We assume that each of the representations and covenants in the REIT Certificate has been, is and will be true, correct and complete, that the Company and its subsidiaries have been, are and will be owned and operated in accordance with the REIT Certificate and that all representations and covenants that speak to the best of knowledge and belief (or mere knowledge and/or belief) 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 such representations and covenants speak to the intended ownership or operations of any entity, we assume that such entity will in fact be owned and operated in accordance with such stated intent.

Based upon the foregoing and subject to the limitations set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:

 

  i. Commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 2011, the Company has been organized in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code;

 

  ii. The Company’s prior, current and proposed ownership, organization and method of operations as described in the REIT Certificate have allowed and will continue to allow the Company to satisfy the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 2011 and for subsequent taxable years; and

 

  iii. The statements set forth under the heading “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the Registration Statement, insofar as such statements describe applicable U.S. federal income tax law, 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 (the “ IRS ”) or a court. The IRS may disagree with and challenge our conclusions, and a court could sustain such a challenge. Our opinions are based upon the Code, the Income Tax Regulations and Procedure and Administration Regulations promulgated thereunder and existing administrative and judicial interpretations


VEREIT, Inc., a Maryland corporation

May 6, 2016

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thereof (including the practices and policies of the IRS in issuing private letter rulings, which are not binding on the IRS except with respect to a taxpayer that receives such a ruling), all as in effect as of the date of this opinion 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. Changes in applicable law could cause the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the Company to differ materially and adversely from the treatment described herein and render the tax discussion in the Registration Statement incorrect or incomplete.

In rendering our opinions, we have relied solely on the Organizational Documents, the REIT Certificate, and the assumptions set forth herein. For purposes of our opinions, we have not investigated or verified the accuracy of any of the representations in the REIT Certificate or any of our assumptions set forth herein. We also have not investigated or verified the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to operate in compliance with the REIT Certificate or our assumptions. Differences between the actual ownership and operations of such entities and the prior, proposed and intended ownership and operations described in the REIT Certificate or our assumptions could result in U.S. federal income tax treatment of the Company that differs materially and adversely from the treatment described herein. The Company’s actual qualification as a REIT depends on the Company meeting and having met, in its actual ownership and operations, the applicable asset composition, source of income, shareholder diversification, distribution and other requirements of the Code necessary for a corporation to qualify as a REIT. We will not monitor actual results or verify the Company’s compliance with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT, 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.

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 and to the references to our firm under the heading “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” 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, 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.


VEREIT, Inc., a Maryland corporation

May 6, 2016

Page 4 of 4

 

This opinion letter speaks only as of the date hereof, and 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

Exhibit 12.1

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

(dollars in thousands)

 

           VEREIT Inc.              
     Period from
January 1,
2016 to
March 31,
    Year Ended December 31,     Period from
September 6,
2011 through
December 31,
    Period from
January 1,
2011 to
September 5,
 
     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012     2011 (1)     2011 (2)  

Earnings:

              

Pre-tax loss from continuing operations

   $ (126,428   $ (362,156   $ (1,044,099   $ (505,620   $ (40,451   $ (3,952   $ (5,302

Add:

              

Fixed charges

     81,007        361,407        454,983        105,644        11,856        960        7,941   

Amortization of capitalized interest

     43        41        10        2        —          —          —     

Distributed income of equity investees

     1,491        11,352        8,335        —          —          —          —     

Less:

              

Interest capitalized

     (113     (1,208     (330     (82     —          —          —     

Preference security dividend of subsidiaries

     (17,973     (71,892     (82,226     (3,313     (497     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total earnings

   $ (61,973   $ (62,456   $ (663,327   $ (403,369   $ (29,092   $ (2,992   $ 2,639   

Fixed charges:

              

Interest expensed and capitalized

     77,655        344,777        367,870        64,397        9,871        774        7,941   

Amortized premiums, discounts and capitalized expenses related to indebtedness

     2,884        14,823        85,108        41,233        1,985        186        —     

Estimate of interest within rental expense

     468        1,807        2,005        14        —          —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Fixed charges

   $ 81,007      $ 361,407      $ 454,983      $ 105,644      $ 11,856      $ 960      $ 7,941   

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

     (0.77 )x      (0.17 )x      (1.46 )x      (3.82 )x      (2.45 )x      (3.12 )x      0.33x   

Deficiency

     142,980        423,863        1,118,310        509,013        40,948        3,952        5,302   


RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS

(dollars in thousands)

 

           VEREIT Inc.              
     Period from
January 1,
2016 to
March 31,
    Year Ended December 31,     Period from
September 6,
2011 through
December 31,
    Period from
January 1,
2011 to
September 5,
 
     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012     2011 (1)     2011 (2)  

Earnings:

              

Pre-tax loss from continuing operations

   $ (126,428   $ (362,156   $ (1,044,099   $ (505,620   $ (40,451   $ (3,952   $ (5,302

Add:

              

Fixed charges

     98,980        433,299        537,209        108,957        12,353        960        7,941   

Amortization of capitalized interest

     43        41        10        2        —          —          —     

Distributed income of equity investees

     1,491        11,352        8,335        —          —          —          —     

Less:

              

Interest capitalized

     (113     (1,208     (330     (82     —          —          —     

Preference security dividend of subsidiaries

     (17,973     (71,892     (82,226     (3,313     (497     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total earnings

   $ (44,000   $ 9,436      $ (581,101   $ (400,056   $ (28,595   $ (2,992   $ 2,639   

Fixed charges:

              

Interest expensed and capitalized

     77,655        344,777        367,870        64,397        9,871        774        7,941   

Amortized premiums, discounts and capitalized expenses related to indebtedness

     2,884        14,823        85,108        41,233        1,985        186        —     

Estimate of interest within rental expense

     468        1,807        2,005        14        —          —          —     

Preference security dividend requirements

     17,973        71,892        82,226        3,313        497        —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Fixed charges

   $ 98,980      $ 433,299      $ 537,209      $ 108,957      $ 12,353      $ 960      $ 7,941   

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

     (0.44 )x      0.02x        (1.08 )x      (3.67 )x      (2.31 )x      (3.12 )x      0.33x   

Deficiency

   $ 142,980      $ 423,863      $ 1,118,310      $ 509,013      $ 40,948      $ 3,952      $ 5,302   

 

2

Exhibit 12.2

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

(dollars in thousands)

 

           VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P.        
     Period from
January 1,
2016 to
March 31,
    Year Ended December 31,     Period from
September 6,
2011 through
December 31,
 
     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012     2011 (1)  

Earnings:

            

Pre-tax loss from continuing operations

   $ (129,383   $ (370,569   $ (1,077,672   $ (521,936   $ (41,036   $ (4,057

Add:

            

Fixed charges

     81,007        361,407        454,983        105,644        11,856        960   

Amortization of capitalized interest

     43        41        10        2                 

Distributed income of equity investees

     11,352        11,352        8,335                        

Less:

            

Interest capitalized

     (113     (1,208     (330     (82              

Preference security dividend of subsidiaries

     (17,973     (71,892     (82,226     (3,313     (497       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total earnings

   $ (55,067   $ (70,869   $ (696,900   $ (419,685   $ (29,677   $ (3,097

Fixed charges:

            

Interest expensed and capitalized

     77,655        344,777        367,870        64,397        9,871        774   

Amortized premiums, discounts and capitalized expenses related to indebtedness

     2,884        14,823        85,108        41,233        1,985        186   

Estimate of interest within rental expense

     468        1,807        2,005        14                 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Fixed charges

   $ 81,007      $ 361,407      $ 454,983      $ 105,644      $ 11,856      $ 960   

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

     (0.68 )x      (0.20 )x      (1.53 )x      (3.97 )x      (2.50 )x      (3.23 )x 

Deficiency

     136,074        432,276        1,151,883        525,329        41,533        4,057   

 

3


RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS

(dollars in thousands)

 

           VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P.        
     Period from
January 1,
2016 to
March 31,
    Year Ended December 31,     Period from
September 6,
2011 through
December 31,
 
     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012     2011 (1)  

Earnings:

            

Pre-tax loss from continuing operations

   $ (129,383   $ (370,569   $ (1,077,672   $ (521,936   $ (41,036   $ (4,057

Add:

            

Fixed charges

     98,980        433,299        537,209        108,957        12,353        960   

Amortization of capitalized interest

     43        41        10        2        —          —     

Distributed income of equity investees

     11,352        11,352        8,335        —          —          —     

Less:

            

Interest capitalized

     (113     (1,208     (330     (82     —          —     

Preference security dividend of subsidiaries

     (17,973     (71,892     (82,226     (3,313     (497     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total earnings

   $ (37,094   $ 1,023      $ (614,674   $ (416,372   $ (29,180   $ (3,097

Fixed charges:

            

Interest expensed and capitalized

     77,655        344,777        367,870        64,397        9,871        774   

Amortized premiums, discounts and capitalized expenses related to indebtedness

     2,884        14,823        85,108        41,233        1,985        186   

Estimate of interest within rental expense

     468        1,807        2,005        14        —          —     

Preference security dividend requirements

     17,973        71,892        82,226        3,313        497        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Fixed charges

   $ 98,980      $ 433,299      $ 537,209      $ 108,957      $ 12,353      $ 960   

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

     (0.37 )x      0.00x        (1.14 )x      (3.82 )x      (2.36 )x      (3.23 )x 

Deficiency

     136,074        432,276        1,151,883        525,329        41,533        4,057   

 

4

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of our reports dated February 23, 2016, relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules of VEREIT, Inc. (formerly American Realty Capital Properties, Inc.), and the effectiveness of VEREIT, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of VEREIT, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2015, and to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Phoenix, AZ

May 6, 2016

Exhibit 23.2

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of our report dated February 23, 2016, relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules of VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. (formerly ARC Properties Operating Partnership, L.P.), appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. for the year ended December 31, 2015, and to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Phoenix, AZ

May 6, 2016

Exhibit 23.3

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We have issued our reports dated March 30, 2015, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of VEREIT, Inc. and VEREIT Operating Partnership L.P. included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, which are incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement. We consent to the incorporation by reference of the aforementioned reports in this Registration Statement and to the use of our name as it appears under the caption “Experts.”

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

Phoenix, Arizona

May 6, 2016

Exhibit 23.4

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

We have issued our report dated June 7, 2013, with respect to the Historical Summary of the GE Capital Portfolio which comprises the statement of revenues and certain expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012 included in the June 7, 2013 Current Report of VEREIT, Inc. on Form 8-K/A, which is incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement. We consent to the incorporation by reference of the aforementioned report in this Registration Statement and to the use of our name as it appears under the caption “Experts.”

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

Phoenix, Arizona

May 6, 2016

Exhibit 23.5

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of our report dated February 21, 2013, relating to our audits of the consolidated financial statements of CapLease Inc. as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012, and the financial statement schedules, and internal control over financial reporting, which are included in the June 14, 2013 Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed by VEREIT, Inc., which is incorporated by reference within this Registration Statement.

We also consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” in such Prospectus.

/s/ RSM US LLP

New York, New York

May 6, 2016

Exhibit 23.6

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

We have issued our report dated September 25, 2013, with respect to the Historical Summary of the Inland Portfolio which comprises the statement of revenues and certain expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012 included in the September 25, 2013 Current Report of VEREIT, Inc. on Form 8-K/A, which is incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement. We consent to the incorporation by reference of the aforementioned report in this Registration Statement and to the use of our name as it appears under the caption “Experts.”

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

Phoenix, Arizona

May 6, 2016

Exhibit 23.7

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

We have issued our report dated October 7, 2013, with respect to the Historical Summary of the Fortress Portfolio which comprises the statement of revenues and certain expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012 included in the October 7, 2013 Current Report of VEREIT, Inc. on Form 8-K, which is incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement. We consent to the incorporation by reference of the aforementioned report in this Registration Statement and to the use of our name as it appears under the caption “Experts.”

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

Phoenix, Arizona

May 6, 2016

Exhibit 23.8

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of VEREIT, Inc. (formerly American Realty Capital Properties, Inc.) on Form S-3 of our report dated March 14, 2014 related to the consolidated financial statements of Cole Real Estate Investment Inc. (f/k/a Cole Credit Property Trust III, Inc.) as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 and for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013 (which report expresses an unmodified opinion on the consolidated financial statements and includes an emphasis-of-matter paragraph referring to its Agreement and Plan of Merger with American Realty Capital Properties, Inc., and Clark Acquisition, LLC), appearing in VEREIT Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on March 14, 2014, and to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in such prospectus.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Phoenix, AZ

May 6, 2016

Exhibit 23.9

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of VEREIT Operating Partnership, L.P. (formerly ARC Properties Operating Partnership, L.P.) on Form S-3 of our report dated March 14, 2014 related to the consolidated financial statements of Cole Real Estate Investment Inc. (f/k/a Cole Credit Property Trust III, Inc.) as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 and for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013 (which report expresses an unmodified opinion on the consolidated financial statements and includes an emphasis-of-matter paragraph referring to its Agreement and Plan of Merger with American Realty Capital Properties, Inc., and Clark Acquisition, LLC), appearing in VEREIT Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on March 14, 2014, and to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in such prospectus.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Phoenix, AZ

May 6, 2016

Exhibit 25.1

 

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM T-1

 

 

STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY UNDER

THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A

CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

 

¨ Check if an Application to Determine Eligibility of a Trustee Pursuant to Section 305(b)(2)

 

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

(Exact name of Trustee as specified in its charter)

 

 

31-0841368

I.R.S. Employer Identification No.

 

800 Nicollet Mall

Minneapolis, Minnesota

  55402
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Karen R. Beard

U.S. Bank National Association

One Federal Street – 3 rd Floor

Boston, MA 02110

(617) 603-6565

(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)

 

 

Vereit Operating Partnership, L.P.

(Issuer with respect to the Securities)

 

 

 

Delaware   45-1255683
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

2325 E. Camelback Road, Suite 1100,

Phoenix, Arizona

  85016
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

 

 

Debt Securities

(Title of the Indenture Securities)

 

 

 


FORM T-1

 

Item 1. GENERAL INFORMATION . Furnish the following information as to the Trustee.

 

  a) Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it is subject.

Comptroller of the Currency

Washington, D.C.

 

  b) Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

Yes

 

Item 2. AFFILIATIONS WITH OBLIGOR. If the obligor is an affiliate of the Trustee, describe each such affiliation.

None

 

Items 3-15 Items 3-15 are not applicable because to the best of the Trustee’s knowledge, the obligor is not in default under any Indenture for which the Trustee acts as Trustee.

 

Item 16. LIST OF EXHIBITS: List below all exhibits filed as a part of this statement of eligibility and qualification.

 

  1. A copy of the Articles of Association of the Trustee.*

 

  2. A copy of the certificate of authority of the Trustee to commence business, attached as Exhibit 2.

 

  3. A copy of the certificate of authority of the Trustee to exercise corporate trust powers, attached as Exhibit 3.

 

  4. A copy of the existing bylaws of the Trustee.**

 

  5. A copy of each Indenture referred to in Item 4. Not applicable.

 

  6. The consent of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, attached as Exhibit 6.

 

  7. Report of Condition of the Trustee as of December 31, 2015 published pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or examining authority, attached as Exhibit 7.

 

* Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 25.1 to Amendment No. 2 to registration statement on S-4, Registration Number 333-128217 filed on November 15, 2005.
** Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 25.1 to registration statement on form S-3ASR, Registration Number 333-199863 filed on November 5, 2014.

 

2


SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the Trustee, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, has duly caused this statement of eligibility and qualification to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Boston, Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the 28 th of April, 2016.

 

By:   /s/ Karen R. Beard
  Karen R. Beard
  Vice President

 

3


Exhibit 2

 

LOGO

   Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
      Washington, DC 20219

CERTIFICATE OF CORPORATE EXISTENCE

I, Thomas J. Curry, Comptroller of the Currency, do hereby certify that:

1. The Comptroller of the Currency, pursuant to Revised Statutes 324, et seq, as amended, and 12 USC 1, et seq, as amended, has possession, custody, and control of all records pertaining to the chartering, regulation, and supervision of all national banking associations.

2. “U.S. Bank National Association,” Cincinnati, Ohio (Charter No. 24), is a national banking association formed under the laws of the United States and is authorized thereunder to transact the business of banking on the date of this certificate.

 

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, today,

December 4, 2015, I have hereunto

subscribed my name and caused my seal

of office to be affixed to these presents at

the U.S. Department of the Treasury, in

the City of Washington, District of

Columbia.

LOGO
Comptroller of the Currency

 

LOGO

 

4


Exhibit 3

 

LOGO

   Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
      Washington, DC 20219

CERTIFICATION OF FIDUCIARY POWERS

I, Thomas J. Curry, Comptroller of the Currency, do hereby certify that:

1. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, pursuant to Revised Statutes 324, et seq, as amended, and 12 USC 1, et seq, as amended, has possession, custody, and control of all records pertaining to the chartering, regulation, and supervision of all national banking associations.

2. “U.S. Bank National Association,” Cincinnati. Ohio (Charter No 24), was granted, under the hand and seal of the Comptroller, the right to act in all fiduciary capacities authorized under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved September 28, 1962, 76 Stat. 668, 12 USC 92a, and that the authority so granted remains in full force and effect on the date of this certificate.

 

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, today,

December 4, 2015, I have hereunto

subscribed my name and caused my seal

of office to be affixed to these presents at

the U.S. Department of the Treasury, in

the City of Washington, District of

Columbia.

LOGO
Comptroller of the Currency

 

LOGO

 

5


Exhibit 6

CONSENT

In accordance with Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, the undersigned, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION hereby consents that reports of examination of the undersigned by Federal, State, Territorial or District authorities may be furnished by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request therefor.

Dated: April 28, 2016

 

By:   /s/ Karen R. Beard
  Karen R. Beard
  Vice President

 

6


Exhibit 7

U.S. Bank National Association

Statement of Financial Condition

As of 12/31/2015

($000’s)

 

     12/31/2015  

Assets

  

Cash and Balances Due From Depository Institutions

   $ 11,116,460   

Securities

     105,221,515   

Federal Funds

     66,242   

Loans & Lease Financing Receivables

     259,137,459   

Fixed Assets

     4,356,531   

Intangible Assets

     13,140,000   

Other Assets

     24,420,027   
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 417,458,234   

Liabilities

  

Deposits

   $ 310,443,288   

Fed Funds

     1,617,316   

Treasury Demand Notes

     0   

Trading Liabilities

     989,983   

Other Borrowed Money

     46,198,790   

Acceptances

     0   

Subordinated Notes and Debentures

     3,150,000   

Other Liabilities

     12,012,892   
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

   $ 374,412,269   

Equity

  

Common and Preferred Stock

     18,200   

Surplus

     14,266,400   

Undivided Profits

     27,904,230   

Minority Interest in Subsidiaries

     857,135   
  

 

 

 

Total Equity Capital

   $ 43,045,965   

Total Liabilities and Equity Capital

   $ 417,458,234   

 

7